Abstract: A housing for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides an improved electrical distribution system that eliminates loose wires, most connections, and the need for a seal between the housing and its external connections to a vehicle power supply. The housing includes a housing member supporting at least one actuator motor for driving at least one mirror element positioning member. The positioning member extends from the housing member to engage the mirror element's backing plate. The motor is powered from the vehicle power supply through the electrical distribution system which is molded with the housing member. Preferably, the electrical distribution system includes a plurality of leads that are electrically coupled at their distal ends to a plurality of external connectors, which extend out of the housing member for external connection to the vehicle power supply.

Abstract: An extendable exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting bracket, a mirror subassembly, and a support arm which is supported by the mounting bracket. The mirror subassembly is supported by the support arm and is mounted for selective movement along the support arm to one of a plurality of viewing positions. The mirror subassembly includes a housing, a reflective element, and an actuator which supports the reflective element in the housing. The actuator is mounted to the housing by an actuator bracket. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a biasing member which urges the support arm into frictional engagement with the actuator bracket to limit movement of the mirror subassembly along the support arm. In preferred form, the biasing member comprises a plate spring having an undulating cross-section which urges the support arm into frictional engagement with the actuator bracket while absorbing manufacturing tolerances of the actuator bracket and the support arm.

Abstract: A mirror housing is formed of two colors in a two-stage molding process. An inlay of the first color is inserted into a mold, and plastic of a second color is molded to surround the inlay. In this way, a two-toned mirror housing is formed without the necessity of painting or masking.

Abstract: To house drive components in a single drive section casing and shorten a link member, a mirror (57a) is held by a mirror casing (56). A right-and-left motor (61) and an up-and-down motor (62) are housed within a drive section casing (55). If the motors (61, 62) are driven, a tilting mechanism unit tilts the mirror (57a). A wiper motor (63) is housed within the drive section casing (55). A wiper drive transfer unit for transferring rotation of the wiper motor (63) is housed within the drive section casing (55). Furthermore, a link mechanism section (D) and a rotary shaft section (E) for transferring output of the wiper drive transfer unit to reciprocal rotary motion are housed in the mirror casing (56). By the reciprocal rotary motion converted by the link mechanism section (D) and rotary shaft section (E), a wiper main body wipes the surface of the mirror.

Abstract: A new ear mirror for permitting self-examination of an ear by a user. The inventive device includes a handle and a reflective member. A pivot arm is outwardly extended from the reflective member and is pivotally coupled to the handle.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A support device for temporarily supporting a mirrored surface from flat or uneven surfaces on a tow vehicle, the tow vehicle having a towing coupling, the device being temporarily mountable near the tow attachment in order to allow the viewing of the towing coupling while connecting the towing coupling to an object to be towed. The support device includes a mirror, a support for holding the mirror about an axis. The support being connected a first leg having a first section and a second section, the first section being connected to the second section by a hinge that allows pivoting of the first section relative to the second section from a first position where the second section is proximate to the mirror and a second position where the second section extends away from the mirror, the first section being releaseably attachable to the axial support. The second section further includes a support for attaching the second section to a surface of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: Since a notch 30 is formed in a circular arc form at a distal end upper corner portion of a protruding portion 16A, from a rear end portion of the protruding portion 16A towards a front side, even when a mirror 28 swings, a vehicularly transversely inward end portion 28A of the mirror 28 does not interfere with the distal end upper corner portion of the protruding portion 16A. Further, a front wall portion 16C of the protruding portion 16A is left at a front end portion of the notch 30. A front end portion 14A of a mirror body 14, the front end portion 14A facing the front wall portion 16C, is separated a predetermined amount from a side wall portion 30A of the notch 30 in an outward direction of a rotational radius. Accordingly, when the stay 16 is rotated a predetermined angle .theta. towards a front side of a vehicle body, a space S remains between the front end portion 14A of the mirror body 14 and the stay 16, and the front end portion 14A of the mirror body 14 does not interfere with the stay 16.

Abstract: A movable mirror supporting mechanism for supporting a movable mirror forming a part of an interferometric measurement system and having a rectangular cross-section onto an object, with a reflecting surface of said movable mirror being arranged normal to a measuring direction. The movable mirror supporting mechanism includes at least two fixtures for securing the movable mirror from above onto respective movable mirror supporting portions provided on the object. Positions on the movable mirror at which the movable mirror is secured onto the measuring object by the fixtures are defined to be out of that area of the reflecting surface of the movable mirror which is utilized for interferometric measurement.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A mirror recoil preventing device suitable for a camera has a mirror and a mirror support frame. The mirror support frame movably supports the mirror in movement from a first position to a second position. In a camera having a photographic lens and a range finding element, the mirror guides light from the photographic lens to the range finding element when positioned at the second position. As a first alternative, the mirror support frame has a U-shaped groove at one end thereof. A regulating member is located in the vicinity of the second position to engage with the U-shaped groove when the mirror support frame is at the second position. As a second alternative, the mirror support frame has a leading edge and a trailing edge such that in movement from the first position to the second position, the trailing edge trails the leading edge. A first regulating member is located to be immediately adjacent to the leading edge of the mirror support frame when the mirror support frame is at the second position.

Abstract: An automobile mirror assembly in which a value of resistance of a rotary variable resistor with an actuator that is driven to rotate by a mirror push-pull operation shaft being moved in its axial direction at time of adjusting a posture of a mirror in the assembly, varies generally linearly when the mirror push-pull operation shaft moves linearly in the axial direction. The mirror push-pull operation shaft has a flat rear end face, and the actuator has one end that forms arc-shaped in which the flat rear end face thereof contacts the one end thereof, and in which the other end of the actuator is fixed to a rotation shaft of the rotary variable resistor. The arc of the arc-shaped one end of the actuator is included within a revolving plane within which the actuator is rotated.

Abstract: A housing member for an actuator assembly for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in a mirror assembly provides integral weather seals and noise dampeners. The weather seals and noise dampeners are injection molded with or onto a base wall of the housing member to thereby form seals and dampeners that have superior adhesion or mechanical retention to the housing member and, therefore, are not subject to degradation from noise. In addition, the integral seals and dampeners reduce the time and cost of assembling and servicing the actuator assembly. The housing member includes a base wall, and a sidewall which connects to the base wall and extends around the perimeter of the base wall. The side wall includes connectors for securing the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for automobile vehicles comprising a mirror plate, a regulating mechanism for positioning of said mirror plate, a casing accommodating said mirror plate and said regulating mechanism, a base supporting said casing and placeable on a side of an automotive vehicle, a tilting mechanism for tilting said casing which accommodates said mirror plate and said regulating mechanism and for stabilization of said casing in a position of use and in a tilted position, means for joining said casing with relation to said base around substantially vertical axis, a device for stabilization of said casing in the position of use and in the tilted position, and positioning elements including a support and a connection surface for said support provided in said casing and in said base correspondingly so as to ensure a locking pressure between a base flange and a structural element of the casing.

Abstract: A vehicle global positioning system includes a mirror assembly having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element that is made from a material that is electrically substantially non-conducting. The system further includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and control module and at least one receiving antenna. The vehicle GPS is adapted to receive earth satellite signals with the receiving antenna and to convert the signals to location, velocity and/or time parameters. The GPS receiving antenna is positioned within the housing of the mirror assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the GPS receiving antenna is positioned within the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror. The vehicle GPS may include a plurality of GPS receiving antennas, such as one located in the vehicle's driver side exterior mirror and the other located in the vehicle's passenger side exterior mirror.

Abstract: The multi-use articulation includes a stationary articulation section (10), mounted on the internal face of the rear wall of the housing (2), a moveable articulation section (20) on which the mirror plate (1) is mounted and a U-shaped connecting element (30) for torque adjustment and vibration absorption connecting both sections. The U-shaped connecting element (30) of the articulation sections has respective outwardly extending end portions (31) connected to a pair of opposite hook-shaped projections (23) of the moveable articulation section (20) so that the hook-shaped projections (23) and/or end portions (31) of the U-shaped element (30) can provide an axially tighter or looser assembly.

Abstract: A mirror motor is coupled to the mirror by a ratchet coupling. A feedback signal representing the drive current of the mirror motor is digitally sampled and analyzed by a type of Fourier transform, preferably a discrete cosine transform, to determine the low frequency components of a current pulse which arises when the mirror reaches a stop at its end of travel and the ratchet operation begins to occur. A fundamental component is due to the pulse rise. Motor current is terminated if that component exceeds a threshold for a set time. A harmonic component is due to the ratchet action and pulse fall. Motor current is terminated if the harmonic element reaches another threshold.

Abstract: A non-distorting auxiliary rear view vision enhancing assembly which attaches onto an existing automotive interior main rear view mirror. The assembly comprises an auxiliary mirror shell having a front and back side with a non-distorting mirror placed on the front side, and a connecting arm connected to the back side of the auxiliary mirror shell for attaching the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror. In turn, the connecting arm has a ball joint pivot at substantially one end of the connecting arm and attached to the mirror shell. This provides for angular rotation of the mirror shell in the left and right, as well as the up and down tilt position. A spring loaded clamp is placed at substantially the end of the connecting arm opposite the ball joint pivot, for attachment of the connecting arm and the mirror shell to the main rear view mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive attachment of a rigid strip to the top right edge of an existing rearview mirror, the strip attaching to a metal strip ending distally in a knurled ball adapted to be fixingly grasped by a two piece, adjustable socket. The socket is connected to a similar socket fixingly grasping a similar knurled ball extending to another metal strip. The other metal strip attaches to a frame supporting a rearview mirror in a lateral position to the right hand side of the interior rearview mirror.

Abstract: A displacement adjustment device (100) for at least partly converting a rotation into a translation, comprising: a rotation input member (114) which is bearing-mounted so as to be rotatable but axially secured relative to a frame said rotation input member (114) being provided with a hollow (116) extending axially therethrough; a bar (11) positioned in the hollow (116) and having its outside surface provided with a screw thread (17), means (12) being prvided for preventing rotation of said bar (11) relative to a frame; and a coupling gear wheel (120) arranged for rotation in the rotation input member (114), wherein the axis of rotation of the coupling gear wheel (120) is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation input member (114), wherein the coupling gear wheel (120) has teeth (121) engaging with the screw thread (17) of the bar (11) and, wherein the rotation bearing of the coupling gear wheel (120) comprises a slip coupling (130) relative to the rotation input member (114).

Abstract: A door mirror with a small dead angle which enables the driver to easily see the areas where the right and left front and rear wheels are touching the ground that could not been seen with conventional door mirrors due to dead angles, and to easily see the horizontal forward direction (if there are oncoming cars) on the side of the assistant driver's seat at the time of passing another car ahead by manipulating buttons on the driver's seat and, then, automatically returns to its initial state. The door mirror with a small dead angle comprises a support arm which includes a straight-moving screw, a slide plate that slides in the lengthwise direction thereof, and a mirror case pivoted on the slide plate to rotate. The door mirror may be further equipped with movable sources of light, may be constructed so as to be folded and may contain a fine adjustment mechanism in the mirror case.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit, a mirror unit support, and a central connection between the mirror unit and support mounting the mirror unit for pivotal movement about first and second generally intersecting perpendicular axes. A first arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the first axis and connected with the mirror unit for limited pivotal movement about the second axis at a position spaced from the first axis. A second arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the second axis and connected with the mirror unit for compound movement for compound movement which includes limited lateral movement with respect to the first axis and pivotal movement about an axis which is either coincident with or slightly angularly related with the first axis depending upon the position of relative lateral movement. First and second power-transmitting surfaces on the first and second arms respectively are arcuate about the first and second axis respectively.

Abstract: A mirror support structure for mounting at the rear of a vehicle to support a mirror for convenient viewing of a trailer hitch element positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The trailer hitch can be observed while the observer is seated in the vehicle driver's seat. The mirror support structure includes a mounting member adapted to engage with and be supported by a surface at the rear of the vehicle, and a support arm that is slidably carried by the mounting member and that is positioned at an acute angle relative to the vehicle surface. A mounting arrangement is provided for securing a convex mirror to the support arm.

Abstract: A levelness adjusting device includes a positioning a unit mounted on a support surface for an actuator unit which is fixed on a frame, in which said positioning a unit comprises a base screw hole to play a support point, several adjusting screw holes which are located on a same circumference centering the base screw hole and are opened at positions adjusted to an inclination of the shaft for rotating a mirror body and several screws threaded into the screw hole so as to fix the actuator unit on the frame. The screw is penetrated from the actuator unit front portion to the frame via the screw hole which is formed on a periphery edge of the actuator unit. The screw is threaded into the base screw hole and the corresponding screw hole, and the actuator unit is positioned on the frame.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly is provided for motor vehicles, particularly commercial trucks. A housing defines an interior volume and at least one mirror glass assembly is removably attached to the open front side of the housing. A non-rotatable longitudinal support rod extends completely through the interior volume of the housing in a longitudinal vertical direction. Portions of the support rod extend from the housing at the top and bottom thereof for attaching the mirror to a support structure of the motor vehicle. The housing is manually or remotely rotatable relative to the longitudinal support rod.

Abstract: An adjustable auxiliary rear-view mirror mounting structure including two inner arms fastened to two opposite sides of the rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle, two outer arms pivoted to the inner arms to hold a lamp socket and mirror assembly, and binding means connected between the inner arms, wherein the inner arms have a respective toothed wall portion horizontally disposed at one end and a screw hole at the center of the toothed wall portion thereof; the outer arms have a respective toothed wall portion vertically disposed at one end and a screw hole at the center of the toothed wall portion thereof; each of the connectors has a toothed horizontal coupling section at one end detachably meshed with the toothed wall portion of one inner arm, a first through hole at the center of the toothed horizontal coupling section and fixed to the screw hole of the second end of one inner arm at the desired angle by a first screw and a first nut, a toothed vertical coupling section at an opposite end detachably meshed w

Abstract: An optical alignment device comprised of two "H" shaped structures may be used to precisely position an optical element in two orthogonal directions. Each "H" shaped web structure includes two flanges extending from opposite ends of a center web having a centroidal flexure axis. The "H" shaped structures also each include an aperture extending through the flanges and the web. The center webs may be resiliently flexed, allowing the angle between the flanges of each "H" shaped structure to be adjusted by rotating screws fitted through one flange and threaded to the other. The "H" shaped structures are mounted together so that their flexure axes are orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and so that the apertures of each structure are aligned to form an optical path cavity.

Abstract: An improved gear train for the adjustment structure in a mirror includes a slip clutch disk connection that allows a pinion gear to rotate relative to an intermediate gear reduction. The pinion gear is engaged to rotate a rack, and the rack is connected to the mirror to adjust the position of the mirror. The rack is spring biased into engagement with the pinion, thus insuring that the two move with each other quietly and smoothly. The rack can be biased into engagement with the pinion gear, since it need not be able to slip relative to the pinion gear, as was the case in the prior art. The clutch disk allows the pinion gear to move with the rack when the mirror is manually adjusted. The inventive clutch disk is relatively simple, including a clutch drive gear rotatably journaled on a drive shaft. The drive shaft is fixed to rotate with the pinion gear. A spring biases a friction face of the clutch drive gear into engagement with the clutch disk, which also rotates with the pinion gear.

Abstract: A reflecting mirror support apparatus is characterized in that three reflecting mirror support mechanisms (2) are respectively provided with a supporting structure part (10) fixed on the mirror cell (102), a lever (7) installed on the supporting structure part (10) rotatably around a first axis which extends parallel to the circumferential direction of the reflecting mirror (1), a rotating part (6) installed on the lever (6) rotatably around a second axis constituting an axis of the lever (6) and around third and fourth axes which intersect the second axis and a connecting part to be installed on the rotating part (4,5,6) and to be fixed on the reflecting mirror (1) and that the three reflecting mirror support mechanisms (2) are respectively fixed in such a manner that they will not be displaced in the first axis direction or the second axis direction.

Abstract: An outside mirror for a motor vehicle. The mirror glass 4 is divided by an approximately horizontally extending separating line 7 into an upper mirror surface 5 and a lower mirror surface 6. The mirror surface 5 which cannot be swivelled about the approximately vertically extending axis 9 is constructed to be swivellable about an axis 8 which extends approximately horizontally in the proximity of the separating line 7. As a result, it is possible during a passing maneuver to view the rearward traffic over a long distance.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror comprises a holder and a housing adjustably supported on the latter. A mirror glass is tightly, but detachably disposed on the housing. The mirror glass is fixed on a support plate, its entire surface lying free. The support plate is detachably disposed on the housing, in particular by elastic locking.

Abstract: A mechanism for aligning the elements of an optical system is disclosed. One aspect of the present invention is an alignment mechanism which includes lead screws placed on opposite corners of the elements to be aligned. The elements are provided with threaded holes of different pitch, and the lead screw is provided with threads of the same unequal pitches as the elements, thereby forming a differential lead screw. The threads include a locking thread which assures a positive lock between the lead screw and the elements to be aligned and eliminates backlash between them. Another aspect of the present invention is an interference fit mechanism which is provided by the employment of a slightly-oversized flexible boss which mates with a cavity. The boss is provided with a thin outer wall capable of flexing when the boss is inserted into the cavity. Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a wobble plate comprising a spherical socket and housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle rear view mirror comprising a housing, a mirror glass support supported by a pivot joint disposed in the housing to be pivotable relative to the housing and a mirror glass disposed on the mirror glass support. The mirror glass support defines an installation chamber sized to hold at least one servomotor for the remote-controlled pivotable adjustment of the mirror glass support and thus of the mirror glass relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A polygonal mirror according to the present inventio is provided with a mirror body, a plurality of reflection faces formed to side surfaces of the mirror body, and reinforcing ribs integrally formed to both the upper and lower surfaces of the mirror body, respectively. Each of the reinforcing ribs has an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the mirror body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The drive motors are arranged within the power pack housing such that the central depression partially extends below the top plane of the motors and an overall low profile for the power pack is maintained. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new adjustable extender for a vehicle exterior side mirrors, for telescopingly extending an original equipment vehicle side rear view mirror, of a type commonly used on pickup trucks, away from a vehicle to increase an operator's field of view when towing a trailer. The extender comprises a generally horizontal tubular arm adapted to telescopingly receive a mounting arm of the original equipment mirror. A collar, threadedly engaged with the distal end of the arm, has a pair of opposing setscrews for securing the original equipment mirror mounting arm for holding the mirror at a preferred orientation relative the vehicle. The upper end of an adapting rod extends through a lateral hole near the proximal end of the arm such that the adapting rod depends normal the arm. The adapting rod is engagable with a vehicle side mirror original equipment mounting bracket in the same fashion as the original equipment mirror mounting arm.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a fixed support structure, a movable mirror housing structure having a mirror unit adjustable mounted therein, and a spring-biased mounting assembly mounting the movable structure on the fixed structure (1) for spring-biased movement into a normal operating position wherein said movable structure extends laterally outwardly from the exterior of the vehicle where it is susceptible to the application of unwanted forwardly directed forces or unwanted rearwardly directed forces, (2) for movement forwardly through a forward range of movement out of said operative position in response to the application of unwanted forwardly directed force so that upon release of the force the spring bias is operable to return the movable structure to its operative position and (3) for movement rearwardly through a rearward range of movement out of the operating position in response to the application of an unwanted rearwardly directed force sufficient to overcome the spring bias which spring b

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror unit, a mirror unit support, and a central connection between the mirror unit and support mounting the mirror unit for pivotal movement about first and second generally intersecting perpendicular axes. A first arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the first axis and connected with the mirror unit for limited pivotal movement about the second axis at a position spaced from the first axis. A second arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the second axis and connected with the mirror unit for compound movement for compound movement which includes limited lateral movement with respect to the first axis and pivotal movement about an axis which is either coincident with or slightly angularly related with the first axis depending upon the position of relative lateral movement.

Abstract: An automobile rearview mirror has a mirror housing having a spherical pivot and a mirror holder having a spherical cavity in which the spherical pivot is rotatably received. The mirror holder comprises a substantially flat panel and an attachment disposed on one side of the panel and defining the spherical cavity therein. The attachment has a gap defined therein radially outwardly of the spherical cavity. A mirror is supported on an opposite side of the panel. The attachment comprises a pair of semicylindrical socket members projecting from the one side of the panel. The semicylindrical socket members have respective inner arcuate walls and respective outer arcuate walls spaced radially outwardly from the inner arcuate walls, respectively. The inner arcuate walls define the spherical cavity therebetween, and the gap is defined between the inner arcuate walls and the outer arcuate walls.

Abstract: A remotely controllable single/triple reflection glare-deflecting vehicle mirror provides remote control directional adjustment to an appropriate view, and also provides for easy and reversible toggling between single-reflection viewing and triple-reflection viewing. The mirror view adjustment is by remote control cables, selectively manually powered or powered by small linear motors. This view adjustment is maintained even during periods when glare conditions require that the wedge mirror be moved to anti-glare position, which is also done by remote control. The motor-powered version permits easy toggling from anti-glare triple-reflectivity to glare-susceptible single-reflectivity or back, by a tap switch. The manual-powered version permits easy toggling from anti-glare triple-reflectivity to glare-susceptible single-reflectivity or back, by a simple in-out motion of a glare control knob on the joystick used for view adjustment.

Abstract: A drive unit for adjusting the orientation of a reflective member of rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle is assembled within a drive housing. The drive housing contains an electric motor arranged to drive a jacking nut which is supported within the housing by first and second bearing surfaces formed on opposite walls of the housing. The drive housing is formed in two parts, each of which comprises a base portion and a peripheral side wall portion dimensioned so that, when the two parts are assembled together, part of the side wall portion of one part surrounds a corresponding part of the side wall portion of the other part. After assembly, glue is inserted between the side wall portions so as to hold the two parts together with their respective bearing surfaces spaced apart by a distance determined by the size of the jacking nut.

Abstract: A crystal holder for use with photorefractive crystals comprises a horizontal rotatable planar member on which is mounted a crystal, such that the axis of rotation of the planar member lies on a face of the crystal on which a beam of light impinges. In a preferred embodiment, the crystal may be moved such that the axis of rotation continues to lie on the face of the crystal over at least a substantial portion of the face. The crystal holders of this invention are useful, for example, in phase conjugate mirrors.

Abstract: An automotive rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing adapted to be mounted on a fixed member of an automobile outside of the passenger's compartment, a mirror swingably disposed in the mirror housing, a control mechanism including a control lever adapted to project from the housing into the passenger's compartment, and a rotatable shaft mechanism pivotally coupled to a rear surface of the mirror at a plurality of positions thereon, the rotatable shaft mechanism being rotatable in response to control movements of the control lever, for vertically and laterally adjusting the angle of the mirror with respect to the mirror housing. The mirror housing is angularly movable about the axis of the rotatable shaft mechanism in unison with the mirror within the mirror housing.

Abstract: A stay housable type motor driven mirror to be attached, for example, to a car body has a drive gear rotatably driven by a drive apparatus, a clutch gear adapted to fit idlingly onto the support shaft and engage with the drive gear, a clutch holder fitted onto the support shaft beneath the clutch gear in order to rotate the support shaft by its rotation, a clutch mechanism having a concave face and a convex face, each so formed on a lower face of the clutch gear and an upper face of the clutch holder as to engage with each other, and a spring pressing the clutch gear to make the concave face and the convex face of the clutch mechanism engaged with each other. Consequently, it is possible to install the clutch mechanism at a side of follower of a large diameter gear and to increase a design allowance of clutch holding torque. In addition, a height of a bracket case is made shorten, design flexibility of stay attachment to the car body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.

Abstract: A polygonal mirror according to the present invention is provided with a mirror body, a plurality of reflection faces formed to side surfaces of the mirror body, and reinforcing ribs integrally formed to both the upper and lower surfaces of the mirror body, respectively. Each of the reinforcing ribs has an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the mirror body.

Abstract: A portable cosmetic mirror which includes a stand that may be adjusted to various heights for allowing a user to accurately position the mirror such that both hands may be utilized for cosmetic application, hairstyling, or the like. Alternate embodiments of the apparatus further include a hair dryer holding assembly for positioning a hair dryer for hands-free use with the mirror and a magnification assembly in which a magnifying lens is removably positioned upon the mirror.

Abstract: A unique lens or mirror mount having adjustable constraints at two key locations to allow for "X" and "Y" tilts of the mirror only. The device uses two pair of flexures of a type such that the pivots of the mirror gimble are rigidly fixed in all planes allowing the device to have zero stacking tolerance and zero wear over time.