Abstract: A small-size thin-bodied 3-dimensional matrix switch using a micro mirror array, comprises a collimator array with a plurality of collimators coupled to optical fibers, a mirror array with a plurality of movable mirrors, in which each movable mirror has light from a first collimator of the collimator array optically coupled thereto, a first mirror which has the light from the mirror of the mirror array optically coupled thereto, a second mirror which has the light from the first mirror optically coupled thereto, and a second collimator of the collimator array, which has the light from the second mirror coupled thereto, wherein the light leaving the second mirror passes the first mirror and the mirror array and optically couples to the second collimator.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a directed reflection light collecting device with planar reflectors, wherein a number of planar reflectors are arranged on a frame in mutual parallel. This frame is rotatably supported via a transversal main turning shaft on the supports of an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism. The altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism drives the frame in a controlled manner causing the planar reflectors on it to move. In this invention, the altitudinal angle of a number of planar reflectors is synchronized via a simple frame structure so that they can always project the reflected sunlight in a substantially fixed direction into the given area in conjunction with the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises a core with a coil wound around a stator magnetically coupled to each end of the cored a movable element that can be displaced relative to the stator, and a supporting means for supporting the movable element. The stator and the movable element each have a projection and a depression parallel to the displacement direction of the movable element and are placed in such a way that the projection and depression of the stator engage with the projection and depression of the movable element.

Abstract: Practical applications of a class of nematic elastomer which has light avoidance characteristics are disclosed. Such practical applications include a switching device, a load carrying device and programmable mask. The use of different light sources, including the use of an autonomous device are further disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable mirror assembly for a tractor trailer includes a base component having a pair of arms and a motorized hydraulic cylinder mounted on the upper surface thereof. The arms are pivotally attached at a lower end to the base component and at an upper end to a mirror. The hydraulic cylinder includes an upper distal end that is pivotally attached to an outer edge of the mirror. A control panel within the vehicle passenger compartment activates the motor allowing a driver to automatically extend and retract the mirror between an operable and inoperable position.

Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror device has a detent plate which is provided in the bottom of a housing having a motor actuator therein and a detent piece which is arranged at a stand or a stay. Depressions are formed in the detent plate, protrusions are formed on the detent piece, and a stopper is provided on the stand. A restricting wall is provided at the bottom portion of the housing. The range of the turning angle of the housing is set from the state where the stopper is in contact with the restricting wall to where the protrusion on the detent piece comes into contact with the depression on the detent plate. The same detent piece can be used while changing the rotation angle of the housing by changing the position of the detent piece relative to the stand, whereby the types of parts used can be reduced.

Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly is provided which can be moved via a power-transmitting assembly between folded and unfolded positions and the unfolded position and an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch structure of mirror adjustment mechanism comprising a clutch driving gear with specified gear teeth formed at circumference thereof and hollow fitting chuck formed at center thereof, to be geared with the output axis of a driving motor via a gear train, whereby the fitting chuck is divided by a plurality of slits in circumferential direction and a donut-shape groove is formed collapsed between the gear teeth and the fitting chuck; a pinion gear including a protrusion at one end thereof, to be geared with a rack gear formed at one side of the adjustment member, whereby the protrusion is inserted into the inner surface of the fitting chuck; and a spring pin that provides frictional contact on the contact surface between fitting chuck of the clutch driving gear and protrusion of the pinion gear by applying bias force in radial direction while it is inserted in the groove of the clutch driving gear, or allows slip movement.

Abstract: In an outer mirror device for a vehicle, an electrically-driven retracting unit, a mirror surface angle adjusting unit, a mirror surface angle detecting sensor, a foot lamp device, a heater, and an ECU which is a control device, which are respectively internal mechanisms, are disposed within a door mirror visor which covers a reverse surface side of a mirror and between the mirror and which a space is formed. A wire harness led into the door mirror visor is only two power source wires and three signal wires connected to the ECU. As compared with a structure in which the ECU is disposed outside of the door mirror visor, a number of wires can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: The improved actuator for rear-view mirrors includes a single pulling mechanism and a locking mechanism. The pulling mechanism includes a linear cylinder and a stop dispose next to a free end of the body of the linear cylinder. The locking mechanism has matching first and second locking elements, where at least one of the locking elements is integral with the pulling mechanism.

Abstract: An outside rearview mirror flexing mechanism, which is capable of moving the outside rearview mirror between a flexed position and an extended position and vice versa, and which is of the type comprising an electric motor, a mechanical transmission and an electronic control circuit. The flexing mechanism is capable of attaining an activated state by being connected to an electrical power source, and it is capable of being in a locked position and in an unlocked position. The flexing mechanism is provided with a position detector which is capable of detecting the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for attaching an electric power outer mirror-housing device for a vehicle to the vehicle. The housing device includes a shaft carrying an outer mirror and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a motor, a worm gear, a helical gear inserted around the shaft slidable along an axial direction of the shaft, and a clutch holder engaged with the helical gear and adapted to transmit a turning force of the helical gear via the worm gear to the shaft. The method includes setting twisting directions of the helical and worm gears so that when the housing device is attached to a given portion of the vehicle, a turning force may be applied upon the shaft, in a direction opposed to a pressure of wind flowing from a front side to a rear side of the vehicle, by motion of the helical gear relative to the worm gear owing to vibration of the vehicle, and attaching the housing device to the above given portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An optomechanical switch comprised of light or laser movable liquid crystal is disclosed. The optomechanical switch consists of a plate of light movable liquid crystal rotatably disposed with respect to a substrate. When activated with a light or laser source, the light movable liquid crystal is rotated angularly to create transmissive and reflective states of transmission for the optical beam.

Abstract: An extendable foldable mirror for use on a vehicle is a side view mirror that is longitudinally extendable. A mechanism is provided for moving the mirror (10) from a first normal viewing position to a second longitudinally extended position. The mirror element or mirror housing is adjusted in response to extension or retraction of the mirror to provide a consistent viewing picture.

Abstract: A miniaturized and highly integrated optical deflection apparatus is realized in which the number of electrodes for driving the optical deflection apparatus is reduced. The optical deflection apparatus implements a sheet member that is electrically floating and plural electrodes that are implemented on a substrate. The sheet member includes a member having a light reflection region and an electret member that is charged at a predetermined electric potential. The sheet member is tilted by applying an electric potential that is substantially equivalent to an electric potential of the electret member to one of the electrodes and applying a ground potential to another one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A motorized retracting unit for a motorized retractable rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a shaft holder that has a main shaft, a gear case that is rotatably mounted on the main shaft, a plate, and a transmission mechanism that transmits driving power of a motor to the main shaft. The plate includes a plate member, a shaft supporting member that rotatably supports the main shaft, a motor mounting member on which the motor is mounted, and a flexible member that is provided between the shaft supporting member and the motor mounting member, enabling a relative movement of the shaft supporting member and the motor mounting member.

Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system of the present invention includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, with a reflective element, and a support, which is adapted to mount the mirror assembly to a vehicle. An electrical actuator is located interiorly of the mirror casing and is adapted to adjust the orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element.

Abstract: A foldable mirror device for a vehicle, in which a case is mounted on a support shaft erected from a base. The case includes a ring-shaped support portion for supporting the shaft, a motor connected to a transmission for swinging the mirror, and a clutch portion for disengageably engaging with the base. The support portion can be strengthened by ribs between the support portion and other portions of the case. A worm gear of the transmission can be mounted on a motor output shaft to be freely movable therealong, and supported and constrained by supporting a bottom end of the worm gear on the case and accommodating an upper end of the worm gear in a cylindrical projection from a motor base which supports the motor. End portions of convexities and concavities at the engagement portion can be formed in a concave or convex screw shape.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a base portion mounted to the vehicle and a movable portion that is pivotable relative to the base portion via a motor or motorized actuator or powerfold unit or the like. The powerfold unit is operable to pivot the movable portion relative to the base portion. The powerfold unit is mounted at one of the movable portion and the base portion and engages a receiving portion of the other of the movable portion and the base portion. A resilient element is positioned between and at least partially in engagement with the powerfold unit and the receiving portion. The resilient element is resilient and may at least partially compress as the powerfold unit is engaged with the receiving portion, thereby reducing or dampening vibration of the head portion relative to the base portion of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A mirror system for a vehicle comprising an exterior rearview mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion which is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and a reflective element actuator. The reflective element has a generally rearward field of view when the mirror system is mounted to the vehicle. The reflective element actuator provides selective adjustment of an orientation of the reflective element to adjust the rearward field of view to a desired orientation, and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The movable portion actuator selectively moves the movable portion between a viewing position wherein the movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at an angle with respect to the side of the vehicle and another viewing position wherein said movable portion extends outwardly from the vehicle at another angle with respect to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A magnetic boot module is described. The magnetic boot module has a pair of magnetic boots, a pair of moving devices, and a magnetic inductive path. Each of the moving devices couples to one of the magnetic boots to transversely push the magnetic boots moving on the magnetic inductive path step by step. The magnetic inductive path is formed on a magnetic inductive plate or a magnetic inductive rail. The magnetic boot module further utilizes a position detecting device to sense a current position thereof.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system is disclosed that constrains the direction of a force acting on a first load, where the force originates from the interaction of the first load and a second load. In particular, the direction of a force acting on the first load is caused to be substantially parallel with a motion of the first load. This force direction constraint is achieved by a force isolator microstructure that contains no rubbing or contacting surfaces. Various embodiments of structures/methods to achieve this force direction constraint using a force isolator microstructure are disclosed.

Abstract: A reflective mechanism includes a base fixed on a support member of a stage lamp, a bracket fixed on the base, a mirror frame, and a reflective mirror mounted on the mirror frame. A hollow shaft rotatably extends through an axial hole of the base and includes a fork on an end thereof. The hollow shaft is driven by a first motor mounted on the base to turn about a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft. The mirror frame includes a pivotal portion pivotally mounted to the fork of the hollow shaft. The pivotal portion of the mirror frame is driven by a second motor to pivot through transmission by an endless cord that extends through the hollow shaft without interfering with rotation of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A door mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which includes a housing, a frame supporting the housing internally. The housing has a shell with a front aperture, two fixation ports and an engagement port. On the other hand, the frame has a main body to be enclosed by the shell, two fixation elements and an engagement element. The door mirror assembly further includes two fixation sections formed by fixing the two fixation ports and two fixation elements with fasteners and an engagement section formed by engaging the engagement port and engagement element. The door mirror assembly has a feature that the engagement section is adapted to be on the circumference of a circle, the center of circle lies on an axis defined by the two fixation sections, so that the rotational displacement of housing relative to the frame can be restricted.

Abstract: A rearview mirror arrangement for vehicles, in particular for utility vehicles, is disclosed which includes a mirror carrier plate 1 on which a mirror pane 11 is affixed, an adjusting unit 2 that can be attached directly to a vehicle-mounted, mirror support 4. A platform unit 22 capable of motorized rotation 23, 24 relative to a base unit 21 about at least one axis, is attached directly to the adjusting unit and a housing 3. The mirror carrier plate, as well as the housing, is thus attached directly to the platform unit and rotates with the platform unit.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for rotatable image taking device, the rotatable mirror set in front of a fixed image-taking device with angle of reflection controlling mechanism at the rear side of the mirror. The mechanism includes a fixed rod with universal joint at the center, a horizontal rotating rod with universal joint, and a vertical rotating rod with universal joint. There are also three universal joints situated at the center, upper or lower side, and left or right side of the back face of the mirror. The invention can reduce the total cost of the rotatable image-taking device and improve the speed of changing angles.

Abstract: An outside mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having at least a pair of reflective elements, a positioning device for selectively positioning each reflective element independently one from the other, wherein one segment is automatically, independently, downwardly directed on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle when the vehicle is placed in reverse. A housing for the reflective elements can also be provided. A control is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device to independently position one reflective element to a downwardly tilted position. The pair of reflective elements is remotely adjusted, in tandem, for driver rearward viewing when the car is in forward motion and only provides a split view during backing. Once the backing maneuver is complete the downward directed element returns to its original position.

Abstract: An electrically operable pivoting actuator for a door mirror is disclosed. The pivoting actuator comprises a frame, an electromotor, and an annular coupling member secured onto a horizontally extended support of the door mirror, the coupling member comprising two diametrically opposite protuberances wherein one protuberance is adapted to engage with a stop on the frame for stopping a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the coupling member relative to the frame so as to define a predetermined angle ? of the fold-in door mirror as an angle between an extreme position of the stop engaged with one protuberance and another extreme position of the stop engaged with the other protuberance. The invention can be produced in a large scale for reducing the manufacturing cost and is adapted to install in any of a variety of door mirrors of motor vehicles without further modifications.

Abstract: A MEMS system including a fixed electrode and a suspended moveable electrode that is controllable over a wide range of motion. In traditional systems where an fixed electrode is positioned under the moveable electrode, the range of motion is limited because the support structure supporting the moveable electrode becomes unstable when the moveable electrode moves too close to the fixed electrode. By repositioning the fixed electrode from being directly underneath the moving electrode, a much wider range of controllable motion is achievable. Wide ranges of controllable motion are particularly important in optical switching applications.

Abstract: First and second reciprocable members are arranged between a motor and a mirror and are selectively reciprocated by rotational force conducted from the motor to tilt the mirror. When the motor is rotated in a first rotational direction, the second reciprocable member is held stationary, and the first reciprocable member is reciprocated to tilt the mirror in a vertical direction. When the motor is rotated in a second rotational direction, which is opposite from the first rotational direction of the motor, the first reciprocable member is held stationary, and the second reciprocable member is reciprocated to tilt the mirror in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Actuator mechanism for adjusting the position of a mirror element in a wing mirror for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor and a mirror adjusting element movably coupled therewith via a drive train. The drive train comprises a main gear which is included in the drive train nearer to the mirror adjusting element and further comprises a pinion being in mesh with the main gear, which pinion is included in the drive train nearer to the electric motor. The main gear and the pinion cooperate through an evoloid toothing. The invention also relates to a wing mirror for a motor vehicle in which at least one actuator mechanism is included.

Abstract: An optical switch for routing optical signals between optical fibers is shown. Signals are guided internally in an optically transparent substrate by buried waveguides that are directly coupled to the optical fibers. These waveguides form a 3-dimensional optical routing structure internal to the substrate. Signals are coupled between adjacent waveguides by total internal reflection at the surfaces of the substrate. A moveable diffraction grating is coupled to these optical signals at points of total internal reflection via evanescent coupling. This coupling causes a change in direction of the optical signal and routes the signal to the desired waveguide. Known techniques can be used to form the waveguides by writing them with a pulsed laser. Local heating causes a permanent increase in refractive index that forms a single mode waveguide structure. The resulting device has low losses and can be formed by low cost MEMs processes.

Abstract: A door mirror which is installed on a motor vehicle's body in such a manner as to project laterally from the vehicle's body so as to reflect on a surface of the mirror what is behind the vehicle's body, wherein the mirror surface of the door mirror is divided into?two parts, and thus divided mirror surfaces are respectively provided with reflection angle adjusting mechanisms so that reflection angles of the divided mirror surfaces can be independently and arbitrarily adjusted, and the divided mirror surface positioned on the outer side can be turned to project laterally from the door mirror to face outward.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle rear view mirror, notably for an automobile, comprising a casing that contains an entrance sealed by a mirror, first drive means for pivoting the mirror on a first axis, second drive means for pivoting said mirror on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and control means for selectively actuating the first and second drive means, the control means comprising a single rotating drive motor device.

Abstract: The present invention is an efficient system and method for cascading optical switches in architectures that enable three dimensional multi-plane optical signal beam steering to be performed with two dimensional steering devices. A plurality of cascaded optical switches form a cascaded multi-plane optical switch fabric and direct an optical signal beam from one of the plurality of optical switches to another of the plurality of optical switches in a different plane. In addition, a multi-plane directional device directs an optical signal beam from a first optical switch stage to a second optical switch stage oriented in a different plane. Furthermore, a fixed incidence corrective device directs an optical signal beam in a shallow angle to an optical switch located in a relatively close proximity on the optical switch fabric and a optical signal beam spread correction device provides for refocusing of spreading optical signal beams and mitigation of signal loss.

Abstract: A rear view mirror that is mounted on the side of a land vehicle includes a mirror pivotally mounted on a housing and a solenoid-actuated ram connected to the mirror. The solenoid is controlled by a control button located inside the land vehicle to change the orientation of the mirror. A light located adjacent to the activating button reminds a driver that the orientation of the side mounted mirror has been changed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively tilting side mirrors located on the driver and passenger sides of a vehicle. The system has a mirror selection switch with a driver position and a passenger position. A control module receives a mirror selection signal from the mirror selection switch and receives a reverse gear signal. A first actuator is controlled by the control module and linked to a passenger side mirror. The control module controls the first actuator to tilt the passenger side mirror when the mirror selection signal indicates the mirror selection switch is in the passenger position and the reverse gear signal is indicative of the vehicle being in a reverse gear.

Abstract: A single shell side-view mirror assembly is disclosed which provides improved aerodynamic features and improved vibrational resistance characterized by an aerodynamically domed shell structure, interchangeable mirror elements, an electrically activated vibration dampening element and a static vibration dampening elements.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly including a mirror support, a base portion, a pivoting joint between the support and the base portion allowing the support to pivot with respect to the base portion, a link extending between the support and the base portion, a first end of the link being held with respect to either the support or the base portion, an aperture provided in the support or the base portion into which the second end of the link locates, a tight sliding fit between the aperture and the link, the link moving through the aperture allowing the support to be adjusted with respect to the base portion, the fit being such that unwanted movement between the support and base portion is prevented during normal use.

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: In a gimbaled micromachined micromirror array optimized for parallel-plate electrostatic operation, longitudinal-type gimbal hinge elements are provided in which a plurality of torsional longitudinal hinge elements are arranged in an array parallel to the axis of rotation and which are linked together by rigid lateral brace sections. In primary embodiment the hinge elements are arranged in a double gimbal configuration. Specific embodiments of the hinge elements are simple longitudinal, compound longitudinal, stacked simple longitudinal, and stacked compound longitudinal. The longitudinal hinges may be used with various types of mirrors including circular or rectilinear, recessed or nonrecessed, where the hinges are connected in either a symmetric or asymmetric configuration relative to one another, as hereinafter illustrated by way of a subset of examples.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror 12 having a first curved portion 18 and a second substantially planar portion 16. The first curved portion 18 is deployed in close proximity to the vehicle 10, thereby substantially eliminating the conventional “blind spot” while concomitantly providing a relatively wide field of view.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A hinge actuator for a wing mirror of motor vehicle, which is operative between an extreme fold-in position and an extreme fold-out position and between the extreme fold-out position and an extreme fold-over position, comprising a mirror base, provided with a frame with a frame part which extends around a base shaft and supported on a base flange. A first cam track located between the base shaft and the frame part, with at least one bearing element, is present, and a first elastic element extending on a side along this track. During a rotation of the frame relative to the base shaft between the extreme fold-in position and the extreme fold-out position, the first elastic element contact with the bearing element undergoes a deformation, while during a rotation between the extreme fold-out position and the extreme fold-over position, the first elastic element undergoes a further-going deformation.

Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a first helical gear and a second worm gear are rotated integrally by a first worm gear. In this way, the second worm gear is rotated around a second helical gear, and a mirror is retracted or extended. The first helical gear and the second worm gear can tilt. Rotating central shafts thereof are supported at both ends by first bearings and second bearings, respectively. Even if load is applied from the first worm gear or the second helical gear to the first helical gear or the second worm gear, it is possible to suppress integral tilting of the first helical gear and the second worm gear. Accordingly, when the mirror is retracted and when the mirror is extended, it is possible to suppress a change in a sound of operation and to make the sound of operation uniform.

Abstract: A pressure actuated optical relay containing a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of two optical paths. A liquid metal slug is moved within a channel passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of pressure exerted by an actuation fluid. The liquid metal slug is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing to select between the optical paths. When the liquid metal slug is within the optical path, an incoming optical signal is reflected from a reflective surface of the slug. The liquid metal of the slug adheres to wettable metal surfaces within the channel to provide a latching mechanism.