Abstract: Actuator arrangements are disclosed. An actuator arrangement can include a first fluidic-based actuator device designed to exert a first force on a first location of a body associated with the first actuator device. An actuator arrangement can also include a second fluidic-based actuator device designed to exert a second force on a second location of the body associated with the first actuator device. The distance between the first and second locations can be small. The maximum value of the second force can be less than the maximum value of the first force.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of a suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid. The process includes the step of: coating the surface of the magnetic particles with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain prior to the suspension. For preparing a magnetically deformable mirror, the suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid is coated with a reflective surface layer. A ferrofluid includes a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain in a polar carrier liquid.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for an optical system of a laser processing machine includes a mount with a cavity, and an adaptive mirror. A magnetorheological or electrorheological fluid flows through the cavity, is adjusted in its viscosity, and provides an adjustable pressure onto the adaptable mirror.

Abstract: An optical unit includes a closed hollow body defining an enclosed chamber therein, and having an optical part that confines a portion of the chamber and that is deformable so as to be changeable in thickness and shape in response to changes in an inner pressure in the chamber. An image capturing device includes: a light-proof image-capturing housing that has a lens-mounting port; an image processing unit mounted in the image-capturing housing; and a focus-adjustable lens unit coupled to the lens-mounting port and including a closed hollow body defining an enclosed chamber therein, and having an optical part that confines a portion of the chamber, that is aligned with the lens-mounting port along an optical path, and that is deformable so as to be changeable in thickness and shape in response to changes in an inner pressure in the chamber. A reflective device is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A viewing panel device, such as a mirror device used inside a motor vehicle for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat secured to the rear seat of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a support structure is attached to a rear surface of the viewing panel. In a more particular embodiment, the support structure includes a bottom panel having a top surface and a bottom surface that can contact the seat back top surface, and a diagonal support element that extends between the rear surface of the viewing panel at an upper end of the support element and the top surface of the bottom panel at a lower end of the support element. In another embodiment, the viewing panel device may be employed in a plurality of attachment configurations, for use with a plurality of possible vehicle configurations. In one configuration, the top tether anchorage point included in newer vehicles as part of the LATCH anchorage point system is employed.

Abstract: A viewing panel device, such as a mirror device used inside a motor vehicle for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat secured to the rear seat of the vehicle. The viewing panel device may be employed in a plurality of attachment configurations, for use with a plurality of possible vehicle configurations. In one configuration, the top tether anchorage point included in newer vehicles as part of the LATCH anchorage point system is employed.

Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Abstract: A device 21 comprises a movable structure 44 having a first movable portion 70 hinged to frame portion 60 by a first pair of hinges 81, 82 spaced apart along a first axis 91. The first movable portion 70 has an edge 140 that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and substantially parallel with and immediately adjacent to an edge 132 of the frame portion 60, such that a tolerance space 120 defined therebetween. At least one projection 122 extends from one or both of the edges 132 and/or 140. The projection 122 is adapted to limit translational motion of the first movable portion 70 relative to the frame portion 60 within the plane. The device 21 motion between the first movable portion 80 and a second pivot axis 112 with translational motion between the first movable portion 70 and the second movable portion 80 limited by a similar projection.

Abstract: Space telescope including at least a membranous mirror and a device to fold said mirror, this device allowing transport and orbiting, without residual deformation, of the said mirror, and being constituted by a circular thin disc comprising concentric circular undulations, and able to be rolled up.

Abstract: An infrared beam is directed to the surface of a Mylar mirror, and the mirror reflects that beam. The reflected beam is detected, and data gleaned from the reflected beam is used to determine whether the optics of the mirror must be adjusted. The optics of the mirror are adjusted by varying voltage applied to electrostatic actuators on the frame of the mirror, or varying the pressure in chambers formed by the mirror frame and mirror surface.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system whereby at least one mirror in the system is manipulated using electrostatic force to attract and/or a restoring force to repel a portion of the mirror to a particular electrode. The attraction force is created by placing a voltage across an electrode in an array of electrodes positioned near that mirror. The restoring force is created by attaching or mechanically coupling a fluid-filled cavity to a mirror. It is thus possible to attract portions of the mirror in one instant by passing a voltage over individual electrodes associated with those portions of mirror and then, by reducing the voltage placed across those electrodes, to repel those same portions in the next instant. The spatial frequency of the deformation of a membrane mirror is thus increased, which allows the correction of more complex wave front distortion.

Abstract: An optical mirror system with multi-axis rotational control is disclosed. The mirror system includes an optical surface assembly, and at least one leg assembly coupled to the optical surface assembly. The at least one leg assembly supports the optical surface above a substrate. A system and method in accordance with the present invention can operate with many different actuator mechanisms, including but not limited to, electrostatic, thermal, piezoelectric, and magnetic. An optical mirror system in accordance with the present invention accommodates large mirrors and rotation angles. Scanning mirrors can be made with this technique using standard surface-micromachining processes, or a deep RIE etch process. A device in accordance with the present invention meets the requirements for a directly scalable, high port count optical switch, utilizing a two mirror per optical I/O port configuration.

Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Abstract: A variable-profile optical device includes a light-transmission elastic member in which an elasticity of a first surface is set to be higher than that of a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, wherein a pressure is applied to the second surface of the elastic member, so that the second surface of the elastic member is selectively deformed, and a focus distance may be varied.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for fixedly mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes an upper and lower support arm, each extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. A collar having an upper chamber and a lower chamber is fixedly secured to the first ends of the support arms and pivotally coupled to the support base for pivoting the support arms about a generally vertical axis between an operative position extending laterally from the vehicle and a folded position pivoted adjacent and generally parallel to the vehicle. A housing is slidably coupled to the second ends of the support arms and slidable therealong between a retracted position adjacent the first ends and an extended position adjacent the second ends. A mirror pane is operatively coupled to the housing for providing an adjustable reflective view from the mirror assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for compact, high-speed, latched optical switching devices utilizing bimorph piezoelectric material. The apparatus employs an optical switching prism, that is capable of interchanging two parallel beams, to construct a 2×2 optical switch. In order to construct compact and high-speed switches, the prism has to be small and light-weigh, thus, the separation of the two parallel beams becomes small. A pair of reflection corner mirror capable of separating these two close parallel beams is used. The switching is performed by vertically inserting the prism into the optical path and only less than one millimeter (limited by the beam size) movement is required. Because the switching is based on beam deflection instead of reflection, it is not vulnerable to vibration.

Abstract: A membrane mirror having an optical quality spherical shape maintained by differential pressure takes a near parabolic shape when a plunger-induced displacement of the central area of the mirror is introduced. The focal length can be adjusted by varying the differential pressure.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle includes a mirror element, a housing and a mirror foot fastenable to the motor vehicle. At least one electrical function element, in particular a contacting element, is provided in the outside rear view mirror. In order in a simple manner to protect the function element (9, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31) from moisture and dirt, there is provided in the outside rear view mirror (1) a sealable chamber (5), in which the electrical function element (9, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31) may be disposed.

Abstract: A telescopic automotive side mirror including a mirror housing attached to a side of a vehicle. The mirror housing has a tubular mirror bracket and a mirror supported therein. The housing has a support tube positioned within and interconnected to a plurality of webbing supports. A hydraulic cylinder is interconnected to a first end of the bracket and within the support tube. The hydraulic cylinder has an exit port and a receiving coupler. A shaft is positioned within the hydraulic cylinder, with a portion projecting from the exit port. The shaft has a threaded proximal end and a threaded distal end secured within the mirror housing by a locking nut. Lastly, an air compressor is in the vehicle and has a supply tube extending through to the mirror bracket. The supply tube couples with the receiving coupler. The air compressor supplies air pressure to the shaft to move the shaft within the hydraulic cylinder, for movement of the mirror housing.

Abstract: An apparatus, which exposes the blind spot in the direction in which a vehicle makes a turn, to be installed at the back of mechanically or electrically operated side-rear view mirrors. A mechanical device, connected to a mirror unit and to the frame, having a diaphragm sealingly disposed therein. When a winker switch is activated, the diaphragm housing is activated by vacuum, causing the diaphragm to be sucked backwards, resulting in said mirror unit pivoting backwards to expose the blind spot, further, when there is no vacuum the mirror unit is returned to its original position by the returning means. The invention also operates where instead of one mirror, there are two mirrors hinged together, whereby the mechanical device pivots only one of the mirrors to expose the blind spot, such that the other mirror is left to expose the rear-view of the car. The invention can also operate by pivoting the mirror frame to expose the blind spot rather than pivoting the mirror unit.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for external use on large trucks, tractors, buses, etc. A first reflective surface is pivotably supported with respect to a large, shell-like housing in such a way that the surface is movable at will about two perpendicular axes. A powered hydraulic means is used for selectively rotating the reflective surface to a desired position and normally holding it in a static mode. The hydraulic means includes reservoirs in communication with two hydraulic cylinders, and a plurality of check valves arranged in sets and interposed between the reservoirs and the chambers in the cylinders. The hydraulic fluid is chosen from the group that comprises engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission oil and ethylene glycol.

Abstract: An air powered motor 10, mounted inside an outer cover 11 to effect the movement of a mirror 12 in one or more axis 35. The pneumatic motor is coaxial with a threaded and pivoted rod 13 and contains a rotor or ring gear 14 with vanes 15 arrayed around the exterior of the gear. Pressurized air is introduced into the motor, against the vanes 15, causing a center piece or gear 16 to rotate about the operating rod 13 attached to a mirror mounting plate 17. As a result, the mirror rotates on its hinge 18. The direction of air flow from the fluid source can be reversed with a control valve, causing the mirror to rotate in the opposite direction. The mirror's rotation about its axis is controlled from a remote location, such as the cab of a large truck, by moving the air control valve.