Abstract: An electrosurgery pencil having directed illumination and a removable shroud having directed illumination where the removable shroud is adapted to fit over an electrosurgery pencil.

Abstract: A dental mirror includes a handle having a lumen, a mirror housing attached to the handle, a mirror cartridge for insertion through a cartridge opening of the mirror housing, a drive shaft rotatably held within the handle, and a film-roller rotatably attached to a film-roller bearing. The mirror cartridge includes a base, a film-roller bearing connected to the base, a film support structure connected to the base, and a film surrounding the film support structure. A distal end of the drive shaft and a proximal end of the film-roller are rotatably linked such that a rotation of the drive shaft rotates the film-roller causing the film to move relative to the film support structure.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a rod-shaped grasp portion at a base end thereof, a functional portion used in medical practice at a front end thereof, and a shape-memory portion including a rod-shaped shape-memory alloy provided between the grasp portion and the functional portion. The grasp portion includes a holding portion having a space in which one end of the shape-memory portion is inserted from the longitudinal direction. The instrument has a gap between an outer surface of the shape-memory portion and an inner surface of the holding portion, and in bending the shape-memory portion, the shape-memory portion is capable of deforming within the range of the gap. Then, by bending, the outer surface of the shape-memory portion comes into contact with an inner edge portion of an opening of the holding portion, and thereby restricts deformation of the shape-memory portion beyond the predetermined range.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mirror comprising a squeegee and a slot for receiving the squeegee blade is used in steamy environments. The mirror may include a reservoir to be filled with hot water to prevent the mirror from fogging.

Abstract: An adjustable rear view mirror includes a mounting seat, and a connecting unit including a rotating seat that is rotatably connected to the mounting seat by a first adjusting member on which a first washer is sleeved, and that has a supporting wall unit. A supporting rod has a pivot end pivotably connected to the supporting wall unit by a second adjusting member on which a second washer is sleeved, and an opposite supporting end connected to a rear view mirror body. The first and second washers are coated with PTFE coatings for reducing resistance to rotation of the rotating seat relative to the mounting seat and rotation of the supporting rod relative to the supporting wall unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which a laminar flow of pressurized gas from a curved slit in a chamber is directed across a surface to propel a laminar flow of a liquid, below the laminar flow gas, across the surface to prevent surface contamination or remove contaminants from the surface. In a particular application, the system and method are employed in a self-cleaning dental mirror tool including a dental mirror attached to a handle, wherein the gas is air, the liquid is water, and the surface is the reflective surface of the dental mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus to practice proper dental hygiene is disclosed. The apparatus comprises (a) a base support, (b) an adjustable shaft extending upward substantially perpendicular to the base support, and (c) a console board substantially horizontal to the base support, wherein the console board comprises a plurality of designated areas. A method to practice proper dental hygiene is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inspecting device is used in limited space. The inspecting device includes a mirror and a frame. The frame includes a back plate and a rim extending from the back plate and converging. Thus, the periphery of the mirror is firmly held with the rim of the frame. Moreover, a buffering space is defined between the periphery of the mirror and the rim of the frame.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for multimodal optical imaging. The devices include a filter assembly that is capable of rotary action during real time image acquisition. The systems include such filter assemblies, which are detachable or integrated in the systems. The methods include techniques for capturing image targets using multiple light sources such as white light and fluorescent light.

Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A tube is pivotably secured to the base. The tube extends between a pivot end and a distal end. A mirror housing defines a mirror opening and a tube opening. The mirror housing receives the distal end and a portion of the tube disposed adjacent the distal end through the tube opening. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and is exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. A case frame is fixedly secured to the mirror housing at a position disposed adjacent the mirror. The side mirror assembly also includes a locking lever which is movable between an unlocked position allowing the case frame and the mirror housing to slide along the tube and a lock position for securing the case frame and the mirror housing at a desired position along the tube.

Abstract: A multi-functional curb meter reading/defense stick tool having a lightweight construction for use by field workers/meter readers. It includes a central rod shaped body having a first handle end capable of housing a small bottle of water or other liquid. The central rod shaped body further includes a distal end having a locking mechanism which includes a “J” shaped latch and a compression spring/pressure point. The rod shaped body and locking mechanism are designed to allow various functional devices to be coupled to the distal end of the rod, such as a mirror device, a hook/latch and/or an end magnet. These various devices can be used to gain access to and more easily read metering devices which may be positioned behind a locked gate or fenced in area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for swim training utilizing mirrored reflective surfaces. Waterproof, shatterproof mirrors are used to assist in getting children acclimated to water in a swimming pool environment, and to provide an instructional amusement for beginning swimmers just learning to go underwater. The mirror comprises a layer of transparent material and a layer of reflective material. A handle is provided on the back, non-transparent side of the mirror allowing an instructor to readily hold the mirror with one hand while holding an infant with the other to allow the infant to see itself while in the water. The handle further acts as a means for attachment to the side or bottom of a swimming pool, allowing the mirror to be mounted underwater to amuse novice swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater.

Abstract: A housing that includes separated and removable transmitter modules, and common receiver circuitry. The receiver is common to all modules, but the modules can be removed and replaced to allow different frequencies and the like. Each module also includes its own heat handling mechanism such as a heat sink.

Abstract: A mirror accessory is connectible by a police officer, e.g., to the lens end of a flashlight to enable viewing around corners, into rooms and other places without exposing the officer to hazard. The accessory includes a coupling ring engagable to the end of a flashlight and a mirror assembly connected to the ring by a hinge having plural detented stable positions. The mirror assembly also is movable about a swivel axis which is perpendicular to the hinge axis and is movable about the hinge axis. The mirror assembly has plural detented stable positions angularly about the swivel axis.

Abstract: An inspection device provides a mirror assembly having first and second mirrors connected with a hinge, the first mirror being movable relative to the second mirror, reflective surfaces of the mirrors being oriented to face one another when the first mirror is rotated toward the second mirror. A handle extends from the mirror assembly for the user to position the mirror assembly in the desired location and orientation. The image of an object is reflected in the first mirror and into the second mirror, the image being inverted or reversed in the first mirror and corrected in the second mirror, allowing for the user to easily read markings during the inspection. The mirrors may be of various shapes, sizes, and contours. A control on the handle allows remote mirror repositioning. A light source may be attached to the device.

Abstract: A novel mirror comprising a handle portion unitary with a mirror-head portion including reflective or mirror surfaces on opposing surfaces of the mirror-head portion is disclosed. The mirror includes an anti-fog material coated onto the mirror surfaces to prevent the formation of condensation on the mirror surfaces. The mirror may include an indicator to inform an operator that the mirror has been used and should be disposed of appropriately. The mirror is disposable, can be prepackaged and/or presterilized to provide better results and a predictably cleaner instrument, and can be designed to prevent use of the mirror on more than a single subject.

Abstract: A professional hand held probe device, having an optional telescoping feature. This probe as used in an inspection device can be of a fixed length or telescoping to any desired length. This probe has a frame assembly at the distal end that is remotely adjustable by a button on the handle section and is configured to accept mirrors of various diopters. This frame is also configured to accept light emitting diodes of different wave lengths witch includes ultra violet light. The light emitting diodes are energized by batteries in the handle, witch handles three AAA batteries supplying a voltage in excess of what is needed for the light emitting diodes, a regulating device is used to control the voltage, this enables the user to insert either alkaline or ni-cad batteries. provision for an outside power source is also provided for extended periods of use.

Abstract: A small panel member of flexible, magnetized sheet material with a front surface at least partially covered with highly reflective material, and a back surface including an adhesive strip. The apparatus may be stored in a vehicle until needed, and placed on the front, rear or sides of a vehicle by applying the magnetized panel to a metallic surface. Alternatively, the adhesive strip may be used to affix the panel to a non-magnetic surface on the vehicle. A short length of cable is connected to the panel and terminates in an anchor, so that when the panel is affixed to the outside of the vehicle, the cable can be passed through the jamb gap between the trunk lid and body, or door and door jamb, with the block locked inside the trunk or passenger compartment, effectively locking the panel to the vehicle to prevent displacement or theft.

Abstract: A hand held mirror unit for use in beauty salons includes a planer housing, a mirror mounted in housing in a parallel relationship to the housing and a pair of handles extending from the planer housing on opposite sides of the housing with the handles having a cross-section exceeding the combined thickness of the planer housing and the mirror whereby neither said housing nor said mirror will contact a flat surface of a counter on which the unit is resting through engagement of the handles, along with a non-skid coating on the handles to prevent the mirror from sliding on such a flat surface.

Abstract: A professional hand held probe device, having an optional telescoping feature. This probe as used in an inspection device can be of a fixed length or telescoping to any desired length. This probe has a frame assembly at the distal end that is remotely adjustable by a button on the handle section and is configured to accept mirrors of various diopters. This frame is also configured to accept light emitting diodes of different wave lengths witch includes ultra violet light. The light emitting diodes are energized by batteries in the handle, witch handles three AAA batteries supplying a voltage in excess of what is needed for the light emitting diodes, a regulating device is used to control the voltage, this enables the user to insert either alkaline or ni-cad batteries provision for an outside power source is also provided for extended periods of use.

Abstract: In a deflection scanning apparatus used for a laser beam printer or the like, a rotating body is provided with a deflector which has a plurality of recesses arranged in a concentric manner with the center at the rotation axis of the rotating body. Balance weights are set in the recesses so as to remove rotation unbalance in rotation of the rotating body.

Abstract: A light-weight and highly rigid mirror support structure is provided which is capable of maintaining a relation between the relative positions of a main mirror and an auxiliary mirror even with environmental variations in the place of installation or deformations of a mounting surface, and of preventing a deformation of the main mirror and the auxiliary mirror which would otherwise cause performance deterioration. A main mirror (1) and an auxiliary mirror (2) are disposed a predetermined distance apart from each other in a face-to-face relation. A main mirror support member (3) and an auxiliary mirror support member (4) serve to support the main mirror (1) and the auxiliary mirror (2), respectively. A plurality of rods (15a) connect the main mirror support member (4) and the auxiliary mirror support member (4) with each other.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a base for attaching onto a supporting wall and having a stud, a socket secured onto the stud and having a ball, a barrel rotatably engaged onto the ball, and a mirror secured onto the barrel and rotatable and adjustable relative to the base, for allowing the mirror to be directed toward any selected angular position relative to the base. The socket includes a shank coupled to the ball with a neck. A lock sleeve is rotatably engaged onto the ball and threaded to the barrel and has a peripheral flange rotatably engaged between the ball and the shank.

Abstract: A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an exchangeable mirror element.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enhance communications functions of a portable electronic equipment (1) that has optical communications functions so that the light beams emitted from other equipment with which it communicates can be adequately received even when the equipment (1) is being carried by a user. According to the present invention, a light-reflecting member (20) is attached to a strap body (10) used to carry the portable electronic equipment (1) in a hanging down position. The light-reflecting member (20) is positioned near a light receiver (4) provided on the top part (1a) of the portable electronic equipment (1) and reflects light beams used for optical communication from the surroundings and guides them to the light receiver (4).

Abstract: A rear mounted mirror assembly for motor vehicles including a base member coupled with respect to a rear of a motor vehicle. The base member includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate each have opposed upper and lower edges and opposed inner and outer edges. The first plate is fixedly secured to the rear of the motor vehicle. The inner edges of the first and second plate are joined by a hinge whereby the second plate is foldable between a first position essentially in a coplanar relationship with the first plate and a second position essentially perpendicular to the first plate. A telescoping rod is secured to the base member. A convex mirror is secured to an upper end of the telescoping rod.

Abstract: A rear view mirror device for use with an elevated hunter platform is disclosed. The device includes a frame member retaining a mirror element on a front side. A back side of the frame member includes a rod receiving portion for receiving and retaining a top end of a flexible rod. A bottom end of the flexible rod attaches by a screw and wing nut to a center portion of a clamp. The clamp includes a pair of handles and a pair of fingers which are actuated by a spring disposed within the clamp center portion. To deploy the device, pressure is applied to the handles which opens the fingers. The device is then located to its desired position on the elevated hunter platform whereafter the pressure on the handles is released causing the fingers to engage a rail of the platform. The mirror element can then be positioned by rotating the device about a plurality of axises such that the hunter does not have to turn his head to see the area behind or to the side of his forward facing view.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a baby stroller, carriage and the like is disclosed including mirror that is removably attached to a clamp by an elongated rod. The clamp attaches to the structure of a stroller or carriage and includes a conical male fastener member. A female fastener member secured to the rod at the end opposite the mirror is adapted to slip over the male fastener and lock into a removably attachable arrangement with the clamp.

Abstract: A handheld inspection mirror uses right angled mirror surfaces and triangular prism means to provide a non-inverted undistorted image from objects located in remote or relatively inaccessible places.

Abstract: A frame (10) is disclosed having a top member (12) and a base member (14). A support member (16) having two ends (18, 20) is pivotally connected to the top member (12) at one end (18) and the base member (14) at the other end (20). The top member (12) and the base member (14) rotate about their respective pivot connections with the support member (16) to alternate the collapsible frame (10) between a closed position and an opened position.

Abstract: An inspection mirror incorporates an extremely thin glass substrate and low profile mount to produce a mirror that can provide visual access to spaces that would otherwise be too small or otherwise inaccessible. An aluminized layer forms the first reflecting surface. The mirror is protected by an amorphous carbon layer which forms a second reflecting surface. The mirror may be framed or frameless. Where provided, the support frame has a mirror receiving recess in which the mirror is retained by adhesive. Frameless mirrors are supported by a planar wire mount secured to the rear surface of the mirror by adhesive. The mirrors may be carried on a spring wire shaft received in a handle or by a flat strip that forms the handle and mirror support.

Abstract: An electrode holder mirror device for welding purposes and method therefor comprises a body structure which comprises an open sleeve member and a flange section. The flange section functions to releasably engage a handle portion of an electrode holder through usage of a fastening means. A telescoping mirror assembly comprises a telescoping male member releasably inserted into the open sleeve member at one end thereof. A mirror housing is rigidly affixed to a distal end of the telescoping male member. The telescoping male member and swivel means function to position the mirror rotationally about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes, allowing the device to be placed in a position to allow a welder to adequately view a process being performed. The position of the mirror about its longitudinal and latitudinal axes may adjusted manually or automatically, wherein a substantially crescent-shaped trigger mechanism allows a welder to adjust the mirror with one finger while wearing welding gloves.

Abstract: The present invention comprises viewing devices for use by those who must maintain a head down position, such as those who have undergone a surgical procedure for reattachment of the retina or repair of a macular hole, wherein a gas bubble is injected into the eye. The bubble, which is used to maintain the juxtaposition of the healing tissues, applies pressure upwards. If the surgical site is at the back of the eye, the postoperative patient needs to maintain a facedown position, for the bubble to maintain the retina against the back of the eye until the tear, detachment or hole is mended.

Abstract: A mirror for use during eye surgery comprises a handle, a reflective surface oriented at a skewed angle with respect to the handle and a needle holder oriented with respect to the reflective surface to allow viewing of the distal end of the needle as it is passed under the iris and inserted into the tissue of a patient's eye.

Abstract: An ergonomic vehicle inspection mirror apparatus has a handle, a pole or casing, and a foot. Mounted on the foot is a rotatable mirror. The mirror is attached to the foot by means of a pivot shaft, about which the mirror is capable of two degrees of rotational freedom, in order to turn the plane of the mirror at various angles with respect to the foot. Rotation about the pivot shaft is actuated by an electric motor in the foot. The motor is interconnected with a toggle switch in the handle. Pushing the switch in a particular direction causes the mirror to rotate in that direction. The inspector can place the foot of the device under the vehicle with the pole at an attitude that is chosen to be comfortable. Thereafter, the mirror may be rotated with the switch so as to direct the line of sight at various points under the vehicle body without having to readjust the pole for each angle of view.

Abstract: A hand held mirror which allows a user to obtain a rear view while the handle of the mirror is positioned directly in front of the user. The hand held mirror comprises a mirror, a frame to which the mirror is secured and an elongated handle. A lower portion of the frame is pivotally mounted to the upper end of the handle so that the frame can pivot about the same. The frame is adapted to be releasably locked in place.

Abstract: A mirror angle adjusting device for use with an automotive rearview mirror assembly has a base member adapted to be fixed to an automobile body, a mirror housing assembly angularly movably coupled to the base member, a mirror holder tiltably supported on the mirror housing assembly and holding a rearview mirror, a control lever assembly for remotely controlling angular adjustment of the rearview mirror, and a coupling assembly for coupling the mirror holder and the control lever assembly. The coupling assembly includes a rotatable shaft mechanism having at least one shaft rotatable about an axis thereof in response to operation of the control lever assembly, an arm swingable about the shaft in response to rotation of the shaft for tilting the mirror holder, and a clutch assembly for selectively disconnecting the control lever assembly from the mirror holder, the clutch assembly including a cam on the shaft and a flat spring assembly between the arm and the shaft for resiliently engaging the cam.

Abstract: An adjustable filter assembly for a variety of filtration applications. The adjustable filter assembly includes a fixed-size filter medium and frame and an adjustable molding for adjustably applying said filter assembly in applications having widely varying dimensions. The filter assembly can take a variety of shapes and sizes so that any vent may be adequately fitted and filtered. The adjustability of the assembly is accomplished by the molding having at least one adjustable joint enabling the molding to be continuously adjusted from an unextended position through to a fully extended position. In the unextended position, the outside edge of the molding coincides with the perimeter of the filter media and the inner edge of the molding defines a minimum exposed area for the filter medium. In the fully extended position, the inner edge of the molding coincides with the perimeter of the filter media and the outside edge of the molding extends outwardly significantly beyond the perimeter of the filter media.

Abstract: A portable self-cleaning mirror having a disposable housing within which is located the rotatable reflective surface. A removably attachable reusable motor is combined to provide power to rotate the reflective surface/mirror. The reflective surface is rotated beneath a wiper blade attachment bar with a wiper blade that bisects the reflective surface along a diameter. In one embodiment, the wiper blade is formed in an inverted "Y" shape so that the two branches of the "Y" contact the reflective surface and clean the surface with a leading and trailing contact motion. Additionally, the attachment bar is formed in a sinuous non-linear shape so that a more effective cleansing of the reflective surface is accomplished.

Abstract: A side mounted vehicular rear view mirror of the type which comprises a hollow tubular steel gooseneck support arm which can be rotated forwardly or rearwardly relative to a clamp type mount on the vehicle body to fold the mirror against the vehicle body side to prevent damage to the mirror in, for example, a vehicle carwash or other narrow passageway. The clamping structure comprises a mount having longitudinally spaced semi-cylindrical bearing seats adapted to receive a length of the gooseneck arm and a spring steel clamp having opposing complemental bearing surfaces and an arcuate detent which engages a straight sides slot formed in the gooseneck arm where it overlies the spaced apart bearing seats. The spring clamp flexes to provide a relatively high break away torque and a relatively low continued rotation torque.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for motor vehicle has a housing and a mirror support plate connected in the housing so as to be pivotable about two axes perpendicular to one another. A pivot joint is connected to the mirror support plate for pivoting the mirror support plate. An actuating lever for pivoting the mirror support plate is provided. Two push rods are pivotably connected with a first end to the mirror support plate at a distance from the pivot joint. An intermediate lever is pivotably connected to the actuating lever and to the push rods. The intermediate lever has a transverse rod with two ends in the form of bearing balls. The push rods have at a second end thereof a bearing cup, wherein each bearing ball of the transverse rod rests in one of the bearing cups.

Abstract: A magnified mirror assembly has a frame, a mirror disposed along an edge of the frame and a centrally disposed magnifying lens which provides magnification of a reflected image. Such a magnified mirror is particularly useful in the application of make-up, the examination of the skin for cleansing, treating blemishes, removing blackheads and pimples and provides a means for producing increased image magnification with limited distortion at close range.

Abstract: A hand held telescoping mirror device includes a light bulb situated to provide a broad illumination region. The device includes several useful features such as a telescoping arm that retracts within the handle, a twist type on-off switch, and a mirror that's interchangeable with a magnifying glass. In addition, the handle and telescoping arm are separable from the rest of the device so that they may be reconnected to various accessories such as a brush or magnet.

Abstract: A mirror attachment for a baton, club or other object is described. The mirror attachment includes an arm having a receiving channel for releasably connecting the mirror attachment to the end of the baton. Attached to the arm is a rotatable mirror. The mirror can be angled to observe a variety of locations not readily available to the operator, such as locations above the operator's eye level, below the operator's eye level, or around corners.

Abstract: A precision hand mirror for use in endodontic examinations for viewing the interior of small cavities. The mirror is suitable for use with a microscope but is not limited to such use. The materials and method of fabrication make this mirror suitable for heating in an autoclave at temperatures up to 450.degree. C. A tungsten-carbide mirror blank is polished to reduce surface roughness to less than five percent of the wavelength of visible light, thereby removing all distortion from microscopic examination at any magnification. The tightly-packed crystalline structure of the C-2 tungsten-carbide material used in the mirror is highly resistent to physical distortion and corrosion problems normally resulting from repeated autoclave heating and exposure to bodily fluids during endodontic examinations.

Abstract: A manually operated remote control type door mirror having a base unit and a bracket unit which are separate from each other and can be assembled integrally, wherein the base unit comprises an attaching stay to be attached on the side of a vehicle body, a base extended from the attaching stay, a manipulation lever supported turnably to the attaching stay with one end being protruded to the inside of the vehicle body and with the other end being exposed to the inside of a recess formed in the base, and the bracket unit comprises a cylindrical member having one end to be combined with the recess of the base and a shaft having one end extended from the cylindrical member a bracket supported to the cylindrical member and a mirror tiltably held to the bracket and connected by way of a link mechanism to the mirror and the other end.

Abstract: A portable mirror apparatus for a golfer to view his swing which has a U-shaped hollow tubular frame (20) with cross bars (34), (36) and (38) inbetween, also divided in the middle and a mirror (40) attached on the front. A pair of retracting legs (48) support the invention in the vertical position each having a support bar (52) for stiffening. The invention folds in the middle for transportation and storage with the legs pivoted inward contiguous with the frame. The mirror contains marks in the form of lines (42) both horizontal and vertical to indicate proper alignment of the golfer during the swing of a golf club. The mirror is thermoplastic for strength and durability, also to reduce weight.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable, visual inspection aid is described which has a variety of uses in diverse fields, e.g., manufacturing, service and repair industries, health care field, hobby field, etc. The inspection aid includes a light source and a prism having one mirrored surface. Optionally there may also be included a magnifying lens for magnifying the image viewed through the prism. The device is useful for visually inspecting objects in areas not readily viewed with the naked eye.