Rear View Mirror Patents (Class 362/494)
  • Publication number: 20040145904
    Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040145901
    Abstract: A vehicle rear assembly with color-changing arms includes a rearview mirror, a plurality of transparent arms and a plurality of arm light sources. A first end of each arm is assembled with a casing of the rearview mirror, and a second end is mounted on a body of the vehicle. The arm light sources are respectively mounted inside the transparent arms and electrically connected to a switch. The color change of the light emitted from the arm light sources through the transparent arms can notably outline the width of the car body, especially in dark conditions, to help keep a proper safety distance between running cars and avoid traffic accidents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Rocky Lin
  • Patent number: 6764207
    Abstract: A mirror head assembly for mounting adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The mirror head assembly includes one or more mirrors that enable a person to view areas surrounding the vehicle that the person could not easily view via a direct line of site. One or more lights are mounted to an outer shell of the mirror head assembly. The outer shell of the mirror head assembly may be constructed with a narrow portion disposed between adjacent mirrors so that the mirror head assembly presents less obstruction to the view of persons in the vehicle of areas surrounding the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Santiago C. Abalos, William R. Headlee
  • Publication number: 20040125611
    Abstract: A motor vehicle light is comprised of a high intensity lamp for attaching to a motor vehicle, such as to a side mounted rear view mirror. The lamp includes optics for focusing a light beam into a small spot on the road in front of the vehicle. The lamp includes a hinge for being pivoted to direct the light spot for marking the track of the vehicle to help the driver position the vehicle within the lane. In a second embodiment, the lamp is linked to the steering apparatus of the vehicle for simultaneous movement so as to mark the track of a rear wheel during a turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Philip Pedley
  • Patent number: 6756912
    Abstract: An information display system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element. The variable reflectance reflective element includes a first sheet having a first surface and a second surface, and a second sheet having a third surface and a fourth surface, the second surface of the first sheet opposing the third surface of the second sheet. The variable reflectance reflective element includes a mirror reflector disposed on the third surface. The mirror reflector comprises a reflecting metal film having a region adapted to form a light transmitting portion, the adaptation comprising an absence of reflecting metal film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy G. Skiver, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken, Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040120019
    Abstract: A light conduction structure that generates short range projection for an object to create aesthetic sense of vision by emitting dazzling, fantastic and colorful lights; includes an inner layer provided with a reflective outer side in while; a middle layer made of color, translucent material in dazzling colors and making light passing through it to become gender, wraps up the outer side of the inner layer; an outer layer made of see-through material wraps up the outer side of the middle layer; and a light conduction holder wrapping up the outer peripheries of the inner, the middle and the outer layers contains an insertion channel to accommodate a plurality of light emission devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Hsing Chou
  • Publication number: 20040114384
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention, includes a lamp module with light sources functioning as a turn signal indicator, a security light, and a blind spot indicator. The light module may include at least one LED device that is activated during different activation modes so as to operate in two or more of the following modes: a blind spot indication mode, a turn signal mode, and a security light mode. The LED device may emit light of different color during the different modes of operation. The security light may be oriented to illuminate the door handle and keyhole. The light module may be positioned behind the mirror element to project light through the mirror element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: John W. Carter, Darin D. Tuttle, Bradley L. Busscher, Frederick T. Bauer, Garth D. Deur
  • Publication number: 20040114362
    Abstract: A decorative device for attaching onto objects includes an elongate housing having a peripheral wall extended from an outer peripheral portion of a bottom panel, and a covering having an outer peripheral portion engaged and secured to the peripheral wall of the housing. A circuit board is secured in the housing, and has one or more light devices to generate warning light. The housing may be attached to the side portions of the vehicles for lighting the side portions of the vehicles, and for preventing the side portions of the vehicles from being hit by the other vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Tzu Hsiu Chang
  • Patent number: 6750832
    Abstract: An information display system having an output display for presenting information. Optical means are provided that deflect an illumination beam path into the field of view of the observer. Further, a subdividable output display is created that makes it possible to partly obtain information in a vehicle via a head-up display and partly via a traditional or back-projection display. Given seats arranged in rows, for example in airplanes or buses, back rests of preceding seats contain an output display and a communication interface to the seat of the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Kleinschmidt
  • Patent number: 6749325
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the reflective substrate simultaneously reflects visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which are borne by the second surface and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a reflector is borne by the second surface and which directs the electromagnetic radiation emitted by some of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may pass through the reflective substrate and be viewed from a location forward of the first surface, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a remainder of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may be viewed from a location forward of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 6746141
    Abstract: An auxiliary rearview mirror and light assembly includes a non-incandescent light source, an auxiliary rearview mirror, a power source adapter, and a primary rearview mirror mounting assembly. The primary rearview mirror mounting assembly includes at least one fixed appendage and at least one adjustable appendage. The fixed appendage and the adjustable appendage are positioned in an opposing direction. The adjustable appendage has a bias element that exerts a force on the adjustable appendage in a direction towards the fixed appendage. The adjustable appendage is extensible to fit the primary rearview mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: American Auto Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry T. H. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6746140
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle. The rear-view mirror has a mirrow body at which is formed an accommodating member. A lamp house containing a lamp bulb and a secondary battery is accommodated in the accommodating member by holders for holding the lamp house from below. The lamp house is pulled out from the accommodating member to illuminate a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ichikawa, Masakazu Aoki, Tadashi Ejiri, Masami Hosono, Hiroyuki Kato, Kenichi Jinushi
  • Publication number: 20040085776
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with the rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo
  • Publication number: 20040080958
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the reflective substrate simultaneously reflects visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation, and passes visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters which are borne by the second surface and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a reflector is borne by the second surface and which directs the electromagnetic radiation emitted by some of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may pass through the reflective substrate and be viewed from a location forward of the first surface, and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a remainder of the electromagnetic radiation emitters in a direction so that it may be viewed from a location forward of the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 6717732
    Abstract: A vehicle rear-view mirror has a light-transmitting filtering layer for filtering out interfering fractions of the light entering the filtering layer in the yellow spectral range. The mirror includes an interference reflector which has a plurality of thin layers for the reflection of the light impinging on the mirror. The degree of reflection of the interference reflector is less in the yellow spectral range than in the green and/or red wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Meyr, Joseph Laux, Helmut Piringer
  • Publication number: 20040062051
    Abstract: An auxiliary rearview mirror and light assembly includes a non-incandescent light source, an auxiliary rearview mirror, a power source adapter, and a primary rearview mirror mounting assembly. The primary rearview mirror mounting assembly includes at least one fixed appendage and at least one adjustable appendage. The fixed appendage and the adjustable appendage are positioned in an opposing direction. The adjustable appendage has a bias element that exerts a force on the adjustable appendage in a direction towards the fixed appendage. The adjustable appendage is extensible to fit the primary rearview mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Henry T. H. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6709136
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly, which includes a fixed portion and a movable portion that is movable about the fixed portion for breakaway motion, and a turn signal indicator module. The turn signal indicator module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least a portion of the light pattern projected from the module projects rearwardly of the vehicle, but does not directly intercept the driver of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator module is fixedly included in the exterior mirror assembly separate from the mirror assembly's reflective element, which is adjustable within the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Mark R. Litke, David K. Willmore, Rick Mousseau
  • Publication number: 20040052084
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a car includes a casing, a mirror and a light-emitting element. The casing has an opening at one end thereof. The mirror engages with edges of the opening. The light-emitting element has a light-emitting body formed along a periphery of the mirror, and a transparent strip encapsulating the light-emitting body and the periphery of the mirror body. By means of the light-emitting element of the rearview mirror assembly, a car driver is aided in evaluating the distance between the car and other neighboring cars by observing the mirror to effectively prevent traffic accidents and increase driving safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Rocky Lin
  • Patent number: 6695465
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles has a mirror head housing having a light-transmitting plate arranged therein. At least one lighting unit is received in the mirror head housing and has at least one light source emitting light rays so as to pass through the light-transmitting plate to the exterior of mirror head housing. At least one reflector is positioned between the at least one light source and the light-transmitting plate. The at least one reflector has at least one opening, and the at least one light source is positioned in the at least one opening. The at least one lighting unit has a lighting unit housing and the at least one light source is arranged in the lighting unit housing which is received in a receptacle of the mirror head housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Reitter & Schefenacker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Apfelbeck
  • Patent number: 6690268
    Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The reflective element has a rearward field of view when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in a vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as a windshield portion or a header portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The video display assembly also includes a display-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the video display assembly at the interior portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040022065
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Publication number: 20040022064
    Abstract: A lamp for the rearview mirror of a vehicle includes a transparent lamp shade fitted in the through hole bored in the outer wall of a rearview mirror shell, a lamp installed in the inner hollow of the transparent lamp shade and a support member screwed together with the transparent lamp shade. Any rearview mirror shells of different shapes can be bored with a through hole of an identical diameter for the transparent lampshade and the lamp to be fitted therein. Besides, the transparent lampshade and the support member are respectively formed with a threaded portion to be screwed together and be firmly assembled with the rearview mirror shell, regardless of thickness of the rearview mirror shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Fang-Mei Kuo
  • Patent number: 6685325
    Abstract: A side vehicle mirror assembly (30) that utilizes a waveguide (42) to route light from a location at the vehicle/mirror assembly interface to an outboard location (46) on the mirror assembly. The side mirror assembly (30) includes the waveguide (42), a mounting member (32), and a mirror (34) attached to the mounting member. The waveguide (42) extends from a first location at the vehicle/mirror assembly interface to a second location at the mirror. A lamp (44) located either in The door panel (38) or at the first location is used to provide light into the waveguide, which then routes the light to the outboard (46) location for exterior illumination or signal lighting. A stacked waveguide arrangement can be used so that these multiple lighting functions can be incorporated together into the mirror assembly. Also disclosed is an optical coupling arrangement for routing light to a breakaway side mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: George Robert Hulse, John Christopher Brown
  • Patent number: 6685348
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and is movable about the fixed portion between a normal viewing position where the movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position where the movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from the exterior mirror assembly. A proximity detector is preferably provided that actuates a powerfold mechanism when the proximity detector detects an object so as to move the movable portion from the normal viewing position to the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6678614
    Abstract: A vehicular navigation system is provided that includes a vehicular wireless communication system that comprises a global-positioning system receiver in a vehicle, the global-positioning system receiver operable to receive data indicative of the geographic position of the vehicle from satellites external to the vehicle. The vehicular wireless communication system includes a wireless communication link between a transceiver in the vehicle and a transceiver at a site remote from the vehicle whereby wireless communication can exist between the vehicular transceiver and the remote transceiver. The vehicular wireless communication system is responsive to the request by downloading to the vehicle turn-by-turn directions generally from the current location to the destination, the turn-by-turn directions being derived from a database and a display in the vehicle, preferably at the interior rearview mirror assembly, displaying turn-by-turn instructions to the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20040004841
    Abstract: A light assembly for a vehicle mirror is provided. The light assembly in one aspect has a light directing arrangement attached to a transparent pane, which directs a light beam into a specified zone, controls a color of the light beam and controls an intensity of the light. In another aspect, a pane is provided having similar attributes and a water drain and drip edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Georg Hecht
  • Publication number: 20040004842
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stidham, Dale Gathergood, Charles Furlotte
  • Patent number: 6672744
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a case having a reflective, prismatic mirror element, a support on the assembly for mounting the assembly on the interior of a vehicle, a day/night actuator mounted for movement between day and night positions on the case to change the amount of light reflected by the prismatic mirror element, and a lever mounted for movement on the case and engaging the actuator to move the actuator between the day and night positions. The lever includes a curved configuration adapted to mate and correspond with a portion of the case when the actuator is in the day and night positions. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is a pivot lever which extends outwardly through an aperture in the case and has concave and convex areas which mate with opposed portions of the aperture in which the lever is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6669267
    Abstract: An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The vehicle door assembly includes a door frame, which includes a cap and/or mirror mounting region, a lock and/or latch mechanism, a mirror connector, electronic controls, regulators, trim pieces, and/or the like, and is mountable to a vehicle at the vehicle assembly plant as a single unit. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Peter J. Whitehead, David E. Nestell, Loren B. Renkema
  • Publication number: 20030227779
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a support base for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle and a mirror housing pivotally connected to the support base by a pivot mechanism for movement between an extended use position and a folded position. A glass mirror pane is connected to the mirror housing and pivotal between a plurality of articulated position for providing a reflective view from the vehicle. A light source is supported by the support base for illuminating an array of light from the mirror assembly. An actuator is connected to the light source and a controller is coupled to the actuator for illuminating and controlling the light source to project the array of light in a selective one of a plurality of discrete directions from the mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Keith D Foote
  • Patent number: 6657767
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly of the present invention includes a circuit board disposed behind the mirror. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board and may include an LED mounted to project light through a transparent window in the flexible circuit board and through the mirror. The flexible circuit board may function as a mirror heater and may include conductive paths for connection to the LED and/or electrodes of an electrochromic mirror. The LED may include an LED chip mounted directly on the circuit board and encapsulated thereon by an encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20030214733
    Abstract: To provide a camera built-in type rearview mirror device with illumination, wherein rigidity of the mirror housing can be raised, the camera main body part can photo a clear picture by extensive photographing feasible viewing angle through a transparent cover, and built-in of the camera module is simple. Mirror housing 2 includes concave part 2C formed in an opening manner downwardly which is arranged in the vicinity of photographing window 2B where lens 5B of the camera main body part 5A is faced, and capable of accommodating an illumination light source. For this reason, opening area of the photographing window 2B is decreased. Also, the circumference of the photographing window 2B is reinforced by the cross-sectional box type form of the concave part 2C. Especially a bulge part with circular curved section is formed so that the lens of the camera main body part may rush in, to thereby decrease the opening area of the photographing window further. Then rigidity of the mirror housing 2 is further raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fujikawa, Yoshinori Hitomi, Hisaya Suzuki, Akiyoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6650457
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, an angularly adjustable power pack, wires for supplying power and mirror angle control, an electrochromic mirror subassembly including a heater, and a turn signal device. The components include individual connectors that plug into a multi-prong connector on the bundle of wires, or that piggyback into each other. Optionally, the heater incorporates an internal wire with end connectors for communicating power to opposite sides of the heater, and also includes layers of light-transmitting/diffusing material for diffusing light passing from the turn signal device through the diffusing material. A printed circuit board fits into a pocket in the panel-shaped carrier, and an integral retainer releasably secures the printed circuit board. The power pack is attached to the carrier via a ring of resilient fingers, and a continuous hoop flange prevents distortion of the carrier and in turn of the glass elements in the mirror subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Bradley L. Northman, Kenton J. Ypma, Randall J. Beute, John K. Roberts, Wayne M. Jordan, Edward L. DeNave, Daniel J. Bostwick, Randall S. Braun, Gregory A. Bosch, Timothy A. Bonardi
  • Patent number: 6648477
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Rick Mousseau, Darryl P. DeWind
  • Patent number: 6644838
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stidham, Dale Gathergood, Charles Furlotte
  • Publication number: 20030206417
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light that provides an advanced notification system to approaching vehicles that the driver of the vehicle intends to turn or make a lane change. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element and a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing, and at least one signal light positioned in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and a light conduiting member which is adapted to project a pattern of light from the housing and yet restrict light from extending into the vehicle so that a driver seated in the vehicle does not directly-observe the pattern of light. The light source may be provided by a light pipe which is optically coupled to a remote light source located, for example, in the vehicle. Preferably, the pattern of light extends rearwardly, forwardly, and laterally from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the state of Michigan
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6642840
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly having a mirror, an imaging device and a monitor is provided for a vehicle. The monitor and the mirror may be integrated in the housing to provide the driver of the vehicle with at least two fields of view simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North Amicica, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Michael Witzke
  • Patent number: 6642851
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly having a directional information display providing directional information to the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. The directional information is derived from a compass sensor disposed in a mirror housing of the interior mirror assembly. The mirror housing connects to a mirror support by a pivot member and is adjustable by a driver of the vehicle in order to set a rearward field of view of a reflective element. A second information display may be included in the assembly to display other information related to the vehicle or vehicle accessories such as one or more of vehicle related status or warning information comprising supplemental inflatable restraint system information, vehicle accessory information, communication information, status of tire inflation information, weather information, traffic information, toll booth information, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6639519
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system comprises an interior rearview mirror system that includes an interior electrochromic reflective element that assumes an interior mirror electrochromic reflective element partial reflectance level in response to an interior mirror electrochromic reflective element drive signal. A housing is provided for the interior mirror electrochromic reflective element. The vehicular rearview mirror system includes a circuit board and a digital electrochromic drive circuit, the drive circuit supplying a drive signal to the interior mirror electrochromic reflective element. The vehicular rearview mirror system includes a garage door opener; the garage door opener including a transmitter and a logic circuit for transmitting garage door opening signals. The circuit board includes a microcontroller shared, at least in part, by the electrochromic drive circuit and the logic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Drummond, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 6637917
    Abstract: A side flashing lamp (4, 4′) for fitting in the cover cap (2) of an external rear view mirror (1) for motor vehicles, comprising a lamp housing having an elongate light exit opening (3) which in the installed condition extends from the outward side of the cover cap (2), which is remote from the vehicle, substantially horizontally towards the vehicle, at least one group of light sources (12) which are arranged distributed substantially uniformly along a line which in the installed condition extends substantially horizontally over the width of the light exit opening (3), and at least one optically active device (10) which focuses the light of the at least one group of light sources (12) in a main radiation direction which in the installed condition faces substantially in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fer Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventors: Martina Schwanz, Rolf Kuenstler, Daniel Matthie, Markus Braeutigam
  • Publication number: 20030193814
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is described and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein each of the surfaces simultaneously reflects visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation and passes electromagnetic radiation; and an emitter for emitting visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation is provided, and wherein the emitted visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation may be simultaneously viewed from locations forward of the opposite first and second surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20030193815
    Abstract: A side mirror cover for allowing flickering or illumination of lamps to be visible from relatively a wide range is provided. The side mirror cover has a mirror cover body and a cover lamp. The lamp has a lamp housing having plural light emitting elements and a translucent lamp cover for covering the elements. The housing has a curved first corner section for closing up a part of the through hole and a first principal portion for closing up the remainder thereof. The lamp cover has a second corner section facing the first corner section and a second principal portion facing the first principal portion. The light emitting elements include first LEDs and second LEDs for emitting light toward the front and the side of the vehicle, respectively. The inner surface of the lamp cover has a projected portion facing the second LED, and the inner surface of the second corner section has concavities and convexities for reflecting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Esam Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuharu Mishimagi
  • Patent number: 6630888
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle, and a mirror pane configured for attachment to the housing. The mirror pane has a reflective surface defining a first portion and a second portion, the reflective surface being partially removed such that the first and second portions are partially reflective and partially transmissive. At least one picture taking apparatus is located on a rear side of the mirror pane and adjacent the first portion of the mirror pane, and a sensor is located on the rear side of the mirror pane for sensing an ambient light level. A radiation emitting element is located on the rear side of the mirror pane, the second portion being disposed in front of the radiation emitting display element such that the radiation emitting element emits light at least partially through the second portion. The radiation emitting element is activated upon the sensor element sensing an ambient light level below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Lang-Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Heinrich Lang, Christopher Renner, Wolfgang Seiboth
  • Patent number: 6623134
    Abstract: A light-emitting structure of the automotive exhaust tailpipe includes an outer tubular member which is fitted over the exhaust tailpipe and is provided with an inner tubular member fitted thereinto along with a first retaining member. A second retaining member is fitted over the inner tubular member such that a receiving space is formed between the first retaining member and a second retaining member for receiving a heat-resistant piece. The second retaining member is provided with a plurality of light bulb sockets. The automotive exhaust tailpipe is thus provided with a light-emitting effect to reinforce the warning effect of the tail lights of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sound Ware Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tien Chang
  • Patent number: 6619827
    Abstract: A headlamp arrangement designed and configured to slow light-and-shade changes in a light-and-shade boundary portion of a light distribution. A vehicle headlamp 1 includes a reflector 2 having a substantially spheroidal reflective surface 2a, a light source 3 disposed at a first focal position F1 of the reflector, a projection lens 4 that forwardly projects the light reflected from the reflector 2 and that is disposed in front of the light source, a cutline-forming shade 5 whose upper edge 5a is disposed substantially at the focal position f of the projection lens, and a dimmer shade 6 whose front end portion 6a is positioned closer to the reflective surface than it is to the second focal point F2 of the reflector. The dimmer shade is disposed above the optical axis x—x of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Uchida
  • Patent number: 6616312
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Carter
  • Patent number: 6616314
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror element supported by a mirror support of synthetic material. The mirror element is adjustable by a motor that is electrically operable to adjust the rearward field of view of the mirror element. A mirror support incorporates at least one electric strip conductor and provides an electrical connection to the motor. Preferably, the motor is mounted in an actuator module which supports the mirror element. The actuator module is mounted to the mirror support. Electrical connections between the mirror element, actuator module, and mirror support may be made by plug and socket connectors such as jack connectors. At least one of the jack connectors is preferably interconnected to the electric strip conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Wolfgang Thau
  • Patent number: 6616313
    Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a motor vehicle inside a housing 4. One or more light emitting diodes 9 which emit substantially white light are employed as lighting emitters. On account of the small amount of waste heat of the light-emitting diodes 9 the lighting device can be particularly easily integrated into existing subassemblies of the motor vehicle, in particular into the outside mirrors, inside mirror, trim strips and door handles, and can serve to illuminate the region around the vehicle or the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Fürst, Harald Buchalla
  • Patent number: 6614579
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a proximity switch comprises a radiation emitter for emitting radiation, at least one photosensor for detecting light levels near the radiation emitter, and an electronic circuit for energizing the radiation emitter and for receiving and processing signals from the photosensor so as to perform a specified function upon detecting an object that causes the radiation emitted from the radiation emitter to be reflected back to the photosensor. According to another embodiment, a rearview assembly for a vehicle comprises a transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Jeremy A. Fogg, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6614103
    Abstract: There is provided a flexible circuit module, including at least one rigid carrier, at least one solid state device mounted over a first side of the at least one rigid carrier, a flexible base supporting a second side of the at least one rigid carrier, a conductive interconnect pattern on the flexible base, and a plurality of feed through electrodes extending from the first side to the second side of the at least one rigid carrier and electrically connecting the conductive interconnect pattern with the at least one of a plurality of the solid state devices. The solid state devices may be LED chips to form an LED array module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Matthew Durocher, Ernest Wayne Balch, Vikram B. Krishnamurthy, Richard Joseph Saia, Herbert Stanley Cole, Ronald Frank Kolc