Abstract: An alignment device for a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle provides a visible signal or indication to a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in aligning the rearview mirror assembly for proper rearward and/or sideward viewing. The alignment device is adaptable for interior and exterior rearview mirror assemblies. Preferably, the alignment device includes an illumination source positioned at or near the reflective element of the rearview mirror assembly. The illumination source is actuatable to provide the visible signal during an adjustment period of the rearview mirror assembly and may be deactivated following such time period.

Abstract: A mirror assembly particularly adopted as a side view mirror for a vehicle, the assembly being provided a mirror, a mounting plate for supporting the mirror, a light assembly having a lens at one end, a visor for accommodating the mirror and the light assembly. A joint element pivotally mounts a side of the light assembly to the mounting plate. The visor has a visor opening into which the lens is fitted, and a connection element for movably connecting an end of the visor opening and an end of the lens. A bias element in the form of a spring pivotally biases the end of the light assembly having the lens such that the connection element substantially closes any gap between the visor opening and the lens.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a casing with a reflective element and a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is dockable in and removable from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may comprise a light assembly which is useable as a flashlight independently of the interior rearview mirror assembly or useable as a map light when docked in the mirror assembly. The storage space may also be used to hold workpieces or the like.

Abstract: An illumination device for an exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a bulb holder which comprises a pair of stamped terminals and a housing which is preferably injection molded about the stamped terminals. One end of the stamped terminals provides for connection to a light bulb or other illumination source, while the other end of the stamped terminals provides for electrical connection to a vehicle or mirror wiring harness. Preferably, the body of the bulb holder is molded from a soft plastic material to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the bulb holder in the mirror assembly, and to further ease connection of the vehicle wiring harness to the wiring terminals. The soft plastic molding further provides a water-tight seal between the body and the stamped terminals and between the body and the illumination device of the rearview mirror assembly.

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.

Abstract: A warning light device for attaching onto various objects includes a housing having a base plate which has a forwardly and inwardly extended outer peripheral flange, for forming a chamber in the base plate. A cover includes a rearwardly extended outer peripheral flange engaged onto and secured to the outer peripheral flange of the base plate by welding processes. A circuit board is received in the base plate, and a number of light devices are attached to the circuit board for generating warning lights. A metal plate may maintain the housing in a suitable curvature.

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.

Abstract: A light assembly for exterior rearview mirrors of vehicles has a support and one or more first LEDs provided as luminous bodies arranged on the support. Two or more second LEDs are provided as luminous bodies and arranged on the support. The first LEDs have a current intensity that is higher than the current intensity of the second LEDs. At least one of the first LEDs is series connected to at least two of the second LEDs, and the at least two second LEDs are parallel connected to one another.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles includes a housing, a mirror support, a mirror element and other elements such as a mirror actuator or lighting unit each formed as a separate module and connected to each other by plug type or locking connectors. Electric conductors are integrated in the modules and/or connectors. A lower housing part receives an upper housing part along corresponding, generally horizontally extending, contact surfaces to form an exterior surface on the assembly.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A license light for a two-wheeled vehicle capable of uniformly illuminating a display plane of a license plate. A lamp main body is supported in a light housing portion of a light cover mounted to a license plate mounting portion of a rear fender. The lamp main body is configured such that a lamp fixed to a base via a socket is covered with a lens. A prism is provided on an upper surface portion of the lens through which light emitted from the lamp is directed for illuminating a display plane of the license plate. The prism is formed by arraying a plurality of prism elements, each of which is directed in a direction parallel to the center line of a vehicular body, in a direction perpendicular to the center line direction. The light emitted from the lamp is uniformly diffused by the prism, so that the license light is uniformly illuminated with the light with a uniform brightness.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system includes a rearview mirror assembly having an electro-optic reflective element, a housing for the reflective element and a control establishing a reflectance level of the reflective element. The control includes a circuit board having opposite sides and at least two photo-sensors on one of the sides. The system further includes at least one light conduiting element adapted to expose one of the at least two photo-sensors to a light environment that is different from the light environment to which the other of the at least two photo-sensors is exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus including at least one LED mounted to a printed circuit board, a reflector including at least one heat stake, and a mounting plate comprising at least one aperture for receiving the at least one heat stake. The at least one LED is positioned between the reflector and the mounting plate such that the at least one LED is held in position when the at least one heat stake is received within the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and a mirror case, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle. The mirror system further includes a display, which has at least one display character, and a display screen, which is provided at the mirror case. The display screen has a central viewing area generally aligned along a viewing axis. The display screen shifts the image of the display character from the display element, which is offset from the viewing axis, to the central viewing area of the display screen. The display screen shifts the image by at least one of refraction and diffraction so that the image of the display characters may be viewed by an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.

Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.

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.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-emitting opening in the enclosure, a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-emitting opening, and a cover for the light-emitting opening adapted to direct the light from the light source to an area adjacent the vehicle to create a security area. The light source may be supported by a pair of electrical contacts provided on the inner surface of the enclosure. The enclosure wall supporting the electrical contacts is preferably flexible, in order to allow the light source to be captured by the contacts. Attachment of the cover adds rigidity to the enclosure to prevent further flexure of the enclosure wall in order to firmly retain the light source.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle with a light is provided. The mirror assembly includes an exterior mirror assembly that is attached to the vehicle. A light source is removably positioned inside the exterior mirror assembly. A waveguide is positioned to transmit light from the light source to a location outside the exterior mirror assembly. The light source is secured to a light holder which is positioned inside and attached to the exterior mirror assembly. The light holder is configured to efficiently couple light from the light source to the waveguide.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing and an LED lamp carried in the housing. A signal mirror includes a mirror and an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a heat extraction member.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element, which comprises a mirror reflector. Preferably, an information display is positioned in the mirror case to the rear of the variable reflectance element. The information display preferably comprises a light source and a display element. The light source is positioned behind the display element so that light emitted by the light source impinges the display element. The display element comprises one or more indicia established at the display element by at least one of etching, printing, and forming on a surface of the display element. When the light source is illuminated behind the display element, the light emitted by the light source causes the information display to display at least one alphanumeric indicia, graphical indicia, or symbolic indicia. The mirror assembly also preferably includes a control for adjusting the light intensity emitted by the light source.

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.

Abstract: An illumination device for an exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a bulb holder which comprises a pair of stamped terminals and a housing which is preferably injection molded about the stamped terminals. One end of the stamped terminals provides for connection to a light bulb or other illumination source, while the other end of the stamped terminals provides for electrical connection to a vehicle or mirror wiring harness. Preferably, the body of the bulb holder is molded from a soft plastic material to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the bulb holder in the mirror assembly, and to further ease connection of the vehicle wiring harness to the wiring terminals. The soft plastic molding further provides a water-tight seal between the body and the stamped terminals and between the body and the illumination device of the rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly with a security light assembly which projects a pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly on a ground area adjacent a door of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. The security system further includes a control, which is responsive to approach by a person to the vehicle and actuates the security light assembly to generate the pattern of light from the exterior mirror assembly in order to provide the lighted security zone adjacent the side of the vehicle equipped with the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprises at least one light source in the form of a light emitting diode. To improve dissipation of the waste heat generated in the series resistor the series resistor includes a flat resistor portion which can be so arranged that it is in areal heat-conducting contact with a portion of the vehicle to which the lamp is fitted.

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 at least rearwardly and laterally from the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided comprising a mirror element supported by an actuator module. The actuator module comprises at least one motor electrically operable for adjusting the rearward field of view of the mirror element when the rearview mirror assembly is mounted to a side of the vehicle. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a support element adapted for receiving and securing the actuator module. One of the actuator module and the support element is provided with at least one electrical connector element and the other of the actuator module and the support element is provided with another electrical connector element corresponding with the at least one electrical connector element.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for use in a vehicle comprises a mirror stay assembly and an interior mirror having a mirror housing and a reflective element. The mirror stay assembly is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle and comprises a support member for the interior mirror, and at least one electronic accessory. The at least one electronic accessory of the mirror stay assembly comprises a video device comprising an imaging sensor selected from a CMOS-based micro-chip camera array and a CCD-based micro-chip camera array. The video device is adapted to view forwardly through the vehicle windshield to sense a taillight forward of the vehicle or an oncoming headlight to cause adjustment of a headlight of the vehicle on which the video device is mounted. The interior mirror may also include at least one electronic accessory with electrical wiring for that accessory preferably passing through the mirror stay assembly.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror-based navigation system includes a rearview mirror system, including an interior rearview mirror assembly, having an interior reflective element and interior mirror housing for the interior reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly further includes a scrolling display. The scrolling display displays scrolling driver informational messages on the scrolling display. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a global-positioning system display receiving an output from a global-positioning system receiving system and displaying turn-by-turn information to a vehicle driver.

Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A car reverse alerting and multi-functional display is disclosed. A display and trumpet are mounted on the multi-functional rear view mirror of a car. A charge coupling device, a microphone, and a car reverse sensor for monitoring the images, sounds and distance at a backside of the car are installed. The monitored analog electronic signals are decoded through a decoder so that the electronic signal is converted into a digital signal from an analog signal. Then, these signals are transferred to the multi-functional rear view mirror by cable or wireless devices. Then the signals are processed by a central processing unit. Then an image signal is outputted to a display for displaying; and meanwhile, the display outputs the sound signal from the microphone. The driver can reverse a car safely from the image and speech alert.

Abstract: An interior illuminating apparatus for a vehicle includes an interior rear-view mirror which is connected and fixed to an interior ceiling of the vehicle for observing the rear, an LED which is provided in vicinity of the interior rear-view mirror at a forward position in a traveling direction of the vehicle and radiates ultraviolet light onto a center part of an instrument panel, an operating unit adapted to receive the ultraviolet light from the LED and provided in the center part of the instrument panel, and a starting switch for actuating the LED on and off. The operating unit has fluorescent layers coated thereon and containing substance which emits fluorescence when irradiated with the ultraviolet light from the LED.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing generally downwardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle, a cover for the light-transmitting opening, and a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-transmitting opening. The light source may be received in a socket which removably engages another opening in the enclosure. In this manner, the light source may be replaced by removing the module from the exterior mirror housing, removing the socket from the enclosure and replacing the light source. The enclosure and mirror housing preferably are configured to self-retain the module in the exterior mirror moving with no, or fewer than one or two, separate fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes a housing and an LED lamp carried in the housing. A signal mirror, includes a mirror; and an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a heat extraction member.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: Interior vehicle instrumentation and/or console lighting is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly or interior lamp assembly incorporating a non-incandescent, directed, low level, low power, non-glare producing light emitting source. The source illuminates portions of the vehicle interior such as the instrumentation or controls in the instrument panel or console area. One or more of such light emitting sources is optionally mounted on or within the mirror case or mirror support separate from any conventional incandescent lamp or lamps which may be mounted in the mirror assembly to provide general interior lighting. Alternately, the light emitting source can be mounted on or within an interior vehicle lamp assembly such as a dome lamp, rail lamp, or the like. Preferably, the light emitting source is a solid state lamp such as a light emitting diode, is controlled via the ignition switch and/or a rheostat/dimmer switch, and most preferably provides a maximum illumination of about 0.2 to 4.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes a housing, a rearview mirror subassembly including a reflector in the housing, and an electrical circuit with switches adapted to interact with electrical systems in the vehicle. An elongated display area is formed in a face of the housing assembly, either under, aside or above the face. Switch buttons are positioned in the display area for operating switches in the electrical circuit. A compact display is incorporated into a face of the buttons. Specifically, a center region forms a symbol. A border is formed around the center region, and a third region is formed around the border. One of the center region, the border, and the outer region is light-transmissive, and the other two regions contrast in color. A light source is positioned to direct light toward the button face.

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 at least rearwardly and laterally from the vehicle.

Abstract: Illumination of a target location of a vehicle interior is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a solid-state light source which emits light generally downwardly from the assembly. The solid-state light source comprises a non-incandescent light source, preferably selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, a fluorescent light source, an electroluminescent light source and a laser light. Also, the solid-state light source preferably operates at a forward current of less than about 100 mA and has a cross-sectional area less than about 4 square centimeters. The target location may include at least one of a shift lever console and a floor console.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a colorless transparent front lens; a light source disposed in the lamp chamber; and a printed sheet disposed inwardly of the front lens. The printed sheet includes a colorless transparent sheet main body of synthetic resin having a pattern consisting of a predetermined colored transparent layer printed on an internal surface of the front lens. The colored transparent layer and a convex three-dimensional colorless transparent layer are formed in a laminated fashion as a lower layer and an upper layer, respectively, on an external surface of the sheet main body. A plating-like printed layer and a light shielding layer are formed in a laminated fashion as a lower layer and an upper layer, respectively, on an internal surface of the sheet main body at a location matching the location of the convex three-dimensional colorless transparent layer.

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.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes housing, a rearview mirror subassembly including a reflector in the housing, and an electrical circuit with switches adapted to interact with electrical systems in the vehicle. An elongated display area is formed in a face of the housing assembly, either under, aside or above the face. Switch buttons are positioned in the display area for operating switches in the electrical circuit. Where compact display is needed along with the button, the buttons each have a visible portion with a front symbol-forming window that is light-transmissive, and further with a perimeter made of a visible material that outlines and creates a border around the symbol-forming window, and still further with an opaque outer region that contrasts to the visible material. A light source is positioned to direct light toward each window.

Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror system having an electrochromic reflective element, a digital electrochromic drive circuit supplying a drive signal to the reflective element and a garage door opener. The garage door opener includes a transmitter and logic circuit. The logic circuit supplies signals to the transmitter for transmitting garage door opening signals. A microcontroller is provided which defines, at least in part, the digital drive circuit and logic circuit. In this manner, the digital electrochromic mirror system and the garage door opener have at least some components in common. The microcontroller communicates over a vehicle network with at least one module performing at least one other vehicle function. The vehicle network may have at least wired interconnections and may further have wireless interconnections.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for vehicles includes a housing, a mirror support, a mirror element and other elements such as a mirror actuator or lighting unit each formed as a separate module and connected to each other by plug type or locking connectors. Electric conductors are integrated in the modules and/or connectors. A lower housing part receives an upper housing part along corresponding, generally horizontally extending, contact surfaces to form an exterior surface on the assembly.

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.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle. The rear-view mirror has a mirror 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.

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.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for use in a vehicle includes a mirror stay assembly and an interior mirror. The mirror stay assembly includes a rigid mirror stay for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, a support member for the interior mirror, and at least one electronic accessory. The interior mirror has a reflective mirror element housed in a mirror housing and also includes at least one electronic accessory. The electronic accessory of the mirror stay preferably shares components with the electronic accessory of the interior mirror, and/or provides circuitry for the electronic accessory of the interior mirror. The electronic accessories can be an information display, light, antenna, video device, microphone, photosensor, detector, computer, printer, circuitry of various types, or other items.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror is disclosed for use in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, at least one solution-phase electrochromic material contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlying the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a coating of electrically conductive material that is at least partially transmissive and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.