Rear View Mirror Patents (Class 362/494)
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Patent number: 8919971Abstract: The invention is related to an interior rear view mirror that is constructed by front plastic glass shaped in u-form and a mirror housing. The mirror comprises a second plastic glass which crate a inter glass space for a device which changes the reflectivity of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Ulrich Bruhnke, Oliver Eder, Kurt Wilfinger
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Patent number: 8915631Abstract: An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes exterior rearview mirror assemblies mounted at respective sides of the vehicle. The mirror assemblies include a light module and a camera. The cameras are part of a multi-camera vision system that includes a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by the vehicle driver. The indicator of the light module includes a signal light that is configured to provide light that is observable to another driver of another vehicle who is (i) approaching the vehicle from its rear and/or (ii) overtaking the vehicle in the side lane adjacent to the side of the vehicle at which mirror assembly is mounted. Actuation of the signal light provides (i) light forwardly of the vehicle so that drivers of other vehicles approaching the vehicle may observe the actuated signal light and/or (ii) light laterally with respect to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8915630Abstract: An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly having an indicator having at least one light emitting diode. The indicator may include a light guiding element that guides light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode. The at least one light emitting diode may be associated with circuitry of the exterior mirror assembly. During low ambient lighting conditions at night, the intensity of light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode of the indicator is reduced under photosensor control to a nighttime intensity level. The nighttime intensity level is greater than about 0.3 candela and is less than about 200 candelas.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8888341Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror, Between a circumferential edge of a mirror body 2 of a reflection mirror unit 1 in which a lighting unit 10 is incorporated and a flange on a circumferential edge 3a of a holder 3, a gap 4 for light emission is provided in a state in which the circumferential edges thereof are partially spaced from each other in a radial direction, and in the gap, a light emitting portion 10L of the lighting unit 10 is secondarily disposed. In this manner, a driver can directly visually recognize light that is emitted from the light emitting portion 10L, and a decrease in reflection area of the mirror body 2, which is caused by forming the gap 4, can be restrained to its required minimum level, making it possible to ensure an effective field of view of the door mirror.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Endoh, Keisuke Honda
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Patent number: 8882315Abstract: External rear-view mirror assembly comprising a housing (1), a circuit board (3) supporting a plurality of LEDs LED-1, LED-2, an opaque cover (5) arranged in front of the circuit board (3) and provided with a plurality of through holes (5a), said cover having a shape adapted to the front external surface (1a) of the rear-mirror (1), which comprises at least a prism (6) with a first surface (6a) in contact with at least a LED 4, and a second surface (6b) fitting within at least one of said holes (5a) and aligned with the front external surface (5b) of the cover (5), said second surface (6b) being a Fresnel lens adapted to direct the light coming from said LED 4 in a predetermined direction D.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Fico Mirrors, S.A.Inventors: Juan Nestor Ruiz Ortega, Maria Luisa Novella Requena
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Patent number: 8845156Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a long solid-core shaped light guide; a first light source that irradiates an end portion of the long solid-core shaped light guide in a longitudinal direction such that light is radiated long from an end side of the vehicle lamp toward another end side of the vehicle lamp; and a second light source that irradiates the another end side of the vehicle lamp to a lateral outer side.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Yasushi Kawaji, Hitoshi Kurihara, Tatsuya Sugamoto
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Patent number: 8833987Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic mirror reflective element and a heater pad disposed at a fourth surface of the rear substrate, with the heater pad having a substantially non-light transmitting portion and a light transmitting portion. A mirror back plate is disposed at said heater pad and has a plate portion having a rear plate surface and having a front plate surface facing the heater pad. The mirror back plate has a first structure at the rear plate surface that is configured to attach at an actuator of an exterior rearview mirror assembly. An indicator element is disposed at a second structure at the rear plate surface of the mirror back plate. The indicator element, when its light source is activated, emits light through the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and through the mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8827517Abstract: A rearview assembly having a mounting structure configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A housing is operably connected with the mounting structure and a rearward viewing device is supported by one of the housing and the mounting structure. The rearward viewing device provides a rearward view to a vehicle driver and includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. The entire front surface of the front substrate is exposed and the entire rear substrate is positioned behind the front substrate. A concealing layer is disposed about a periphery of the rearward viewing device between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A partially optically transparent bezel is disposed adjacent to both the rearward viewing device and the housing, the optically transparent bezel having an edge radius greater than 2.5 mm and the optically transparent bezel being substantially flush with the front surface of the front substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David J. Cammenga, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, William L. Tonar, Jeremy A. Fogg, Michael F. Lisowski, Peter N. Rizk
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Publication number: 20140218946Abstract: The invention relates to a short-range cornering light in the exterior mirror (3) of a vehicle, which contains at least one lighting unit (5) that comprises at least one mirror blinker, characterized in that the lighting unit (5) contains means for illuminating a short-range area (6) that extends at least alongside the vehicle and in front of the exterior mirror (3) in the driving direction, wherein the means can be activated below a threshold speed of the vehicle (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.I.Inventor: Daniel Fritz
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Patent number: 8794806Abstract: A light module for displaying a signal in a rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a circuit carrier, at least one light source disposed on the circuit carrier and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is for connecting the circuit carrier to an interface that is disposed at a distance from the circuit carrier and that leads to at least one of a control unit and a current or voltage source. The power supply circuit and circuit carrier are made of the same material, are configured in one piece and are formed by a flexible printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KGInventors: Heiko Boehland, Olaf Runge, Guido Renner
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Publication number: 20140211492Abstract: A single-substrate mirror element defined by a transflective metal layer—non-metal layer—metal layer coating disposed on the first surface of the substrate and enabled to meet the requirements of operation in an exterior rearview assembly and to provide for stealthy appearance of a light source of the assembly disposed behind the mirror element. The appearance of the mirror element, defined in parameters of the CIELAB color system, is substantially color-neutral, while tuning of reflectance and transmittance characteristics can be achieved substantially independently from one another. Reflectance value and measure of color content of light specularly reflected by the mirror at non-zero angles remains substantially stable within wide range of angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: George A. Neuman, Jeffrey A. Forgette
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Patent number: 8783924Abstract: A wide angle illumination assembly for mounting on a vehicle has a reflector with a multifaceted reflective surface of that defines a convex arcuate configuration in a predetermined plane and an plurality of LEDs positioned with respect to the multifaceted reflective surface to emit light onto the multifaceted reflective surface. The multifaceted reflective surface is configured and the LEDs are so positioned with respect to the multifaceted reflective surface so that the light emitted from the reflector has a luminous intensity of at least 50% of the maximum intensity of the light in a narrow band through an arc of at least 90° of the reflector in the predetermined plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Soundoff Signal, Inc.Inventor: Marc Zuiderveen
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Patent number: 8779914Abstract: A safety rearview mirror for the backseat of automobile vehicles, comprising a rigid plaque which has on one of its faces a finished and reflective surface and on the other face an opaque covering, except for at least, a zone free of the covering, wherein this zone corresponds to signs and/or drawings which are visible through transparency due to a light source associated with the other face. The light source may be of the LED/LCD type or an incandescent lamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventor: Luis Ros Santasusana
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Patent number: 8770810Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly is proposes having at least a mirror base and a mirror head covering a mirror glass (54) mounted into the mirror head and an optical alert indicator (62) that produces light in reaction to a sensor signal to inform operator (28) about hazardous information and the light shines through the mirror glass (54). The mirror glass (54) is mounted to a backing plate (52) that has a mounting surface (53) for at least one LED (64) and at least one light guide structure that can be a wedged light guide or a light guide pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Soenke Goldschmidt, Xavier Beuzeville, Thomas Baggi
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Patent number: 8764256Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system of a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The light module includes a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light. The illumination sources are individually controlled responsive to said the input to provide a customized illumination beam emanating from the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The system may include a control that is responsive to the user input to selectively individually energize the light emitting diodes, and the control may individually adjust a duty cycle of each of the light emitting diodes responsive to the user input. The light module may include a ground illumination light source, a backup light source and a turn signal indicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 8757854Abstract: The present invention relates to a front turn light on rear view mirror of motorcycle, which includes a rear view mirror housing and a front turn light mounted at the front part of the rear view mirror housing The front turn light has a LED light source(s) and a condenser lens(es) which is mounted in front of the LED light source(s) The front turn light further includes a front turn light face-plate and a front turn light housing which is mounted on the front turn light face-plate to form an internal cavity between the front turn light housing and the front turn light face-plate, where the LED light source(s) is mounted in the internal cavity and the condenser lens(es) is mounted in the front turn light face-plate, the front turn light is mounted inside the rear view mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors (Taicang) Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhenxing Mi, Jun Ye
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Patent number: 8740427Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optimal coupling of light into a light conductor in an illuminating element in a vehicle rear view device, which comprises a light conductor with a coupling surface. The light conductor is placed at a distance from a TIR lens and a light source of at least one LED. The LED protrudes into a recess of the TIR lens, which includes the LED.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Arne Schmierer
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Patent number: 8733991Abstract: A vehicle lamp is formed using a light guide body. Thus light with an excellent aesthetic quality can be emitted without increasing the number of components. The structure has a light guide part (6a) formed on a light guide member (6). The light guide part (6a) emits light in an elongated shape by irradiating a first light-emitting diode (9) provided on one end of the light guide part (6a) in the longitudinal direction. A projecting part (6g) projects reward on the rear face of the light guide part (6a), which is the light-emitting face. A light emission suppressing part (6h) is provided on the projection end face of the projecting part (6g) and has a metal film (6f) formed by vapor deposition.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Hitoshi Kurihara, Akifumi Suzuki, Atsushi Obata
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Patent number: 8730551Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Henry A. Luten, David J. Cammenga, Juan C. Lara, Jeffrey A. Forgette
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Patent number: 8708536Abstract: An optic assembly has a reflector with a reflective surface, one or more light sources, and mask assembly with one or more apertures. Light rays from a light source are refocused and substantially converged before being emitted through one or more apertures in the mask assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.Inventor: Daniel J. Mathieu
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Patent number: 8696179Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that houses a reflectance element. A turn signal indicator unit is disposed at a portion of the housing and has an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with the enclosure. The turn signal indicator unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, may individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd. When the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by the turn signal indicator unit may be principally directed away from the side of the vehicle at which the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventor: Todd W. Pastrick
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Publication number: 20140092614Abstract: A light housing is adapted for attachment to a mirror unit and includes a light source. The light housing has a closed end, which includes at least three rearward sides, where the at least three rearward sides are adapted for engagement with the mirror unit. An opening formed in the closed end is adapted for attachment of the light source through the closed end.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Paul Duncan, James Michael Deneau, Doug Hank Randlett
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Patent number: 8686840Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory disposed at and behind a windshield of the vehicle and a control having digital circuitry and a microcontroller. The accessory includes a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The microcontroller may control at least one of (i) the forward facing camera, (ii) an actuator of the vehicle, (iii) a garage door opener of the vehicle, (iv) an electro-optic rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, (v) a digital sound processor of the vehicle, (vi) a display of the vehicle and (vii) lighting of the vehicle. The control is operable to at least one of send data to and receive data from at least one other accessory or system of the vehicle via a vehicle network of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: John P. Drummond, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8678627Abstract: A covering (16) for an exterior rear view mirror assembly for motor vehicles includes a plurality of covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) defining a contact point (24) between each of the plurality of covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20). At least one of the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) is provided in a two-component or multi-component injection molding procedure. A coating (25) of plastic forms an outer layer, which covers the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20). The coating (25), being a light-resistant and transparent plastic, forms a high-gloss surface. One of the covering parts (17, 18, 19, 20) is void of the coating (25) at the contact point (24).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Gregor Serve, Peter Hein
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Patent number: 8662723Abstract: The invention is related to a method for assembly a turn signal indicator module mounted into a rear view mirror comprising a housing. A LED, a light guide and a lens of the turn signal indicator module are mounted in steps as: Mounting the LED on a printed circuit board, fixing the printed circuit board at the light guide to define a strict relation between the LED and the light guide and mounting the light guide, the lens and the housing to form a turn signal indicator module.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Arne Schmierer
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Patent number: 8662724Abstract: An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes driver-side and passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assemblies including respective driver-side and passenger-side light modules and driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The light modules provide a driver-side indicator and a passenger-side indicator. The driver-side light module and the passenger-side light modules are disposed at respective mirror housing portions and move therewith when the exterior mirror housing portion moves relative to the mounting portion between its normal operating position and its folded position. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera are part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle, and the multi-camera vision system has a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The displayed images displayed by the display device may include an image portion derived from image data captured by at least one of the driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8653959Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly with an electrochromic reflective element. The reflective element has an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate and has a transflective third-surface mirror reflector. A video display is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector. The video display includes a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes that are operable by a control. The control includes DC to DC conversion circuitry that includes circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage that is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of the plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than the ignition voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Niall R. Lynam, John O. Lindahl
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Patent number: 8643481Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview minor assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Rodger William Eich
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Patent number: 8624521Abstract: A ground-illuminating lamp for a vehicle rearview mirror comprises a remote controller (2), a control circuit (1) and an illuminating lamp (3), wherein the remote controller (2) sends out instructions for turning on or turning off the illuminating lamp (3) to the control circuit (1) according to user's requirements, the control circuit (1) receives the instructions and controls the illuminating lamp (3) to turn on or turn off the illumination, and the illuminating lamp (3) is mounted at the lower portion of the rearview mirror.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Jianzhong Wang
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Patent number: 8608355Abstract: The invention is related to a rear view mirror formed by a plastic glass structure and mirror housing. The plastic glass allows smooth edges and a bezel free appearance of the mirror. The plastic glass allows in addition to shine through the mirror body to create different types of illumination in the passenger's cabin.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Ulrich Bruhnke, Oliver Eder, Kurt Wilfinger
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Patent number: 8602573Abstract: An electronics module is attachable to an exterior mirror of a vehicle and supports a camera and/or a display. The electronics module may be an add-on device that is retrofittable to the exterior mirror. The display may be arranged to display an indication of a distance between a back of the vehicle and an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Velvac IncorporatedInventor: Robert R. Brester
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Patent number: 8599259Abstract: To facilitate discrimination of a curb, a gutter or the like by using an infrared illuminating device and an infrared-sensitive image pickup device mounted on an exterior mirror of a vehicle when the vehicle is pulled over to a shoulder at night. Two illuminating devices having optical axes oriented downward are mounted on a housing of a side mirror at a distance from each other in the lateral direction of a vehicle. The illuminating devices alternately emit infrared light downwardly. An image pickup device sensitive to infrared light having an optical axis oriented downward is mounted on the housing at a middle position between the left and right illuminating devices. An image taken by the image pickup device is displayed on an image monitor disposed at a position where the monitor can be viewed from the driver seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Hidenori Sato
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Patent number: 8599037Abstract: The door mirror for an automobile including a light diffusing section disposed between the side object detection symbols and the first and second LEDs. Relative dispositions between the side object detection symbols and the first and second LEDs are such that the optical axis of the first LED intersects with a host vehicle display section and the optical axis of the second LED intersects with an other vehicle display section. The relative dispositions enable uniform illumination of the side object detection symbols using the two LEDs. Furthermore, the optical axis of the first LED intersects with a light non-transmissive portion of the host vehicle display section and the optical axis of the second LED intersects with a light non-transmissive portion of the other vehicle display section.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventor: Shinya Takayanagi
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Patent number: 8596839Abstract: The invention is related to a lighting element for a homogenous light appearance used in automotive devices. The lighting element has a light guide structure illuminated by a LED that feeds light into the light guide at the edge of the light guide. The diffuser pane forms a diffuser layer on the light guide surface and light guide and diffuser layer consist of plastic material and are in integrally molded together in a 2-K molding process.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Daniel Fritz
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Publication number: 20130314933Abstract: A driving safety assembly contains an anti-slip foot mat and an auxiliary illumination device, the anti-slip foot mat including a body having two through holes to insert through two ropes which are connected with a screw element on a bottom end of a seat, hence the anti-slip foot mat is fixed securely. Thereby, the body is connected with the screw element of the seat by ways of the two ropes or the retaining member, thus prevent the anti-slip foot mat from sliding during driving a car.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: SHUN-SHEN WANG
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Patent number: 8568005Abstract: A multi-signal exterior rear-view mirror assembly that includes: a structural part forming a perimetric frame (Fr) defining the contour of a first opening towards the rear (Op1), which encompasses a main reflective plate glass (G1); a second front opening (Op2) in an area opposite or adjacent to the main plate glass (G1), a first light module (D1) suitable for emitting a first turn signal through the second opening (Op2) towards the front and towards the side, and a second light module (D2, D2G) suitable for emitting a second turn signal towards the rear synchronized with the first turn signal for producing one and the same function, the second light module (D2, D2G) being independent in construction from the first light module (D1), and being located in a portion of the structural part (Fr) forming a perimetric frame or in a portion of an adjacent part.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventors: Alejandro Rodríguez Barros, José Rodríguez Fernández
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Patent number: 8568006Abstract: Arrangement accuracy of a transmission member with respect to an exposure hole is increased. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a turn lamp is assembled to a bracket, a visor rim, and a visor cover, and an exposure portion of a lamp lens of the turn lamp is exposed by an exposure hole of a lower visor cover. As an anchor plate of the lower visor cover is inserted into an anchoring hole of the lamp lens and a fitting column of the lamp lens is inserted into a fitting hole of the lower visor cover, the lamp lens is positioned in the lower visor cover. Therefore, the accuracy precision of the exposure portion with respect to the exposure hole can be increased, thereby enhancing the appearance of a gap between the exposure portion and the periphery of the exposure hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Hiroto Asai
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Patent number: 8562189Abstract: An exterior mirror is proposed, which is configured with an LED as a signal light in the simplest manner. A contact body at the LED facilitates simple assembly and simple contacting of the LED.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Arne Schmierer
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Patent number: 8564425Abstract: A blind spot monitoring and visual display for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side mounted rear view mirrors with one of the rear view mirrors mounted on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of electronic or ultrasonic sensors with one of the sensors disposed on an outer edge of each of the mirrors and each of said sensors constructed and arranged to monitor the blind spots on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of warning lights with one of the warning lights disposed on an inner edge of each of the mirrors to indicate that there is another vehicle in one of the blind spots. In addition, there is a third sensor for sensing the position of the steering wheel or front wheels of the motor vehicle and an audio alarm for warning a driver that there is another motor vehicle in the area that he is moving into to avoid an eminent accident.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventor: Ahmad I. S. I. Al-Jafar
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Patent number: 8559092Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Mark D. Bugno, William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
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Patent number: 8550675Abstract: An outside mirror lighting assembly (100) and method includes a housing (108) and a first glass panel (101) where one or more light-emitting devices (107) are positioned at an edge of the first glass panel (101). Light rays from the at least one light-emitting device (107) propagate within the glass panel for illuminating its outer periphery. Words, logos, or other indicia (125) may be also be illuminated by direct or indirect light emitted into an etched area of the glass. The mirror assembly supplies a soft illuminated glow around the outer periphery and/or the indicia for providing a unique and pleasing appearance to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Edmund Fehn, David J. Cammenga, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Darin D. Tuttle, Mark A. Snyder
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Patent number: 8545070Abstract: Disclosed in a door mirror device capable of continuously emitting light from two light guides. The door mirror device comprises: a first light-emitting light guide arranged in the visor part of a door mirror foldably mounted on the door mirror support part of a vehicle; a second light-emitting light guide provided in the door mirror support part, an end of the second light-emitting light guide facing to an end of the first light-emitting light guide so as to have continuity with the first light-emitting light guide; and a light source configured to emit light toward the first light-emitting light guide and the second light-emitting light guide, the light source being provided in the visor part.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Koji Sakiyama, Mitsuru Kamikatano, Takashi Ichikawa, Bunji Inagaki, Masatsugu Ohashi, Takashi Ichikawa, Kazuya Umino
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Patent number: 8545071Abstract: Provided is a device for viewing a front-lateral area of a vehicle. A front-lateral viewing device (16) comprises a mirror body (41) of a door mirror (21), a mirror housing (42), a first reflection mirror (22) which is provided in the mirror (42) and which reflects a desired range from a front area to a lateral area with respect to a side portion (55) of a vehicle body, and a second reflection mirror (23) which reflects light from the first reflection mirror (22) toward a vehicle occupant. The mirror housing (42) has a recess (111) where a front surface (108) is inwardly recessed. The first reflection mirror (22) is provided in the recess (111). A blinker (14) is provided at a position spaced from an outer end (95) of the first reflection mirror (22) at a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Uematsu, Yuya Kishimoto, Norio Mugikura, Tomoaki Hosobe
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Publication number: 20130242586Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly and a light module disposed thereat. The light module includes a plurality of illumination sources operable to emit light in a generally forwardly direction with respect to the vehicle. The light module includes at least one turn signal indicator illumination source that, at least responsive to an activation of a turn signal by the driver of the equipped vehicle, is operable to emit light in a generally sidewardly and/or rearwardly direction with respect to the vehicle. The light module includes a light piping element and the turn signal indicator illumination source is disposed at an inboard end of the light piping element and the light piping element guides light emanating from the turn signal indicator illumination source along the light piping element and out an outboard end of the light piping element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Gregory A. Huizen, Keith D. Foote
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Patent number: 8534887Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having an electrochromic reflective mirror element. A mirror mount is configured for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly at an attachment element at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, with at least a part of the circuitry accommodated within the mirror head. At least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The portion includes a CMOS-based camera that, with the interior rearview mirror assembly normally mounted in the vehicle, has a field of view through a windshield of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8534886Abstract: An exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle includes driver-side and passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assemblies including respective driver-side and passenger-side light modules and driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The light modules are sealed so as to be substantially water-impervious, and the light modules provide at least one of (a) a driver-side floodlight and a passenger-side floodlight and (b) a driver-side indicator and a passenger-side indicator. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera are part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle, and the multi-camera vision system has a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The displayed images displayed by the display device include an image portion derived from image data captured by at least one of the driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8529108Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element having a front substrate and a rear substrate with an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween. When the front substrate is connected with the rear substrate via a perimeter seal, one of (a) a circumferential outer edge of the rear substrate is generally flush with a circumferential outer edge of the front substrate and no portion of the rear substrate substantially protrudes beyond the front substrate, and (b) at least a portion of a circumferential outer edge of the rear substrate is inward of a circumferential outer edge of the front substrate and no portion of the rear substrate substantially protrudes beyond the front substrate. A perimeter band is disposed at the second surface of the front substrate and around the perimeter border region of the second surface of the front substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John T. Uken, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8531279Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a bracket attached at a windshield of the vehicle. The accessory mounting system includes control circuitry housed in a housing, and the control circuitry is associated with an electronic device housed in the housing. The electronic device is selected from the group consisting of a microphone, a camera, an antenna, a loudspeaker, a rain sensor and an automatic toll booth transducer. The control circuitry is in communication with a vehicle bus system of the equipped vehicle. The bracket may include first structure and the housing may include second structure. The first structure and the second structure may be configured to enable the housing (i) to be attached to the bracket with the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield and (ii) to be detached from the bracket with the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
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Patent number: 8531278Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield that has a mounting element adhesively attached to its inner surface, an interior rearview mirror assembly, and an accessory support adapted for mounting to and demounting from the mounting element. The accessory support includes an accessory receiving portion configured to receive an accessory. The accessory support may comprise part of the interior rearview mirror assembly or may include a mirror mounting element with the interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to the mirror mounting element of the accessory support. The accessory comprises an imaging sensor and the accessory receiving portion is configured to receive the imaging sensor in a manner that compensates for the windshield angle of the windshield so that the imaging sensor has a more generally horizontal forward field of view through the windshield when the accessory support is mounted to the mounting element.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Joshua L. DeWard, Steven L. Brown, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: RE44787Abstract: An adjustable, elevated and externally mounted lighting device (21) for vehicles such as school busses (22) and other types of vehicles, that provides a pool of light (23) to passenger loading and unloading areas for better visibility of passengers, vehicle drivers, and other vehicle operators in the vicinity during hours of darkness. The light's adjustability, combined with a diffused lens (29), provides a broad and bright pool of light (23) without obstructing passenger visibility or driver use of side mirrors (30). The light (21) is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical power system and is activated automatically without distracting driver attentiveness, but with provisions for manual over-ride activation if needed in special circumstances such as emergencies or wheelchair loading/unloading.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Bus Safety Lights, LLCInventor: Lynn Emerson Burgess