Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly includes a mirror base configured to attach one or more accessories to the mirror base at an attachment point. The mirror base is attachable to a vehicle door. The vehicle mirror assembly also includes a powerfold assembly. The powerfold assembly includes a motor configured to move the mirror base, a motor assembly shield, a powerfold motor frame surrounding the motor, and a detent mechanism located between the powerfold assembly and the mirror base. The powerfold assembly is located in the vehicle door and is configured to allow movement of the mirror base when the mirror base experiences impact. Methods of manufacturing and operating the mirror assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A viewing neck posture discomfort relief accessory includes a user wearable head band assembly, and an optical assembly attached to the user wearable head band assembly. The user wearable head band assembly is worn by the user to place the optical assembly in front of the user's eyes. The optical assembly enables the user to look into the optical assembly in a forward direction so that the neck of the user can be held in a generally upright comfortable posture due to the optical assembly having pairs of mirrors that reflect the path of sight of the user' eyes from the forward direction to a downward direction to allow viewing an item, such as a book page or mobile device keyboard or screen, being held by the user in a generally horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is provided having a handle pivotally attached to a flat base, the base and handle having optional weights, the flat base providing resistance when the handle moves the base along a surface.

Abstract: A mirror assembly (1) includes a mirror head (4), a bracket (5) fastened to the mirror head, and fastening elements (6) located at the bracket at a distance from the mirror head and connectable to the wing mirror (2) of a vehicle (3). The bracket has bracket parts (7, 8) joined in a longitudinal direction and mutually connected through a pivoting element (9), wherein a bracket part (7) faces towards the mirror head (4) relatively to the pivoting element and another bracket part (8) faces away from the mirror head (4) relatively to the pivoting element. Because one of the fastening elements is located at the bracket part (7) facing the mirror head and another of the fastening elements is located at the bracket part (8) facing away from the mirror head, the mutual orientation of the fastening elements can be adjusted to the exterior shape of the wing mirror.

Abstract: A system for facilitating vehicular and/or foot traffic movement in a space. First and second lane routes are defined within the space for vehicular and/or foot traffic. Traffic moving in the first lane route either crosses the second lane or merges with traffic moving in the second lane route. A mirror system with a reflective surface is operatively situated within the space to allow traffic moving in at least one of the first and second lane routes to view, through the reflective surface on the mirror, traffic moving in the other of the first and second lane routes as the traffic in the at least one of the first and second lane routes approaches or arrives at a crossing or merge location. The mirror system has a source of illumination that generates an extended pattern of light around a portion of the reflective surface.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for facilitating the imaging of books are presented. A first transparent plate and a second transparent plate may be positioned at approximately a 45 degree angle to the first transparent plate. A dual-sided mirror may be configured to be positioned substantially parallel with the first transparent plate and to be positioned substantially parallel with the second transparent plate. The first side of the dual-sided mirror may be configured to reflect a first image of a first page of a book, the first image being received by the dual-sided mirror through the first transparent plate. The second side of the dual-sided mirror may be configured to reflect a second image of a second page of the book, the second image being received by the dual-sided mirror through the second transparent plate.

Abstract: A mirror assembly comprising primary and auxiliary mirror assemblies having complimentary recesses and protrusions on respective frame portions of the assemblies, the auxiliary mirror assembly adapted to be disposed at a plurality of positions along the primary mirror assembly when the recesses and protrusions are disposed in interfitting engagement.

Abstract: A mirror hangs from a transparent enclosure which may surround a shower, a bathtub, or other bathing area. The mirror may be in a position that avoids condensation on the surface of the mirror from steam emitted from the transparent enclosure. The mirror may also be in a position so that the mirror reflects light into the enclosure. An individual in the bathing area may use the mirror from inside the transparent enclosure without the mirror fogging, which is a common problem associated with using mirrors in a bathing area. The mirror may hang from the outside of the transparent enclosure and optionally includes a sealing element or a frame surrounding the reflective element to further avoid contact with steam.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including a mirror, a base and a flexible neck connecting the mirror and the base such that the neck can be manually manipulated to adjust the position of the base and the mirror relative to each other. The mirror assembly further includes a light source located on or adjacent to the mirror, and a power-source receiving receptacle located in the base, wherein the power-source receptacle cavity is electrically coupled to the light source.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a mirror unit for a vehicle, which includes a mirror case (10) having a receiving space formed therein; a pivoting bracket (20) axially coupled to an inside of the mirror case (10); a first operating unit (30) installed to a predetermined position in the mirror case (10) to rotate the pivoting bracket (20) as much as 180 degrees by one touch; and front and rear mirrors (40)(45) systematically attached and detached freely to/from both sides of the pivoting bracket (20).

Abstract: A dual magnification vanity mirror adjustable in height and orientation includes an elongated stanchion curved into the shape of a C having a downwardly depending threaded support leg insertably receivable through a central hole in a base plate and removably fastenable thereto by a nut threaded onto the leg. The mirror includes a mirror frame which holds therein a pair of back-to-back mirror plates of different relative magnifications, the frame being joined by a ball-and-socket joint to a bushing rotatably mounted on a horizontal end arm of the stanchion, whereby the frame is swivelable and/or rotatable about an axis of the ball-and-socket joint to adjustable azimuth and inclination angles, orbital about a longitudinal axis of the coupler bushing to an adjustable height, and secured thereat by a screw tightened into radial bore through the bushing onto the arm.

Abstract: In a spectrometer, preferably in a spectrometric microscope, input light is provided from a light source to a specimen via a source objective element (e.g., a Schwarzchild objective), and the aperture of the light source is matched to the aperture of the source objective element to maximize light throughput to the specimen. The light from the specimen is then collected at a collector objective element and delivered to a camera element, which in turn provides the light to a photosensitive detector. The apertures of the camera element and the collector objective element are also matched to maximize light throughput from the specimen to the detector. As a result, light loss from vignetting effects is reduced, improving the intensity and uniformity of illumination and the sensitivity and accuracy of spectral measurements.

Abstract: A safety mirror for attaching to a patrol car having a front, a driver side, and a driver side rear-view mirror, for use when an officer is walking back to the patrol car from a stopped vehicle located in front of the patrol car. The safety mirror has a housing having a front and a rear, a mirror surface located at the housing front, and a bracket extending rearwardly from the housing. The bracket is attached to the driver side door adjacent the rear view mirror, and the mirror surface is oriented forwardly. Accordingly when walking toward the patrol vehicle substantially alongside and parallel to the driver side, the officer can see the stopped vehicle in the mirror surface while simultaneously watching oncoming traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure having first and second opposite reflective sides and adapted to be removably attached to clothing. A method for signaling the presence of a user comprises providing a structure having first and second opposite reflective sides being adapted to removably attach to clothing, removably attaching the structure to clothes worn by the user and reflecting light from the structure.

Abstract: A switch for the optical switching of a light path, particularly for switching the entering of light into a fiber-optical light guide is provided. The switch dial has at least one mirror surface for reflecting the light and, for establishing the mirror surface, a support is equipped with a reflective layer, which support is constructed as a glass body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-view mirror having a mirror frame including an inwardly disposed center and two outwardly disposed mirror mounting elements attached to the frame on opposite sides of the center. The multi-view mirror includes a first mirror having an outward edge pivotally mounted to one of the mounting elements of the frame and an inward edge disposed inwardly of the outward edge near the center of the frame and a second mirror having an outward edge pivotally mounted to one of the mounting elements of the frame and an inward edge disposed inwardly of the outward edge near the center of the frame. The first mirror and second mirror are angularly positionable relative to the frame wherein at least one of the first and second mirrors are pivoted about one of the mounting elements to form a generally angled mirror.

Abstract: A rear-mounted mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing rear viewing as the vehicle is being backed up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position, once contact with an obstruction that have pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.

Abstract: A dual magnification reversible spot mirror device includes two mirrors having different magnifications, e.g., 5X and 10X, mounted back-to-back in a cylindrical frame ring which has an outer cylindrical wall surface from which protrudes a circumferential annular ring-shaped rib, and a mirror frame holder which has protruding forwardly from a base thereof a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, longitudinally disposed flange walls which are elastically deformable in a radially outwardly direction from a longitudinal center line perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: Actuator-controlled mirrors with a Z-stop mechanism to reduce an undesired translational motion of the mirrors.

Abstract: A circular mirror has a frame with peripheral groove and a peripherally mounted gooseneck which is dimensioned to be wrapped around the periphery of the frame and received in the groove. According to the invention, the gooseneck is long enough so that it can be used to support the mirror in a variety of ways. For example, the gooseneck can be extended its full length with its end bent into a hook and then hung from a door. The gooseneck can also be bent into a semi-circle or similar configuration to be used as a table top stand.

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

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

Abstract: A portable floor mirror system for allowing an individual to set up a mirror at a desired height and desired ambient light conditions situation that includes a tripod assembly with collapsible legs that supports a mirror assembly having a two-sided rotatable mirror which includes a triple magnification mirror on one side and a one magnification power mirror on the other.

Abstract: A multi-view side view mirror is provided having a mechanism that utilizes two individual mirrors, an upper mirror and an lower mirror. Along the side of the care, the mirrors are placed in the same position as conventional side-view mirrors. Although housed in the same frame, the lower mirror is independently functional of the other.

Abstract: A mirror for viewing the face at different magnifications selectable by the user includes a first, oval primary mirror comprised of a front mirror plate having a first magnification and a rear mirror plate concavely curved to provide a second, greater magnification, the front and rear primary mirror plates being held in a back-to-back arrangement within a bezel ring. The ring is pivotably supported within a yoke attached to the upper end of a stanchion which protrudes upwardly from a base, allowing the primary mirror to be pivoted about a horizontally disposed minor axis of the primary mirror, or about a vertical axis through the stanchion, thus presenting either the front or rear reflecting surface to a person located in front of the mirror.

Abstract: A Light-weight low cost mirror for astronomical purposes and a method of manufacturing said light-weight mirror is disclosed. The light-weight mirror is comprised of an optical plate a backing plate and a core disposed between said optical plate and said backing plate. The core is comprised of a plurality of core strips. Said core strips are assembled in an arrangement wherein the core strips, the optical plate and the backing plate form cavities by the intersection of the core strips with the backing and the optical plate. The cavities are open the outside diameter edge of the mirror. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing the mirror by fusing the core to opposing faces of the optical plate and backing plate. Melt support assemblies are used to support the unfused backing plate and core strips. The unfused assembly is heated to the glass melting temperature to fuse the core to the optical plate and backing plate.

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

Abstract: A method of widening the directional range of view of a mirror device without enlarging the surface area of the device by suitably combining a number of partially-reflecting surfaces includes provision to avoid discontinuities and overlaps in the field of view. It also makes it possible for the viewer to visually identify an image with the particular reflector that generates the image seen in the image field and hence relate it to a zone of the field of visibility wherein the object is located. A device incorporating the method can be useful as a side-view mirror of an automobile.

Abstract: A dual reflective element vehicle side view mirror including a mirror housing; a dual element mirror having a first surface having a reflective element thereon and a second surface opposite to and parallel with the first surface having a second reflective element thereon that is covered by a tinted transparent material; and a mirror positioning mechanism including a rotating pin in connection with the dual element mirror for rotating the dual element mirror from a first position to a second position. The mirror housing has rotation cavity formed therein in connection with a mirror opening sized to allow the dual element mirror to be placed there across in a manner such that a gap exists between the entire perimeter edge of the housing defining the mirror opening and the perimeter side edges of the dual element mirror. The rotation cavity is sized to allow the dual element mirror to rotate at least one-hundred eighty degrees about an axis positioned across the mirror opening.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reflective stretched membrane mirror for use in the collection and focusing of solar energy includes a tensioning fixture to which a plurality of air-actuated cylinders are attached. The piston arm of each cylinder is in turn connected to an air-actuated clamp which is designed to hold a portion of the peripheral edge of the reflective film which is to be stretched. Depending upon the properties of the film and its tensioning characteristics, cylinders which need the same air pressure are connected in common to a single regulator. The regulators are then connected to an air compressor and the sheet of reflective film is tensioned to a desired level at which point it is adhesively bonded to a circular frame. Once a first reflective film is bonded to a top side of the frame, the process is repeated with a second reflective film bonded to the back or opposite side of the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dimmable safety mirror which is adaptable for mounting over a conventional motor vehicle mirror. The safety mirror comprises a dimmable mirror subassembly having a surface selectively switchable between at least a high reflectance state and a low reflectance state and a mounting mechanism for attaching the dimmable mirror to the conventional mirror in a manner to make the dimmable surface a viewing surface of the safety mirror. In the case of a power loss, the dimmable mirror subassembly can be quickly and easily removed to make the conventional mirror the viewing surface.

Abstract: An optical viewing apparatus adapted to be worn on the face which enables the wearer to view directly downward while maintaining an erect head and a horizontal line of sight.

Abstract: An illuminated travel make-up mirror comprising a frame for pivotally mounting a mirror used in applying make-up. Small incandescent bulbs are arranged in a frame in spaced and opposing parallel rows in juxtaposition with the mirror, with the bulbs being seated in parallel paraboloidal reflectors and having their filaments located at the focus of the paraboloid. The axes of the bulbs and of the reflectors in each row are inclined at an angle with respect to the frame and towards each other so that the light rays therefrom converge at a locus or point beyond the face of a user to maximize illumination of the user's face.The bulbs are powered by electric batteries and switching impedance or resistance means are provided for dimming or reducing the intensity of the light rays. The mirror is provided with hinged front and rear covers and when folded towards each other allow the mirror to be self-supported for use on a flat surface.

Abstract: An optical radiation detector utilizes a unitary V-shaped or conical reflector element located within an internal cavity of an optically transmissive capped housing to provide a 180.degree. cylindrical swath or 2.pi. steradian hemispherical field-of-view in a compact package. Radiation from a central portion of the field-of-view received into the open top of the reflector is directed by internal reflective surfaces through an apex aperture onto a central sensing element. Radiation from peripheral points of the field-of-view received outside the open top is directed by external reflective surfaces outside the apex aperture onto outer sensing elements. Bandwidth filtering of the sensed radiation is provided either by selection of material for the cap, or by adding an optical filter plate between the reflector and sensing elements. The reflector is attached either to the undersurface of the cap top, or above the filter plate.