Siegel-robert, Inc.

Ralph W Alten

Alvin R Fleming

A variable reflectivity automobile mirror assembly is operable by automatic electrical circuitry responsive to variations of incident light upon the mirror and ambient light level about the automobile to provide positions of high and low reflectivity. The assembly also includes a support member or housing, a reflective mirror panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing and driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. the automatic circuitry can include photosensing means and means to combine the output of the photosensing means and to compare it to an independent source. The circuit can position the mirror in response to the output of the comparing means. The circuit can have means to automatically adjust the sensitivity of the circuit so that the incident light level needed to move the panel from the higher or lower reflectivity orientation decreases as ambient light level decreaases. This can be provided by the first and second photosensing means being part of an electrical bridge. Means are also provided to integrate the photosensing signals at different rates. A summer means can add the integrated signals. Means for preventing the mirror switching from a lower to a higher reflectivity position for a short time interval following switching to a lower reflectivity position is also provided. The present invention also includes circuitry for manual actuation of the mirror.

Automatic automobile rear view mirror assembly

An improved interior lighting system for use in an automobile incorporates a traditional manual switch and door switch for turning the interior light of the automobile on and off, and provides circuitry for causing the interior light to rise transiently to a maximum level when activated to turn on and for causing the interior light to decay transiently to a minimum level when activated to turn off. Circuitry is also provided to automatically turn off the interior light after a predetermined time lapses from the interior light being manually activated by the manual switch, when the ignition to the automobile is turned off. The lighting system also includes circuitry to cause the interior light to remain on for a predetermined time after the door of the automobile is opened, and circuitry to override the predetermined time delay when the ignition of the automobile is turned on.

Automobile interior light control system

The present invention includes a variable reflectivity mirror assembly to provide positions of high and low reflectivity which includes a support member or housing, a reflective panel, motor means, actuation means secured to the housing for driven by the drive element of the motor, and a timed-drive circuit for directing the current through the motor in opposite directions to move the mirror between the two positions. The present invention also includes a mechanism for actuating the mirror as well as the motor drive circuit and the push-button assembly for actuating the mirror.

Semi-automatic rear view mirror assembly

A sensing and adjustment assembly for a mirror on automobiles has a sensor comprising an electronic oscillator which is associated with a mirror position indicator member. Movement and position of the mirror is detected by the sensor. A driving arrangement responds to the sensor to move the mirror to a preset position which position is stored in a computer memory. The oscillator can have a winding of spiral shape and the indicator can comprise material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy, such as steel, and can be of substantially tapered shape such as substantially conical. The member can be moved through a center passageway for the winding. The oscillator can be a Colpitts or other type. A differential amplifier, a converter from A.C. to D.C., and another amplifier can be part of the sensor. A pair of sensors and indicators can be used in conjunction with the drive means to move the mirror in two planes. The mirror positions can be stored in computer memory in correlation with the selected seat positions of a plurality of passengers, and the computer connected with the assembly and seat system, so that when the seat is moved to a preset position, the mirror is also moved to a preset position that permits the passenger to have proper viewing through the mirror.

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Arnold, MO, United States of America

Ralph W Alten