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Semi-automatic rear view mirror assembly

  • US 4,828,361 A
  • Filed: 08/26/1987
  • Issued: 05/09/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An automobile variable reflectivity mirror assembly for mounting to an automobile structure and for use with an electrical power supply, the assembly being operable to provide at least a relatively higher reflectivity orientation and a relatively lower reflectivity orientation, comprising:

  • (a) a housing;

    (b) a reflective panel associated with said housing for movement between said higher reflectivity and lower reflectivity orientations, said panel providing higher reflectivity in the higher reflectivity orientation, and providing lower reflectivity in the lower reflectivity orientation;

    (c) means for supplying mechanical power comprising an electrical motor mounted with said housing, said motor having a drive element movable in opposite directions in response to oppositely directed currents applied to the motor;

    (d) means for actuation, said means being associated with said housing, for driving engagement with the drive element to move the panel between the higher and lower reflectivity orientations;

    (e) means for selecting panel orientation in the higher or lower reflectivity positions; and

    (f) electrical circuit means in connection with the panel selection means, said circuit means having means comprising a timing circuit having electrical components for directing current through the motor in one of said opposite directions for a selected period of time in response to the selection means being in the state for higher reflectivity, and for directing current through the motor in the other of said opposite directions for a selected time period in response to the selection means being in the lower reflectivity state, the length of the selected period of time for directing current through the motor in each direction being controlled by the electrical components of the timing circuit.

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