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Automotive exterior mirror heater control

  • US 9,481,304 B2
  • Filed: 05/19/2011
  • Issued: 11/01/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/24/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An exterior rearview mirror system suitable for use on a vehicle, said exterior rearview mirror system comprising:

  • an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element supported at a mirror head portion mountable to a side of a vehicle equipped with said exterior rearview mirror system;

    a mirror heating element disposed at a rear side of said reflective element and operable to heat said reflective element; and

    a control operable to power said mirror heating element to heat said reflective element, wherein said control controls heating of said mirror heating element responsive at least in part to (i) a speed signal indicative of a speed of travel of the equipped vehicle and (ii) a temperature signal indicative of a temperature at or on said reflective element;

    wherein, responsive to said control receiving a speed signal indicative of vehicle movement, said control powers said mirror heating element;

    wherein, responsive to said control receiving a speed signal indicative of little or no vehicle movement for a predetermined period of time, said control reduces power applied to said mirror heating element; and

    wherein said control, responsive to said control receiving a speed signal indicative of little or no vehicle movement for a predetermined period of time of at least about three minutes, said control reduces power applied to said mirror heating element.

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