Electrically operated remote control rearview mirror

An electrically actuated rearview mirror comprising:

• an X axis;
• a Y axis, said X axis and said Y axis being mutually orthogonal;
• a mirror;
• a support for said mirror;
• a universal joint for pivotally mounting said mirror on said support, said mirror being pivotable about said X and Y axes;
• a spherical gear disposed on the back of said mirror, said spherical gear including an X gear and a Y gear section, said X and Y gear sections having overlapping spherical pitch lines;
• a yoke including a plurality of legs extending to and secured on the back of said mirror said spherical gear being disposed on said yoke facing the back of said mirror;
• an X drive means meshing with said X gear section for pivoting said mirror about said X axis when electrical power is applied to say X drive means;
• a Y drive means meshing with said Y gear section for pivoting said mirror about said Y axis when electrical power is applied to said Y drive means;
• means for spring biasing said X and Y drive means into engagement with said X and Y gear sections, respectively;
• and
• said X and Y gear sections and said X and Y drive means having gear teeth of roughly triangular cross section to provide for ratchet-like adjustment of said mirror relative to said support in the event of a power failure.