Patents Represented by Attorney James E. Shultz Jr.
-
Patent number: 7821696Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
-
Patent number: 7718943Abstract: The present invention provides various improvements in components for optical based moisture sensing systems and to moisture sensing systems incorporating the components. In at least one embodiment an imager sensor based moisture sensing system is provided that is capable of detecting a moisture pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Ryan D. Johnson, Joseph S. Stam, Jon H. Bechtel
-
Patent number: 7683326Abstract: A vehicular vision system is disclosed comprising a high dynamic range. The systems and methods are advantages for rear vision, collision avoidance, obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, rain sensing, exterior light control, and lane departure warning, as well as other applications where a given scene may comprise objects having widely varying brightness values.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joseph S. Stam, Keith H. Berends, Gregory S. Bush, Jeremy B. Banks, Eric J. Walstra
-
Patent number: 7630803Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark A. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
-
Patent number: 7616126Abstract: A particle sensor is provided that includes a light source, an optical transducer, and a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the light source and the optical transducer. The controller is configured to reject substantially all signals except those contributed by the light source.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Brian J. Kadwell, Christopher D. Stirling
-
Patent number: 7565006Abstract: The present invention relates to various apparatus, algorithms and methods for acquiring and processing images of a scene. Details of various aspects of the associated images are identified and may be utilized to generate various vehicular equipment control signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joseph S. Stam, Gregory A. Mart, Keith H. Berends, Gregory S. Bush, John K. Roberts, Mark W. Pierce, Jon H. Bechtel, Eric J. Walstra, Brock R. Rycenga
-
Patent number: 7488083Abstract: The present invention provides improved vehicular rearview assemblies and components for incorporation into rearview assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Steven G. Hoek, Kenton J. Ypma, Jeremy A. Fogg
-
Patent number: 7477439Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
-
Patent number: 7452113Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays and apparatus incorporating the improvements.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Mark W. Newton, John K. Roberts, Timothy A. Bonardi, Jeremy A. Fogg, Timothy J. Thomas, Darin D. Tuttle, Jeremy A. Walser
-
Patent number: 7423821Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle, Spencer D. Reese, Joel A. Stray
-
Patent number: 7417781Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror and/or a light sensor positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively receiving light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam, David J. Cammenga
-
Patent number: 7408136Abstract: An imaging system for use in a vehicle headlamp control system includes an opening, an image sensor, a red lens blocking red complement light between the opening and the image sensor, and a red complement lens blocking red light between the opening and the image sensor. Each lens focuses light onto a different subwindow of the image sensor. The imaging system allows processing and control logic to detect the presence of headlamps on oncoming vehicles and tail lights on vehicles approached from the rear for the purpose of controlling headlamps. A light sampling lens may be used to redirect light rays from an arc spanning above the vehicle to in front of the vehicle into substantially horizontal rays. The light sampling lens is imaged by the image sensor to produce an indication of light intensity at various elevations. The processing and control logic uses the light intensity to determine whether headlamps should be turned on or off.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: GENTEX CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Joseph S. Stam, John K. Roberts
-
Patent number: 7405650Abstract: The present invention relates to various improvements to digital communications and various applications of the improved digital communications.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeremy C. Andrus, Timothy R. Friend, Jon H. Bechtel, Robert R. Turnbull
-
Patent number: 7379225Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
-
Patent number: 7379224Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
-
Patent number: 7372611Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
-
Patent number: 7370982Abstract: Environmentally improved rearview mirror assemblies are provided which incorporate a reflective element with variable reflectance. In one embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of cadmium (Cd). In another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of lead (Pb). In yet another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of mercury (Hg). In a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC). In yet a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of halogen producing chemicals such as bromine (Br).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, David L. Poll, George A. Neuman, Joel A. Stray, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma
-
Patent number: 7306355Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays. Various assemblies incorporating these inventive concepts are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jeremy A. Walser, Darin D. Tuttle, John K. Roberts, Jeremy A. Fogg, Timothy J. Thomas
-
Patent number: 7302326Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark A. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
-
Patent number: 7209277Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element. The second electrode further includes a region in front of the light source that is at least partially transmissive.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam, David J. Cammenga