Patents by Inventor Jeremy R. Shooks
Jeremy R. Shooks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11572018Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head disposed at a mounting structure and having a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element. An indicator module is disposed at a rear portion of the mirror reflective element and includes a housing having an indicating portion and a connector portion, a circuit board disposed in the indicating portion and having circuitry and a light source. The circuitry includes electrically conductive terminals extending from the circuit board and disposed at the connector portion of the housing. An electrical connector has a connecting end that is received in the connector portion of the housing to electrically connect to the electrically conductive terminals. An anti-backout element is disposed at the connector portion. With the electrical connector received in the connector portion, the anti-backout element is positioned at the electrical connector to preclude backing out of the electrical connector from the connector portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jeremy R. Shooks, Neil A. Bergsma, Matthew S. VanOeveren, Michael J. Galdys
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Publication number: 20220189310Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, and a blind zone indication module having a light source that is electrically powered to emit light. When the light source of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light source passing through (i) a light-transmitting portion of a housing of the blind zone indication module and (ii) a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate illuminates an icon that is viewable to a driver of the vehicle who views the mirror reflective element. Illumination of the icon is responsive to a blind spot detection system of the vehicle detecting presence of another vehicle that is traveling in the same direction and in a lane adjacent to a lane that the equipped vehicle is traveling in and that is approaching or is overtaking the equipped vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 11270590Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of a front end of the plastic housing. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element and illuminates an icon of the mirror reflective element that is viewable by a driver of a vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20210256852Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of a front end of the plastic housing. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element and illuminates an icon of the mirror reflective element that is viewable by a driver of a vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20210197726Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head disposed at a mounting structure and having a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element. An indicator module is disposed at a rear portion of the mirror reflective element and includes a housing having an indicating portion and a connector portion, a circuit board disposed in the indicating portion and having circuitry and a light source. The circuitry includes electrically conductive terminals extending from the circuit board and disposed at the connector portion of the housing. An electrical connector has a connecting end that is received in the connector portion of the housing to electrically connect to the electrically conductive terminals. An anti-backout element is disposed at the connector portion. With the electrical connector received in the connector portion, the anti-backout element is positioned at the electrical connector to preclude backing out of the electrical connector from the connector portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Jeremy R. Shooks, Neil A. Bergsma, Matthew S. VanOeveren, Michael J. Galdys
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Patent number: 10943488Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element and illuminates an icon of the mirror reflective element that is viewable by a driver of a vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20200342762Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element and illuminates an icon of the mirror reflective element that is viewable by a driver of a vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 10713953Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing having a front end configured for attaching the blind zone indication module at the rear side of the mirror reflective element. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing of the blind zone indication module. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20200135031Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflector sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, a heater pad, and a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing having a front end configured for attaching the blind zone indication module at the rear side of the mirror reflective element. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing of the blind zone indication module. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 10522042Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing having a front end configured for attaching the blind zone indication module at the rear side of the mirror reflective element. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing of the blind zone indication module. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20190139416Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a blind zone indication module that includes a plastic housing having a front end configured for attaching the blind zone indication module at the rear side of the mirror reflective element. When at least one light emitting diode of the blind zone indication module is electrically powered, light emitted by the light emitting diode exits the blind zone indication module via a light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing of the blind zone indication module. With the blind zone indication module disposed at the mirror reflective element, and with the light-transmitting portion of the front end of the plastic housing juxtaposed with a light-transmitting aperture of the mirror back plate, light emitted by the light emitting diode passes through the mirror reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 10170001Abstract: A blind zone indicator module for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a hollow housing that includes a front end for attaching the indicator module at the rear of a mirror reflective element configured for use by an exterior rearview mirror assembly, a rear end opposite the front end, and an intermediate portion between the front end and the rear end. The hollow housing comprises an inner surface that is white and is diffusely reflective of light incident thereat. A diffuser element is attached at the front end of the hollow housing and closes the front end of the housing. Potting material is disposed at and over a circuit board to seal the circuit board in the module. Light emitted by a light emitting diode, when activated, reflects off the white inner surface of the hollow housing and passes through the diffuser element to exit the indicator module.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20180174468Abstract: A blind zone indicator module for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a hollow housing that includes a front end for attaching the indicator module at the rear of a mirror reflective element configured for use by an exterior rearview mirror assembly, a rear end opposite the front end, and an intermediate portion between the front end and the rear end. The hollow housing comprises an inner surface that is white and is diffusely reflective of light incident thereat. A diffuser element is attached at the front end of the hollow housing and closes the front end of the housing. Potting material is disposed at and over a circuit board to seal the circuit board in the module. Light emitted by a light emitting diode, when activated, reflects off the white inner surface of the hollow housing and passes through the diffuser element to exit the indicator module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Publication number: 20170365173Abstract: A method for manufacturing an indicator module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes providing a hollow housing formed by injection molding of plastic material and providing a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, with at least one light emitting diode disposed at the first side of the circuit board. The circuit board is disposed between a rear end and a front end of the housing such that the first side of the circuit board faces the front end of the housing. With the circuit board disposed between the rear and front ends of the housing, potting material is disposed at and over the second side of the circuit board to seal the rear side of the circuit board. A diffuser element is attached at the front end of the housing and closes the front end of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 9847028Abstract: A method for manufacturing an indicator module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes providing a hollow housing formed by injection molding of plastic material and providing a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, with at least one light emitting diode disposed at the first side of the circuit board. The circuit board is disposed between a rear end and a front end of the housing such that the first side of the circuit board faces the front end of the housing. With the circuit board disposed between the rear and front ends of the housing, potting material is disposed at and over the second side of the circuit board to seal the rear side of the circuit board. A diffuser element is attached at the front end of the housing and closes the front end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 9754489Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, and a blind zone indication module. The module includes a housing, a circuit board and a light source and is disposed at an aperture formed through the back plate. The circuit board includes circuitry and electrically conductive terminals in electrical connection with circuitry of the circuit board. The electrically conductive terminals extend into a connector portion of the housing. The connector portion is configured to connect to a connector of a wire harness of the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The circuit board may include a constant current circuit that provides a constant current output to the light source over a range of supply voltages provided by a power source of the vehicle. The mirror back plate may include structure at least partially circumscribing the aperture for receiving the module.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks, Mark E. Kramer, Mark L. Larson
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Patent number: 9659498Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, and a blind zone indication module. The module includes a first portion disposed at an aperture through the back plate and an internal structure that has reflective surfaces and at least one aperture. A circuit board is disposed at a second portion of the housing such that at least one light emitting diode is disposed at a respective aperture of the internal structure. The reflective surfaces are configured so that light emitted by the light emitting diode is generally directed towards the side of the vehicle. The circuit board is disposed at the second portion such that electrically conductive terminals of the circuit board are disposed in a connector portion that is configured to connect to a connector of a wire harness of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks
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Publication number: 20170092134Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, and a blind zone indication module. The module includes a first portion disposed at an aperture through the back plate and an internal structure that has reflective surfaces and at least one aperture. A circuit board is disposed at a second portion of the housing such that at least one light emitting diode is disposed at a respective aperture of the internal structure. The reflective surfaces are configured so that light emitted by the light emitting diode is generally directed towards the side of the vehicle. The circuit board is disposed at the second portion such that electrically conductive terminals of the circuit board are disposed in a connector portion that is configured to connect to a connector of a wire harness of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks
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Patent number: 9604576Abstract: A vehicle mirror and camera mounting system includes a camera mounting bracket that includes an injection molded bracket formed by injection molding a polymeric molding resin. A camera, when its camera module is attached at the camera mounting bracket at the vehicle windshield, has a field of view through the vehicle windshield. The camera mounting bracket includes a mirror attachment portion configured for attaching an interior rearview mirror assembly thereat. At least one cover element is attached at (i) the camera mounting bracket, (ii) the camera module and/or (iii) the mirror mount so that the camera module and the camera mounting bracket are not readily viewable to a person viewing the construction from inside the vehicle. The mirror mount includes an electrical connector for electrical connection to (i) a connector at the camera module or (ii) a wire harness of the vehicle, with the connection hidden from view.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: John T. Uken, Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks
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Publication number: 20160264056Abstract: A vehicle mirror and camera mounting system includes a camera mounting bracket that includes an injection molded bracket formed by injection molding a polymeric molding resin. A camera, when its camera module is attached at the camera mounting bracket at the vehicle windshield, has a field of view through the vehicle windshield. The camera mounting bracket includes a mirror attachment portion configured for attaching an interior rearview mirror assembly thereat. At least one cover element is attached at (i) the camera mounting bracket, (ii) the camera module and/or (iii) the mirror mount so that the camera module and the camera mounting bracket are not readily viewable to a person viewing the construction from inside the vehicle. The mirror mount includes an electrical connector for electrical connection to (i) a connector at the camera module or (ii) a wire harness of the vehicle, with the connection hidden from view.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: John T. Uken, Craig Kendall, Jeremy R. Shooks