Patents by Inventor Michael F. Lisowski

Michael F. Lisowski 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).

  • Publication number: 20240067092
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an illumination and imaging system, which may comprise a housing, a transflective element, a light source, and an optic apparatus. The housing may have a cavity with an opening. The transflective element may be substantially aligned with the opening. The light source may be disposed within the cavity. The optic apparatus may also be disposed within the cavity and have a collimator optic and a spreader optic. The collimator optic may be configured to collimate light emitted from the light source toward the transflective element. The spreader optic may be disposed proximate the transflective element and configured to transmit and spread the collimated light for transmission through the transflective element to substantially illuminate the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, Steven J. Veenman, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 10821902
    Abstract: An edge-lit rearview assembly comprising a housing; a mirror element having a perimeter and disposed within the housing; a bezel extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the mirror element; at least one circuit board; at least one light source in electrical communication with the circuit board; wherein the at least one light source is in optical communication with at least a portion of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 10807535
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a mount operably coupled to a vehicle interior. The mount includes one of a ball and a socket extending forwardly therefrom. An engagement plate is pivotally coupled with the mount via the other of a ball and a socket extending rearwardly from the engagement plate. The engagement plate includes a first support member and a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member. A carrier plate is operably coupled with the engagement plate. The carrier plate supports a rear housing on a rear portion thereof. A glass element is operably coupled with the carrier plate. A display module is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and is operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Richard T. Fish, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20190351830
    Abstract: An edge-lit rearview assembly comprising a housing; a mirror element having a perimeter and disposed within the housing; a bezel extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the mirror element; at least one circuit board; at least one light source in electrical communication with the circuit board; wherein the at least one light source is in optical communication with at least a portion of the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 10215359
    Abstract: A lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10189408
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a display device defining a display surface having a display perimeter elongated along a length. The display device is in communication with a primary PCB. The primary PCB comprises a first side and an opposing second side. The first side is directed toward the display device. The assembly also comprises a heat sink in connection with the second side of the primary PCB and extending substantially coextensive with the length display perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190023185
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a mount operably coupled to a vehicle interior. The mount includes one of a ball and a socket extending forwardly therefrom. An engagement plate is pivotally coupled with the mount via the other of a ball and a socket extending rearwardly from the engagement plate. The engagement plate includes a first support member and a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member. A carrier plate is operably coupled with the engagement plate. The carrier plate supports a rear housing on a rear portion thereof. A glass element is operably coupled with the carrier plate. A display module is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and is operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Richard T. Fish, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20180370441
    Abstract: A light system is provided for use in a rearview mirror assembly. A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a first side and a second side. A light source is configured to direct light in a first direction parallel with a planar extent of the PCB. A first optical element is coupled to the first side. A collection optic is configured to direct light received from the light source. A reflector optic is in optical communication with the collection optic and is configured to reflect light received from the collection optic. A plurality of light steering areas are configured to steer light propagating in the first optical element. A second optical element is coupled to the second side and is in optical communication with the first optical element. The second optical element is configured to diffuse light received from the first optical element to illuminate an indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventor: Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 10112540
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a mount operably coupled to a vehicle interior. The mount includes one of a ball and a socket extending forwardly therefrom. An engagement plate is pivotally coupled with the mount via the other of a ball and a socket extending rearwardly from the engagement plate. The engagement plate includes a first support member and a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member. A carrier plate is operably coupled with the engagement plate. The carrier plate supports a rear housing on a rear portion thereof. A glass element is operably coupled with the carrier plate. A display module is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and is operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Richard T. Fish, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Patent number: 10025138
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a housing. An electro-optic element is disposed within the housing. A light gathering structure is operably coupled with a first side of the electro-optic element and is configured to draw ambient light from outside the housing. A display module is disposed within the housing and is operable between an on state and an off state. A light relaying structure is operably coupled with a second side of the electro-optic element and is configured to relay light from the electro-optic element to a first edge of the display module. A backlit module is disposed at a second edge of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: James D. Collins, II, Michael F. Lisowski, Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 9994156
    Abstract: A rearview device includes a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Publication number: 20170351128
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a housing. An electro-optic element is disposed within the housing. A light gathering structure is operably coupled with a first side of the electro-optic element and is configured to draw ambient light from outside the housing. A display module is disposed within the housing and is operable between an on state and an off state. A light relaying structure is operably coupled with a second side of the electro-optic element and is configured to relay light from the electro-optic element to a first edge of the display module. A backlit module is disposed at a second edge of the display module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Collins, II, Michael F. Lisowski, Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 9838653
    Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes a support having a first side and a second side. A shroud is operably coupled with the first side. The support and the shroud define a cavity. A viewing aperture is disposed in one of the support and the shroud. An imager system is disposed in the cavity. An electrical connector is configured to provide communication with the imager system. The electrical connector is disposed outside the cavity in abutting contact with the second side of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Peter N. Rizk, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Frederick T. Bauer, Christian M. Kemperman, Danny L. Suman, Andrew J. LeVesque, David J. Cammenga, Michael F. Lisowski, Sandra Lynn Suman
  • Patent number: 9767695
    Abstract: A blind spot detection system for a vehicle having an external rearview device including a substrate having an at least partially transmissive portion. An imaging device positioned behind the at least partially transmissive portion and including a field of view that extends through the substrate at an angle away from the vehicle in the general direction of a vehicle blind spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven G. Hoek, Frederick T. Bauer, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Publication number: 20170219181
    Abstract: A lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 9676334
    Abstract: A rearview assembly having a mounting structure configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A housing is operably connected with the mounting structure and a rearward viewing device is supported by one of the housing and the mounting structure. The rearward viewing device provides a rearward view to a vehicle driver and includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. The entire front surface of the front substrate is exposed and the entire rear substrate is positioned behind the front substrate. A concealing layer is disposed about a periphery of the rearward viewing device between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A partially optically transparent bezel is disposed adjacent to both the rearward viewing device and the housing, the optically transparent bezel having an edge radius greater than 2.5 mm and the optically transparent bezel being substantially flush with the front surface of the front substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, William L. Tonar, Jeremy A. Fogg, Michael F. Lisowski, Peter N. Rizk
  • Publication number: 20170120824
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a display device defining a display surface having a display perimeter elongated along a length. The display device is in communication with a primary PCB. The primary PCB comprises a first side and an opposing second side. The first side is directed toward the display device. The assembly also comprises a heat sink in connection with the second side of the primary PCB and extending substantially coextensive with the length display perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170120826
    Abstract: A rearview device includes a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Publication number: 20160341963
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a mount operably coupled to a vehicle interior. The mount includes one of a ball and a socket extending forwardly therefrom. An engagement plate is pivotally coupled with the mount via the other of a ball and a socket extending rearwardly from the engagement plate. The engagement plate includes a first support member and a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member. A carrier plate is operably coupled with the engagement plate. The carrier plate supports a rear housing on a rear portion thereof. A glass element is operably coupled with the carrier plate. A display module is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and is operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Richard T. Fish, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Patent number: D873746
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Berry, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, Jr.