Patents by Inventor Peter T. Kantola

Peter T. Kantola 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).

  • Patent number: 11629551
    Abstract: A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Ted D. Reeves, David I. Driscoll, Peter T. Kantola, Christian M. Kemperman, Carl N. Wassink, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Publication number: 20200407037
    Abstract: A dust cover for an aerospace window that comprises dust cover having an exterior substrate and an interior substrate in a spaced apart relationship with a substantially transparent coupling agent therebetween. The dust cover is disposed in a spaced apart relationship from an electro-optic element, defining a gap therebetween. The gap 30 mm or less, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3.5 mm, and/or 3 mm. The exterior substrate, the coupling agent, and the interior substrate are comprised of a combination of materials, such that the combination is substantially transparent and operable to resist breaking and maintain sufficient rigidity to prevent the electro-optic from breaking, when a force of 680 N is applied to an interior surface of the interior substrate in the direction of the electro-optic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman, Bradley L. Busscher, Peter T. Kantola, Stephen M. Vruggink
  • Publication number: 20200123845
    Abstract: A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Ted D. Reeves, David I. Driscoll, Peter T. Kantola, Christian M. Kemperman, Carl N. Wassink, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 10129445
    Abstract: A roof mounted module for a vehicle includes a base plate configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle roof. An outer housing operably coupled with the base plate. An inner housing proximate the outer housing, including an imager sealing portion defining a sealing plane. The inner housing defines an inner cavity. An imager module is disposed in the cavity and is in communication with a viewing aperture defined through the outer housing. An imager mounting feature is disposed between the imager module and the inner housing. The imager mounting feature applies a force acting in a direction normal to the sealing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael G. Hendricks, Kevin A. Schueler, Peter T. Kantola
  • Patent number: 8925891
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly configured for use with a vehicle including a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, a mount abutment surface, an internal clip engagement wall, and an external peripheral wall. A spring clip is coupled with a rearview device mount and includes a plurality of legs adapted for engagement with the internal clip engagement wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Van Huis, Peter T. Kantola, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130062497
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly configured for use with a vehicle including a bracket having a windshield engagement surface, a mount abutment surface, an internal clip engagement wall, and an external peripheral wall. A spring clip is coupled with a rearview device mount and includes a plurality of legs adapted for engagement with the internal clip engagement wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher J. Van Huis, Peter T. Kantola, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.