Patents by Inventor Robert C. Knapp
Robert C. Knapp 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: 8354802Abstract: A solid state device controller is provided that includes a first electrical connector configured to be in electrical communication with an alternating current (AC) electrical power source and a second electrical connector in electrical communication with the first electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to be in electrical communication with a direct current (DC) electrically powered device. The controller further includes circuitry in communication between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, wherein the circuitry is configured to convert the supplied AC electrical power to DC electrical power, and a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the first electrical connector, the second electrical connector, and the circuitry, wherein the housing is further configured to be removably received by a service panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: BGBK, LLCInventors: Robert C. Knapp, Henry H. Grell, Jr.
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Patent number: 8224012Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R Watson, Robert C Knapp, Robert R Turnbull, William R Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A Bryson
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Publication number: 20110234117Abstract: A solid state device controller is provided that includes a first electrical connector configured to be in electrical communication with an alternating current (AC) electrical power source and a second electrical connector in electrical communication with the first electrical connector, wherein the second electrical connector is configured to be in electrical communication with a direct current (DC) electrically powered device. The controller further includes circuitry in communication between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, wherein the circuitry is configured to convert the supplied AC electrical power to DC electrical power, and a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the first electrical connector, the second electrical connector, and the circuitry, wherein the housing is further configured to be removably received by a service panel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Robert C. Knapp, Henry H. Grell, JR.
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Patent number: 7988308Abstract: A control system for one or more electrochromic elements used in an outside electrochromic (OEC) mirror used in automobiles or other vehicular applications, to control the glare of both IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). An ambient light sensor (129) and glare sensor (133) operate to determine a glare level used to control both IEC and OEC electrochromic elements. The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be controlled so as to account for various factors such as tinted glass characteristics in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Michael T. Dillane, Robert C. Knapp, Darin D. Tuttle
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Patent number: 7772966Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe, John K. Roberts, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Patent number: 7524097Abstract: A light emitting assembly having a first light source and a second light source. The first and second light sources are oriented such that when the first and second light sources emit light, light emitted from the first and second light sources overlaps and is capable of forming white light. The light emitted from the first light source exhibits color coordinates different from the light emitted from the second light source. Also disclosed is a license plate illuminator having an LED device capable of emitting white light.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, John K. Roberts
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Patent number: 7443988Abstract: A microphone includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides. The microphone transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which with the circuit produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe
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Patent number: 7361875Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, David J. Schmidt, G. Bruce Poe, David L. Plangger, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Timothy E. Steenwyk
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Patent number: 7327226Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe, John K. Roberts, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Patent number: 7136494Abstract: A microphone assembly for a vehicle accessory includes one or more transducers positioned in a microphone housing. The microphone housing has at least one acoustic port to which the transducer is acoustically coupled. The microphone assembly further includes a windscreen sealed across the acoustic port. The windscreen having hydrophobic properties to prevent water from penetrating the microphone housing through the acoustic port.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, William R. Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 7130431Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, William R. Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 7120261Abstract: A microphone assembly includes at one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides. The microphone transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers which with the circuit produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe
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Patent number: 6980092Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe, John K. Roberts, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Patent number: 6861942Abstract: A vehicle antenna system incorporated into at least one side-view mirror of a vehicle includes a forward directed antenna and a rearward directed antenna to transmit and receive signals over corresponding forward and rearward-directed detection fields, respectively. The antennas act as directional transmitters and/or receivers, and a processing circuit discriminates between signals from different antennas without requiring any of the antennas to transmit identification signals to the processing circuit. Signal discrimination is conducted in part by sequentially selecting each antenna to obtain a corresponding antenna signal and, if required for a particular application, comparing the obtained signal with previously obtained antenna signals. The vehicle antenna system can be used, for example, in conjunction with tire pressure sensors to detect low tire pressure in a particular tire.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert C. Knapp, David L. Plangger, Robert R. Turnbull
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Publication number: 20040239243Abstract: A light emitting assembly having a first light source and a second light source. The first and second light sources are oriented such that when the first and second light sources emit light, light emitted from the first and second light sources overlaps and is capable of forming effective white light. The light emitted from the first light source exhibits color coordinates different from the light emitted from the second light source. One of the light sources may be a photoluminescent source, such as a fluorescent dye or phosphor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: John K. Roberts, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 6789907Abstract: A control system for a plurality of electrochromic elements, for example, used in automobiles, to control the glare of the IEC elements used as a rearview mirror (20) as well as the OEC elements (24, 26) used as sideview mirrors (24, 26). The IEC element and each of the OEC elements is provided with an individual drive circuit (21, 22). The drive circuits for the OEC's elements may be customized to account for various factors such as the type of curvature as well as the size and shape. Since individual drive circuitry is provided for the IEC elements and each of the OEC elements, the reflectance of each of the electrochromic elements (20, 24, 26) can be relatively accurately controlled by way of glare signal from inside the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
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Publication number: 20040170293Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Alan R. Watson, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, William R. Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 6750823Abstract: An inventive rearview mirror assembly is disclosed in which a microwave antenna is mounted so as to receive transmissions from one or more satellites through the front windshield of the vehicle. The microwave antenna may be tuned to receive satellite transmissions from a position identification system constellation of satellites, such as GPS or GLONASS. Additionally, the microwave antenna may be tuned to alternatively or additionally receive transmissions from at least one communication satellite, such as a CD radio satellite. In addition to the inventive rearview mirror assembly, an inventive electrical control system is disclosed that may be used as a navigation system, an electrochromic rearview mirror control system, a head lamp control system, a tire pressure monitoring and display system, a temperature sensing and display system, a vehicle compass system, a vehicle data recorder system, and/or a vehicle odometer verification system.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra
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Patent number: 6742904Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, David J. Schmidt, G. Bruce Poe, David L. Plangger, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Timothy E. Steenwyk
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Patent number: 6696935Abstract: A tire monitoring (TM) system includes a peak detector signal filter that is configured to substantially prevent impulse noise from increasing a data slicer threshold, while simultaneously allowing the data slicer threshold to follow the variations in a received message attributable to signal fading. The TM system also automatically determines the location of a plurality of vehicle tires relative to the vehicle, utilizes a single receiver to receive messages of multiple lengths and masks an alarm when a missing ID code corresponds to a stored ID code associated with a flat tire.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, David J. Schmidt, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Gregg A. Chandler