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).
-
Publication number: 20040028239Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Alan R. Watson, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, William R. Speace, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A. Bryson
-
Publication number: 20040017611Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
-
Patent number: 6614911Abstract: 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: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, William R. Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A. Bryson
-
Publication number: 20030156425Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, John K. Roberts
-
Patent number: 6595650Abstract: 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: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
-
Publication number: 20030048178Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, David J. Schmidt, Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Gregg A. Chandler
-
Patent number: 6523976Abstract: An illuminator assembly, having a plurality of LEDs on a vehicular support member in a manner such that, when all of the LEDs are energized, illumination exhibiting a first perceived hue, e.g., blue-green, and projected from at least one of the LEDs overlaps and mixes with illumination exhibiting a second perceived hue, e.g., amber, which is distinct from said first perceived hue and which is projected from at least one of the remaining LEDs in such a manner that this overlapped and mixed illumination forms a metameric white color and has sufficient intensity and color rendering qualities to be an effective illuminator.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, John K. Roberts
-
Publication number: 20020158805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra
-
Patent number: 6465963Abstract: 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 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra
-
Publication number: 20020131177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
-
Publication number: 20020093741Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: 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
-
Patent number: 6407712Abstract: 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 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Watstra
-
Patent number: 6386713Abstract: 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: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
-
Patent number: 6379013Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle (20) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor (170, 170′) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal (164) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic (66) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals (166) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors (170, 170′) may be varied by changing the integration time (228) for producing charge from light (176) incident on light transducers (178), by selecting between light transducers (178, 490, 500, 504) of different sensitivity within the light sensor (170), by using a light transducer (530) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light (176), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors (24,26), headlamps (44), and moisture removal means (38, 40, 42).Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 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
-
Publication number: 20020032510Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe, John K. Roberts, Wayne J. Rumsey
-
Publication number: 20020027713Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Roy E. Vawter
-
Patent number: 6297781Abstract: 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 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra
-
Patent number: D450642Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Robert C. Knapp
-
Patent number: D451869Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert C. Knapp, John W. Carter, Mark R. Roth
-
Patent number: D467531Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Robert C. Knapp