Patents by Inventor Robert L. Bingle
Robert L. Bingle 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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Publication number: 20160130843Abstract: A door handle and actuation assembly for opening a door of a vehicle includes a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch biased to engage the striker to secure the vehicle door in a closed position. A first latch actuator is configured to receive an electronic signal for disengaging the latch from the striker. A second latch actuator is redundant to the first latch actuator and a power source is available for providing an electrical signal to the second latch actuator. The second latch actuator includes a shape memory alloy having a first configuration and a second configuration that different from the first configuration when subject to an electrical current. The second configuration is cooperable with the latch assembly for disengaging the latch from the striker.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Charles Bruce Banter, Marcus E. Merideth
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Publication number: 20160123045Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating a latch of a vehicle door of a vehicle includes a grip assembly with a grip disposed between opposing mounts. The mounts are disposed adjacent a door panel of a vehicle door and space the grip from the door panel. A mounting member is disposed upon an opposite side of the door panel from the grip assembly to secure the grip assembly to the door panel. An indicator is separate from the grip assembly and is disposed at an opposite side of the door panel from the grip assembly. The indicator identifies an intent to actuate the door of the vehicle from an operator clasping the grip assembly. The indicator signals the latch to disengage the vehicle door from the vehicle upon identifying an intent to actuate the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2015Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Charles Bruce Banter, Gerard Joseph Cummins
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Publication number: 20160100084Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment element bonded to an in-cabin windshield surface at a first windshield location and an attachment member attached at the in-cabin windshield surface at a second windshield location. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror support that has a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the attachment element. A module is configured to be received by and be supported by the attachment member attached at the windshield. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, a camera of the module views through the windshield and is part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, the mirror mount can be mounted to and demounted from the attachment element without demounting the module from the attachment member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 9296339Abstract: A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing, a circuit element and a lens. The housing has a base portion and a lens portion. The circuit element includes CMOS imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The CMOS imaging sensor has a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB. The dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a non-linear response curve. The base portion and the lens portion are welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module and the camera module may include shielding to limit or reduce electronic noise. The camera module is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the vehicle so that the imaging sensor has a rearward field of view.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Camilleri, Peter J. Whitehead, Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 9233645Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20150217694Abstract: A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing, a circuit element and a lens. The housing has a base portion and a lens portion. The circuit element includes CMOS imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The CMOS imaging sensor has a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB. The dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a non-linear response curve. The base portion and the lens portion are welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module and the camera module may include shielding to limit or reduce electronic noise. The camera module is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the vehicle so that the imaging sensor has a rearward field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Camilleri, Peter J. Whitehead, Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 8982273Abstract: A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing having a base portion and a lens portion and a circuit element. The circuit element includes an imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The circuit element may include an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals. A lens may be disposed at least partially in the lens portion of the housing and the circuit element may be disposed at least partially in the base portion of the housing. The base portion and the lens portion may be welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module. The imaging sensor may have a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB, and the dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a linear response curve up to approximately 62 dB and a non-linear response curve above approximately 62 dB.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Camilleri, Peter J. Whitehead, Kenneth Schofield
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Publication number: 20130229522Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8427288Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20120062744Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8113695Abstract: A component of an actuatable apparatus has a substrate, a selectively light- transmissive opaque covering, and an illumination source. The opaque covering is applied to an obverse surface or a reverse surface of the substrate to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough. The illumination source is adjacent the reverse surface for illuminating a selected area of the substrate. The opaque covering is characterized by first and second portions collectively defining a pattern associated with the selected area. The first portion enables transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion prevents or impedes transmission of light therethrough. Actuation of the illumination source directs light through the first portion but not through the second portion to reveal the pattern. The opaque covering renders the pattern invisible when the illumination source is in the non- illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Joseph S. Meinke, Robert L. Bingle, Todd Pastrick, Ian R. Pettigrew, Thomas R. Futryk, Todd W. Trap
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Patent number: 8044776Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. The camera may have an adjustable zoom, an adjustable iris and/or an adjustable field of view. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide the driver during a reversing maneuver and/or to assist the driver in connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20110249120Abstract: A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing having a base portion and a lens portion and a circuit element. The circuit element includes an imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The circuit element may include an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals. A lens may be disposed at least partially in the lens portion of the housing and the circuit element may be disposed at least partially in the base portion of the housing. The base portion and the lens portion may be welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module. The imaging sensor may have a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB, and the dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a linear response curve up to approximately 62 dB and a non-linear response curve above approximately 62 dB.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Camilleri, Peter J. Whitehead, Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 7965336Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera module positionable at the vehicle and a control. The camera module includes a plastic housing that houses an image sensor, which is operable to capture images of a scene occurring exteriorly of the vehicle. The control is operable to process images captured by the image sensor. The portions of the housing may be laser welded or sonic welded together to substantially seal the image sensor and associated components within the plastic housing. The housing may include a ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor to allow water vapor to pass therethrough while substantially precluding passage of water droplets and/or other contaminants. The housing may be movable at the vehicle between a stored position and an operational position, where the image sensor may be directed toward the exterior scene.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Robert L Bingle, Joseph Camilleri, Peter J Whitehead, Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 7911321Abstract: A keyless entry system has a handle housing and a grip cover defining a door handle grip, a keyless entry pad defining a plurality of keys, each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors in proximity to the keys for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys, an illumination source to selectively backlight the sensors and symbols, and a light-controlling membrane extending over the keyless entry pad. Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad by selecting keys in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source backlights the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol visible.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Meinke
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Publication number: 20100219935Abstract: A keyless entry system has a handle housing and a grip cover defining a door handle grip, a keyless entry pad defining a plurality of keys, each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors in proximity to the keys for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys, an illumination source to selectively backlight the sensors and symbols, and a light-controlling membrane extending over the keyless entry pad. Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad by selecting keys in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source backlights the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: ADAC PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Joseph Meinke
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Publication number: 20090290369Abstract: A vehicular mirror system comprises an interior electro-optic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a display screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the display screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the display screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electro-optic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry may receive a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and may actuate the display screen to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle. Control circuitry may electronically generate indicia overlaying the video images on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7619680Abstract: An imaging system for use in an exterior or interior of a vehicle comprises a camera having an image sensor with an associated optical path and viewing area and an infrared filter associated with the image sensor for automatically selectively attenuating infrared radiation according to light conditions of the viewing area. The imaging system can further comprise a selectively acutable supplemental illumination system comprising at least one light source for providing supplemental illumination to the viewing area of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Keith J. Vadas, William Phillips
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Publication number: 20090257241Abstract: A component of an actuatable apparatus includes a substrate having an external surface defining a selected area, an illumination source actuatable between an illuminated state and a non-illuminated state, and an opaque indicia coating applied over the selected area. The illumination source is positioned behind the selected area. A portion of the opaque indicia coating defines a pattern having a greater light transmissivity than the portion of the opaque indicia coating not comprising the pattern. The pattern is invisible when the illumination source is in the non-illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state and transmits light through the pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: ADAC PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Joe Meinke, Robert L. Bingle, Todd Pastrick, Ian R. Pettigrew, Thomas R. Futryk, Todd Trap
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Patent number: 7583184Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the video screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry receives a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam