Patents by Inventor Rodney K. Blank

Rodney K. Blank 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: 20200039441
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head accommodating a reflective element. A display device is accommodated in the mirror head and behind the reflective element. The reflective element is tiltable between a mirror mode orientation, where the vehicle driver views rearward of the vehicle via the reflective element, and a display mode orientation, where the display device is actuated and the vehicle driver views images displayed by the display device through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element. An actuator has an actuator body that is pivotally mounted at the reflective element and that has a pivot element of a pivot joint that pivotally mounts the mirror head at an interior portion of the vehicle. The actuator pivots the reflective element relative to the actuator body to tilt the reflective element between the mirror mode orientation and the display mode orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony J. LaCross, Darryl P. De Wind, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 10442360
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having a reflective element. A display device is disposed in the mirror head and behind the reflective element. The display device, when actuated, is viewable through the reflective element. The mirror head is adjustable between a mirror mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views rearward of the vehicle via the reflective element, and a display mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views images displayed by the display device through the reflective element. When in the display mode orientation, the reflective element is angled upward or downward relative to the orientation of the reflective element when in the mirror mode orientation. An actuator is pivotally mounted at the mirror head and includes a pivot element that adjustably mounts the mirror head at a mirror mount that attaches at the interior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. LaCross, Darryl P. De Wind, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Eric Peterson
  • Publication number: 20190270410
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a video display screen and a video processor operable to process captured video image data captured by a rearward-viewing camera at the vehicle. The video display screen includes a left display region at a left portion, a right display region at a right portion, and a middle display region that spans between the left and right display regions. The video display screen is operable to use the left and right display regions to display video images derived from a respective portion of captured image data. When the video display screen is displaying video images at the right or left display region that are derived from the respective portion of captured image data, the video display screen does not display video images representative of the other portion of captured image data at the other display regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190258131
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20190243492
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head movably disposed at a movable portion that is movable relative to a non-movable portion configured for attachment at a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element fixedly attached at an attachment portion and fixed relative to the mirror casing. The mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the exterior portion of the vehicle. A first electrically-operated actuator has an axis of rotation when operated that moves the movable portion relative to the non-movable portion about a first axis, and a second electrically-operated actuator has an axis of rotation when operated that moves the mirror head relative to the movable portion about a second axis. The axis of rotation of the first electrically-operated actuator is non-orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the second electrically-operated actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Keith D. Foote, Joseph M. Mambourg, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190217782
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rearward-viewing camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor utilizes object detection software at least during processing of first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rearward-viewing camera are displayed on the video display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Patent number: 10300856
    Abstract: A vehicular display system includes a single video display screen and a video processor operable to process captured video image data captured by a camera at the vehicle. The single video display screen includes a left display region at a left portion, a right display region at a right portion, and a middle display region between the left and right display regions. The display screen is operable to use each display region to display video images derived from a respective portion of captured image data. When the display screen is displaying video images at the right or left display region that are derived from the respective portion of captured image data, the single video display screen does not display video images representative of the other portion of captured image data at the other display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190146297
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20190118717
    Abstract: A video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display screen disposed in a mirror head and behind a reflective element of the mirror assembly. When the video mirror system is operating in a mirror mode, the video display screen is deactivated and the reflective element provides a reflected rearward view for the driver of the vehicle. When the video mirror system is in a display mode, the video display screen is activated and displays video images viewable through the reflective element. The video display screen, when activated, displays video images derived from image data captured by a vehicle-mounted rear viewing camera or, with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, a trailer-mounted rear viewing camera. The displayed video images may correspond to a rearward view similar to the field of view provided by the reflective element when in the mirror mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Patrick M. Foley, IV
  • Patent number: 10261648
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head and an exterior mirror reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror head. An attachment portion is configured for attachment at an exterior portion of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a multi-axis adjustment mechanism having at least one electrically-operable actuator. The multi-axis adjustment mechanism is operable to move the mirror head, with the exterior mirror reflective element fixedly attached thereto, about multiple axes relative to the attachment portion. The exterior mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the exterior portion of the body of the vehicle to adjust the rearward field of view of a driver of the vehicle who views the exterior mirror reflective element when operating the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Keith D. Foote, Joseph M. Mambourg, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10239457
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rear camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor utilizes object detection software at least during processing of first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rear camera are displayed on the video display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Publication number: 20190071018
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head having a mirror casing and an electro-optic mirror reflective element. A mirror casing sidewall has a terminal end region that circumscribes an open end of the mirror casing and has a rounded end region surface. A first substrate of the reflective element has a rounded circumferential perimeter region extending at least partially between a front surface and a rear surface of the first substrate and having a first radius of curvature. The rounded surface of the mirror casing has a second radius of curvature. The substrate thickness of the first substrate is less than the first radius of curvature. The rounded surface of the mirror casing and the rounded circumferential perimeter region of the first substrate combine to provide a curved transition between the front surface and the outer surface of the mirror casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph D. Suchecki, Craig Kendall
  • Publication number: 20190047475
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror mount configured to attach at an interior portion of the vehicle. A mirror head includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element. The mirror mount includes a ball element and the mirror head includes a socket element, which pivotally attaches at the ball element forming a ball and socket joint to pivotally mount the mirror head at the mirror mount. The mirror head has a thickness dimension spanning between a front planar surface of said mirror reflective element and a rear surface of a laterally sideward region of the mirror casing, with the thickness dimension being less than 20 mm. A central region of the mirror casing has a thickness dimension greater than 20 mm to accommodate the socket element. The socket element is disposed at an aperture through the central region of the mirror casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Gregory A. Huizen, Rodney K. Blank
  • Publication number: 20190009724
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rear camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor utilizes object detection software at least during processing of first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rear camera are displayed on the video display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Publication number: 20180354423
    Abstract: A vehicular display system includes a single video display screen and a video processor operable to process captured video image data captured by a camera at the vehicle. The single video display screen includes a left display region at a left portion, a right display region at a right portion, and a middle display region between the left and right display regions. The display screen is operable to use each display region to display video images derived from a respective portion of captured image data. When the display screen is displaying video images at the right or left display region that are derived from the respective portion of captured image data, the single video display screen does not display video images representative of the other portion of captured image data at the other display region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10131280
    Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror case and a reflective element, and a video display device disposed in the mirror case and operable to display video images that are viewable by the driver of the vehicle. The reflective element includes a transflective mirror reflector and the video display device is fixedly disposed to the rear of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an on-screen display controller operable to receive a video signal from a camera disposed at the vehicle. The on-screen display controller is operable to overlay a graphic overlay onto a video signal received from the camera such that a video feed generated by the on-screen display controller includes the graphic overlay. The video display device comprises a metallic enclosure that is electrically grounded when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Mark E. Kramer, Andrew D. Weller, Peter J. Whitehead, Rodney K. Blank, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10112538
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing and a mirror reflective element disposed at an outer end region of a sidewall of the mirror casing. The mirror reflective element includes a first glass substrate having a front surface and a rear surface and a substrate thickness spanning between the front and rear surfaces. The first glass substrate includes a flat region and a rounded perimeter edge circumscribing the flat region. Curvature of a rounded outside surface of the outer end region of the sidewall matches curvature of the rounded perimeter edge of the first glass substrate whereby the rounded outside surface of the outer end region of the sidewall and the rounded perimeter edge of the first glass substrate combine to provide a curved transition between the front surface of the flat region and a principal outside surface of the sidewall of the mirror casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph D. Suchecki, Craig Kendall
  • Publication number: 20180251069
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having a reflective element. A display device is disposed in the mirror head and behind the reflective element. The display device, when actuated, is viewable through the reflective element. The mirror head is adjustable between a mirror mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views rearward of the vehicle via the reflective element, and a display mode orientation, where the driver of the vehicle views images displayed by the display device through the reflective element. When in the display mode orientation, the reflective element is angled upward or downward relative to the orientation of the reflective element when in the mirror mode orientation. An actuator is pivotally mounted at the mirror head and includes a pivot element that adjustably mounts the mirror head at a mirror mount that attaches at the interior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Anthony J. LaCross, Darryl P. De Wind, Mark L. Larson, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 10053013
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through the vehicle windshield, a rear backup camera located at the rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rear backup camera are displayed on the video display screen. When the vehicle is travelling forward, the common image processor processes image data captured by the forward-viewing camera for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and for a headlamp control system of the vehicle and/or a traffic sign recognition system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Patent number: 10053012
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a rearview video camera and a video processor operable to process captured video image data that includes at least a left zone image data set, a middle zone image data set and a right zone image data set. A single video display screen displays video images and includes a left display region at a left portion, a right display region at a right portion, and a middle display region between the left and right display regions. The display screen is operable to use each display region to display video images derived from the respective zone image data set. When the display screen is displaying video images at the right or left display region that are derived from the respective zone image data, the single video display screen does not display video images representative of the other zone image data at the other display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam