Patents by Inventor Stefan Frits Brouwer
Stefan Frits Brouwer 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: 10232778Abstract: Adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot for attachment to a fixed element of the motor vehicle, and a housing adjustably connected with the foot, the housing being adjustable around a rotation axis extending through the adjusting instrument, while around the rotation axis a passage opening is provided for passing through a cable tree, the housing being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening and the foot being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening, the housing being furthermore adjustable relative to the foot into an assembly position in which the slot of the foot aligns with the slot of the housing to provide lateral access to the passage opening for laterally introducing a cable tree into the passage opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom, Peter Alexander Hamming
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Patent number: 10227044Abstract: A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20180272958Abstract: Image recording device provided with a fixed part for at least partial inclusion in and/or on the body of a motor vehicle, and a movable part which contains at least one optical element, the optical element comprising at least one optical sensor and/or a lens unit, and an adjustment device provided with a power source, for adjusting the movable part between a first position and a second position, wherein during use in the first position the movable part is wholly or partly included in the body, and in the second position the movable part extends at an angle with respect to the body, such that at least the optical element carried by the movable part extends at least partly outside the body, wherein the movable part pivots from the second position about a, preferably substantially vertical, axis to the first position and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B. V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom
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Patent number: 10076999Abstract: A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 9975489Abstract: Wing mirror unit, drive construction, and rotation sensor The invention relates to a wing mirror unit (1) for a motor vehicle. The unit comprises a mirror housing support (3) for attachment to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (2). The wing mirror unit further comprises a mirror housing (5) supported by the mirror housing support and pivotably arranged with respect to said support around a rotation axis (6) extending substantially in an upward direction. Furthermore, the unit comprises a drive, preferably an electric drive, for pivoting the mirror housing between a folded-out position of the mirror housing, in which the mirror housing extends substantially in a direction (7) away from the body of the motor vehicle, and a folded-in position of the mirror housing, in which the mirror housing projects less far and extends in a substantially rearward direction more alongside the body of the motor vehicle, and/or for pivoting the mirror housing between the folded-in position and the folded-out position.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 9975420Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting an air inlet of a motor compartment of a motor vehicle between at least a first position in which the air inlet is substantially open and a second position in which the air inlet is substantially closed, comprising a drive unit for adjusting the air inlet between at least the first position and the second position, wherein the drive unit comprises a compound drive system.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stephen Alexander George Gustavo Boom, Erik Alfred Simeon de Vries, Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20170313249Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the adjustment of a shell-shaped housing part, for example a mirror housing. The device, in particular a door mirror device, comprising a base part (2) on which a support frame (3) is provided by means of a first hinge construction (3, 20, 25, 30, 60). Furthermore, the device comprises a first actuator (4) with which the carrier frame is pivotable relative to the base portion to a part of a substantially upwardly extending first pivot axis (5) between a folded position, in which the supporting frame, for example, lying substantially along the body of a motor vehicle, and a unfolded position, in which the supporting frame, for example, is oriented substantially transversely to the body. With the aid of a second hinge construction (30, 35, 60, 63) a carrier (6), in particular for carrying a mirror surface, is disposed on the support frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: November 2, 2017Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, François Roderik Henri Bouaziz
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Publication number: 20170240114Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator mechanism for adjusting at least one angular position of a mirror element in an exterior mirror device for a motor vehicle. The actuator mechanism comprises a base element and a mirror element movably coupled with the base element, which comprises a mirror support for supporting a mirror surface. The mirror element is rotatable relative to the base element about at least a first pivoting axis with the aid of a first electric motor provided in the actuator mechanism, which extends in a longitudinal direction that is substantially transverse to a supporting surface of the mirror support. What can be elegantly facilitated by this, for instance also in the case of a relatively small mirror surface that is only a few centimeters wide and/or is only a few centimeters long, is that, as seen from a direction in which during use the mirror surface is being viewed by a driver, such electric motor does not protrude, or hardly protrudes, next to, above and/or below the mirror surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Publication number: 20170240115Abstract: Adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot for attachment to the fixed world, being the motor vehicle, and a housing adjustably connected with the foot, the housing being adjustable around a rotation axis extending through the adjusting instrument, while around the rotation axis a passage opening is provided for passing through a cable tree, the housing being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening and the foot being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening, the housing being furthermore adjustable relative to the foot into an assembly position in which the slot of the foot aligns with the slot of the housing to provide lateral access to the passage opening for laterally introducing a cable tree into the passage opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom, Peter Alexander Hamming
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Publication number: 20170136950Abstract: Wing mirror unit, drive construction, and rotation sensor The invention relates to a wing mirror unit (1) for a motor vehicle. The unit comprises a mirror housing support (3) for attachment to a body (4) of the motor vehicle (2). The wing mirror unit further comprises a mirror housing (5) supported by the mirror housing support and pivotably arranged with respect to said support around a rotation axis (6) extending substantially in an upward direction. Furthermore, the unit comprises a drive, preferably an electric drive, for pivoting the mirror housing between a folded-out position of the mirror housing, in which the mirror housing extends substantially in a direction (7) away from the body of the motor vehicle, and a folded-in position of the mirror housing, in which the mirror housing projects less far and extends in a substantially rearward direction more alongside the body of the motor vehicle, and/or for pivoting the mirror housing between the folded-in position and the folded-out position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20160229343Abstract: An adjustable mirror (1) is provided with a mirror housing (1?) and a mirror foot (1?), coupled via a pivot (5) and a motor mirror adjustment device. The motor mirror adjustment device is provided with a housing (3) which includes a bearing part (3?); an electric motor (4); and a gear transmission for transmitting rotation of the electric motor to the pivot. The gear transmission is supported against the bearing part and includes drive elements such as gears and/or worms (6?) and/or worm gears (6), and an output gear (8) which is connected to the pivot. The gear transmission is provided with a resilient element (10) between one of the drive elements and the bearing part, or between the drive elements mutually, and is designed to generate a bias between the one of the drive elements and the bearing part.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: Sigrid Elizabeth van Leeuwen, Dennis Alexander Vervoorn, Marinus Roose, Marinus Jacobus Maria van Zuilen, Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20160144789Abstract: A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20160121796Abstract: A mirror adjustment unit for an exterior mirror (1) comprises a base frame (11) and a mirror support (9). The mirror support is rotatable relative to the base frame via an adjusting mechanism (14a, 14b) including a first and second electrically energizable driving device (15, 16) for rotating the mirror support relative to the base frame with respect to a first and a second axis, respectively. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second driving device have a first and second electrical connector (17, 18), respectively, arranged on the base frame, for electrical connection of the first and the second driving device, respectively, with an on board network (4) of a motor vehicle to which the base frame is connectable. The mirror adjustment unit further has a third connector (22, 23) for electrical connection of a view assist device (19) with the onboard network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: May 5, 2016Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20160068106Abstract: A movement mechanism comprising a substantially spherical holder and a substantially bowl-shaped ring, which are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis and a second axis enclosing an angle of approximately 90° to the first axis. Driving means are provided for enabling movement of the holder relative to the ring and comprise a first non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod and a second non-straight driving rod bearing-mounted in the holder, as well as means for activating the driving rod. The first driving rod and the second driving rod are rotatable about a third and a fourth axis, respectively, which third and fourth axes are mutually parallel and lie in a plane equal or parallel to the top face of the holder and which third and fourth axes are parallel to or coincide with the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Publication number: 20160016461Abstract: Adjustment device for adjusting shutoff elements of an air inlet of a motor vehicle, wherein the shutoff elements are adjustable between an open position in which the air inlet is substantially open and a closed position in which the air inlet is substantially closed, includes a drive unit for adjusting the shutoff elements between at least the open position and the closed position, and a fail-safe mechanism which is arranged for adjusting the air inlet to a predefined position in case of a calamity situation. The adjustment device includes a blocking mechanism for blocking the operation of the fail-safe mechanism in predetermined situations, wherein in such predetermined situations the shutoff elements are adjustable to a predefined position without activation of the fail-safe mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Erik Alfred Simeon de Vries, Stefan Frits Brouwer, Stephen Alexander George Gustavo Boom, Bastiaan Huijzers
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Publication number: 20140342655Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting an air inlet of a motor compartment of a motor vehicle between at least a first position in which the air inlet is substantially open and a second position in which the air inlet is substantially closed, comprising a drive unit for adjusting the air inlet between at least the first position and the second position, wherein the drive unit comprises a compound drive system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: MCi(Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.VInventors: Stephen Alexander George Gustavo Boom, Erik Alfred Simeon De Vries, Stefan Frits Brouwer
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Patent number: 8534636Abstract: Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria Van Stiphout
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Patent number: 8201305Abstract: A hinge construction, suitable for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle, includes a first hinge part configured for mounting on the motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected with the first hinge part via a base shaft. The second hinge part is configured to support a mirror support. In an embodiment, the base shaft is translatably connected with one of the hinge parts, the other hinge part is arranged pivotably about the base shaft, and the hinge parts cooperate via a track guide, which causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate relative to each other, and a straight guide, which cases the hinge parts upon pivoting to translate relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
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Patent number: 8201799Abstract: A composition comprising particles for damping vibrations performed by cooperating surfaces of a mirror adjustment mechanism relative to each other. The cooperating surfaces adjustably connect a mirror holder for supporting the mirror element with a base plate that can be fixedly mounted to a motor vehicle. In an embodiment, the particles positioned close to one of the surfaces are arranged to move to a lesser extent relative to that surface upon a high-frequency pivoting of the cooperating surfaces than particles that are further removed from that surface. A method for assembling a mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror element of a mirror unit of a motor vehicle mirror and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror element of a mirror unit are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Marius Brand, Rudolf Pieter Hoogenboom
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Patent number: 8197077Abstract: A modular drive system, in particular for a driven angular adjustment of a rearview mirror support of a motor vehicle, comprising at least two drive modules, each provided with a housing with an electric motor and a drive portion driven by the electric motor, and a drivable portion for cooperation with a drive portion of another drive module, further comprising coupling means for attaching two drive modules to each other with one rotational degree of freedom by cooperation of a drive portion and a drivable portion, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: MCI (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer