Patents by Inventor Todd Nykerk

Todd Nykerk 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).

  • Patent number: 11629832
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in or on the vehicle and arranged in a linear pattern. An elongated optical member is disposed longitudinally along the linear pattern of LEDs. The elongated optical member is configured to receive light emitted from the LEDs and project a corresponding plurality of lit images. A vehicle lamp assembly includes a plurality of LEDs mounted to a printed-circuit board to form a linear array. A primary light pipe is disposed adjacent to the linear array of LEDs and aligned longitudinally along the linear array of LEDs, such that light emitted from each of the LEDs of the linear array traverses radially through the primary light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 11624492
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a double-sided optical sheet, and a vehicle lamp assembly having the double-sided optical sheet integrated therein. A first optical pattern is imprinted on a first side of a material, and a second optical pattern is imprinted on a second side of the material, opposite the first side. The first and second optical patterns are thereby formed on opposing sides of the same sheet. When oriented adjacent a light source, the double-sided optical sheet homogenizes light emitted from the light source. For a light source having a plurality of lighting elements, the double-sided optical sheet is configured to blend light emitted from the plurality of lighting elements to form one homogenous beam of light output resulting from a single light-modifying member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 11608959
    Abstract: A segmented switchable mirror vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film having a plurality of segments, and a controller electrically coupled with each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments is individually controllable for switching between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The plurality of segments include a low-beam array of segments configured for providing a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and a high-beam array of segments configured for providing a high-beam light distribution from the light source. The controller is configured for switching the low-beam array of segments and the high-beam array of segments between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state for controlling the low-beam light distribution and the high-beam light distribution, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, David Bjarne Hansen, Jeffrey Simchak
  • Patent number: 11506359
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in or on the vehicle and arranged in a linear pattern. An elongated optical member is disposed longitudinally along the linear pattern of LEDs. The elongated optical member is configured to receive light emitted from the LEDs and project a corresponding plurality of lit images. A vehicle lamp assembly includes a plurality of LEDs mounted to a printed-circuit board to form a linear array. A primary light pipe is disposed adjacent to the linear array of LEDs and aligned longitudinally along the linear array of LEDs, such that light emitted from each of the LEDs of the linear array traverses radially through the primary light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20220341557
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in or on the vehicle and arranged in a linear pattern. An elongated optical member is disposed longitudinally along the linear pattern of LEDs. The elongated optical member is configured to receive light emitted from the LEDs and project a corresponding plurality of lit images. A vehicle lamp assembly includes a plurality of LEDs mounted to a printed-circuit board to form a linear array. A primary light pipe is disposed adjacent to the linear array of LEDs and aligned longitudinally along the linear array of LEDs, such that light emitted from each of the LEDs of the linear array traverses radially through the primary light pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20220107073
    Abstract: A segmented switchable mirror vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film having a plurality of segments, and a controller electrically coupled with each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments is individually controllable for switching between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The plurality of segments include a low-beam array of segments configured for providing a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and a high-beam array of segments configured for providing a high-beam light distribution from the light source. The controller is configured for switching the low-beam array of segments and the high-beam array of segments between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state for controlling the low-beam light distribution and the high-beam light distribution, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, David Bjarne Hansen, Jeffrey Simchak
  • Patent number: 11204148
    Abstract: A segmented switchable mirror vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film having a plurality of segments, and a controller electrically coupled with each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments is individually controllable for switching between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The plurality of segments include a low-beam array of segments configured for providing a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and a high-beam array of segments configured for providing a high-beam light distribution from the light source. The controller is configured for switching the low-beam array of segments and the high-beam array of segments between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state for controlling the low-beam light distribution and the high-beam light distribution, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, David Bjarne Hansen, Jeffrey Simchak
  • Publication number: 20210372592
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in or on the vehicle and arranged in a linear pattern. An elongated optical member is disposed longitudinally along the linear pattern of LEDs. The elongated optical member is configured to receive light emitted from the LEDs and project a corresponding plurality of lit images. A vehicle lamp assembly includes a plurality of LEDs mounted to a printed-circuit board to form a linear array. A primary light pipe is disposed adjacent to the linear array of LEDs and aligned longitudinally along the linear array of LEDs, such that light emitted from each of the LEDs of the linear array traverses radially through the primary light pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 11143374
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lighting module. The module uses material that is configured into conical reflectors which are defined into the body. The reflectors include light guides which, along with the reflectors direct illumination from aligned LEDs into a condenser lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 11118749
    Abstract: A switchable vehicle lamp lens assembly includes a vehicle lamp assembly, which includes a lens having a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer adjacent the first transparent layer. A switchable electrochemical film is disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, and one or more light sources is positioned behind the lens. In an active mode, the switchable electrochemical film is adapted to be substantially transparent when a voltage is provided, enabling light transmission through the lens from the one or more light sources. In a non-active mode, the switchable electrochemical film is adapted to be substantially opaque when the voltage is removed, blocking light from the one or more light sources. The switchable electrochemical film is alternately switched between the active mode and the non-active mode thereby switching the lens between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 11002987
    Abstract: A floating image apparatus includes a layer of optical films that focuses light from an original image to form a floating image outside of the floating image apparatus. A floating image generation lamp assembly includes a light source for emitting light. A first layer of optical films is aligned adjacent the light source and a second layer of optical films is aligned in parallel with the first layer of optical films. The first layer of optical films and the second layer of optical films are adapted for collectively focusing light emitted from the light source. A mask is disposed between the first layer of optical films and the second layer of optical films for filtering light emitted from the light source to provide a light pattern. The light pattern is projected to form a floating image outside the floating image generation lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20210095831
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a double-sided optical sheet, and a vehicle lamp assembly having the double-sided optical sheet integrated therein. A first optical pattern is imprinted on a first side of a material, and a second optical pattern is imprinted on a second side of the material, opposite the first side. The first and second optical patterns are thereby formed on opposing sides of the same sheet. When oriented adjacent a light source, the double-sided optical sheet homogenizes light emitted from the light source. For a light source having a plurality of lighting elements, the double-sided optical sheet is configured to blend light emitted from the plurality of lighting elements to form one homogenous beam of light output resulting from a single light-modifying member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20210039564
    Abstract: A method of making a fascia for an automobile includes providing an article, the article being one of translucent or transparent and applying a deposited pattern onto at least a first portion of a first side of the article. The method further includes forming the article into a shape, the shape being configured to be consonant with a vehicle exterior configuration. A fascia system includes a transparent member mounted on a vehicle, the member having printed matter on one side, and the member being included into a vehicle exterior design. Additionally, the member is oriented in front of an illumination device and is illuminated by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 10899273
    Abstract: An integrated display-light assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp housing for mechanically supporting an outer lens. A light source is positioned within the lamp housing behind a first portion of the outer lens. A display device is positioned within the lamp housing behind a second portion of the outer lens, different than the first portion. The display device illuminates a changeable visual content visible through the outer lens. The display device may be adapted for displaying digital images received from a controller. The light source may provide an automotive lighting function. The outer lens is positioned externally beside the display device and the light source for providing protection from external environmental conditions. The lamp housing is adapted to support the display device, the light source, and the outer lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, Les Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20210001578
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a lens for a vehicle light. The process involves the growth of a clear or translucent ink on a clear or transparent substrate. The deposited ink forms light-modifying optical elements on the lens, which is then incorporated into a vehicle light assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20200400281
    Abstract: A segmented switchable mirror vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a switchable electrochemical film having a plurality of segments, and a controller electrically coupled with each segment of the plurality of segments, such that each segment of the plurality of segments is individually controllable for switching between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state. The plurality of segments include a low-beam array of segments configured for providing a low-beam light distribution from the light source, and a high-beam array of segments configured for providing a high-beam light distribution from the light source. The controller is configured for switching the low-beam array of segments and the high-beam array of segments between the substantially transparent state and the substantially reflective state for controlling the low-beam light distribution and the high-beam light distribution, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, David Bjarne Hansen, Jeffrey Simchak
  • Patent number: 10851962
    Abstract: A backlit three-dimensional lamp for a vehicle includes an indicia rendering disposed on a transparent lenticular sheet, an outer lens positioned in front of the transparent lenticular sheet, and a light source positioned behind the transparent lenticular sheet. The light source provides backlighting of the indicia rendering such that the lenticular sheet projects a forward image that hovers beyond the outer lens. A vehicle light assembly includes a light source adapted to produce a substantially homogeneous light, a rendering of indicia located adjacent the light source and facing away from the light source such that the rendering of indicia is backlit by the light source, and an array of light-modifying elements aligned with the light source to at least partially cover the rendering of indicia for creating a projection of the rendering of indicia outside the vehicle light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, Les Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20200363034
    Abstract: A switchable vehicle lamp lens assembly includes a vehicle lamp assembly, which includes a lens having a first transparent layer and a second transparent layer adjacent the first transparent layer. A switchable electrochemical film is disposed between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, and one or more light sources is positioned behind the lens. In an active mode, the switchable electrochemical film is adapted to be substantially transparent when a voltage is provided, enabling light transmission through the lens from the one or more light sources. In a non-active mode, the switchable electrochemical film is adapted to be substantially opaque when the voltage is removed, blocking light from the one or more light sources. The switchable electrochemical film is alternately switched between the active mode and the non-active mode thereby switching the lens between a substantially transparent state and a substantially opaque state, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Publication number: 20200282925
    Abstract: A method of making a fascia for an automobile includes providing an article, the article being one of translucent or transparent and applying a deposited pattern onto at least a first portion of a first side of the article. The method further includes forming the article into a shape, the shape being configured to be consonant with a vehicle exterior configuration. A fascia system includes a transparent member mounted on a vehicle, the member having printed matter on one side, and the member being included into a vehicle exterior design. Additionally, the member is oriented in front of an illumination device and is illuminated by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 10753579
    Abstract: An animated 3D image multiplying light assembly includes a light source having a plurality of light-emitting diodes. A mask is disposed at a predetermined distance from the light source, and a plurality of holes are adapted to allow light to pass through the mask. The mask includes more holes than the number of light-emitting diodes. A first lenticular sheet is adjacent a second lenticular sheet for projecting light from the light source having passed through the mask. The first lenticular sheet is aligned perpendicular with the second lenticular sheet for homogenizing light in a first direction and a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. An outer lens is positioned such that light projected from the first lenticular sheet and the second lenticular sheet appears as though positioned at different depths with respect to the outer lens, providing a 3D appearance. When viewed dynamically, the light projected appears to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Flex-N-Gate Advanced Product Development, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Nykerk, Les Sullivan