Patents Represented by Attorney Gardner, Linn, Burkhart & Flory
  • Patent number: 8276409
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an appliance includes a glass panel and at least one metallic attachment element bonded to an inner surface of the glass panel via a layer of cured adhesive. The at least one metallic element is configured for mounting to at least one corresponding structure of the appliance to mount the cover assembly at the appliance. The layer of cured adhesive bonds the at least one metallic element to the inner surface of the glass panel without exposure of the bonded element on an outer surface of the glass panel. A perimeter frame portion may be established around a perimeter region of the glass panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy F. Tooker
  • Patent number: 8277059
    Abstract: A vehicular electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing and an electrochromic mirror reflective element. At least a portion of a front substrate of the reflective element extends beyond a corresponding portion of a rear substrate of the reflective element to establish a ledge at least partially along the periphery of the reflective element, with no part of the rear substrate extending beyond any part of the front substrate. Electrical connections are made to conductive coatings or layers at the front and rear substrates. The electrochromic interior rearview mirror reflective element includes a concealing layer disposed along a perimeter border region to conceal the presence of the perimeter seal and the electrical connections from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The mirror casing provides a bezel-less mirror casing where no portion of the mirror casing overlaps the first surface of the front substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Donald L. Bareman
  • Patent number: 8267559
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having a reflective mirror element, and a mirror mount for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly to an attachment element attached at an interior portion of the vehicle. When the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element, the reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a pivot joint enabling a driver of the vehicle to pivotally adjust the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element to the driver's desired setting with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached to the attachment element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, and the circuitry comprises at least one of (a) a transmitter for a toll booth transaction function and (b) a receiver for a toll booth transaction function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Roger L. Veldman, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8267535
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element suitable for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a glass substrate and a principal reflector portion and an auxiliary wide angle curved portion. The auxiliary wide angle curved portion has a curved recess established at a region of the rear surface of the glass substrate by at least one of grinding and ablating. The curved recess may have a cross-dimension size that is in the range from about 30 millimeters to about 80 millimeters, and may have a radius of curvature that is in the range from about 200 millimeters to about 1,000 millimeters, and may have a maximum recess depth that is in the range from about 0.11 millimeters to about 4.04 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Mingtang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8267534
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle, a mirror casing secured to the bracket and defining a primary opening, and a single mirror support movably secured within the mirror casing disposed adjacent the primary opening. A primary mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed within the primary opening for providing a view rearward of the vehicle through a primary field of view, and a spotting mirror is fixedly secured to the single mirror support and disposed adjacent the primary mirror. The spotting mirror is defined by a single radius of curvature differing from the primary mirror such that the spotting mirror provides a second field of view rearward of the vehicle, such that the first field of view of the primary mirror overlaps the second field of view of the spotting mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8271187
    Abstract: A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electrochromic reflective element and a video display screen disposed to the rear of the reflective element. The video display screen, when actuated, emits light that passes through a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the reflective element. The video display screen includes a thin film transistor liquid crystal display element that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes. A camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a video output of the camera is displayed by the video display screen as video images so as to assist the driver in reversing the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 8261623
    Abstract: An inline tool tracking system for tracking an inline tool traveling along a pipe includes a detection and communication device operable to detect an inline tool as it passes generally near the device. The detection and communication device is operable to generate a detection output, which includes data indicative of the detection of the tool and a geographical location of the device. A control is operable to wirelessly receive the detection output and to process the detection output. The control generates a control output responsive to the processing, and the control output is indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device. A display device receives an input indicative of the control output and displays the information indicative of the detection of the tool and the geographical location of the detection and communication device to a user of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Microline Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry E. Miller, Randall L. Perrin, James D. Anderson, Jabin D. Reinhold, Douglas W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 8262926
    Abstract: A method of forming a calcium chloride and aggregate composition includes providing a calcium chloride compound, adding an aggregate into the calcium chloride compound, and mixing the aggregate and calcium chloride compound to establish a mixed composition having the aggregate substantially uniformly suspended in the calcium chloride compound. The aggregate may comprise any suitable aggregate material, such as sand, salt or rock salt or the like. The aggregate may be mixed with the calcium chloride when the calcium chloride is in a paste form so as to substantially uniformly mix or blend the aggregate and calcium chloride and to substantially uniformly suspend the aggregate in the calcium chloride paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Van M. Kassouni
  • Patent number: 8261455
    Abstract: An arcuate action tool attachment is adapted to receive an input and to convert that input into reciprocating output motion along an arcuate path. The tool may be adapted to be combined with an existing linear reciprocating device or a rotary device, or the tool may comprise a single unit including a linear reciprocating device or a rotary device. The tool may be fitted with one or more curved or arc-shaped accessories, such as saw blades or the like, that reciprocate along the arcuate paths that may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Erik P. Henrickson
  • Patent number: 8262268
    Abstract: An exterior mirror vision system includes a driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a driver side of a vehicle and a passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a passenger side of the vehicle. The driver-side exterior mirror assembly includes a mounting portion configured for mounting at the driver side of the vehicle, a driver-side exterior mirror housing, and a driver-side reflective element. The driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a driver-side light module and a driver-side camera. The passenger-side exterior mirror assembly includes a mounting portion configured for mounting at the passenger side of the vehicle, a passenger-side exterior mirror housing, and a passenger-side reflective element. The passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a passenger-side light module and a passenger-side camera. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera may be part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Michiel P. van de Ven, Peter J. Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8260574
    Abstract: A technique is provided for diagnosing deficiencies in a material handling system having a track and a material support member adapted to travel on the track. A diagnostic device travels with the material support member and includes one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters of the material support member. Such parameters may include an amount of force exerted laterally against one or more restraining members or the accelerations of the material support member. The material handling system may include a plurality of slats connected in an endless web that defines a conveying surface upon which articles are transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Schuitema, Kenneth J. Kooistra, Stephen C. Wolf, Matthew A. Steenwyk
  • Patent number: 8258932
    Abstract: An occupant detection system for detecting an occupant within a vehicle includes a sensor for sensing movement or acceleration of the vehicle, first and second processors and a decider. The sensor generates a sensor output. The first processor processes the sensor output in a first manner and generates a first output indicative of the possibility of the presence of an occupant within the vehicle. The second processor processes the sensor output in a second manner and generates a second output indicative of the possibility of the presence of an occupant within the vehicle. The decider processes the first and second outputs and determines whether the combination of the first and second outputs is indicative of an occupant in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Jonas Erik Ragnar Wahlstrom
  • Patent number: 8256852
    Abstract: A tray for supporting clothing, textiles, or other delicate articles includes a frame and an inert liner located in the frame. Further, the frame may include guides for sliding engagement with the rails. Optionally, a storage system includes a pair of rails for supporting the tray. The rails permit unrestricted sliding movement of the tray so that the tray can be moved in opposed directions and removed or inserted from either side of the storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Borroughs Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Machala, Daniel C. Mehren
  • Patent number: 8258703
    Abstract: A trailer light adapter that is adapted to supply signals to operate the lights of a towed vehicle from modulated signals of a lighting circuit of a towing vehicle, includes at least one input that is adapted to receive a modulated signal from the lighting circuit of the towing vehicle and at least one output that is adapted to supply an output signal to operate a light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a decoder that is adapted to decode a modulated signal and to provide a decoded signal indicative of a desired state of the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter further includes a power circuit that is responsive to the decoded signal and is adapted to supply the output signal to operate the light of the towed vehicle. The adapter may be responsive to a variable voltage modulated signal, a pulse-width modulated signal, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Eric J. Hoekstra
  • Patent number: 8256835
    Abstract: A tablet adjustment mechanism is provided to control the movement of a tablet of a seat assembly between a lowered non-use or stowed position under the armrest and a raised or use position, and further control the tablet's movement between an inward use position and an outward use position. The adjustment mechanism includes a plunger inside of a pivot element, the plunger's longitudinal and rotational or pivotal movements being controlled by a pin engaging a slot in the plunger, and also by a guide pin traversing an arcuate slot in a tablet support arm. The adjustment mechanism may limit lateral or sideward movement of the tablet when the tablet is in its fully lowered or stowed position and during at least some of the pivotal movement toward its raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventors: James M. Brink, John P. Conner
  • Patent number: 8258433
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic reflective element, a photo sensor and a light concentrator. The electro-optic reflective element has a front substrate with a first surface and a transparent second surface electrically conductive coating disposed on a second surface, and the electro-optic reflective element has a rear substrate with a third surface transflective metallic reflector disposed at a third surface thereof. The photo sensor is disposed behind a fourth surface of the rear substrate and operable to detect light passing through the transflective metallic reflector and the electro-optic reflective medium disposed between the second and third surfaces. The light concentrator is disposed between the photo sensor and the fourth surface of the rear substrate, and the light concentrator receives light passing through the transflective metallic reflector of the electro-optic reflective element and concentrates light onto a light sensing surface of the photo sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Byers, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Ian A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 8256821
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an accessory module system for a vehicle, the system comprising an accessory module assembly for location against an interior of a vehicle windscreen and which defines a plurality of sites for the modular location of one or more electronic accessories or the like, in particular for communicating with and/or through the vehicle windscreen, the accessory module system also including a cover assembly for location between the windscreen and a rigid frame assembly forming part of the accessory module assembly, the cover assembly being resiliently deformable in order to be capable of closely conforming to the shape of the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Donnelly Engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Lawlor, Patrick Dowling, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8254011
    Abstract: A driver attitude detection system for a vehicle includes a forward facing imaging sensor for capturing image data of a scene occurring forwardly of and in the direction of forward travel of an equipped vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the forward facing imaging sensor. A control, responsive at least in part to image processing by the image processor of the captured image data, is operable to determine driver performance and generate a control output indicative of driver performance. The driver attitude detection system may include at least one monitoring device for monitoring a vehicle characteristic of the equipped vehicle, and the control may, responsive at least in part to the at least one monitoring device, be operable to determine driver performance and generate the control output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8251555
    Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror assembly includes a housing that houses a reflectance element, and includes a turn signal indicator disposed at a portion of the housing. The turn signal indicator is fixedly disposed at the housing separate from the reflectance element whereby movement of the reflectance element is independent of the turn signal indicator. The turn signal indicator comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a plane that is generally horizontal when the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle. The plurality of light emitting diodes may be disposed behind a light-transmitting cover and, when the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle and when the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Pastrick
  • Patent number: D668611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrne, Randell E. Pate, Timothy J. Warwick, Jorge Angulo Givaudan