Patents Assigned to Gentex Corporation
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Patent number: 11709381Abstract: A heads-up display may comprise a viewing screen having a reflective surface; a housing defining an opening; a display element disposed within the housing and comprising an integral linear polarizer configured to polarize light in a first direction; and a first linear polarizer disposed between the display element and the viewing screen covering the opening defined by the housing configured to polarize light in the first direction. The display element may be capable of causing images to be displayed on the viewing screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Gary J. Dozeman, Ryan B. Balili
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Publication number: 20230229052Abstract: A rearview assembly includes an electrochromic element. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate including a first surface and a second surface. The electrochromic element further includes a second substrate comprising a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate form a cavity. The electrochromic element includes an electrochromic medium contained in the cavity. The rearview assembly includes an image sensor directed toward the fourth surface and configured to capture near-infrared light reflected from an object and projected through the electrochromic element. The rearview assembly includes a transflective film disposed adjacent to the fourth surface having a near-infrared light transmission level and a visible light reflectance level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson
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Patent number: 11706377Abstract: A unified imaging device used for detecting and classifying objects in a scene including motion and micro-vibrations by receiving a plurality of images of the scene captured by an imaging sensor of the unified imaging device comprising a light source adapted to project on the scene a predefined structured light pattern constructed of a plurality of diffused light elements, classifying object(s) present in the scene by visually analyzing the image(s), extracting depth data of the object(s) by analyzing position of diffused light element(s) reflected from the object(s), identifying micro-vibration(s) of the object(s) by analyzing a change in a speckle pattern of the reflected diffused light element(s) in at least some consecutive images and outputting the classification, the depth data and data of the one or more micro-vibrations which are derived from the analyses of images captured by the imaging sensor and are hence inherently registered in a common coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Yoav Zuta, Gideon Carmon, Roi Levy, Guy Raz
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Publication number: 20230214085Abstract: A feedback apparatus for a user identification system of a vehicle includes an indicator device configured to selectively activate a status icon and a plurality of directional segments disposed around the status icon. A controller is in communication with a scanning device configured to authenticate an object depicted in image data representing a field of view. The controller is configured to identify an alignment direction of the object within the field of view and activate one or more of the directional segments in response to the alignment direction. Additionally, the controller is configured to activate the status icon in response to the alignment direction indicating that the object is aligned in the field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Richard T. Fish, JR., Daniel P. Bayer
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Publication number: 20230211732Abstract: A rearview assembly is disclosed. The rearview assembly may comprise: a housing and a display. The housing may be operable to me mounted to a vehicle. More specifically, the housing may be mounted to the vehicle interior. The display may be associated with the housing. Additionally, the display may have a first region and a second region. The first region may be substantially aligned with the housing. The second region may extend substantially beyond the housing. In some embodiments, the display may be a substantially transparent OLED display.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Bradley R. Hamlin
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Publication number: 20230202411Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a movable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. The movable panel includes an electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance. A wireless connection interface includes a vehicle-side coupling module and a panel-side coupling module. The vehicle-side coupling module is in connection with a support frame of the vehicle forming an opening that receives the movable panel. The vehicle-side coupling module is aligned with an interface surface of the movable panel. The wireless connection interface communicates power or electrical signals from a transmission unit of the vehicle-side coupling module to a reception module of the panel-side coupling module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
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Publication number: 20230209011Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed. The system may comprise an imager, a location sensor, a controller, and a display. The imager may be operable to capture a first video having a plurality of frames with field of view exterior the vehicle. The location sensor may be operable to determine the vehicle's location. The controller may be operable to associate the location of the vehicle with a plurality of the plurality of frames where the location substantially corresponds to the vehicle's location when each respective frame was captured. Additionally, the controller may be further operable to store one or more video clips, each comprising a series of frames. The display may be operable to simultaneously show one of the video clips and a map of an area substantially encompassing all the locations of the vehicle associated with the first frames included in the shown video clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2022Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Daniel P. Bayer
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Publication number: 20230199100Abstract: A downlead cable includes a first connector configured to connect to a headset of a communication system. A second connector is configured to connect to a connection port of a handset or a radio system. The downlead cable further includes wires connecting the first and second connectors and a cable jacket encapsulating the wires. A transformer is wired inline between the first and second connectors. The transformer is configured to enable the headset to mimic the electrical characteristics a microphone which the handset or the radio system is configured to interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Gregory HOULD, Christopher HUDSON
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Patent number: 11672296Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David C. Rogers, Charles H. Rogers, Darwin Keith-Lucas, Duco W. Noordzij
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Publication number: 20230166662Abstract: A display system for a vehicle includes a first camera in connection with the vehicle. The first camera outputs unprocessed image data. A second camera outputs a first processed image data. A display controller is in communication with the first camera via a conductive interface and the second camera via a wireless interface. The controller is configured to receive the unprocessed image data from the first camera and receive the first processed image data from the second camera. The controller further generates second processed image data from the unprocessed image data and selectively outputs the first processed image data and the second processed image data to a vehicle display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: June 1, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Bradley A. Bosma, David M. Falb
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Patent number: 11659881Abstract: A helmet cover includes a cover configured to extend over a helmet and at least one mount attached to the cover. In one embodiment, a backing plate is coupled to the at least one mount and the cover is sandwiched between the backing plate and the at least one mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Richard J. Long
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Patent number: 11646797Abstract: A trainable transceiver may comprise an electro-optic element comprising a first substrate having an electrode coating on a surface; a second substrate generally parallel to and in a spaced-apart relationship with the first substrate and having an electrode coating on a surface; and a window in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate from which the electrode coating has been at least partially removed. The trainable transceiver may also comprise a machine-readable optical image selectively visible through the window; a light source disposed in proximity to the machine-readable optical image; and a controller capable of controlling the light source. Upon receipt of an appropriate input, the controller causes the activation of the light source which, in turn, causes the machine-readable optical image to be visible through the electro-optic element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Brock R. Rycenga
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Publication number: 20230122749Abstract: A mounting apparatus for attaching a rearview assembly to a windshield may comprise a wedge; a mount configured to support the rearview assembly, the mount in contact with the wedge on at least one surface; and a spring comprising two legs with bent surfaces and configured to deflect outward from one another upon installation and having a lobe at the end of each leg, the spring configured to secure the mount to the wedge. The wedge may be configured to support the spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Bradley L. Busscher
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Patent number: 11630363Abstract: A window assembly includes an electro-optic element which has a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is switchable such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. An absorptive layer is positioned on the fourth surface of the electro-optic element and a reflective layer is positioned on the absorptive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 11628708Abstract: A vehicle apparatus configured to selectively position and enclose an opening formed in at least one panel of a vehicle includes a sliding panel and a positioning mechanism. The sliding panel includes an electrical device in communication with a control circuit of the vehicle and the positioning mechanism is configured to slidably position the sliding panel along a positioning track between an open position and a closed position. A control connection is configured to transmit control signals between the control circuit of the vehicle and the electrical device. The control connection extends from a portion of the vehicle to a connection interface of the electrical device, and the connection apparatus is configured to communicate a control signal to adjust an operating state of the electrical device in both the open position and the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Luke A. Bomers
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Patent number: 11629551Abstract: A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Ted D. Reeves, David I. Driscoll, Peter T. Kantola, Christian M. Kemperman, Carl N. Wassink, Robert R. Turnbull
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Patent number: 11622590Abstract: A helmet accessory mount system may include a shroud configured to be coupled to a helmet and an arm assembly having a first arm configured to rotatably couple to the shroud. The system may also include an accessory interface configured to coupled to an accessory and configured to engage the arm assembly. The arm assembly may be configured to move from a deployed position to at least one storage position. The accessory may be configured to be positioned between the accessory interface and the helmet when the arm assembly is in the at least one storage position.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventor: Jason W. O'Connell
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Patent number: 11624861Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly, includes a front substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. The front substrate being substantially transparent. The front substrate defines a shaped edge along a periphery of the first surface. A first polarizer is coupled with the second surface. An electro-optic element is coupled to the first polarizer having a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the fourth element surface. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization into the second polarizer. A reflective layer is positioned between the front substrate and the display is configured to reflect both the first polarization of light and a second polarization of light.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu
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Patent number: D986196Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Zoltan S. Brutler, Michael Pearson Blundell
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Patent number: D993059Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Nigel T. Lock, Joshua D. Lintz