Patents Assigned to Gentex Corporation
  • IMAGING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140125854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Jeremy C. Andrus
  • MULTI-ZONE MIRRORS
    Publication number: 20140126036
    Abstract: A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Jeffrey N. Williams, Lansen M. Perron
  • Image synchronization for a multiple imager system and method thereof
    Patent number: 8717433
    Abstract: An imager system and method thereof are provided, the imager system is configured for use with a vehicle and has a plurality of imagers including a first imager having a first field of view, and a second imager having a second field of view The imager system further includes a video processor module configured to approximately synchronize at least the first and second imagers, and a serial data communication connection communicatively connecting the plurality of imagers and the video processor module, wherein at least the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized by communicating a synchronization signal via a connection other than the serial data communication connection, and the images captured by the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized without buffering the captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Harold C. Ockerse
  • Cathodic Materials for Use in Electrochemical Sensors and Associated Devices and Methods of Manufacturing the Same
    Publication number: 20140116880
    Abstract: A cathodic material for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising: a carbonaceous material and an oxygen reduction catalyst associated with the carbonaceous material; and wherein the cathodic material does not materially exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. Associated electrochemical sensors may include an anode and cathode that are disposed upon the same or opposite sides of an ion exchange membrane and/or exposed to the same or different gaseous environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joel C. Nemes
  • MAGNETIC FIELD COMPENSATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF
    Publication number: 20140107860
    Abstract: A compass system configured to compensate for electromagnetic interference in a vehicle is provided that includes an electronic device that is sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI), wherein the electronic device is positioned in a vehicle such that the electronic device receives EMI from another accessory in the vehicle, and wherein the electronic device is configured to compensate for the EMI, such that the EMI field caused by the accessory can be detected and added to existing calibration point while the accessory is powered on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bugno, Jonh C. Peterson
  • REARVIEW MOUNTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140097320
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly includes a bracket having a windshield engagement surface. The bracket further includes a neck with a ball. The ball has at least one of either a knurled patch or a striation and the ball is configured to engage a socket in the rearview device. The socket of the rearview device includes fingerlike projections and a ball engaging surface. The ball engaging surface has raised features to frictionally engage the ball and minimize or eliminate droop of the rearview device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter N. Rizk, Kenton J. Ypma, Kenneth R. Filipiak
  • Vehicle accessory microphone
    Patent number: 8682005
    Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers (2210) that are positioned in one or more housings. A preprocessing circuit (2215) includes a inverted comb filter (2245) for eliminating predetermined frequencies between harmonics of the human voice in a predetermined frequency range. A processing circuit (2220) coupled to the preprocessing circuit (2215) is used for outputting an electrical signal such that the transducers (2210) used in combination with the processing circuit (2220) very effectively cancels noise. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory such as a vehicular mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe
  • Visor Assembly for a Helmet
    Publication number: 20140075653
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gentex Corporation
  • IMAGING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140078361
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Jeremy C. Andrus
  • Two wire autobias vehicular microphone system having user input functionality and method of forming same
    Patent number: 8675889
    Abstract: An autobias vehicular microphone system (300) includes a microphone (301) which uses an amplifier (306) for amplifying an output of the microphone. A first feedback path (308) provides an amplifier output signal to the amplifier input for providing amplifier linearity, and a second feedback path (305) is used for providing bias to a voltage reference (303). The voltage reference (303) operates to provide an autobias to the amplifier (306) based upon amplifier load-ing. By holding the bias point to a constant voltage, a constant clip level can be maintained depending on varying load conditions of electronic devices (307, 309, 311) using the microphone (301). Additionally, one or more switches can be used to vary the bias point which can be interpreted to control functionality of the electronic devices (307, 309, 311).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson
  • THIN-FILM COATINGS, ELECTRO-OPTIC ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATING THESE ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20140071513
    Abstract: Electro-optic elements are becoming commonplace in a number of vehicular and architectural applications. Various electro-optic element configurations provide variable transmittance and or variable reflectance for windows and mirrors. The present invention relates to various thin-film coatings, electro-optic elements and assemblies incorporating these elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, Scott D. Frasher
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A BLOCKED IMAGER
    Publication number: 20140070698
    Abstract: An exterior light control system for controlling exterior lights of a controlled vehicle is provided, which includes an imager configured to image a scene external and forward of the controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images. A controller is configured to receive and analyze the image data and generate a control signal for controlling the exterior lights of the controlled vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive temperature information relating to an operational temperature of the imager, wherein when the controller determines that the operational temperature of the imager is below a temperature threshold, the control signal includes an indication that the imager is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip R. Pierce, David M. Falb
  • MOUNT INTERFACE TO SLIDE ON WINDSCREEN BUTTON
    Publication number: 20140063630
    Abstract: A rearview device having a rearview display. A rearview device attachment assembly is connected with the rearview display and includes a mount and an attachment clip coupled to the mount. The attachment clip includes a base and first and second opposing flex members extending from the base, each including an arcuate flex portion extending from the base. A connecting portion extends from the arcuate flex portion at an angle toward the base. An engagement portion extends away from the connecting portion at an angle away from the base. First and second protrusions project from the mount, each extending through first and second slots, respectively, in the base. The first and second protrusions are in abutting contact with the engagement portion of the first and second opposing flex members, respectively, thereby forcing the first and second opposing flex members at least partially away from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Timothy J. Cercone, Blake R. Adams
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGING AN EXTERNAL SCENE BY EMPLOYING A CUSTOM IMAGE SENSOR
    Publication number: 20140049645
    Abstract: A method and system are provided to image an external scene by employing a custom image sensor. The custom image sensor may use a GRRB array to filter the images of oncoming and preceding vehicle taillights captured by a vehicle camera. The method and system may also calculate a GRRB color metric for use in the custom image sensor by performing interpolation on a number of color channels, summing the brightness values for each of the color channels interpolated, normalizing each of the brightness values, and converting the normalized brightness values from an RGB scale to a linear scale of non-red to red.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Wright, David M. Falb
  • Multi-zone mirrors
    Patent number: 8649083
    Abstract: A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A Luten, John S Anderson, George A Neuman, Jeffrey A Forgette, Jeffrey N Williams, Lansen M Perron
  • Rearview device mounting assembly with rotatable support
    Patent number: 8646924
    Abstract: A rearview device mounting assembly including a mount configured to be operably coupled to a windshield. A first support extends downward from the mount. A second support is rotatably connected with the first support and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The second support includes a carrier that extends substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. A rearview device assembly is operably connected to the carrier. The rearview device assembly is substantially vertically rotatable about the carrier and substantially horizontally rotatable about the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Roth, Peter N. Rizk, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Kenneth R. Filipiak, Darin D. Tuttle, Kent H. Frye
  • VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR ELEMENTS AND ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATING THESE ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20140036337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, Henry A. Luten, David J. Cammenga, Juan C. Lara, Jeffrey A. Forgette
  • AMPLIFIED PIEZOELECTRIC CAMERA LENS CLEANER
    Publication number: 20140033454
    Abstract: A lens cleaning device includes a piezoelectric member including a first side, a second side, and a central aperture. The piezoelectric member is operably coupled to a power source. A resilient member includes an inner edge and an outer edge. One of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member is operably coupled to the first side of the piezoelectric member. A lens is operably coupled to the other of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Luke W. Koops, Kristopher R. Green
  • APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROCESS WITH LASER INDUCED CHANNEL EDGE
    Publication number: 20140036338
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and process that includes a substantially transparent substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the substantially transparent substrate, wherein the edge being a laser induced channel edge having enhanced edge characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald L. Bareman, William L. Tonar, Niels A. Olesen, Thomas J. Scott, David J. Cammenga, Peter N. Rizk, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark R. Roth, Paul V. Flynn, JR., James R. Thommen, II, Happy T. Holden
  • ROTATING LENS APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20140036132
    Abstract: A lens cleaning device having a housing. A cylindrical lens is disposed inside the housing and defines an inner cavity. An imager is disposed in the cavity. A gear assembly operably couples the cylindrical lens with a motor. The motor is operational to rotate the gear assembly and consequently the cylindrical lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Pawlowski