Patents Assigned to SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
  • Patent number: 10293742
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a reflector having a proximal end and a distal end. The reflector has a surface having a plurality of reflective faces spread over an arc therebetween, the arc being generally concave. The reflector forms part of a recess, the recess having spaced-apart parallel walls. A light emitting diode (LED) light source is disposed near the proximal end of the reflector and remote from the distal end of the reflector and the light source is oriented to emit light onto the reflective faces. A lens is positioned in front of the reflector. The lens is arranged to receive light from the reflector. In use, light is output from the lens with a substantially uniform luminance over a viewing angle of at least 45 degrees in a plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Simon Belcher, James Nicholas Dickson
  • Patent number: 10293753
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a motor vehicle includes a dome, a foot attachable to the motor vehicle, a head rotatable relative to the foot, the head including at least one base body with a bearing opening for receiving an axis of rotation associated with the foot, where the foot is shaped together with the dome as an injection molded part, the dome includes at least one first stop element for engagement with at least one complementary second stop element of a cap nut screwed onto the dome, the cap nut providing a stop for a spring which extends around the dome, and the cap nut is an injection molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Artem Rudi
  • Publication number: 20190146213
    Abstract: A camera lens includes a cover adapted to at least partially enclose at least one camera having at least one camera lens, drive means adapted to rotationally move the cover relative to the camera, and a housing adapted to hold the cover and the drive means, where the housing at least partially encloses the cover and includes at least one opening for allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through the cover to the lens. A rear view display for a vehicle includes such a cleaning system, and a vehicle includes such a rear view display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Alexander Slama
  • Patent number: 10266120
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes mating features in a sheet metal of the motor vehicle, an exterior rear view mirror assembly fixedly secured to the motor vehicle, where the exterior rear view mirror assembly includes a structural base frame that mates to the mating features of the sheet metal at a mounting plane, and a tuned mass damper secured to the structural base frame adjacent to the mounting plane. In an example, a primary axis of movement of the tuned mass damper is at least one of substantially parallel with or substantially perpendicular to the mounting plane. In another example, the tuned mass damper is configured to dampen resonant vibrations being generated by the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Douglas Wilson
  • Patent number: 10246007
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle component, especially for a rearview device of a motor vehicle, features at least one illuminant for emitting light and a condenser unit having at least one condenser lens. The condenser unit is adapted to focus the light emitted by the at least one illuminant into an optical path. At least one mask means is provided, which is arranged in the optical path and by means of which an image, symbol, logo and/or legend can be displayed on a projection surface. A lens unit having at least one objective lens, is arranged in the optical path, and at least one reflector unit, is arranged between the condenser unit and the projection surface. The reflector unit is adapted to deflect the optical path, especially essentially transversely or diagonally, to the projection surface, wherein the reflector unit comprises a reflector element which comprises at least one surface section by means of which the light can be deflected relative to the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Oliver Schmidt, Daniel Fritz
  • Patent number: 10232765
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for illuminating a ground area adjacent a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing; an outer lens covering the housing; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light sources arranged in the housing; and a reflector mounted in the housing. The light emitted from the plurality of LED light sources is captured by the reflector which reflects light towards the lens, the lens directing light generally downward towards the ground area. The light output from the lamp assembly appears to be emitted from a single light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Simon Belcher, James Nicholas Dickson
  • Publication number: 20190077332
    Abstract: A method is shown to indicate to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object moving relative to the vehicle. The method begins by collecting data using a camera or other such image capturing device. The data is analyzed to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object, regardless of whether it is moving or not. A warning associated with the hazard is created. Both the hazard and the warning are displayed using the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Ilka Rötzer, Andreas Herrmann, Oliver Eder, Frank Linsenmaier, Firas Mualla
  • Patent number: 10202078
    Abstract: A rear-view device for a motor vehicle with vibration damping, includes at least one rear-view element which is mounted in a housing in an adjustable manner relative to the housing via an adjusting drive, where the adjusting drive includes at least one motor which can be adjusted via a control or regulating device in order to adjust the field of view, and the control or regulating device controls or regulates the motor via the energizing process of the motor depending on at least one variable, which is selected from a first detected variable and/or at least one second stored variable, during a driving process in order to counteract movements of the at least one rear-view element relative to the housing by adjusting the motor, said movements being caused in particular by the movements of the motor vehicle during the driving process of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Bernd Sülzle
  • Patent number: 10166925
    Abstract: A rear view element folding device is disclosed for approaching at least one pivot position of an element housing relative to an element foot that can be mounted on the motor vehicle. The rear view element folding device locks or unlocks at least one resting position of the element housing relative to the element foot. A method for triggering such a rear view element folding device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Romeo Wieczorek, Peter Hein, Alexander Czechowicz, Andreas Hermann
  • Patent number: 10168021
    Abstract: A light guiding device for an illumination device, especially for a motor vehicle or an indicator device in a rearview device of a motor vehicle includes a light coupling side for incoupling light from a light source, a reflection side having a reflection layer; and a light outcoupling side, which is disposed generally opposite the reflection side. A clearance between the reflection side and the light outcoupling side generally decreases as the distance from the light incoupling side increases. The reflection side having the reflection layer is configured so that light arriving from the light incoupling side is deflected to the light outcoupling side. The reflection layer may be a paint or lacquer layer that is imprinted or evaporation-coated on the reflection side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Norbert Kürschner, Daniel Fritz
  • Publication number: 20180372299
    Abstract: A housing or pocket for supporting a light guide device for an illumination device, especially for a motor vehicle or an indicator device in a rearview device of a motor vehicle. The housing has a first side which is configured to support the light guiding device for exposure to the pictogram of the reflection layer. The housing also include a second side containing exposed wire connectors to connect the light guide device to a power source. One of the light guide device, the printed circuit board or both structures are fitted with an encapsulation member and secured to the housing through the use of a fixative mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Norbert Kürschner, Andreas Herrmann, Chun Seop Kwak, Ho Jin Huh
  • Patent number: 10144354
    Abstract: A pivotable interior mirror for a vehicle includes a mirror surface, for example in the form of a first surface of a wedge mirror, a sensor device suitable for a light propagation-time measurement, for sensing at least one gesture of a driver of the vehicle and/or light incident on the first surface of the wedge mirror, and a pivoting device for pivoting the mirror surface from a normal position into at least one dimming position, in which blinding of the driver by light reflected at the mirror surface is reduced, wherein the pivoting device can be activated in dependence on at least one output signal of the sensor device. Further, a vehicle may include such an interior mirror and a method for using such an interior mirror is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patent S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Romeo Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 10137823
    Abstract: An adaptive cornering light system for a motor vehicle includes an exterior mirror head, housing at least one lighting module that having a plurality of LEDs arranged in sectors to provide different lighting functionalities. One LED or light sector is provided for adaptively illuminating a cornering area that extends along the side of the vehicle toward the front of the exterior mirror head. This “cornering LED” is adaptively activated if the speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed, or in response to additional optional parameters such as steering angle, turn-signal blinker activation, and running lights activation. Another LED or light sector may be used as a security light to illuminate or display a message on the ground in the door area adjacent the side of the vehicle. Interior lights are also disclosed. User input may also control options for illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Ilka Rötzer, Eugen Meier, Oliver Schmidt, Romeo Wieczorek, Andrea König, Peter Hein, Alexandru Dobrete, Andreas Herrmann, Christopher Moase, Adam Di Fiore, Phillip McKenzie, Marco Cid, Simon Belcher
  • Publication number: 20180334108
    Abstract: A method is shown to indicate to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object moving relative to the vehicle. The method begins by collecting data using a camera or other such image capturing device. The data is analyzed to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object, regardless of whether it is moving or not. A warning associated with the hazard is created. Both the hazard and the warning are displayed using the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Ilka Rötzer, Andreas Herrmann, Oliver Eder, Frank Linsenmaier, Firas Mualla
  • Patent number: 10059266
    Abstract: An adjustment unit for a rear view device for a vehicle includes a pivot and a carrier. The carrier is tiltably mounted to the pivot. The adjustment unit includes at least one first bending actuator, which has its largest dimension in a first direction and which is bendably adjustable in an angular or crosswise direction relative to the first direction. The first bending actuator has a first end fixed to a first fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. At least one second bending actuator has its largest dimension in a second direction oriented angularly or crosswise relative to the first direction and is bendable angular or crosswise relative thereto. The second bending actuator has a first end fixed to the first fastening means or a further fastening means and a second end fixed to the carrier. The adjustment unit is characterized in that the first direction of the first bending actuator and/or the second direction of the second bending actuator run through the center of the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Urszula Kosidlo, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10060594
    Abstract: A light guiding device for an illumination device, especially for a motor vehicle or an indicator device in a rearview device of a motor vehicle includes a light coupling side for incoupling light from a light source, a reflection side having a reflection layer; and a light outcoupling side, which is disposed generally opposite the reflection side. A clearance between the reflection side and the light outcoupling side generally decreases as the distance from the light incoupling side increases. The reflection side having the reflection layer is configured so that light arriving from the light incoupling side is deflected to the light outcoupling side. The reflection layer may be a paint or lacquer layer that is imprinted or evaporation-coated on the reflection side; and the having a white sheet on or next to the rejection side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Norbert Kürschner, Daniel Fritz, Eugen Meier, Volker Erhart, Andrew Brian Little, Harry Welfare, Stephen Edney
  • Patent number: 10048428
    Abstract: A display arrangement for a motor vehicle can be disposed in a rear view device such as an interior- or exterior rear view mirror. The display arrangement may include at least one light source and at least one optical unit. The at least one optical unit may include at least one light-conducting body having at least one coupling-in section through which light emitted by at least one light source can be coupled into the light-conducting body and having at least one coupling-out section through which light can be coupled out of the light-conducting body. The at least one optical unit also comprises at least one optical means which at least in some sections is or can be secured to the light conducting body such that it is overlaid on the surface of the at least one coupling-out section of said light-conducting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Daniel Fritz
  • Publication number: 20180195687
    Abstract: A light guiding device for an illumination device, especially for a motor vehicle or an indicator device in a rearview device of a motor vehicle includes a light coupling side for incoupling light from a light source, a reflection side having a reflection layer; and a light outcoupling side, which is disposed generally opposite the reflection side. A clearance between the reflection side and the light outcoupling side generally decreases as the distance from the light incoupling side increases. The reflection side having the reflection layer is configured so that light arriving from the light incoupling side is deflected to the light outcoupling side. The reflection layer may be a paint or lacquer layer that is imprinted or evaporation-coated on the reflection side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Norbert Kürschner, Daniel Fritz
  • Publication number: 20180194288
    Abstract: A rear view element folding device is disclosed for approaching at least one pivot position of an element housing relative to an element foot that can be mounted on the motor vehicle. The rear view element folding device locks or unlocks at least one resting position of the element housing relative to the element foot. A method for triggering such a rear view element folding device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Romeo Wieczorek, Peter Hein, Alexander Czechowicz, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10006603
    Abstract: A light reflector arrangement providing a light output having substantially uniform luminous intensity is disclosed. The light reflector arrangement includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source. For each light source, the light reflector arrangement includes a first reflector configured to receive light from the light source and reflect said light towards a second reflector such that light reflected from the second reflector has substantially uniform luminance observable from a single direction. For example, the second reflector has light scattering means for removing directionality of light reflected from the second reflector. The light reflector arrangement may further include a lens configured to receive the light reflected from the second reflector. The lens preferably has a light diffusing surface such that light output through the lens has a substantially uniform luminance observable from more than one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.á.r.l.
    Inventors: Gary De Kievit, Simon Timothy Belcher