Patents by Inventor Barry W. Hutzel

Barry W. Hutzel 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: 9827918
    Abstract: A forward facing imaging system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at an interior portion of a vehicle and a camera disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly. The camera has a forward field of view through a windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data and captured image data is recorded by a recording system. During operation of the vehicle, the recording system records image data, as it is captured over a given period of operation of the vehicle, in a closed-loop fashion onto electronic memory. Image data, as captured by the camera, is processed by an image processor in order to determine the presence of at least one object forward of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20120120239
    Abstract: A forward facing imaging system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at an interior portion of a vehicle and a camera disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly. The camera has a forward field of view through a windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data and captured image data is recorded by a recording system. During operation of the vehicle, the recording system records image data, as it is captured over a given period of operation of the vehicle, in a closed-loop fashion onto electronic memory. Image data, as captured by the camera, is processed by an image processor in order to determine the presence of at least one object forward of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20090005136
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a casing and a reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a module that provides a specific identifier for telecommunication occurring at least one of to the vehicle in which the interior mirror assembly is mounted and from the vehicle in which the interior mirror assembly is mounted. The module may have a caller identifier for a communication system, with the identifier identifying a subscriber of the communication system for making telephone calls to and from the vehicle in which the interior mirror assembly is mounted. The vehicle in which the interior mirror assembly is mounted may have at least one element operable for establishing the telecommunication with the communication system, and the module of the interior mirror assembly may have an identifier module that identifies a subscriber of the communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7293888
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing having a mirror casing and a support for mounting said mirror casing to a vehicle. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a retractable cord for use by an occupant of the vehicle for coupling to an accessory and which is adapted to couple the accessory to a vehicle system via the housing to provide a link between the accessory and the vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W Hutzel, Niall R Lynam, Darryl P DeWind, John O'Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7075511
    Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror case, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle, and a reflective element. The mirror system further includes a carrier, which has at least either a display screen or a user-actuatable interface device, such as a user-actuatable button. The carrier is mechanically connected to the mirror case, for example by a snap-fit connection, whereby the mirror system is easier to assemble and optionally provides for a removable carrier for replacement, repair or upgrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Mousseau, Barry W. Hutzel, Darry P. DeWind
  • Patent number: 7012727
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6951413
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a mirror element and a mirror case having a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface and a back surface enveloping an interior space. A lamp comprising a light source is positioned and fixedly held preferably in a compartment in the interior space, the light source emitting light when electrically operated. At least one opening is provided in a surface of the mirror case in order to dissipate heat generated by the light source when electrically operated. A light opening is provided in the bottom surface of the mirror case for passing light out of the mirror case into a passenger compartment of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6902284
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in the interior cabin of a vehicle is provided that includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior rearview mirror support adapted for attaching to a windshield or header portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior rearview mirror casing and an interior rearview mirror reflective element. The interior rearview mirror casing is pivotally adjustable about the interior rearview mirror support whereby adjustment of said mirror casing by a driver of the vehicle adjusts the rearward field of view of the interior rearview mirror reflective element in order for the driver to see rearwardly when driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6811288
    Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Publication number: 20040057131
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6672637
    Abstract: A vehicular window system includes a window assembly that is adapted to be mounted in an opening of a vehicle. The window assembly includes at least one window panel and a mounting member, which is fixedly attached to a surface of the window panel. The window assembly further preferably includes an attachment member, which is attached to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6648477
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Rick Mousseau, Darryl P. DeWind
  • Publication number: 20030117728
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a casing with a reflective element and a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is dockable in and removable from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may comprise a light assembly which is useable as a flashlight independently of the interior rearview mirror assembly or useable as a map light when docked in the mirror assembly. The storage space may also be used to hold workpieces or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20030031023
    Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Publication number: 20030031024
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Publication number: 20030007261
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20020158490
    Abstract: A vehicular window system includes a window assembly that is adapted to be mounted in an opening of a vehicle. The window assembly includes at least one window panel and a mounting member, which is fixedly attached to a surface of the window panel. The window assembly further preferably includes an attachment member, which is attached to the mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6439755
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6428172
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a housing or casing supporting the reflective element, and the casing including a storage space. The storage space provides storage for at least one accessory and for storing the accessory in the location easily accessible by an occupant of the vehicle whereby the accessory can be inserted into and removed from the storage space for use by an occupant of the vehicle. The storage space may take the form of a recess provided in a top wall of the casing, a recessed portion provided in a front wall, back wall, or end wall of the casing. In one form, the recessed portion houses a pendent accessory which is movable between a retracted position within the recess to an extended position for viewing by an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the pendent accessory may include a reflective element or a display element, for displaying information to an occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Niall R. Lynam, Darryl P. DeWind, John O. Lindahl
  • Publication number: 20020005999
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Rick Mousseau, Darryl P. DeWind