Patents by Inventor Brian J. Winden

Brian J. Winden 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).

  • Publication number: 20250240533
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a lens barrel having a first passageway accommodating a plurality of optical elements. A camera housing is formed by joining an upper cover with a lower cover. The upper cover of the camera housing includes a lens barrel receiving structure having a second passageway. The lens barrel is partially disposed in the second passageway of the lens barrel receiving structure. An annular face of an annular flange of the lens barrel is juxtaposed with an annular face of the lens barrel receiving structure. An adhesive contacts and bonds the annular faces. An imager is housed by the camera housing with its photosensor array aligned with the second passageway of the lens barrel receiving structure. The camera housing includes structure that cooperates with corresponding structure of a mounting bracket to detachably mount the vehicular camera module at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2025
    Publication date: July 24, 2025
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, JR., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20250234081
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes a lens having a plurality of optical elements, a lens holder, and an imager printed circuit board. The lens is accommodated in a lens barrel. A cylindrical passageway of the lens holder accommodates at least a portion of the lens barrel. The imager printed circuit board has circuitry disposed thereat. The circuitry of the imager printed circuit board includes an imager that has an imaging array. A flexible electrical ribbon cable electrically connects the circuitry of the imager printed circuit board with additional circuitry of the vehicular camera. The lens is held in optical alignment with the imaging array of the imager via an adhesive. The adhesive may bond the lens barrel to the lens holder at its front side. The imager printed circuit board may be attached at the lens holder at its rear side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Inventors: Brian J. Winden, Robert A. Devota, Matthew C. Sesti, Joseph A. Stemmer, Steven V. Byrne, John R. Garcia, David F. Olson
  • Patent number: 12279045
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board and an imager circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. A lens barrel accommodating a lens is at least partially disposed in a passageway of a lens holder. The vehicular camera module includes a housing having an upper cover and a lower cover that are joined together. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via a flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board. The imager is disposed within a rear portion of the housing and is not accommodated within a front portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 12273611
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes a lens comprising a plurality of optical elements, a lens holder, and an imager printed circuit board. The plurality of optical elements includes at least one plastic optical element and at least one glass optical element. The imager printed circuit board has circuitry disposed thereat. The circuitry of the imager printed circuit board includes an imager that has an imaging array. The lens is held in optical alignment with the imaging array of the imager via an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the lens barrel to the lens holder. A flexible electrical ribbon cable electrically connects the circuitry of the imager printed circuit board with additional circuitry of the vehicular camera. The vehicular camera, when installed and used in a vehicle, captures image data for a vision system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Winden, Robert A. Devota, Matthew C. Sesti, Joseph A. Stemmer, Steven V. Byrne, John R. Garcia, David F. Olson
  • Publication number: 20250100464
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens barrel and (iii) a lens holder. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover by at least one fastener. The imager circuit board is attached at the lens holder by at least one fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elizen
  • Publication number: 20240424999
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes a housing for mounting the vehicular camera at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield. Width of the housing is greater than height of the housing and is greater than depth of the housing. The height of the vehicular camera is less than 35 mm. Circuitry disposed at a first side of a single circuit board accommodated by the housing includes an imager. A lens barrel accommodates a lens and protrudes outward from a front portion of the housing. Circuitry disposed at a second side of the single circuit board includes a coaxial connector that extends from the single circuit board to protrude outward from the rear portion of the housing. Image data captured by the vehicular camera is transferred via the coaxial connector to an electronic control unit that is located in the vehicle remote from where the vehicular camera is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventor: Brian J. Winden
  • Patent number: 12162412
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 12109951
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20240314443
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board and an imager circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. A lens barrel accommodating a lens is at least partially disposed in a passageway of a lens holder. The vehicular camera module includes a housing having an upper cover and a lower cover that are joined together. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via a flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board. The imager is disposed within a rear portion of the housing and is not accommodated within a front portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, JR., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 12083968
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes an attaching structure configured to attach at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield. A camera module accommodates a circuit board having circuitry disposed at both sides of the circuit board. An imager is disposed at a first side of the circuit board. The camera module includes a lens accommodated in a lens barrel. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, and with the camera module attached at the attaching structure, the lens barrel protrudes from the casing and a portion of the lens barrel is partially disposed in a pocket defined by the stray light shield and the vehicle windshield. A coaxial connector is electrically connected to circuitry disposed at the second side of the circuit board. Image data captured by the camera module is transferred to an electronic control unit of the vehicle via the coaxial connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Winden
  • Patent number: 11997392
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board electrically connected with an imager circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. The vehicular camera module includes a housing having an upper cover and a lower cover that are joined together. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an electrical connector configured for electrical connection to a connector of a vehicular wire harness. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via a flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board. The imager is disposed within a rear portion of the housing and is not accommodated within a front portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20240017680
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes an attaching structure configured to attach at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield. A camera module accommodates a circuit board having circuitry disposed at both sides of the circuit board. An imager is disposed at a first side of the circuit board. The camera module includes a lens accommodated in a lens barrel. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, and with the camera module attached at the attaching structure, the lens barrel protrudes from the casing and a portion of the lens barrel is partially disposed in a pocket defined by the stray light shield and the vehicle windshield. A coaxial connector is electrically connected to circuitry disposed at the second side of the circuit board. Image data captured by the camera module is transferred to an electronic control unit of the vehicle via the coaxial connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventor: Brian J. Winden
  • Publication number: 20230421907
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board electrically connected with an imager circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. The vehicular camera module includes a housing having an upper cover and a lower cover that are joined together. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an electrical connector configured for electrical connection to a connector of a vehicular wire harness. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via a flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board. The imager is disposed within a rear portion of the housing and is not accommodated within a front portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, JR., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20230331152
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20230331153
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11758274
    Abstract: A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board electrically connected with an imager circuit board via a flexible ribbon cable. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main PCB of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via the flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board includes an electrical connector configured for electrical connection to a connector of a vehicular wire harness. Electrical components disposed at a first side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, electrical components disposed at a second side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, and the electrical connector are electrically operatively coupled together by conductive traces and vias of the main PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jianguo Wang, Garret Achenbach, Ove Salomonsson, Tom H. Toma, Edward R. Ahlquist, Jr., Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20230254562
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes a lens comprising a plurality of optical elements, a lens holder, and an imager printed circuit board. The plurality of optical elements includes at least one plastic optical element and at least one glass optical element. The imager printed circuit board has circuitry disposed thereat. The circuitry of the imager printed circuit board includes an imager that has an imaging array. The lens is held in optical alignment with the imaging array of the imager via an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the lens barrel to the lens holder. A flexible electrical ribbon cable electrically connects the circuitry of the imager printed circuit board with additional circuitry of the vehicular camera. The vehicular camera, when installed and used in a vehicle, captures image data for a vision system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Brian J. Winden, Robert A. Devota, Matthew C. Sesti, Joseph A. Stemmer, Steven V. Byrne, John R. Garcia, David F. Olson
  • Patent number: 11718243
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes an attaching structure configured to attach at an in-cabin side of a vehicle windshield. A camera module accommodates a circuit board and an imager and the camera module includes a lens aligned with the imager. The attaching structure includes a camera module receiving portion having an opening at a lower portion of the camera module receiving portion. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, the camera module is inserted upward through the opening and is at least partially received in the camera module receiving portion to attach the camera module at the camera module receiving portion. With the attaching structure attached at the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield and with the camera module at least partially received in the camera module receiving portion, the imager views through the vehicle windshield and forward of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Winden
  • Patent number: 11718228
    Abstract: A vehicular camera system includes a camera module having an imager assembly, a main circuit board and a camera housing. The imager assembly includes (i) an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and (ii) a lens holder having a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel accommodating a lens. The imager assembly includes a flexible ribbon cable that electrically connects to an electrical connector at a multilayered PCB of the main circuit board. The camera housing includes an upper cover and a lower cover and includes a forward portion and a rearward portion. The main circuit board is accommodated within the forward and rearward portions, and the imager is disposed at the rearward portion and is not disposed at the forward portion of the camera housing. The lens holder is attached at the upper cover of the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Garret F. Achenbach, Brian J. Winden, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 11622168
    Abstract: A vehicular camera includes an imager printed circuit board and a lens having a plurality of optical elements. The lens is held in optical alignment with an imager at the imager printed circuit board via a dual cure one-part, filled adhesive that in its uncured state has an epoxy resin. The adhesive is both UV-curable and thermal-curable. A flexible electrical ribbon cable electrically connects circuitry of the imager printed circuit board with additional circuitry of the vehicular camera. Image data captured by the imager is provided to the additional circuitry of the vehicular camera via the flexible electrical ribbon cable. The additional circuitry includes at least a processor for processing image data captured by the imager and provided to the additional circuitry via the flexible electrical ribbon cable. The vehicular camera, when installed and used in a vehicle, captures image data for use by a vision system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Winden, Robert A. Devota, Matthew C. Sesti, Joseph A. Stemmer, Steven V. Byrne, John R. Garcia, David F. Olson