Patents by Inventor Danny L. Minikey
Danny L. Minikey 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).
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Patent number: 12156312Abstract: A method for controlling an illumination system includes detecting a first position of a marker in image data. In response to the first position, a first light target for the first light emission is identified. Controlling a light assembly to direct the first light emission to the first light target and maintaining the first light emission directed to the first light target. The method further includes detecting a second position of the marker in the image data. A second light target for the second light emission is identified in response to the second position. The light assembly is controlled to direct the second light emission to the second light target.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2021Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Bradley R. Hamlin, David M. Falb, Jeremy A. Schut, Danny L Minikey, Jr., Mark A VanVuuren, David J. Wright
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Publication number: 20240280874Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a front substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap with a cell spacing. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. A conductor assembly is electrically coupled to the first electrode and defines at least one space containing a first conductive intermediary. A seal retains the electro-optic medium in the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2024Publication date: August 22, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Adam R. Heintzelman, David J. Cammenga, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Autumn W. Goulet, Patrick Kelly Kreun, Ridge A. DeJong, Joel A. Stray, Gary J. Dozeman, Christopher M. Derry
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Publication number: 20240175565Abstract: An illumination system includes an array of LEDs including a plurality of first LEDs and a plurality of second LEDs. A microlens array overlays the plurality of LEDs and includes a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of first LEDs and a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of second LEDs. A first geometry of at least one of the plurality of first lenses is different than a second geometry of at least one of the plurality of second lenses. An imaging device is configured to capture an image based on light reflected from the array of LEDs. At least one processing device is in communication with the array of LEDs and the imaging device. The at least one processing device is configured to identify a shadow cast on the target region by an obstruction and selectively activate the array of LEDs based on the shadow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: May 30, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Eric P. Bigoness
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Patent number: 11787356Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2023Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: 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: 20230302997Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
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Publication number: 20230302996Abstract: A full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
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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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Patent number: 11584317Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, Jr., John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
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Patent number: 11535157Abstract: A rearview device having a housing that defines a cavity. The rearview device additionally includes an electro-optic element. In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a peripheral flange. The peripheral flange may have a mounting surface and a lip. The electro-optic element may be associated with the mounting surface. Further, the lip may substantially circumscribe the electro-optic element. In other embodiments, the rearview device may further comprise a mounting assembly having one or more mechanical fastener acceptors. One or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through holes both in a holder and a circuit board disposed in the cavity. In yet other embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through and be supported by a washer disposed in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Eric S. Sloterbeek, Elliot M. Busta, Christopher D. Pollack, Jeffery E. Irvin, Joel D. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11538570Abstract: A display system for a medical suite comprises a scanning device configured to capture scanning data in the medical suite. At least one display configured to display information in an operating region of the medical suite. A controller is in communication with the scanning device and the display. The controller is configured to control the scanning device to capture identifying information of a patient. Based on the identifying information, the controller is configured to authenticate an identity of the patient. Based on the identity, the controller is configured to access a patient record for the patient. The controller is further configured to control the at least one display to display information based on the patient record.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignees: GENTEX CORPORATION, MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCHInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Bradley R. Hamlin, David M. Falb, Jeremy A. Schut, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark A. VanVuuren, David J. Wright
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Publication number: 20220266778Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, JR., John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
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Publication number: 20220266662Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. A window having an electro-optic element is connected to the removable panel. A connection interface is configured to selectively connect the removable panel to the vehicle. The connection interface includes a first connection module configured for connection to the header of the vehicle and a second connection module in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel. The alignment of the first and second connection modules electrically connects an electrical supply of the vehicle to the at least one terminal based on an alignment between the connection modules in an assembled configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2022Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Drew D. Brennan, Danny L. Minikey, JR., John B. Ostreko, Andrew J. LeVesque
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Patent number: 11338735Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an arm having a proximal end coupled with a vehicle door and a distal end. A mirror assembly is coupled to the arm. The mirror assembly includes an electro-optic element. The mirror assembly is rotatable about the distal end between first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Michael G. Hendricks, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Christopher B. Case
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Patent number: 11295553Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system is configured to monitor a scanning region depicting a subject and includes a monitoring apparatus configured to capture scanning data in the scanning region depicting the subject. A feedback apparatus is configured to communicate alignment information from a portion of the vehicle to the subject. The alignment information indicates an alignment of the subject in the scanning region. A concealment apparatus is configured to conceal the scanning apparatus and selectively transmit the alignment information from the feedback apparatus. The system further includes a controller configured to activate the feedback apparatus revealing the alignment information identifying the alignment of the subject within the scanning region of the monitoring apparatus. The controller is further configured to control the scanning apparatus to capture the scanning data of the subject and monitor the subject in the scanning data.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley A. Bosma, David J. Cammenga, Ethan J. Lee, Brian G. Brackenbury, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Matthew W. Remijn, David M. Bostrom, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 11256374Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a housing and a display assembly that is operably coupled with the housing. An actuation assembly is adjacent the housing and is configured to activate a plurality of features of the rearview assembly. The actuation assembly includes a single button that is operable between engaged and disengaged positions. A plurality of tactile indicia are spaced along the single button and are configured to indicate a particular function of the rearview assembly. A proximity sensor assembly is disposed on the single button and is configured to sense proximity of a user. A conductive contact assembly is operably coupled with the housing and configured to send a signal to a processor to activate a function of the rearview assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Eric S. Lundy, Joseph P. Brigham, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth
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Patent number: 11248774Abstract: An illumination system includes a light assembly. The light assembly may include a housing having a first zone and a second zone isolated from the first zone. The housing may be configured to fit generally flush with a ceiling. A movable light source may be positioned within the first zone and is configured to emit a first light. A stationary light source may be positioned within the second zone and is configured to emit a second light.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignees: GENTEX CORPORATION, MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCHInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Bradley R. Hamlin, Todd W. Knallay, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
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Patent number: 11131580Abstract: A sensor cover for a rearview assembly includes a body configured for secure engagement with the rearview assembly. At least one engagement feature extends rearward and is configured for removably coupling the body with a first housing having a first predefined configuration and a second housing having a second predefined configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy J. Cercone, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Kenton J. Ypma, Kyle G. Jones
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Publication number: 20210282885Abstract: A method for controlling an illumination system includes detecting a first position of a marker in image data. In response to the first position, a first light target for the first light emission is identified. Controlling a light assembly to direct the first light emission to the first light target and maintaining the first light emission directed to the first light target. The method further includes detecting a second position of the marker in the image data. A second light target for the second light emission is identified in response to the second position. The light assembly is controlled to direct the second light emission to the second light target.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Applicants: Gentex Corporation, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Bradley R. Hamlin, David M. Falb, Jeremy A. Schut, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark A. VanVuuren, David J. Wright
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Publication number: 20210245661Abstract: A rearview device having a housing that defines a cavity. The rearview device additionally includes an electro-optic element. In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a peripheral flange. The peripheral flange may have a mounting surface and a lip. The electro-optic element may be associated with the mounting surface. Further, the lip may substantially circumscribe the electro-optic element. In other embodiments, the rearview device may further comprise a mounting assembly having one or more mechanical fastener acceptors. One or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through holes both in a holder and a circuit board disposed in the cavity. In yet other embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may be received by the mechanical fastener acceptors and extend through and be supported by a washer disposed in the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2021Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Eric S. Sloterbeek, Elliot M. Busta, Christopher D. Pollack, Jeffery E. Irvin, Joel D. Geerlings
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Patent number: D931775Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Luke A. Bomers, Mark R. Roth, Carl N. Wassink