Patents by Inventor Danny L. Minikey, Jr.

Danny L. Minikey, Jr. 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: 10434948
    Abstract: A vehicle display mirror system is disclosed. The system comprises a display device and a reflecting polarizer. The display device is operable to display image data on a display surface as display light. The reflecting polarizer comprises a light receiving surface proximate the display surface and configured to output the display light in a first polarization from an emitting surface. The system further comprises a liquid crystal element, a polarizing element, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the liquid crystal element and configured to selectively align a liquid crystal material to pass the display light through the liquid crystal element and deactivate the liquid crystal element to adjust a received light from the first polarization to a second polarization and reflect the second polarization from the emitting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, Gary J. Dozeman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10406982
    Abstract: A rearview device having a housing defining at least one button opening. A travel guide defines a button engagement interface. The button engagement interface defines a first aperture and a second aperture. A circuit board is in abutting contact with the travel guide. A switch is disposed between the first aperture and the second aperture. At least one button is operably coupled with the button engagement interface. The at least one button is in communication with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kristi L. Hooper, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10343608
    Abstract: A rearview assembly having an electrochromic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electrochromic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric S. Lundy, William L. Tonar, Michael J. VanAst, Christopher J. Van Huis, Brian J. Barksdale, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Joel A. Stray, Mark R. Roth
  • Patent number: 10313571
    Abstract: An imager assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises an optic lens forming a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises an imager circuit in conductive connection with an imager connector. The imager connector is configured to communicatively connect the imager circuit to the vehicle. The assembly further comprises a lens holder configured to receive the proximal end portion of the optic lens and align the imager circuit with the optic lens. The conductive connection of the imager connector to the imager circuit is located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael G. Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20190126813
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly includes a housing. A headlamp is disposed within the housing. An image sensor is disposed within the housing and is configured to detect a light source. A controller is operably coupled to the image sensor and the headlamp. The controller is operable to control the headlamp in response to the light source detected by the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric S. Lundy, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 10266126
    Abstract: An imaging device enclosure for a vehicle including a housing having an image device aperture. A motor is disposed in the housing and is operably connected with a mobile wedge. The mobile wedge is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An imaging device is slidably connected with the mobile wedge and is movable between the retracted position corresponding to the extended position of the mobile wedge and the extended position corresponding to the retracted position. A flexible boot is disposed over the image device aperture. The flexible boot defines a flexible opening. The imaging device protrudes through the flexible opening when the imaging device is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Suman, Luke W. Koops, William L. Tonar, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Kristopher R. Green, Timothy L. Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 10250784
    Abstract: An imager assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises an optic lens comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal axis extending there between. An imager circuit is in conductive connection with an imager connector. The imager connector is configured to communicatively connect the imager circuit to the vehicle. A lens holder of a conductive material forms a shielded cavity configured to receive the proximal end portion of the optic lens and the imager circuit. The lens holder is configured to align the imager with the longitudinal axis of the optic lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael G. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 10240712
    Abstract: A socket for a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The socket comprises a mounting structure comprising a plurality of side portions forming a first frame and a ball receiving structure formed by a second frame. The second frame is disposed within a perimeter of the first frame and comprises a plurality of support beams interconnected with the side portions of the first frame. The socket further comprises a ball mount interface comprising a contoured recess formed in each of the beams. The ball mount interface is configured to receive an exterior surface of a ball to form a ball and socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Filipiak, Christopher J. Koleszar, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10214147
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a housing, a bezel and an electro-optic mirror element. The electro-optic mirror element includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the first substantially transparent substrate and a second substrate having a second edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the second substrate and a fourth surface. The first substantially transparent substrate and the second substrate define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is disposed within the cavity. The edge of the first substantially transparent substrate and the second edge of the second substrate are coupled to at least one of the bezel and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mathias R. Fox, Kenneth R. Filipiak, Niels A. Olesen
  • Patent number: 10215359
    Abstract: A lighting module for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting module comprises a light source configured to generate a light emission in an emission direction substantially along a forward operating direction of the vehicle. A circuit is in connection with the light source. The lighting module further comprises an optic device comprising a body forming a receiving surface. The receiving surface is configured to receive an input emission of the light emission. The optic device is configured to transmit the input emission through the body, emit a first portion of the input emission along a primary path directed toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and emit a second portion of the input emission along a stray light path into a light trap formed by the body and arranged substantially opposite the light extraction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10207647
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate coupled within the open side of the housing and having a reflective surface thereon, and an actuation mechanism coupled within the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable arm portion extending away from the mounting plate. The actuation mechanism also includes a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the arm portion of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body along a coupling axis and a motor rigidly coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10189408
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a display device defining a display surface having a display perimeter elongated along a length. The display device is in communication with a primary PCB. The primary PCB comprises a first side and an opposing second side. The first side is directed toward the display device. The assembly also comprises a heat sink in connection with the second side of the primary PCB and extending substantially coextensive with the length display perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190023185
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly having a mount operably coupled to a vehicle interior. The mount includes one of a ball and a socket extending forwardly therefrom. An engagement plate is pivotally coupled with the mount via the other of a ball and a socket extending rearwardly from the engagement plate. The engagement plate includes a first support member and a second support member pivotally coupled to the first support member. A carrier plate is operably coupled with the engagement plate. The carrier plate supports a rear housing on a rear portion thereof. A glass element is operably coupled with the carrier plate. A display module is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and is operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Richard T. Fish, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20180354420
    Abstract: A rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a substrate having a reflective surface thereon and an actuation mechanism coupled within the substrate. The actuation mechanism includes a socket plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and extending to a second end and a link element rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing adjacent the second end of the socket and engaged with the socket plate to rotate the socket plate about the first end by rotation of the link element. The actuation mechanism further includes a clutch plate rigidly coupled with the link element about an axis thereof and an input element positioned on, rotatable about, and slideable along the axis of the link element. The input element releasably engages the clutch plate under a force applied thereto along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180345791
    Abstract: A vehicle display assembly may comprise a transparent element defining a viewing surface, a display element disposed behind the transparent element, and a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the display element. The display element is configured to generate an image visible through the transparent element. The vehicle display assembly may be in communication with at least one of a vehicle sensor and a vehicle computer. The images appearing in the display element may change orientation based on the presence or absence of a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Eric S. Lundy, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Neil J. Boehm, Sebastien C. Jaeger, David J. Cammenga, Brian D. Jewell, Blake R. Adams, Gregory M. Ejsmont, William D. Short, II, Karri M. Kluting, William C. Schenk, Mark R. Roth, Andrew D. Weller, Jonathan A. Morey
  • Publication number: 20180337464
    Abstract: A connector assembly is operably coupled with a circuit board for a rearview device. The connector assembly includes a body having a plurality of electrical leads extending therefrom. A plurality of contact-receiving apertures are defined through the body. A plurality of spring-biased contacts extend into the contact-receiving apertures and are guided by a plurality of columns. The plurality of spring-biased contacts are in electrical communication with the plurality of electrical leads when inserted into the contact-receiving apertures of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Eric S. Lundy, Christopher D. Pollack
  • Patent number: 10131279
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a glass element, and is configured to be turned to an on state and an off state. A peripheral support is disposed proximate a periphery of the glass element and configured to retain the glass element against the display module. The peripheral support includes a radio frequency shield integral therewith. An actuator device is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing and operably coupled with the glass element. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element in one direction, thereby moving the glass element to an off-axis position which approximately simultaneously changes the on/off state of the display module. The actuator device is adjustable to tilt the glass element in another direction, thereby moving the glass element to an on-axis position which approximately simultaneously changes the on/off state of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Richard T. Fish, Jr., Richard Allen Berry, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20180329210
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Patent number: D848649
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric S. Lundy, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: D853917
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Danny L. Minikey, Jr.