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: 10129445
    Abstract: A roof mounted module for a vehicle includes a base plate configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle roof. An outer housing operably coupled with the base plate. An inner housing proximate the outer housing, including an imager sealing portion defining a sealing plane. The inner housing defines an inner cavity. An imager module is disposed in the cavity and is in communication with a viewing aperture defined through the outer housing. An imager mounting feature is disposed between the imager module and the inner housing. The imager mounting feature applies a force acting in a direction normal to the sealing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Michael G. Hendricks, Kevin A. Schueler, Peter T. Kantola
  • Patent number: 10112540
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Richard T. Fish, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20180292580
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle. The rearview assembly includes a rearview device operably coupled with a carrier. The rearview device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface. A bezel extends around a peripheral edge of the rearview device. A portion of the bezel extends behind the fourth surface of the second substrate. An applique is disposed over a front surface of the rearview device proximate the peripheral edge thereof. The applique includes an aesthetic design configured to closely match trim styling of an interior of the vehicle. A protective layer is disposed over the applique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180272949
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180245973
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Cercone, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Kenton J. Ypma, Kyle G. Jones
  • Publication number: 20180195661
    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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Filipiak, Christopher J. Koleszar, Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 10018843
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9994156
    Abstract: A rearview device includes a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 9995854
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for use in a vehicle. The rearview assembly includes a rearview device operably coupled with a carrier. The rearview device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate is disposed in front of the second substrate and includes a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface. A bezel extends around a peripheral edge of the rearview device. A portion of the bezel extends behind the fourth surface of the second substrate. An applique is disposed over a front surface of the rearview device proximate the peripheral edge thereof. The applique includes an aesthetic design configured to closely match trim styling of an interior of the vehicle. A protective layer is disposed over the applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180072240
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Danny L. Suman, Luke W. Koops, William L. Tonar, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Kristopher R. Green, Timothy L. Pawlowski
  • Publication number: 20180067279
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a rearview device and a processor. A housing supports the rearview device and the processor. The housing defines a recess therein. An air moving device is operably coupled with the housing and is configured to draw air from an area exterior to the housing into the recess, thereby cooling at least one of the rearview device and the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, Dennis D. Festerling, JR., Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Keith H. Berends
  • Patent number: 9858807
    Abstract: A wireless control system for controlling a remotely controlled device is disclosed. The wireless control system comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a transceiver circuit and an input device in communication with a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to control the transceiver circuit in response to an input received from the input device. The circuit assembly forms a profile shape configured to be significantly disposed within a handle portion of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9849836
    Abstract: A roof mounted module for a vehicle includes an imager housing in secure engagement with a roof of the vehicle. The imager housing defines a lateral aperture and a vertical aperture. An imager is disposed in the imager housing and is in communication with the lateral aperture. An antenna housing is removably coupled to the imager housing and is in communication with the vehicle via a data connection that extends through the vertical aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Richard T. Fish, Jr., Mark R. Roth
  • Publication number: 20170349103
    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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, Gary J. Dozeman, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 9838653
    Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes a support having a first side and a second side. A shroud is operably coupled with the first side. The support and the shroud define a cavity. A viewing aperture is disposed in one of the support and the shroud. An imager system is disposed in the cavity. An electrical connector is configured to provide communication with the imager system. The electrical connector is disposed outside the cavity in abutting contact with the second side of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Peter N. Rizk, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Frederick T. Bauer, Christian M. Kemperman, Danny L. Suman, Andrew J. LeVesque, David J. Cammenga, Michael F. Lisowski, Sandra Lynn Suman
  • Publication number: 20170297495
    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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Eric S. Lundy, JR., William L. Tonar, Michael J. VanAst, Christopher J. Van Huis, Brian J. Barksdale, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Joel A. Stray, Mark R. Roth
  • Publication number: 20170272624
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael G. Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20170272633
    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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael G. Hendricks
  • Publication number: 20170257535
    Abstract: A roof mounted module for a vehicle includes a base plate configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle roof. An outer housing operably coupled with the base plate. An inner housing proximate the outer housing, including an imager sealing portion defining a sealing plane. The inner housing defines an inner cavity. An imager module is disposed in the cavity and is in communication with a viewing aperture defined through the outer housing. An imager mounting feature is disposed between the imager module and the inner housing. The imager mounting feature applies a force acting in a direction normal to the sealing plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael G. Hendricks
  • Patent number: D797626
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Danny L. Minikey, Jr.