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).

  • Publication number: 20170248787
    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: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170219181
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 9718409
    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 has a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a spring plate coupled with the mounting plate and having a resiliently deformable spring arm extending away from the mounting plate, and a socket body rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing, the spring arm of the spring plate being operably coupled with the socket body at a coupling axis therebetween. A motor is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is operably coupled with the socket body to drive rotation thereof by a reduction mechanism including a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9694751
    Abstract: A rearview assembly having an electro-optic 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 electro-optic 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: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9676334
    Abstract: A rearview assembly having a mounting structure configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A housing is operably connected with the mounting structure and a rearward viewing device is supported by one of the housing and the mounting structure. The rearward viewing device provides a rearward view to a vehicle driver and includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. The entire front surface of the front substrate is exposed and the entire rear substrate is positioned behind the front substrate. A concealing layer is disposed about a periphery of the rearward viewing device between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A partially optically transparent bezel is disposed adjacent to both the rearward viewing device and the housing, the optically transparent bezel having an edge radius greater than 2.5 mm and the optically transparent bezel being substantially flush with the front surface of the front substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, William L. Tonar, Jeremy A. Fogg, Michael F. Lisowski, Peter N. Rizk
  • Publication number: 20170158139
    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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mathias R. Fox, Kenneth R. Filipiak, Niels A. Olesen
  • Publication number: 20170120824
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170120826
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 9575315
    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: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9573525
    Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for a rearview mirror, including a housing connector having a first pivot member operably connected with an extension tube. A mount includes a windshield bracket and a sensor assembly. The windshield bracket is proximate to the sensor assembly and supports the sensor assembly against the vehicle windshield. A second pivot member includes a first end operably connected with the extension tube and a second end operably connected with the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Nigel T. Lock, Jeremy A. Fogg
  • Patent number: 9545882
    Abstract: A rearview device having a front element defining a first surface and a second surface. A rear element defines a third surface and a fourth surface. An electro-optic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A carrier plate includes a front side, a back side, and a peripheral wall. The front side is disposed proximate the fourth surface and the peripheral wall is operably coupled with a peripheral edge of the second surface. A device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nigel T. Lock, Mark R. Roth, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9533619
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective mirror element and a blind spot indicator system in optical communication with the reflective mirror element and configured to receive an input from a blind spot detector system, wherein the blind spot indicator system includes a first indicator assembly and a second indicator assembly each having a light source and an optic, the optic is in optical communication with the light source. The light sources are configured to emit light that at least partially propagates through the optics and the reflective mirror element if the input received from the blind spot detector indicates the blind spot detector is active or an object is detected in the blind spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth
  • Publication number: 20160364982
    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: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 9505349
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a display mirror assembly for a vehicle having a front shield including 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 front shield, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Ethan J. Lee, Eric P. Kern
  • Publication number: 20160341963
    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: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Richard T. Fish, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Lisowski, Jason D. Hallack
  • Publication number: 20160306250
    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: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley R. Hamlin, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 9434313
    Abstract: An optical lighting assembly for use with a vehicular outside rearview mirror includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) mounted thereon. An optical device such as a light pipe is positioned adjacent to the LED for propagating light away from the LED. A mirror element includes at least one indicia where light escaping from the light pipe is used to illuminate the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Frederick T. Bauer, Michael G. Hendricks, Michael F. Lisowski
  • Patent number: 9434311
    Abstract: A rearview assembly is disclosed for use in a vehicle for providing a rearward view from the vehicle. In one example, the rearview assembly includes at least one substrate having a partially transmissive coating and a light sensor proximate the at least one substrate. The rearview assembly further includes a secondary optic. The secondary optic has a first surface facing outward toward the at least one substrate and a second surface facing inward toward the light sensor. Vertical flutes extend uniformly along the first surface and horizontal flutes extend uniformly along the second surface. The secondary optic is configured to control a field of view of the light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Henry A. Luten
  • Publication number: 20160250973
    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: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Ulrich A. Kuester, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: D783480
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric S. Sloterbeek, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin