Patents by Inventor Frederick T. Bauer

Frederick T. Bauer 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: 6870655
    Abstract: A mirror includes a housing, a mirror subassembly including a reflector layer with a portion defining an opening, and an indicia panel covering the opening and configured to form a visual display. At least one light source is positioned in the housing to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the mirror subassembly to selectively illuminate the visual display. The at least one light source emits a light matched in color to the indicia panel so that a maximum of light from the at least one light source passes through the indicia panel and is visible to a vehicle driver. Optimally, the light sources emit an amber colored light, and the indicia panel includes a diffusing layer also having an amber color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Northman, John W. Carter, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040202001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to information display assemblies and various covert displays using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Frederick T. Bauer, Darin D. Tuttle, Harold C. Ockerse, Robert R. Turnbull, David M. Falb
  • Publication number: 20040183694
    Abstract: A traffic system for alerting a driver of a motor vehicle to a traffic sign includes a sensor, a light source and a control unit. The sensor provides a motor vehicle detection signal and the control unit illuminates the light source responsive to the motor vehicle detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040160786
    Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light to function as a signal light. The lamp assembly may include a camera. The lamp assembly may serve as a CHMSL or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout to increase the illumination while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Lois Bauer, John K. Roberts, Joseph S. Stam
  • Publication number: 20040114384
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention, includes a lamp module with light sources functioning as a turn signal indicator, a security light, and a blind spot indicator. The light module may include at least one LED device that is activated during different activation modes so as to operate in two or more of the following modes: a blind spot indication mode, a turn signal mode, and a security light mode. The LED device may emit light of different color during the different modes of operation. The security light may be oriented to illuminate the door handle and keyhole. The light module may be positioned behind the mirror element to project light through the mirror element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: John W. Carter, Darin D. Tuttle, Bradley L. Busscher, Frederick T. Bauer, Garth D. Deur
  • Patent number: 6742904
    Abstract: Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam, Robert C. Knapp, Robert R. Turnbull, David J. Schmidt, G. Bruce Poe, David L. Plangger, Robert H. Nixon, Eric R. Fossum, Timothy E. Steenwyk
  • Publication number: 20040070857
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly of the present invention includes a circuit board disposed behind the mirror. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board and may include an LED mounted to project light through a transparent window in the flexible circuit board and through the mirror. The flexible circuit board may function as a mirror heater and may include conductive paths for connection to the LED and/or electrodes of an electrochromic mirror. The LED may include an LED chip mounted directly on the circuit board and encapsulated thereon by an encapsulant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040066568
    Abstract: An environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is provided which incorporates a reflective element with variable reflectance. In one embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of cadmium (Cd). In another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of lead (Pb). In yet another embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of mercury (Hg). In a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC). In yet a further embodiment, the environmentally improved rearview mirror assembly is substantially free of halogen producing chemicals such as bromine (Br).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Frederick T. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040051378
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Publication number: 20040047050
    Abstract: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam
  • Publication number: 20040032638
    Abstract: A mirror includes an electro-optic mirror subassembly, and a thin-profiled bezel attached around a perimeter of the electrochromic mirror subassembly. The electro-optic mirror subassembly is supported on a carrier by an adheringly bonded heater and foam tape in a laminar arrangement. The bezel may be bonded to an edge of the front surface of the front element of the electro-optic mirror subassembly, and/or may be bonded and/or interlockingly mechanically attached to an edge of the carrier. Alternatively, the bezel can be a strip of paint or thin coating material. The bezel can be molded in place, or can be pre-molded and elastically stretched to permit assembly. In one form, the bezel includes a laterally-extending fin that prevents seeing past the bezel into the inside of a mirror housing. In at least one embodiment, the assembly has no bezel or only a bezel on one edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, John W. Arnold, David J. Cammenga, John W. Carter, Bradley L. Busscher, Jeremy A. Fogg
  • Publication number: 20040008110
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Jon H. Bechtel, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6672745
    Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light, such as red or red-orange, so as to function as a signal light. Alternatively or additionally, the lamp assembly may include a camera of a vehicle imaging system. The lamp assembly may serve as a center high mounted stop light or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs on and off at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout so as to increase their intensity while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by a highly sensitive image sensor array of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Lois Bauer, John K. Roberts, Joseph S. Stam
  • Patent number: 6665107
    Abstract: An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for a vehicle includes a front element having a rear surface with a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon, and a rear element having a front surface with a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon. An electrical conductor may be provided to electrically couple a portion of the first conductive layer with a portion of the second conductive layer. At least one of the first and second conductive layers may be separated into a first portion and a second portion that is electrically isolated from the first portion and is in electrical contact with an electrochromic material disposed between the elements. A seal is provided to sealably bond the elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. The seal may have at least one electrically conductive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Forgette, Harlan J. Byker, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 6657767
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly of the present invention includes a circuit board disposed behind the mirror. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board and may include an LED mounted to project light through a transparent window in the flexible circuit board and through the mirror. The flexible circuit board may function as a mirror heater and may include conductive paths for connection to the LED and/or electrodes of an electrochromic mirror. The LED may include an LED chip mounted directly on the circuit board and encapsulated thereon by an encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6621616
    Abstract: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Joseph S. Stam
  • Patent number: 6618181
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 6614579
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a proximity switch comprises a radiation emitter for emitting radiation, at least one photosensor for detecting light levels near the radiation emitter, and an electronic circuit for energizing the radiation emitter and for receiving and processing signals from the photosensor so as to perform a specified function upon detecting an object that causes the radiation emitted from the radiation emitter to be reflected back to the photosensor. According to another embodiment, a rearview assembly for a vehicle comprises a transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Jeremy A. Fogg, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6593698
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Jon H. Bechtel, Frederick T. Bauer
  • Patent number: D478536
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne J. Rumsey, John W. Carter, Kenton J. Ypma, Bradley L. Northman, Frederick T. Bauer