Patents by Inventor Howard W. Fant, Jr.
Howard W. Fant, 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).
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Patent number: 6951413Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises a mirror element and a mirror case having a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface and a back surface enveloping an interior space. A lamp comprising a light source is positioned and fixedly held preferably in a compartment in the interior space, the light source emitting light when electrically operated. At least one opening is provided in a surface of the mirror case in order to dissipate heat generated by the light source when electrically operated. A light opening is provided in the bottom surface of the mirror case for passing light out of the mirror case into a passenger compartment of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
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Patent number: 6439755Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
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Patent number: 6042253Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
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Patent number: 5813745Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1994Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Troy I. Vanderhoof, Craig M. Miller, Barry W. Hutzel
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Patent number: 5673994Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof
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Patent number: 5649756Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Edward R. Adams, Anton C. Bastiaanse, Ricky L. Berens, Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, William P. Lantz, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof, Paul C. Belding
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Patent number: 5178448Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Edward R. Adams, Anton C. Bastiaanse, Ricky L. Berens, Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, William P. Lantz, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof, Paul C. Belding
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Patent number: 4826289Abstract: A day/night rearview mirror assembly for vehicles useful in varying climatic conditions provides improved control and shifting between day and night positions, reduced undesired movement between day and night positions during adjustment of the major mirror position, and improved impact and bending resistance. The assembly preferably includes a molded mirror case, a prismatic mirror element and a two piece actuator assembly which provides consistent day/night shifting pressure in all temperatures. At least one stop member on the case back is included to limit actuator movement and precisely control day/night shifting. Cam surfaces on the actuator and stop member aid assembly. Downwardly opening support members pivotally mount the actuator assembly and prevent actuator movement toward the mirror element even upon impact. Ramp shoulders adjacent the support members also restrict actuator withdrawal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1987Date of Patent: May 2, 1989Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Wayne Vandenbrink, Howard W. Fant, Jr.