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).

  • Patent number: 6951413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6439755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 6042253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Craig M. Miller, Troy I. Vanderhoof, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 5813745
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Troy I. Vanderhoof, Craig M. Miller, Barry W. Hutzel
  • Patent number: 5673994
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof
  • Patent number: 5649756
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 5178448
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 4826289
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Vandenbrink, Howard W. Fant, Jr.