Patents by Inventor Joel A. Stray
Joel A. Stray 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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Publication number: 20220399707Abstract: An electro-optic element comprises a first substrate; a second substrate generally parallel to the first substrate; a first bus having a first bus segment disposed on an inner surface of the first substrate and extending along a first portion of a perimeter of the first substrate and a second bus segment disposed on an inner surface of first substrate and extending along a second portion of the perimeter of the first substrate. The second bus segment is in a spaced apart relationship with first bus segment. A second bus has a third bus segment and a fourth bus segment is disposed on the second substrate, each extending along a portion of the perimeter of the second substrate. A controller is configured to be in selective electrical communication with first and second buses and to independently control a voltage applied to each of the bus segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, Gary J. Dozeman, Stephen F. Richlich, Matthew A. Koppey, George A. Neuman
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Patent number: 11467462Abstract: An electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance in response to a control input comprises a first web substrate and a second web substrate. Each of the web substrates form a plurality of perimeter edges. A first edge is in connection with a first electrical terminal connecting in connection with a first electrode. A second edge opposing the first edge is in connection with a second electrical terminal in connection with a second electrode. A third edge and an opposing fourth edge comprise a barrier seal in a first configuration in connection with an exterior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate. The barrier seal encapsulates the electro-optic medium between an interior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Garret C. DeNolf, Gary J. Dozeman, George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, Sheng Liu, Yuping Lin, David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray, Scott S. McNees
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Patent number: 11422393Abstract: An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an outer perimeter edge; a second substrate having a third surface, a fourth surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the third surface of the second substrate being opposed to the second surface of the first substrate; a chamber defined between the second surface of the first substrate and the opposed third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode coating disposed on the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode coating disposed on the third surface of the second substrate; a first conductive or semi-conductive material disposed on and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a peripheral area of the first substrate and in electrical communication with the first electrode coating; and a non-conductive material extending between the first conductive or semi-conductive material and the second electrode coating.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
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Publication number: 20210026163Abstract: An electro-optic element includes first and second spaced-apart transparent substrates defining respective opposite, aligned first and second edges, a first bus including a first electrode disposed along an inner surface of the first substrate adjacent the first edge and a second electrode disposed along an inner surface of the second substrate adjacent the first edge, and a second bus including a first electrode disposed along an inner surface of the first substrate adjacent the second edge and a second electrode disposed along an inner surface of the second substrate adjacent the second edge. The first bus and second bus are spaced apart along widths of the first and second substrates between the respective first and second edges. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second transparent substrates, including between the first and second electrodes of the first bus and the second bus, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Stephen F. Richlich, Mathew A. Koppey, Gerald W. Redwine, David M. Ellis, Joel A. Stray
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Patent number: 10824029Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a housing. A circuit board is positioned within the housing. A cantilevered contact is coupled with the circuit board. An electro-optic element is positioned proximate the circuit board. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A first edge extends around the first substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A second edge extends around the second substrate and defines a notch having a notch edge set inboard from the second edge. An electrical bus extends proximate the first and second edges. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kyle R. Schuberg, Joel A. Stray
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Publication number: 20200183244Abstract: An electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance in response to a control input comprises a first web substrate and a second web substrate. Each of the web substrates form a plurality of perimeter edges. A first edge is in connection with a first electrical terminal connecting in connection with a first electrode. A second edge opposing the first edge is in connection with a second electrical terminal in connection with a second electrode. A third edge and an opposing fourth edge comprise a barrier seal in a first configuration in connection with an exterior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate. The barrier seal encapsulates the electro-optic medium between an interior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Garret C. DeNolf, Gary J. Dozeman, George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, Sheng Liu, Yuping Lin, David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray, Scott S. McNees
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Publication number: 20200026102Abstract: An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an outer perimeter edge; a second substrate having a third surface, a fourth surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the third surface of the second substrate being opposed to the second surface of the first substrate; a chamber defined between the second surface of the first substrate and the opposed third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode coating disposed on the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode coating disposed on the third surface of the second substrate; a first conductive or semi-conductive material disposed on and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a peripheral area of the first substrate and in electrical communication with the first electrode coating; and a non-conductive material extending between the first conductive or semi-conductive material and the second electrode coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
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Patent number: 10457216Abstract: A display assembly includes a bezel. An electro-optic 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. The electro-optic element also includes a second substrate. The first substantially transparent substrate and the bezel have a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion or from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
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Patent number: 10410452Abstract: A circuit assembly comprising a sealed interface is configured to isolate one or more electrical components. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising a substrate and a cover comprising a polycarbonate material in connection with the substrate. The assembly further comprises an adhesive seal disposed around a perimeter surface of the cover. The adhesive seal comprises a UV curable adhesive having a chemical composition. The assembly further comprises a polyamide over-molded coating enclosing at least a portion of the circuit board and covering the adhesive seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline
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Patent number: 10343608Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Eric S. Lundy, William L. Tonar, Michael J. VanAst, Christopher J. Van Huis, Brian J. Barksdale, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Joel A. Stray, Mark R. Roth
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Patent number: 10214147Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mathias R. Fox, Kenneth R. Filipiak, Niels A. Olesen
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Patent number: 10179546Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle is presented that includes a full display module and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate has third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray
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Publication number: 20180336750Abstract: A circuit assembly comprising a sealed interface is configured to isolate one of more electrical components. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising a substrate and a cover comprising a polycarbonate material in connection with the substrate. The assembly further comprises an adhesive seal disposed around a perimeter surface of the cover. The adhesive seal comprises a UV curable adhesive having a chemical composition. The assembly further comprises a polyamide over-molded coating enclosing at least a portion of the circuit board and covering the adhesive seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline
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Patent number: 10126624Abstract: An electro-optic assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a front substrate having a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface; a rear substrate spaced from and substantially parallel to the front substrate. The rear substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface substantially parallel to the third surface. The assembly further comprises an electrical contact for providing an electrical connection to an electrode in proximity to an electro-optic material and an appliqué layer. The appliqué layer is on at least a portion of the fourth surface and forms a contact-obscuring.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Joel A. Stray, Autumn W. Trombka
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Publication number: 20180239201Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly includes a housing. A circuit board is positioned within the housing. A cantilevered contact is coupled with the circuit board. An electro-optic element is positioned proximate the circuit board. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A first edge extends around the first substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A second edge extends around the second substrate and defines a notch having a notch edge set inboard from the second edge. An electrical bus extends proximate the first and second edges. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Kyle R. Schuberg, Joel A. Stray
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Publication number: 20180024401Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a bezel, and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate defines third and fourth surfaces and a hole extending between the third and fourth surfaces. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. A conductive bus is positioned proximate the hole of the second substrate and an electro-optic material is disposed within the cavity. The bezel extends onto at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga
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Publication number: 20180015880Abstract: A display assembly includes a bezel. An electro-optic 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. The electro-optic element also includes a second substrate. The first substantially transparent substrate and the bezel have a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion or from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
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Patent number: 9827912Abstract: 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 substantially transparent substrate. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity. An electro-optic material is disposed within the cavity. The first substantially transparent substrate and at least one of the housing and bezel have a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between about 5 ppm and about 50 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
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Publication number: 20170297495Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9694751Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: 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