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).

  • Publication number: 20220399707
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, Gary J. Dozeman, Stephen F. Richlich, Matthew A. Koppey, George A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 11467462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11422393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20210026163
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen F. Richlich, Mathew A. Koppey, Gerald W. Redwine, David M. Ellis, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 10824029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle R. Schuberg, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20200183244
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200026102
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10457216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 10410452
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline
  • Patent number: 10343608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10214147
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mathias R. Fox, Kenneth R. Filipiak, Niels A. Olesen
  • Patent number: 10179546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20180336750
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline
  • Patent number: 10126624
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Joel A. Stray, Autumn W. Trombka
  • Publication number: 20180239201
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle R. Schuberg, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20180024401
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga
  • Publication number: 20180015880
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 9827912
    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 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20170297495
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: 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: 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