Patents by Inventor John A. VanderPloeg
John A. VanderPloeg 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: 20160033843Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
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Publication number: 20150362645Abstract: An electro-optic (EO) display includes one or more adjustable-intensity color filters; a transparent backlight; and a transflective layer positioned between the adjustable-intensity color filter(s) and the transparent backlight, wherein the transflective layer reflects light off of one surface of the transflective layer and allows light through another surface of the transflective layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Sue F. Franz, Leroy J. Kloeppner, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Blaker, David A. Theiste
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Publication number: 20150277203Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic cell, a switchable reflective element, a display module, an ambient light sensor, and a controller. The controller automatically selects a display mode or a mirror mode in response to a detected ambient light level. In a display mode, the controller activates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a low reflection mode, and sets the electrochromic cell to a clear state with minimum attenuation. In a mirror mode, the controller deactivates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a high reflection mode, and varies attenuation by the electrochromic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
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Publication number: 20150266427Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle; a prismatic element positioned in the housing; a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating provided on a rear surface of the prismatic element; a display mounted behind the prismatic element within the housing; and an actuator device for moving the prismatic element between three distinct viewing positions including a first viewing position, a second viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the first viewing position, and a third viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the second viewing position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
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Publication number: 20150219967Abstract: A backlight assembly for a display having a polarized transmission axis is provided including a light source for emitting light; a first brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a first direction, and positioned to receive light emitted from the light source; and a second brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction and positioned to receive light exiting the first brightness enhancement film, wherein the first direction extends at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees offset from the polarized transmission axis of the display and the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventor: John A. VanderPloeg
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Patent number: 9096181Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
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Publication number: 20150175075Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
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Patent number: 8964278Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman
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Patent number: 8878882Abstract: An edge-lit backlight assembly is provided for backlighting a display. The backlight assembly may include: a light guide having a first segment and a second segment disposed within a common plane; a first light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the first segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode propagates through the first segment; and a second light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the second segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the second light emitting diode propagates through the second segment. The first segment of the light guide is at least partially optically isolated from the second segment such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode is at least partially blocked from propagating through the second segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Andrew D. Weller, John A. VanderPloeg, Ethan J. Lee
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Publication number: 20140268355Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element; and a full display module mounted behind the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the display module having an optic block, and a display in optical communication with the optic block, the display being one an in-place switching liquid crystal display, a fringe filed switching liquid crystal display, and a vertically aligned liquid crystal display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg
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Publication number: 20140268351Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, they relate to a rearview mirror assembly including a switchable reflective element and a display. The switchable reflective element is a type that is selectively switchable between a reflective mode and a transmissive mode. The display is positioned behind the switchable reflective element for displaying images through the switchable reflective element when in the transmissive mode. The rearview mirror assembly may further include either an anti-reflection coating provided on at least one of the front and rear sides of the switchable reflective element, or first and second prisms provided on opposite sides of the switchable reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
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Patent number: 8836888Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly comprising a light source illuminating the mirror system within the housing of the assembly. The light source is a layered structure including generally co-extensive optical elements such as a light-guiding element that accepts light from light emitters and distributes this light along an area that is not transverse with respect to a display of the assembly. Light distributed and outcoupled through the light-guiding element illuminates the whole display, while radiation from other emitters may traverse the light-guiding element in order to highlight respectively corresponding segments of the display. The display may be configured in a spatially-segmented fashion to increase brightness of displayed indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20140139902Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman
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Publication number: 20130321496Abstract: An edge-lit backlight assembly is provided for backlighting a display. The backlight assembly may include: a light guide having a first segment and a second segment disposed within a common plane; a first light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the first segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode propagates through the first segment; and a second light emitting diode disposed along an edge of the second segment of the light guide such that light emitted from the second light emitting diode propagates through the second segment. The first segment of the light guide is at least partially optically isolated from the second segment such that light emitted from the first light emitting diode is at least partially blocked from propagating through the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, John A. VanderPloeg, Ethan J. Lee
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Patent number: 8508832Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element a rear element, and an electro-optic medium, the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state. The electro-optic system further includes a display device in optical communication with the electro-optic element, the display device including at least one light source and is configured to emit at least a first primary and a second primary, the first and second primaries each having a first hue (hab) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the high transmittance state and a second hue (hab?) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the low transmittance state, wherein a change in the first and second hues (?hab) for both first and second primaries is less than approximately 31 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman
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Patent number: 8506737Abstract: A method of making an insulating glass (IG) window unit includes: having a coated article including a multi-layered low-E coating on a glass substrate; at least two flexible protective sheets adhered to a top surface of the low-E coating via at least an adhesive layer, and a protective coating over the low-E coating and/or over at least one of the flexible protective sheets in order to substantially fill one or more gaps formed between the low-E coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and following cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing, removing at least part of the temporary protective coating by peeling the protective sheets off and removing at least part of the protective coating when peeling off the protective sheets.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et al Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Jean-Marc Sol, Herbert Lage, John A. Vanderploeg, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Lutz Henkel, Marcel Schloremberg
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Patent number: 8411245Abstract: A multi-display vehicular rearview mirror system (2600) and method includes an electrochromic (EC) glass element (2603) and a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) (2605a, 2605b, 2605c) positioned behind EC element (2603). A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (2610a, 2610b, 2610c) are used for providing backlighting for each respective LCD of the plurality of LCDs such that the LCDs utilize a plurality of imaging devices (2717, 2719, 2721) for forming substantially a single image across the plurality of LCDs (2605a, 2605b, 2605c).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Ethan J. Lee, Daniel B. Lee, Michael G. Hendricks, Mark R. Roth, Craig R. Myers, G. Bruce Poe, David A. Blaker, Carsten Schaudel, Mark A. VanVuuren, John A. VanderPloeg
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Publication number: 20130019637Abstract: A method of making an insulating glass (IG) window unit includes: having a coated article including a multi-layered low-E coating on a glass substrate; at least two flexible protective sheets adhered to a top surface of the low-E coating via at least an adhesive layer, and a protective coating over the low-E coating and/or over at least one of the flexible protective sheets in order to substantially fill one or more gaps formed between the low-E coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and following cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing, removing at least part of the temporary protective coating by peeling the protective sheets off and removing at least part of the protective coating when peeling off the protective sheets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicants: Guardian Industries Corp., CRVCInventors: Jean-Marc SOL, Herbert Lage, John A. Vanderploeg, Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Lutz Henkel, Marcel Schloremberg
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Patent number: 8298678Abstract: A plasma display panel (PDP) includes an EMI filter at a front portion thereof for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves. The filters has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. In certain example embodiments, a silver based coating of the EMI filter reduces damage from EMI radiation through highly conductive Ag layers, blocks significant amounts of NIR and IR radiation from outdoor sunlight to reduce PDP panel temperature, and enhances contrast ratio through reduced reflection, while maintaining high visible transmission. In certain example embodiments, at least one layer of or including silicon nitride may be Si-rich, and/or at least one layer including an oxide of Ni and/or Cr may be a suboxide, in order to improve heat treatability of the coated article.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignees: Guardian Industries Corp., Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre Et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.)Inventors: Philip J. Lingle, Anton Dietrich, Yiwei Lu, Willem Den Boer, John A. Vanderploeg, Yei-Ping (Mimi) H. Wang
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Publication number: 20120243067Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element a rear element, and an electro-optic medium, the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state. The electro-optic system further includes a display device in optical communication with the electro-optic element, the display device including at least one light source and is configured to emit at least a first primary and a second primary, the first and second primaries each having a first hue (hab) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the high transmittance state and a second hue (hab?) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the low transmittance state, wherein a change in the first and second hues (?hab) for both first and second primaries is less than approximately 31 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman