Patents by Inventor John S. Anderson
John S. Anderson 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: 6512624Abstract: The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element. The second electrode further includes a region in front of the light source that is at least partially transmissive.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam
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Publication number: 20020154379Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
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Publication number: 20020135885Abstract: A compact, high numerical aperture, high resolution, ultra-wide field of view concentric scanning optical sensor. In a most general embodiment, the inventive optical arrangement (10) includes an at least semi-spherical lens (14) having a base; a reflective surface (16) centered at a center of said base and parallel thereto: and an array (20) of detectors dispose to receive electromagnetic energy received through said lens and reflected by said surface. In the illustrative embodiment, the semi-spherical lens is a ball lens (14). The reflective surface is aspheric and designed to effect aberration correction. A mechanism (19) is included for rotating the ball lens (14) causing the system to scan. A dome lens (18) is disposed over the ball lens and concentric therewith. Electromagnetic energy is received through the dome and ball lenses and reflected by the mirror to the detector array. A field lens assembly (21) is disposed between the detectors and the mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Chungte W. Chen, John S. Anderson, George F. Baker, C. Thomas Hastings
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Patent number: 6447123Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index. More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga
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Publication number: 20020080463Abstract: An electrochromic mirror is disclosed for use in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, at least one solution-phase electrochromic material contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlying the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a coating of electrically conductive material that is at least partially transmissive and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 6356376Abstract: An electrochromic mirror is disclosed for use in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, at least one solution-phase electrochromic material contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlying the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a coating of electrically conductive material that is at least partially transmissive and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 6353493Abstract: Increased stability of electrochromic devices containing an electrochromic medium having two or more electroactive compounds is accomplished by establishing current limiting concentrations of electroactive compounds with the larger redox potential difference. A process for production of electrochromic devices uses targeted concentrations of electroactive materials during preparation of the electrochromic medium which results in substantially no devices being produced wherein the current is limited by an electroactive compound having a low redox potential difference.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson
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Publication number: 20010042855Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Publication number: 20010029709Abstract: A first hollow block is placed over or next to a second hollow block. Both blocks are filled with soil so that the roots of plants that are planted in the blocks are permitted to grow through openings of the blocks to interconnect the blocks, the roots and the existing ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: John S. Anderson and Bio-Rock Inc.Inventor: John S. Anderson
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Publication number: 20010021066Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index. More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 6262831Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly is disclosed including a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing, at least one electrically powered device disposed in the housing, and a power supply for receiving power from a vehicle power source having a voltage in excess of about 24 V and for supplying power at a voltage of about 5 V or less to the electrically powered device. The electrically powered device and the power supply exhibit an electromagnetic interference level of less than about 41 dB&mgr;V/m for emissions in the frequency range from about 0.4 MHz to about 20 MHz. The mirror is preferably an electrochromic mirror, and the electrically powered device may be a control circuit for the electrochromic mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Robert R. Turnbull, William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 6248263Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 6222177Abstract: An electrochromic element driver has a feedback loop that imparts a negative output resistance wherein the drive voltage across the electrochromic element varies in response to changes in current draw by the electrochromic element. The amount of current drawn by the electrochromic element varies as a function of temperature. At high temperatures, the drive voltage increases, enabling the electrochromic element to darken uniformly at high temperatures. At lower temperatures, the drive voltage decreases, improving the useful life of the electrochromic element. Transitions between the opaque and non-opaque states are achieved quickly, and steady state currents are lower than in many conventional implementations, decreasing power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Robert R. Turnbull, William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, G. Bruce Poe
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Patent number: 6195193Abstract: An improved seal member is provided as a part of an electrochromic device to bond two glass elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment the seal member provides improved adhesion to a reflector/electrode on the third surface of an electrochromic mirror, or to a layer of metal on the second or third surface for an electrochromic light filter. This seal member comprises a mixture of an organic resin scaling system and an adhesion promoter, where the adhesion promotor comprises a first and a second region, where the first region interacts with the reflector/electrode or the metal layer, and a second region that interacts with the organic resin sealing system, and may even chemically react with the organic resin sealing system. In another embodiment the seal member is provided with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closer to glass than a standard epoxy sealing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, Kevin L. Ash, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6193378Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electrochromic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The coating preferably includes alternating layers of a photocatalytic material having a high index of refraction and a hydrophilic material having a low refractive index. More specifically, the coating includes a first layer having a high refractive index, a second layer having a low refractive index, a third layer of titanium dioxide, and a fourth layer of silicon dioxide provided as an outermost layer. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 6157480Abstract: An improved seal member is provided as a part of an electrochromic device to bond two glass elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment the seal member provides improved adhesion to a reflector/electrode on the third surface of an electrochromic mirror, or to a layer of metal on the second or third surface for an electrochromic light filter. This seal member comprises a mixture of an organic resin sealing system and an adhesion promoter, where the adhesion promotor comprises a first and a second region, where the first region interacts with the reflector/electrode or the metal layer, and a second region that interacts with the organic resin sealing system, and may even chemically react with the organic resin sealing system. In another embodiment the seal member is provided with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closer to glass than a standard epoxy sealing system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, Kevin L. Ash, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6137620Abstract: Increased stability of electrochromic devices containing an electrochromic medium having two or more electroactive compounds is accomplished by establishing current limiting concentrations of electroactive compounds with the larger redox potential difference. A process for production of electrochromic devices uses targeted concentrations of electroactive materials during preparation of the electrochromic medium which results in substantially no devices being produced wherein the current is limited by an electroactive compound having a low redox potential difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson
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Patent number: 5928572Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 5888431Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 5679283Abstract: The present invention provides electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1994Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, John S. Anderson, David A. Theiste