Patents by Inventor John W. Carter
John W. Carter 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: 6870655Abstract: A mirror includes a housing, a mirror subassembly including a reflector layer with a portion defining an opening, and an indicia panel covering the opening and configured to form a visual display. At least one light source is positioned in the housing to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the mirror subassembly to selectively illuminate the visual display. The at least one light source emits a light matched in color to the indicia panel so that a maximum of light from the at least one light source passes through the indicia panel and is visible to a vehicle driver. Optimally, the light sources emit an amber colored light, and the indicia panel includes a diffusing layer also having an amber color.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Bradley L. Northman, John W. Carter, Frederick T. Bauer
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Patent number: 6870656Abstract: 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: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam, David J. Cammenga
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Publication number: 20040232773Abstract: A visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system for a vehicle comprising a windshield and a button connected to the windshield, with the button having a peripheral body defining an open area in a middle section of the button. The visual, rear viewing and rain sensing system further includes a rain sensor located in the middle section and an interior rearview mirror system connected to the button. The rain sensor is operatively coupled to the windshield independent of the interior rearview mirror system. At least a portion of the rain sensor is no longer operatively coupled to the windshield as the interior rearview mirror system is detached from the button.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Brian R. Parker, Brian J. Rees, Wayne J. Rumsey, Timothy S. DeVries, John W. Carter
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Publication number: 20040207940Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a plate frame, a mirror adjacent a front of the plate frame, a pivot ball connected to the plate frame for pivoting the plate frame, and a mount connected to the pivot ball and configured to be connected to a windshield of a vehicle. At least one of the plate frame, the pivot ball and the mount are made of a material comprising a magnesium alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: John W. Carter, Wayne Rumsey, Kenton J. Ypma, Daniel J. Bostwick, Jeremy A. Fogg
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Publication number: 20040196577Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes an integrated internal plate frame with an electrochromic mirror subassembly adhered to its flat front surface, electrical components supported on a rear with the frame acting as a heat sink and EMI/RFI shield, and a back cover supported on the plate frame. The subassembly is uniformly supported across the front surface of the plate frame for good mirror impact resistance. The mirror is supported by an angularly adjustable ball-and-socket connection. In one embodiment, the ball is formed integrally on the plate frame. The present mirror is surprisingly thin, with at least 50% of the depth dimensions being less than about 3.0 centimeters.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: John W. Carter, Wayne Rumsey, Kenton J. Ypma, Daniel J. Bostwick, Jeremy A. Fogg
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Publication number: 20040195486Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror head assembly including a rearwardly-extending ball section, and a mirror support assembly including a tube having a larger-diameter mid-section and a smaller-diameter tapered end section. A socket on the mirror support assembly, when in the end section, captures the ball section with friction to permit angular adjustment but with enough friction to maintain a selected angular position. A spring biases the socket from the mid-section into the end section, but is compressible so that assembly is possible by pressing the ball section against the socket, causing the socket to move from the end section into the mid-section where the ball section snaps into the socket. It is conceived that the ball section and socket components can be reversed, and also that the mirror support assembly can include a two-ball mount, with a ball-and-socket connection at each end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Wayne Rumsey, John W. Carter
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Publication number: 20040160072Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a Michigan CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Jeffrey A. Lewno, Daniel J. Fisher, Joseph D. Rankin
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Publication number: 20040114384Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention, includes a lamp module with light sources functioning as a turn signal indicator, a security light, and a blind spot indicator. The light module may include at least one LED device that is activated during different activation modes so as to operate in two or more of the following modes: a blind spot indication mode, a turn signal mode, and a security light mode. The LED device may emit light of different color during the different modes of operation. The security light may be oriented to illuminate the door handle and keyhole. The light module may be positioned behind the mirror element to project light through the mirror element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: John W. Carter, Darin D. Tuttle, Bradley L. Busscher, Frederick T. Bauer, Garth D. Deur
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Publication number: 20040032638Abstract: A mirror includes an electro-optic mirror subassembly, and a thin-profiled bezel attached around a perimeter of the electrochromic mirror subassembly. The electro-optic mirror subassembly is supported on a carrier by an adheringly bonded heater and foam tape in a laminar arrangement. The bezel may be bonded to an edge of the front surface of the front element of the electro-optic mirror subassembly, and/or may be bonded and/or interlockingly mechanically attached to an edge of the carrier. Alternatively, the bezel can be a strip of paint or thin coating material. The bezel can be molded in place, or can be pre-molded and elastically stretched to permit assembly. In one form, the bezel includes a laterally-extending fin that prevents seeing past the bezel into the inside of a mirror housing. In at least one embodiment, the assembly has no bezel or only a bezel on one edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, John W. Arnold, David J. Cammenga, John W. Carter, Bradley L. Busscher, Jeremy A. Fogg
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Publication number: 20030231371Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, Jon H. Bechtel, John W. Carter, Joseph S. Stam, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 6616312Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventor: John W. Carter
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Patent number: 6572233Abstract: A mirror includes a housing, an electrochromic mirror subassembly in the housing including front and rear transparent elements, a layer of electrochromic material associated with the front and rear transparent elements, a reflector layer associated with the rear transparent element, with a portion of the reflector layer defining an opening, and an indicia panel covering the opening and configured to form a visual display. The visual display includes a panel with a discrete number of pre-formed letters and symbols. At least one light source is positioned in the housing to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the mirror subassembly to selectively illuminate the visual display. The plurality of light-emitting devices being a number that is equal to or less than the discrete number. The at least one light source emits a light matched in color to the indicia panel so that a maximum of light from the at least one light source passes through the indicia panel and is visible to a vehicle driver.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Bradley L. Northman, John W. Carter, Frederick T. Bauer
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Publication number: 20030098595Abstract: A modular vehicle window assembly is provided which has attached thereto interior vehicle accessories. In a preferred embodiment, the window panel assembly includes a window panel disposed within or covering a window opening formed in the vehicle. The window panel may optionally contain a conventional gasket or sealing structure to provide a weather-tight seal in the window opening. Supported on and interconnecting to the interior surface of the window panel are any one of a number of different accessory configurations, including centerline, island, and peninsular overhead consoles providing storage space, overhead lighting, and air conditioning vents for use by the occupants. Other accessories which may be used include an instrument display assembly, a control assembly, a window shade assembly, and a hand-hold assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a Michigan corporationInventors: John W. Carter, Jeffrey A. Lewno, Daniel J. Fisher, Joseph D. Rankin
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Publication number: 20030095415Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle includes a light source attached inside the vehicle, such as to an “A” pillar adjacent a front of a side window of the vehicle, where the light source is oriented to direct light toward a ground area adjacent the vehicle for security and convenience. Variations include also reflecting a portion of the light from the light source off an outside rearview mirror onto the ground area, and also directing a portion of the light toward an area inside the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: John W. Carter
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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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Patent number: 6490788Abstract: A method for installing a vehicle window assembly in a vehicle includes selecting a vehicle interior accessory member from the group including a storage system, a lighting system, an instrument display system, an electrical power system, a temperature controlled air system, a system control panel, a window panel shade system, an interior trim component, a hand grip, and a sun visor assembly, forming the window assembly by securing the selected vehicle interior accessory to a predetermined area of the inner surface of a window panel, and installing the vehicle window assembly over or within a window opening of the vehicle after securing the interior accessory to the window panel such that the interior accessory is accessible to an occupant of the vehicle from the vehicle interior after installation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Jeffrey A. Lewno, Daniel J. Fisher, Joseph D. Rankin, III
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Patent number: 6471362Abstract: An electrified rearview mirror includes a housing supporting a rearview mirror subassembly, and a bezel attached to the housing. The bezel includes a section of material defining a plurality of three-sided button openings on a face of the bezel, with the openings extending onto a bottom wall of the housing. A push-button is pivotally supported in each opening, with the hinge axis of the push-buttons being at a low position on the respective buttons so that the buttons are not accidentally depressed when the mirror housing is grasped by a vehicle driver to adjust an angle of the mirror. The bezel and buttons include pairs of tabs and mating slots that form a quick-attach bottom pivot, and further include stops and hooks at their top that form stroke-limiting mechanisms for controlling button movement. The buttons can be operably snapped into position on the bezel with minimal assembly time.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Kenton J. Ypma, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Patent number: D466456Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Kenton J. Ypma, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Patent number: D467531Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John W. Carter, Robert C. Knapp
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Patent number: D478536Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Wayne J. Rumsey, John W. Carter, Kenton J. Ypma, Bradley L. Northman, Frederick T. Bauer