Patents by Inventor Linda K. Molenkamp
Linda K. Molenkamp 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: 8215811Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The light source includes at least one light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20110299294Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The light source includes at least one light emitting diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 7997777Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The lens of the lamp has a portion that faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of a casing of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20100302792Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The lens of the lamp has a portion that faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of a casing of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 7784983Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly has a reflectance element that is positionable by operation of electrically-operable actuator, and a turn signal light that is separate from the reflectance element and configured to project a beam of light that is directed at least rearward and that is observable to a driver of a second vehicle overtaking in an adjacent side lane. The beam of light is substantially unobserved by a driver of the equipped vehicle and provides a warning indication to the driver of the overtaking second vehicle that a lane change is intended. The mirror assembly includes a ground illumination light, separate from the reflectance element, configured to project abeam downwardly on at least one of (a) the side of the equipped vehicle and (b) a ground area adjacent an ingress or egress portion of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20080144327Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflective element having a heater and a breakaway joint assembly having stationary member and a pivoting member that comprises a bracket supporting an electrically-operable actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination or a signal light. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes carrying vehicle control signals and electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 7334925Abstract: A lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a reflective element having a heater and a breakaway joint assembly having stationary member and a pivoting member that comprises a bracket supporting an electrically-operable actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The exterior mirror assembly comprises a ground illumination or a signal light. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes carrying vehicle control signals and electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W Pastrick, Linda K Molenkamp, Roger L Koops
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Patent number: 7140755Abstract: A security lighted exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to a side of a vehicle. The assembly includes a reflective element and an actuator for positioning the reflective element about at least one axis. The assembly further including a floodlight comprising a light source and projecting a pattern of light from the assembly on at least an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone when the assembly is mounted to the side of the vehicle and when the light source is actuated. A control system is included, including radio frequency receiving circuitry in the vehicle and a remote transmitter. The remote transmitter may be a transmitting device carried by a vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20030058654Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6474853Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Publication number: 20020001196Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6280069Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6099155Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 6074077Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 5863116Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system having a reflective element and a housing for the reflective element includes a turn signal having a lens incorporated in the housing. A portion of the lens faces rearward of the vehicle and the lens further wraps around the outward side of the housing and functions as a side marker for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 5669705Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 5497305Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W, Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
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Patent number: 5371659Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops