Patents by Inventor R. Turnbull

R. Turnbull 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).

  • Patent number: 12260682
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle toll module, which may comprise a first antenna, a radio frequency power detector, an attenuator, and/or a controller. The first antenna may receive a first signal from a toll collection system remotely located relative the vehicle and generate a first output based thereon. The radio frequency power detector may be configured to adjust the first output to generate a second output. The attenuator may be configured to receive the second output and generate a third output based thereon. The controller may be connected to the attenuator and configured to: receive the third output, extract data from the second output, and generate a third output based on a unique identifier associated with the toll module, in response to the extracted data. Additionally, the third output may be received by an antenna which may either transmit a second signal or backscatters the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Douglas C. Papay
  • Publication number: 20250083601
    Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a mount, having a ball joint portion, and a main unit including a housing with a socket that receives the ball joint portion such that the main unit is articulable on the mount by rotation about three perpendicular axes. First and second magnets are positioned within the housing and are spaced apart to define a rotationally asymmetric combined magnetic field. First and second sensors are positioned within the housing are spaced apart so as to be collectively operably associated with the combined magnetic field, with articulation of the main unit on the mount causing movement of the first and second sensors with respect to the first and second magnets. A processor determines a rotational position of the main unit in relation to the mount about the three axes based on a combination of the magnetic field information from the first sensor and second sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Ryan Barrido Balili, Robert R. Turnbull, Daniel J. Weber
  • Patent number: 12243091
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing roadside service through a synchronized interactive voice response (IVR) system and graphical user interface (GUI). One method may include: receiving, based on an incoming phone call from a vehicle user device, a request for roadside service for a disabled vehicle of a vehicle user; sending a text to a phone number of the vehicle user device, wherein the text includes a link to a mobile application for roadside service requests; receiving, from the vehicle user device and via the mobile application, information associated with the request for roadside service; determining, based on a location sensor of the vehicle user device, a location of the disabled vehicle; matching a roadside service provider with the disabled vehicle based on the request for roadside service; and enabling the vehicle user to track the service status of the roadside service provider through the mobile application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Turnbull, Anthony Banks, Brinderjit Singh
  • Publication number: 20250020966
    Abstract: A variable transmission device forms a surface area including a plurality of electro-optic elements and first and second electrodes electrically connecting with a power supply circuit. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A plurality of third electrodes is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A control circuit is electrically connected to one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode and configured to supply control signals to the electro-optic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20250020486
    Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a mount having a first end and a second end that includes a first joint portion and a main unit including a planar front face secured to a housing. The housing has a second joint portion disposed opposite the planar front face. The socket rotatably receives the ball joint portion such that the main unit is articulable on the mount along three perpendicular axes. The assembly further includes an asymmetrical magnetic unit secured to the first joint portion. a sensor mounted in the housing of the main unit and positioned in proximity to the asymmetrical magnet unit, and a processor in communication with the sensor to receive magnetic field information from the sensor and to determine a position of the main unit in relation to the mount based on the magnetic field information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Inventor: Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 12111556
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first electrode electrically connecting with power supply circuitry. A second electrode is spaced from the first electrode and electrically connecting with the power supply circuitry. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one third electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and electrically connecting with one of the first electrode and the second electrode via switching circuitry. The switching circuitry is operable to control an electrical current through the first electrode, the electro-optic medium, and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
  • Patent number: 12017586
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing; a rearview element configured to display images of a scene to the rear of the vehicle, the rearview element disposed in the housing; a circuit board mounted in the housing behind the rearview element, the circuit board having a substantially planar surface and a peripheral edge; and a capacitive touch zone on a surface of the housing, the capacitive touch zone comprising a conductive component mounted to the circuit board, wherein the conductive component comprises a first portion mounted to the planar surface of the circuit board and a second portion extending beyond the peripheral edge of the circuit board at an angle to the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brigham, Jochen Peter, Matthew P. Waligorski, Kyle G. Jones, Robert R. Turnbull, Gregory J. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20240153282
    Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device configured to capture an image of an interior surface of the vehicle. An illumination assembly includes an array of laser diodes each configured to project an illumination, each laser diode is configured as at least one of a single mode laser or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (“VCSEL”). An optical element is proximate to the array of laser diodes and includes a collimation element for guiding the illumination to form at least one light spot. A processor is in communication with the imaging device and the illumination assembly. The processor is configured to communicate a signal to operate the array of laser diodes and process the image of the interior surface to detect at least one of a change in a location or a speckle content of the at least one spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Guy Raz
  • Publication number: 20240069373
    Abstract: An electro-optic element including: (i) an electrochromic medium; (a) a first electro-optic conductive layer that is substantially transparent disposed to one side of the electrochromic medium; (b) a second electro-optic conductive layer disposed to another side of the electrochromic medium; (c) a capacitive touchscreen conductive layer disposed on an opposite side of the first electro-optic conductive layer as the electrochromic medium, the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer comprising a pattern and being substantially transparent; (d) a capacitive touchscreen insulating layer disposed between the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer and the first electro-optic conductive layer; and (e) electrical circuitry configured (i) to drive the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer and at least one of the first electro-optic conductive layer and the second electro-optic conductive layer together with substantially in-phase AC voltage and (ii) to provide an input DC voltage difference between the first electr
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Xiaoxu Niu
  • Publication number: 20230343143
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle toll module, which may comprise a first antenna, a radio frequency power detector, an attenuator, and/or a controller. The first antenna may receive a first signal from a toll collection system remotely located relative the vehicle and generate a first output based thereon. The radio frequency power detector may be configured to adjust the first output to generate a second output. The attenuator may be configured to receive the second output and generate a third output based thereon. The controller may be connected to the attenuator and configured to: receive the third output, extract data from the second output, and generate a third output based on a unique identifier associated with the toll module, in response to the extracted data. Additionally, the third output may be received by an antenna which may either transmit a second signal or backscatters the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 11787356
    Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a movable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. The movable panel includes an electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance. A wireless connection interface includes a vehicle-side coupling module and a panel-side coupling module. The vehicle-side coupling module is in connection with a support frame of the vehicle forming an opening that receives the movable panel. The vehicle-side coupling module is aligned with an interface surface of the movable panel. The wireless connection interface communicates power or electrical signals from a transmission unit of the vehicle-side coupling module to a reception module of the panel-side coupling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230324758
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first electrode electrically connecting with power supply circuitry. A second electrode is spaced from the first electrode and electrically connecting with the power supply circuitry. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one third electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and electrically connecting with one of the first electrode and the second electrode via switching circuitry. The switching circuitry is operable to control an electrical current through the first electrode, the electro-optic medium, and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20230305352
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first electro-optic element and a second electro-optic element in series with the first electro-optic element via a common node conductively connecting the first electro-optic element to the second electro-optic element. A power supply circuitry includes a first node and a second node. The first node connects the power supply circuitry to the first electro-optic element, and the second node connects the power supply circuitry to the second electro-optic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Ryan B. Balili, Patrick Kreun, Robert R. Turnbull, Donald L. Bareman, Winston D. Carston, Stephen F. Richlich, Leroy J. Kloeppner
  • Publication number: 20230286438
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing; a rearview element configured to display images of a scene to the rear of the vehicle, the rearview element disposed in the housing; a circuit board mounted in the housing behind the rearview element, the circuit board having a substantially planar surface and a peripheral edge; and a capacitive touch zone on a surface of the housing, the capacitive touch zone comprising a conductive component mounted to the circuit board, wherein the conductive component comprises a first portion mounted to the planar surface of the circuit board and a second portion extending beyond the peripheral edge of the circuit board at an angle to the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brigham, Jochen Peter, Matthew P. Waligorski, Kyle G. Jones, Robert R. Turnbull, Gregory J. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20230202411
    Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a movable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. The movable panel includes an electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance. A wireless connection interface includes a vehicle-side coupling module and a panel-side coupling module. The vehicle-side coupling module is in connection with a support frame of the vehicle forming an opening that receives the movable panel. The vehicle-side coupling module is aligned with an interface surface of the movable panel. The wireless connection interface communicates power or electrical signals from a transmission unit of the vehicle-side coupling module to a reception module of the panel-side coupling module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, JR.
  • Patent number: 11629551
    Abstract: A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, Ted D. Reeves, David I. Driscoll, Peter T. Kantola, Christian M. Kemperman, Carl N. Wassink, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 11619852
    Abstract: An electro-optic element is disclosed. The electro-optic element may comprise a voltage control device electrically connected to an electrode of the electro-optic medium. In some embodiments, the voltage control device may be a transistor. The voltage control device may be operable to receive a supply voltage and to output an activation voltage to an electro-optic medium of the electro-optic element. Additionally, the electro-optic element may further comprise a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to receive at least one feedback signal. Based, at least in part, on the feedback signals, the control circuit may accordingly control the activation voltage output by the voltage control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Andrew D. Weller, Kurtis L. Geerlings
  • Patent number: 11609448
    Abstract: A system for heating electro-optic media comprises an electro-optic device comprising: a first substrate having first and second surfaces; a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces; a chamber defined between the opposed third surface of the second substrate and the second surface of the first substrate; electro-optic medium in chamber; a first electrode associated with second surface of first substrate; and a second electrode associated with third surface of second substrate; and a circuit in communication with first and second electrodes, comprising: a first EMF source capable of producing a first voltage; a second EMF source capable of producing a second voltage different from the first voltage; a plurality of switches configured to control the application of first and second voltages to the first and second electrodes; and a controller configured to control the switches, the first EMF source, and the second EMF source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, George A. Neuman, Robert R. Turnbull, John S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11584317
    Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, Jr., John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220266778
    Abstract: A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle that includes an electro-optic apparatus. The electro-optic apparatus is configured to adjust a transmittance of the window. A wireless connection interface is in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel, wherein the wireless connection interface communicates power and/or electrical signals from the vehicle to the electro-optic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Drew D. Brennan, Robert R. Turnbull, JR., John B. Ostreko, Douglas C. Papay, Brian S. Lorence, Danny L. Minikey, JR.