Patents by Inventor Ralph Spooner

Ralph Spooner 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: 7012507
    Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a module attached at an inner surface portion of the windshield of the vehicle. The module includes at least one microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. A control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The module includes at least one additional accessory. The module attaches at the windshield by at least one of a mechanical attachment and an adhesive attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20050156753
    Abstract: A digital sound processing system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes at least a first microphone and a second microphone. The first microphone generates a first signal indicative of a vocal input with vehicle cabin noise included therewith and the second microphone generates a second signal indicative of a vocal input with vehicle cabin noise included therewith. A digital signal processor is provided that processes the first signal and the second signal and that provides an output signal with reduced vehicle cabin noise. The digital signal processor preferably comprises a microprocessor executing at least one million instructions per second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan DeLine, Niall Lynam, Ralph Spooner, Phillip March
  • Patent number: 6906632
    Abstract: The interior cabin of a vehicle is provided with a vehicular sound-processing system that comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, the mirror assembly including a mirror housing and a reflective element. An accessory is located in the interior cabin. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user-interaction site for a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system communicating with the accessory. The user-interaction site comprises at least one microphone for producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input of a human speaker in the interior cabin with the vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon. Preferably, the user-interaction site further comprises at least one manually operated control input. The restricted-range wireless communication system preferably comprises one of a radio frequency restricted-range wireless communication system and an infrared restricted-range wireless communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20040199310
    Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 6717524
    Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes a rearview mirror assembly, at least one microphone and a control. The at least one microphone receives audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generates an output signal indicative of the audio signals. The at least one microphone provides sound capture for at least one of a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and an emergency communication system. The control is operable to receive the output signal from the at least one microphone, and is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals from non-vocal signals. The control distinguishes the vocal signals from the non-vocal signals by a ratio of at least 2:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 6650233
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror audio system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly preferably comprising a plurality of microphones, a communication system of a vehicle and at least one manually actuated control input. The communication system includes a cellular telephone system and/or an emergency communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device. The manually actuated control receives a manual input from an occupant of the vehicle and activates and/or adjusts the communication device of the communication system in response to the manual input. A control is preferably provided for receiving output signals of at least two microphones, the output signals comprising both vocal signals and non-vocal signals, and the control at least partially filtering out the non-vocal signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Publication number: 20030052772
    Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20030020603
    Abstract: A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20020158753
    Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Patent number: 6466136
    Abstract: A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror system including a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones comprise at least two microphones which generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The at least two microphones are (i) positioned within an interior rearview mirror assembly, (ii) positioned adjacent to an interior rearview mirror assembly, (iii) positioned in an attachment to an interior rearview mirror assembly, or (iv) positioned within a module mounted to the windshield. The audio system further includes a control which is operable to distinguish the presence of vocal signals versus non-vocal signals and to at least partially filter out the non-vocal signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 6433676
    Abstract: A mirror-based audio system for a vehicle preferably includes an electrochromic interior rearview mirror system including an electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly. The electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly includes electronic circuitry for at least adjusting the reflectivity of an electrochromic reflector element. The electrochromic interior rearview mirror system further includes a plurality of microphones for receiving audio signals from within a cabin of the vehicle. The plurality of microphones generate output signals indicative of sound generated within the vehicle cabin. The microphones are positioned at the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, adjacent to the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, in an attachment to the electrochromic interior rearview mirror assembly, and/or within a module mounted to the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Patent number: 6420975
    Abstract: A digital sound processor is provided to enhance the vocal to non-vocal noise ratio of the signal processed by a vehicle audio system such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device. Optionally, an indicator is provided for use with the vehicular audio system in order to provide a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone of the audio system may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The indicator may be mounted at the accessory module or elsewhere at the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20020030588
    Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Publication number: 20020027726
    Abstract: A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of Michigan
    Inventors: Ralph A. Spooner, Jerry L. Beck
  • Patent number: 6318870
    Abstract: A ball and toggle assembly for a prismatic interior rearview mirror of a vehicle comprises a ball and body member and a toggle member. The ball and body member and the toggle member are separately formed from separate polymeric materials and joined together. The flexural moduli of the separate materials are selected such that the ball and body member is substantially rigid while the toggle member is flexible. The toggle member is preferably molded over the body member and secured thereto via a mechanical interconnection of the toggle member material to the body member material. Preferably, the ball and body member comprises an engineering polymer, such as a glass-filled thermoplastic material, while the toggle member comprises a polyolefin, such as a homopolymer or co-polymer polypropylene material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Spooner, Jerry L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20010030598
    Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Deline, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Patent number: 6278377
    Abstract: An indicator for use with a microphone of a vehicular audio system, such as a cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, provides a user of the audio system with a status signal relating to a reception quality of a vocal signal from the user. The microphone may be mounted within an accessory module, which may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 6243003
    Abstract: An accessory module for use with a vehicular cellular telephone, emergency communication device, or other audio device, may be mounted to an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The accessory module houses a microphone and may be positioned adjacent to a headliner of the vehicle generally above an interior rearview mirror which is supported therebelow. The accessory module provides a fixed orientation of the microphone and is easily installed to the vehicle as it is manufactured or as an aftermarket device. The accessory module may further include a wire cover, which extends to a mounting for the mirror in order to substantially encase a mirror wire harness, thereby retaining the mirror harness and providing a finished appearance to the mirror and accessory module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner
  • Patent number: 5820097
    Abstract: A breakaway mounting assembly supports a rearview mirror or other accessory on an improved windshield mounted button. The mounting assembly includes a base having a mount for the accessory or mirror, and a plurality of resilient flanges which engage, hold, and center the assembly on the button but flex to release the assembly if impacted from virtually any direction. Preferably, the resilient flanges are formed in one piece with a retainer mounted on the base by a plurality of mounting flanges also formed in one piece with the retainer and engaging a shoulder on the base. An open release space is defined between a pair of the flanges, while the base has an unobstructed open area aligned with the release space through which the button may be released when the mirror or accessory is impacted directly from the mirror reflecting surface. An inclined wall surface on the base cams the assembly off the button when the mirror or accessory is impacted from the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph A. Spooner