Patents by Inventor Ricky L. Berens

Ricky L. Berens 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: 5649756
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Edward R. Adams, Anton C. Bastiaanse, Ricky L. Berens, Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, William P. Lantz, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof, Paul C. Belding
  • Patent number: 5178448
    Abstract: A rearview mirror with lighting assembly for use in a vehicle, has a molded case adapted to support lights for illuminating portions of the vehicle interior, to support electrical switches, wiring, and electrical connectors, to support optical lenses for directing light, and to support a mirror element. The case includes ventilation around the lenses, past the lights, and out of the case for dissipating heat from the lighting. The electrical switches and connectors are mounted into the case. A preferred light arrangement provides illumination of areas below and outwardly of the case ends with targeted lighting areas in the lap areas of persons seated in the front seats of the vehicle, without allowing light to be directed toward the vehicle windshield or instrument panel to cause glare. A resilient sealing material is adhered to the back of the lens element for sealing with the case to prevent or minimize the emission of uncontrolled, stray light from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Edward R. Adams, Anton C. Bastiaanse, Ricky L. Berens, Howard W. Fant, Jr., Barry W. Hutzel, William P. Lantz, Craig M. Miller, Troy I. VanderHoof, Paul C. Belding