Patents by Inventor Robert R. Turnbull

Robert 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).

  • 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.
  • Patent number: 11415864
    Abstract: A concealing device for an imager of a vehicle includes a photochromic lens cover with an external surface that is co-extensive with an adjacent portion of the vehicle and disposed proximate a lens of the imager. The photochromic lens cover is operable between a first condition wherein the photochromic lens cover is exposed to ultraviolet light and darkens to a transmissivity of less than 15% and a second condition wherein the photochromic lens cover includes a transmissivity of greater than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Xiaoxu Niu, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 11411594
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The trainable transceiver includes a programmable oscillator for generating a signal having a selected reference frequency; an RF transceiver that receives an RF signal during a training mode in order to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and transmits an RF signal to the remote device in an operating mode where the transmitted RF signal includes the learned characteristics of the received RF signal, wherein the RF transceiver receives the reference frequency from the programmable oscillator and uses the reference frequency to learn the characteristics of the received RF signal and for generating the transmitted RF signal; and a controller that, during the operating mode, selects frequency control data representing a frequency and selects the selected reference frequency for the programmable oscillator as a function of the frequency control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carl L. Shearer, Robert R. Turnbull, Thomas D. Klaver
  • Patent number: 11307485
    Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Jason D. Hallack, Robert R. Turnbull, Carl N. Wassink
  • Patent number: 11181497
    Abstract: A detection system includes at least one sensor configured to measure a presence of airborne particles and at least one amplifier circuit in communication with the at least one sensor. The amplifier circuit is configured to monitor a charge generated by the at least one sensor over a time interval. The system further includes a controller configured to monitor the charge accumulated in the at least one amplifier circuit from the at least one sensor at the time interval. In response to the charge of the at least one amplifier circuit, the controller detects the presence of the airborne particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: GENTEX CORPORATION, VAPORSENS INC
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Drew G. Janibagian, T. Frank Delatorre, Ross A. Riches, Benjamin R. Bunes
  • Patent number: 11137629
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an electro-optic element comprises a first voltage converter in connection with a power supply. The first voltage converter is configured to receive a supply voltage from the power supply and output a first voltage. A first storage capacitor is in connection with the first voltage converter and configured to store first energy at the first voltage. A second storage capacitor is configured to store second energy at a second voltage, wherein the second energy is supplied by the power supply. A driving circuit in conductive connection with the second storage capacitor and configured to supply a driving voltage to the electro-optic element. In response to a failure of the power supply, the first storage capacitor is configured to supply the first energy to a controller and the second storage capacitor is configured to supply the second energy to the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Adam R. Heintzelman
  • Publication number: 20210302798
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Andrew D. Weller, Kurtis L. Geerlings
  • Publication number: 20210263359
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an electro-optic element comprises a first voltage converter in connection with a power supply. The first voltage converter is configured to receive a supply voltage from the power supply and output a first voltage. A first storage capacitor is in connection with the first voltage converter and configured to store first energy at the first voltage. A second storage capacitor is configured to store second energy at a second voltage, wherein the second energy is supplied by the power supply. A driving circuit in conductive connection with the second storage capacitor and configured to supply a driving voltage to the electro-optic element. In response to a failure of the power supply, the first storage capacitor is configured to supply the first energy to a controller and the second storage capacitor is configured to supply the second energy to the driving circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Adam R. Heintzelman