Patents by Inventor Steven J. Veenman

Steven J. Veenman 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: 20240402560
    Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface that is opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced apart relationship so as to define a cavity therebetween. The second and third surfaces face each other. An electro-optic medium is located in the cavity. A first electrode layer is located on the second surface, and a second electrode layer is located on the third surface. A reflective element is disposed behind the electro-optic medium, opposite the first substrate. A photodiode light sensor is configured to detect a glare from a light, and a control system is configured to adjust an applied electrical potential to the electro-optic medium as a result of the detected glare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Eric S. Lundy, Steven J. Veenman
  • Publication number: 20240367587
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided including a reflective element; an infrared illumination source configured to emit infrared light through the reflective element to illuminate a field of view; and an optical element disposed behind the reflective element and configured to direct infrared light from the infrared illumination source towards the field of view. The optical element including: a molded portion comprised of a visibly opaque material that is substantially transparent to the infrared light, the molded portion having a front surface and a rear surface; and a reflector disposed on the rear surface of the molded portion and configured to substantially reflect infrared light emitted from the illumination source that passes through the molded portion towards the field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Kasen K. Anderson, Richard T. Fish, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Michael F. Lisowski, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Publication number: 20240276607
    Abstract: A window operable to separate an interior from an exterior is disclosed. The window comprises a pressure pane and an anti-condensation assembly. The anti-condensation assembly is disposed in an interior direction relative the pressure pane. Further, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a substantially transparent substrate disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative the pressure pane. Additionally, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a resistively heatable layer associated with the first substrate. The resistively heatable layer is operable to generate heat when an electrical current is applied thereto. Accordingly, application of power to the resistively heatable layer may serve to reduce or eliminate the presence of visible condensation in the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Steven J. Veenman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20240262289
    Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a housing with a dimmable reflective element and a glare sensor assembly. The glare sensor assembly includes a circuit board disposed within the housing, a light sensor in communication with the circuit board, and a primary optic proximate to and in communication with the light sensor. The primary optic is a substantially homogeneous cured epoxy that has an infrared blocker dye with a green tint that at least partially blocks infrared light from being exposed to the light sensor. A secondary optic is configured to receive and direct light to the primary optic. The primary optic is disposed between the circuit board and the secondary optic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Steven J. Veenman, Gary J. Dozeman
  • Publication number: 20240198768
    Abstract: A monitoring system for an automobile includes at least one illumination source that is configured to project a first illumination type towards a driver location. At least one imaging device is configured to capture the first illumination type at the driver location. A visor assembly includes a stowed position and an articulated position. The visor assembly in the articulated position obscures at least part of the first illumination type from the driver location. An electro-optic device is located in the visor assembly and is configured to switch between a transmissive state and a darkened state. The first illumination type passes through the electro-optic device in the transmissive state and the darkened state, and a second illumination type passes through the electro-optic device in the transmissive state but is blocked in the darkened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 11998399
    Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
  • Publication number: 20240152017
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface. A first electrode layer is associated with the second surface. A second electrode layer is associated with the third surface. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electro-optic medium is operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers. At least one third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least one light source operably electrically interposes the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Ethan J. Lee, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 11979951
    Abstract: A window operable to separate an interior from an exterior is disclosed. The window comprises a pressure pane and an anti-condensation assembly. The anti-condensation assembly is disposed in an interior direction relative the pressure pane. Further, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a substantially transparent substrate disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative the pressure pane. Additionally, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a resistively heatable layer associated with the first substrate. The resistively heatable layer is operable to generate heat when an electrical current is applied thereto. Accordingly, application of power to the resistively heatable layer may serve to reduce or eliminate the presence of visible condensation in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Steven J. Veenman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20240109492
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a monitoring system that includes an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element is configured to redirect an illumination from the illumination source toward an occupant position in an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kasen Keith Anderson, Steven J. Veenman, Brett C. Pothoof, Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz
  • Publication number: 20240067092
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an illumination and imaging system, which may comprise a housing, a transflective element, a light source, and an optic apparatus. The housing may have a cavity with an opening. The transflective element may be substantially aligned with the opening. The light source may be disposed within the cavity. The optic apparatus may also be disposed within the cavity and have a collimator optic and a spreader optic. The collimator optic may be configured to collimate light emitted from the light source toward the transflective element. The spreader optic may be disposed proximate the transflective element and configured to transmit and spread the collimated light for transmission through the transflective element to substantially illuminate the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael F. Lisowski, Richard T. Fish, Steven J. Veenman, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20240073540
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an illumination source configured to illuminate at least a portion of a vehicle interior. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the portion of the vehicle interior. A controller is in communication with the illumination source and the camera. The controller is configured to receive the one or more images, identify a glare associated with an occupant of the vehicle interior in the one or more images, and generate and communicate a signal to adjust the illumination source to limit the glare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Steven J. Veenman, Matthew W. Remijn, Carl L. Shearer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230302997
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20230302996
    Abstract: A full display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a partially reflective, partially transmissive element is located in the housing. A bezel assembly includes at least one localized region that is substantially opaque to a visible spectrum of light and substantially transmissive to an infrared spectrum of light. At least one illumination element is located in the housing and oriented to project infrared illumination through the at least one localized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Danny L. Minikey, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Nigel T. Lock, Michael G. Hendricks, Eric S. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20230102881
    Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
  • Publication number: 20230047515
    Abstract: A system for controlling temperatures within a rearview assembly may comprise a rearview assembly having a housing defining an opening and at least one of a display element and an electro-optic element disposed in the opening; and an in-cabin monitoring system comprising at least one printed circuit board; an imager disposed on one of the at least one printed circuit boards, an image signal processor in communication with the imager, at least one light source, and at least one heat spreader positioned within the housing. The heat spreader may be stamped aluminum. The imager may be at a distance from the at least one light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin P. Drummond, Steven J. Veenman, Richard T. Fish
  • Patent number: 11517393
    Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
  • Patent number: 11353765
    Abstract: A rear view assembly includes a housing with a mount extending therefrom, a circuit board disposed on the housing, and an air mover proximate a heatsink. The air mover is configured to draw ambient air from an inlet into the housing. A channel in fluid communication with the air mover is configured to direct the air drawn into the housing across a top portion of the heatsink. The rear view assembly also includes an outlet in fluid connection with the channel, adjacent to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek
  • Patent number: 11287859
    Abstract: A rearview assembly comprises a rearview device; a housing supporting the rearview device; a cavity defined by the housing and the rearview device; a first printed circuit board having a processor and disposed within the cavity; a second printed circuit board in communication with the first printed circuit board and disposed within the cavity; at least one rib having an outer edge and extending from the housing into the cavity; and a channel whose sidewalls are defined by a portion of the housing, the at least one rib, and a portion of the second printed circuit board. An air moving device may draw air through the channel. A seal may be employed to make the sidewalls of the channel generally airtight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Brian D. Jewell
  • Patent number: 11054113
    Abstract: A light assembly is configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite. The assembly comprises a plurality of lighting modules comprising a plurality of light sources configured to emit light. The assembly further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data disposed in at least one of the lighting modules. An articulating head assembly is configured to support each of the lighting modules. The articulating head assembly comprises a plurality of actuators configured to rotate each of the lighting modules about a first axis and a second axis. The assembly further comprises a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data for at least one region of interest comprising at least one of a shaded region and a contaminated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: GENTEX CORPORATION, MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan D. Miller, Heidi Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210168919
    Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson