Patents by Inventor Steven L. Geerlings
Steven L. Geerlings 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).
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Publication number: 20240152017Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Ethan J. Lee, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Steven J. Veenman
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Publication number: 20240058490Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a medical cart is disclosed. The medical cart may comprise a frame, one or more wheels, and one or more wheel disinfection assembly. The frame may be configured to support medical equipment. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame. The one or more wheel disinfection assembly may each be associated with one of the one or more wheels. A wheel disinfection assembly may have one or more light sources configured to emit germicidal light onto at least part of the respective wheel. In some embodiments, the may also be configured to emit the germicidal light onto a surface on which the wheels are rolled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11646797Abstract: A trainable transceiver may comprise an electro-optic element comprising a first substrate having an electrode coating on a surface; a second substrate generally parallel to and in a spaced-apart relationship with the first substrate and having an electrode coating on a surface; and a window in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate from which the electrode coating has been at least partially removed. The trainable transceiver may also comprise a machine-readable optical image selectively visible through the window; a light source disposed in proximity to the machine-readable optical image; and a controller capable of controlling the light source. Upon receipt of an appropriate input, the controller causes the activation of the light source which, in turn, causes the machine-readable optical image to be visible through the electro-optic element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Brock R. Rycenga
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Publication number: 20220321222Abstract: A trainable transceiver may comprise an electro-optic element comprising a first substrate having an electrode coating on a surface; a second substrate generally parallel to and in a spaced-apart relationship with the first substrate and having an electrode coating on a surface; and a window in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate from which the electrode coating has been at least partially removed. The trainable transceiver may also comprise a machine-readable optical image selectively visible through the window; a light source disposed in proximity to the machine-readable optical image; and a controller capable of controlling the light source. Upon receipt of an appropriate input, the controller causes the activation of the light source which, in turn, causes the machine-readable optical image to be visible through the electro-optic element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Brock R. Rycenga
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Patent number: 11423761Abstract: A multi-zone monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor modules configured to monitor conditions in a plurality of detection zones. The sensor modules include a combination of detection devices configured to detect different conditions based on a designated zone of each sensor module. The system further includes a reporting device in communication with each of the sensor modules. The reporting device is configured to report the status of each of the detection zones based on indications communicated via the detection devices in the corresponding detection zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David E. Christian, Thomas S. Wright, Brian G. Brackenbury, Steven L. Geerlings, Darin D. Tuttle, Shane M. Courbier
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Patent number: 11289088Abstract: A remote control system of a vehicle is configured to control a remote device via a first electronic device. The first electronic device is configured to control the transmission of a semi-generic user voice command and the voice command is updated based on one or more spoken words generating an updated voice command. The remote control system comprises a second electronic device in communication with the first electronic device. A controller is configured to prompt the first electronic device to cause the updated voice command to be accessed and transmitted to a remote device controller located remotely from the vehicle in response to the input from a user-input mechanism of the second electronic device. The remote device controller processes the updated voice command, generates a control command based on the updated voice command, and executes the control command.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Nicholas J. Goote, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Patent number: 11145190Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Patent number: 11074465Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle comprises at least one detection device configured to detect conditions in a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a controller. The controller is in communication with the at least one detection device. The controller is configured to monitor data from the at least one detection device prior to an entry of an occupant. Based on the data from the at least one detection device, the controller is further configured to identify at least one change in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The at least one change in the passenger compartment indicates at least one of an item left behind in the passenger compartment, damage to the vehicle, and contamination of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, Matthew W. Remijn, Darin D. Tuttle, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 11030888Abstract: A transmitter device for coupling to a vehicle and for conducting a transmission to a remote system includes a transmitter and a processing circuit coupled to the transmitter and having an input interface. The input interface is coupled to an existing user interface of the vehicle for receiving an input to cause the transmitter to conduct its transmission to the remote system. The input interface is coupled to a vehicle sensor for receiving a vehicle sensor input including a motion status of the vehicle. The processing circuit is configured to prevent transmitter from conducting its transmission to the remote system unless the motion status of the vehicle indicates the vehicle is travelling at a speed less than a threshold speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Steven L. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11030428Abstract: A system includes a communication device and a user interface. The communication device includes a universal toll module configured to transmit a toll signal that includes at least one electronic toll code to be communicated to an electronic toll system. The universal toll module is communicatively coupled to a vehicle bus of the vehicle. The user interface is communicatively coupled to the vehicle bus.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Neil J. Boehm, Marc A. Smeyers, Steven L. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11024192Abstract: A trainable transceiver is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The trainable transceiver includes an RF transceiver configured to receive an RF signal during a training mode in order to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and to transmit 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; a local memory device for storing channel data representing the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; an interface configured to communicate with an Internet-connected device; and a controller coupled to the local memory device and the interface, the controller configured to retrieve the channel data from the local memory device and transfer the channel data for storage remote from the vehicle using the interface. The controller may also receive channel data from the remote memory device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas D. Klaver, Jonathan E. Dorst, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Publication number: 20210125483Abstract: A multi-zone monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor modules configured to monitor conditions in a plurality of detection zones. The sensor modules include a combination of detection devices configured to detect different conditions based on a designated zone of each sensor module. The system further includes a reporting device in communication with each of the sensor modules. The reporting device is configured to report the status of each of the detection zones based on indications communicated via the detection devices in the corresponding detection zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: David E. Christian, Thomas S. Wright, Brian G. Brackenbury, Steven L. Geerlings, Darin D. Tuttle, Shane M. Courbier
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Patent number: 10964138Abstract: A system is provided for allowing temporary access to a desired area. The temporary access may be for the purposes of making a delivery. The system comprises a trainable transceiver configured to transmit an activation signal to a remote device; a mobile communications device in selective communication with the trainable transceiver; and an accessory selectively securable to mobile communications device and capable of transmitting information to trainable transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Matthew W. Chiodo
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Publication number: 20200234567Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Patent number: 10713937Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured based on training information to communicate with the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and coupled to the communications device. The control circuit is configured to transmit diagnostic information related to the trainable transceiver to a mobile communications device via the communications device.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Publication number: 20200219340Abstract: A system is provided for allowing temporary access to a desired area. The temporary access may be for the purposes of making a delivery. The system comprises a trainable transceiver configured to transmit an activation signal to a remote device; a mobile communications device in selective communication with the trainable transceiver; and an accessory selectively securable to mobile communications device and capable of transmitting information to trainable transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas D. Klaver, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Matthew W. Chiodo
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Publication number: 20200202148Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle comprises at least one detection device configured to detect conditions in a passenger compartment of the vehicle and a controller. The controller is in communication with the at least one detection device. The controller is configured to monitor data from the at least one detection device prior to an entry of an occupant. Based on the data from the at least one detection device, the controller is further configured to identify at least one change in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The at least one change in the passenger compartment indicates at least one of an item left behind in the passenger compartment, damage to the vehicle, and contamination of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, Matthew W. Remijn, Darin D. Tuttle, Joshua D. Lintz
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Publication number: 20200168224Abstract: A remote control system of a vehicle is configured to control a remote device via a first electronic device. The first electronic device is configured to control the transmission of a semi-generic user voice command and the voice command is updated based on one or more spoken words generating an updated voice command. The remote control system comprises a second electronic device in communication with the first electronic device. A controller is configured to prompt the first electronic device to cause the updated voice command to be accessed and transmitted to a remote device controller located remotely from the vehicle in response to the input from a user-input mechanism of the second electronic device. The remote device controller processes the updated voice command, generates a control command based on the updated voice command, and executes the control command.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2020Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Nicholas J. Goote, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Patent number: 10665090Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured, based on training information, to control the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, coupled to the communications device, and coupled to the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive notification information from the mobile communications device via the communications device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to generate an output using the output device based on the notification information.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Patent number: 10621803Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin