Patents by Inventor Steven P. Dykstra

Steven P. Dykstra 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: 6690803
    Abstract: An intra-vehicle communication system includes a surface configured to be mounted to a vehicle interior proximate a first occupant wherein the surface is further configured to display an image of a second occupant of the vehicle. The system further includes an intercom including a microphone supported in close proximity with the surface and a speaker operably coupled to the microphone. In one embodiment, the intercom is further configured to at least partially mute existing audio output from a stereo system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20030091201
    Abstract: An intra-vehicle communication system includes a surface configured to be mounted to a vehicle interior proximate a first occupant wherein the surface is further configured to display an image of a second occupant of the vehicle. The system further includes an intercom including a microphone supported in close proximity with the surface and a speaker operably coupled to the microphone. In one embodiment, the intercom is further configured to at least partially mute existing audio output from a stereo system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6553123
    Abstract: A combined conversation mirror and intercom is mounted in a mirror frame pivotally mounted to a vehicle accessory, such as an overhead console. The frame is movable between an unobtrusive stored position and an extended use position located such that the vehicle operator can see mid or rear seat passengers, and, similarly, the mid or rear seat passengers can see the vehicle operator. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrical switch is coupled between the mirror frame and vehicle accessory such that movement of the mirror frame actuates the switch for powering the intercom circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 5271654
    Abstract: A visor mount for mounting a visor panel to a vehicle roof includes a first member which extends from an edge of the visor panel and a second member which is secured to a roof of the vehicle. The first and second members are pivotally interfit with one another for rotational movement of the visor panel between a raised stored position against the vehicle roof and a lowered use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Steven P. Dykstra, Michael L. Lanser
  • Patent number: 5005895
    Abstract: A visor body includes a guide for receiving a slide member having an auxiliary shield made of a flexible material which can be moved from a collapsed stored position to an extended position when the slide member is moved from its retracted position within the visor body to an extended use position increasing the width of the visor. In an alternative embodiment, the visor body itself is split into two sections which are slidably interfitted to allow them to extend away from one another for providing an increased width visor for added sunblocking capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Muyres, Wesley D. Mersman, Steven P. Dykstra, Russell L. Clark
  • Patent number: 4922391
    Abstract: A vanity mirror package for a visor includes a sliding cover having a handle which includes a light for providing illumination for use of the mirror in low ambient light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Steven P. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 4847737
    Abstract: A light intensity control includes a current control device which delays the application of the maximum level of current to one or more lamps of an illuminated vanity mirror. In the preferred embodiment, the current responsive control device comprises a negative temperature coefficient thermistor coupled in series with the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Steven P. Dykstra, Ted A. Dekker