Patents by Inventor Thomas S. Wright
Thomas S. Wright 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: 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
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Publication number: 20200098214Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Patent number: 10553212Abstract: A vehicle-based remote control system and method are provided herein. A first in-vehicle device and a second in-vehicle device are provided. The second in-vehicle device includes a user-input mechanism having at least one actuatable member, and a controller programmed to respond to input from the user-input mechanism. Upon actuation of the at least one actuatable member, the controller prompts the first in-vehicle device to transmit a pre-recorded user voice command assigned to the at least one actuatable member. The pre-recorded user voice command is transmitted to a server. The server processes the pre-recorded user voice command and generates a command for executing an action specified by the pre-recorded user voice command. The command is executed by one or more smart devices located remotely from a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Nicholas J. Goote, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Publication number: 20200017030Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle having communication capabilities for communicating with at least one of a building-automation device and an electronic toll collection system. The vehicle rearview mirror system may include a wireless communication system configured to communicate with a building-based communication system or a transceiver system of the electronic toll collection system, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Neil J. Boehm, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Patent number: 10464489Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror system for a vehicle having communication capabilities for communicating with at least one of a building-automation device and an electronic toll collection system. The vehicle rearview mirror system may include a wireless communication system configured to communicate with a building-based communication system or a transceiver system of the electronic toll collection system, or both.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Neil J. Boehm, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
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Publication number: 20190287330Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Patent number: 10410452Abstract: A circuit assembly comprising a sealed interface is configured to isolate one or more electrical components. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising a substrate and a cover comprising a polycarbonate material in connection with the substrate. The assembly further comprises an adhesive seal disposed around a perimeter surface of the cover. The adhesive seal comprises a UV curable adhesive having a chemical composition. The assembly further comprises a polyamide over-molded coating enclosing at least a portion of the circuit board and covering the adhesive seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline
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Patent number: 10373503Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a device and providing vehicle position information to a vehicle occupant includes a transceiver circuit, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit and the output device. The control circuit is configured to receive, using the transceiver circuit or a secondary transceiver, image data corresponding to a position of the vehicle. The control circuit is further configured to determine a vehicle position status based on the image data and to control the output device to convey information to the vehicle occupant based on the vehicle position status.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, David M. Bostrom
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Patent number: 10339741Abstract: 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: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Patent number: 10248773Abstract: An accessory configured to authenticate a transaction is disclosed. The accessory comprises a communication circuit configured to communicate with a transaction system. The accessory further comprises at least one data collection device and a processor. The processor is in communication with the communication circuit and the data collection device. The processor is configured to compare captured data captured by the data collection device with stored data to generate an authentication of a previously identified operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Steven L. Geerlings, Marc A. Smeyers
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Publication number: 20190060026Abstract: An illumination system for a medical suite comprises a light assembly comprising at least one illumination source configured to selectively direct a light emission in a region of the surgical suite. The system further comprises an imager configured to capture image data in a field of view in the medical suite. A controller is in communication with the light assembly and the imager. The controller is configured to detect a location of the marker in the image data and control the light assembly to direct the light emission within the region based on the location of the marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kurtis L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, David M. Falb, Christopher J. Adamski, Jeremy A. Schut, William L. Tonar, Jason D. Hallack, Michael J. Metivier, Brian J. Beardsley
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Publication number: 20190051148Abstract: 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: October 16, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Patent number: 10176708Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use the camera to identify the remote device by comparing information received via the camera to information stored in memory, and the control circuit is configured to automatically transmit an activation signal formatted to control the remote device in response to identifying the remote device.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: 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: 10163366Abstract: A method for identifying a vehicle accessory with a mobile device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an input in the mobile device and activating an identification function in a control circuit of the mobile device in response to the input. An image viewfinder is initiated in response to the activation of the identification function. The viewfinder is used to capture an image of the vehicle accessory including at least one feature. The at least one feature in the image is compared to a plurality of corresponding features of a plurality of compatible vehicle accessories. Based on the comparison, an identity of the vehicle accessory is identified. Training information for the vehicle accessory is then accessed and displayed on the mobile device to facilitate at least one setup task of the vehicle accessory in response to identifying the vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas S. Wright, Bradley R. Hamlin
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Patent number: 10163337Abstract: A method for automatically transmitting an activation signal from a trainable transceiver to a remote electronic system, includes receiving, at a control circuit of the trainable transceiver, image data from an image data source; determining, using the control circuit, if the received image data matches one or more reference images stored in memory and associated with the remote electronic system; and determining, in response to a match between the received image data and the one or more reference images, if the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system. The method includes, in response to determining that the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system, formatting an activation signal to control the remote electronic system and transmitting, using a transceiver circuit, the activation signal formatted to control the remote electronic system.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, David M. Bostrom
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Patent number: 10147310Abstract: 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 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
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Publication number: 20180336750Abstract: A circuit assembly comprising a sealed interface is configured to isolate one of more electrical components. The assembly comprises a circuit board comprising a substrate and a cover comprising a polycarbonate material in connection with the substrate. The assembly further comprises an adhesive seal disposed around a perimeter surface of the cover. The adhesive seal comprises a UV curable adhesive having a chemical composition. The assembly further comprises a polyamide over-molded coating enclosing at least a portion of the circuit board and covering the adhesive seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joel A. Stray, Dennis E. Vilcans, Sinisa Likic, Derek S. Blaskowski, Thomas S. Wright, Jonathan M. Hansen, James S. Sheline