Patents by Inventor William L. Tonar

William L. Tonar 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: 10955719
    Abstract: A transparent photovoltaic (TPV) integrated directly into the structure of an electrochromic (EC) device is beneficial in that it can eliminate at least one substrate and provide more uniform coloring. Integration of a transparent photovoltaic with an electrochromic device may also reduce or eliminate the need for an electrical bus on a substrate. In some embodiments, positioning the TPV internally with the EC cell may eliminate the need for additional substrate layers or a conductive layer on one side of the TPV cell. Integrating a PV cell into the EC device can additionally reduce the need for external wiring and an external power supply. Alternatively, the TPV can assist in charging a battery where the battery can be used to power the EC device when there is no sunlight available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sue F. Franz, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, George A. Neuman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Donald L. Bareman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 10925140
    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: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    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
  • Patent number: 10828124
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200301525
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive assembly and method of making includes a first electrically conductive layer disposed on a first substrate and a second electrically conductive layer disposed on a second substrate. A piezoelectric film is disposed between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer. The piezoelectric film includes a plurality of aligned piezoelectric particles disposed in a polymeric matrix and is characterized by a haze value of about 5% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Sue F. Franz
  • Patent number: 10768475
    Abstract: An electro-optic element includes a first substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic material being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A transflective film includes a liquid crystal material. The transflective film has a thickness of from about 6 ?m to about 24 ?m. An adhesion layer is positioned between the transflective film and the second substrate. An alignment layer is positioned between the transflective film and the adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20200183244
    Abstract: An electro-optic apparatus configured to adjust in transmittance in response to a control input comprises a first web substrate and a second web substrate. Each of the web substrates form a plurality of perimeter edges. A first edge is in connection with a first electrical terminal connecting in connection with a first electrode. A second edge opposing the first edge is in connection with a second electrical terminal in connection with a second electrode. A third edge and an opposing fourth edge comprise a barrier seal in a first configuration in connection with an exterior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate. The barrier seal encapsulates the electro-optic medium between an interior surface of each of the first web substrate and the second web substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Garret C. DeNolf, Gary J. Dozeman, George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, Sheng Liu, Yuping Lin, David J. Cammenga, Joel A. Stray, Scott S. McNees
  • Patent number: 10668789
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof comprising an electro-optic device is disclosed. The electro-optic device forms a variable transmission window comprising a first layer, a second layer, and an electro-optic medium disposed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one of the first layer and the second layer correspond to a polymeric film. The sunroof further comprises a frame configured to connect the electro-optic device to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, David L. Poll, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 10632927
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle may comprise a display module comprising a display element; a partially reflective, partially transmissive element disposed generally parallel to the display element; optical bonding adhesive having a refractive index disposed between the display element and the partially reflective, partially transmissive element; and a plurality of refracting beads having a refractive index and incorporated in or on the optical bonding adhesive; wherein the display is optically bonded to the partially reflective, partially transmissive element with the optical bonding adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary J. Dozeman, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20200117001
    Abstract: A heads up display system of a vehicle includes a combiner screen having a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity and a transflective layer having a multilayer polymeric film positioned on one of the first and second surfaces, and a projector for projecting light having a first polarization toward the first surface of the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll
  • Patent number: 10604075
    Abstract: A vehicle display mirror system is disclosed. The system comprises an electro-optic device configured to switch between a mirror state and a display state. The electro-optic device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate forming a cavity. The cavity is configured to retain an electro-optic medium that is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. The system further comprises a substantially transparent display disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device. The substantially transparent display comprises a switchable output grating configured to selectively diffract light outward from the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20200092970
    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: November 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    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
  • Patent number: 10551620
    Abstract: A heads up display system of a vehicle includes a combiner screen having a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity and a transflective layer having a multilayer polymeric film positioned on one of the first and second surfaces, and a projector for projecting light having a first polarization toward the first surface of the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll
  • Publication number: 20200033667
    Abstract: A window is provided that includes a first substrate, a second substrate spaced apart from the first substrate, an intermediate substrate between the first and second substrate and having a first transparent electrode on a surface proximal to the first substrate and second transparent electrode on a surface proximal to the second substrate, a first electrode on a surface of the first substrate proximal to the intermediate substrate, a second electrode on a surface of the second substrate proximal to the intermediate substrate, a light absorbing layer comprising an electrochromic medium between the first substrate and the intermediate substrate, and a light scattering layer comprising a liquid crystal material between the intermediate substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson, Gary J. Dozeman, Tammy G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10547783
    Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed. The device comprises an image sensor configured to capture image data and a filter. The filter is configured to selectively control a range of wavelengths of light entering the image sensor. The filter comprises a liquid crystal structure configured to pass the range of wavelengths in a first configuration and reflect the range of wavelengths in a second configuration. The device further comprises a controller in communication with the image sensor and the filter. The controller is configured to adjust the filter from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to an environmental lighting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz, George A. Neuman, Adam R. Heintzelman, William L. Tonar, Xiaoxu Niu
  • Publication number: 20200026102
    Abstract: An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and an outer perimeter edge; a second substrate having a third surface, a fourth surface, and an outer perimeter edge, the third surface of the second substrate being opposed to the second surface of the first substrate; a chamber defined between the second surface of the first substrate and the opposed third surface of the second substrate; a first electrode coating disposed on the second surface of the first substrate; a second electrode coating disposed on the third surface of the second substrate; a first conductive or semi-conductive material disposed on and extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a peripheral area of the first substrate and in electrical communication with the first electrode coating; and a non-conductive material extending between the first conductive or semi-conductive material and the second electrode coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 10539853
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a flexible plastic substrate including a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface comprises a first conductive material; and a rigid plastic substrate including a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein the front surface comprises a second conductive material, wherein the first substrate is joined to the second substrate by a sealing member, wherein the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate with the sealing member define a chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, William L. Tonar, Gary J. Dozeman, Kelvin L. Baumann, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Zachary J. Petroelje, Garret Denolf
  • Patent number: 10517158
    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 for at least one region of interest comprising at least one of a shaded region and a contaminated region and identify a location of the region of interest in the operating region. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light on the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    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
  • Publication number: 20190383693
    Abstract: A plumbing monitoring system includes a detector configured to be coupled to a fluid system, a power section configured to be in electrical communication with the detector, the power section including a turbine configured to move under force from a movement of fluid of the fluid system and a generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electrical energy from the movement of the turbine. An electrical storage is in electrical communication with and configured to provide electrical power to the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20190383692
    Abstract: A plumbing detection system includes a detector configured to be coupled to a fluid system which includes a pulse generator configured to emit a pulse into a fluid within the fluid system. A pulse receiver is configured to detect a reflected pulse. A transmitter and a base station is configured to be coupled to the fluid system. The base station includes a receiver in communication with the transmitter and is configured to cause a reduction of a flow of the fluid within the fluid system in response to the receiver receiving a signal from the transmitter of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Tonar, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Robert R. Turnbull
  • Patent number: 10509226
    Abstract: A heads up display system of a vehicle includes a combiner screen having a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity and a transflective layer having a multilayer polymeric film positioned on one of the first and second surfaces, and a projector for projecting light having a first polarization toward the first surface of the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll