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).
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Publication number: 20210114524Abstract: An improved device switchable between reflective and display states comprising an optical element and a display element. The optical element comprising a liquid crystal medium disposed between first and second substrates. The optical element may further comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, an absorptive polarizer, and a reflective polarizer. The first electrode and the absorptive polarizer may be disposed in a first direction relative the liquid crystal medium. Similarly, the second electrode and the reflective polarizer may be disposed in a second direction relative the liquid crystal medium. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the absorptive and reflective polarizers may be further disposed between the first and second substrates. The display may be disposed in the first direction relative the optical element. Additionally, the device may further comprise a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may not have a bezel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 10962493Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Joel C. Nemes, William L. Tonar, David E. Christian, Darin D. Tuttle, Xiaoxu Niu
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Patent number: 10955719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Sue F. Franz, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, George A. Neuman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Donald L. Bareman, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 10925140Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10828124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: 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: 20200301525Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Sue F. Franz
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Patent number: 10768475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20200183244Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10668789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, David L. Poll, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 10632927Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Gary J. Dozeman, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20200117001Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll
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Patent number: 10604075Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20200092970Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10551620Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar, David L. Poll
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Publication number: 20200033667Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Tonar, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson, Gary J. Dozeman, Tammy G. Morgan
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Patent number: 10547783Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz, George A. Neuman, Adam R. Heintzelman, William L. Tonar, Xiaoxu Niu
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Publication number: 20200026102Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joel A. Stray, William L. Tonar, David A. Bender, Luke W. Koops, Christopher M. Derry, Tammy G. Morgan
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Patent number: 10539853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, William L. Tonar, Gary J. Dozeman, Kelvin L. Baumann, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Zachary J. Petroelje, Garret Denolf
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Patent number: 10517158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20190383692Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Robert R. Turnbull