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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Patent number: 10486601Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly is provided that includes a display configured to emit light of a first polarization. A reflective polarizer is positioned adjacent the display. The reflective polarizer is configured to transmit the light of the first polarization and reflect light of a second polarization and an electro-optic element is positioned on an opposite side of the reflective polarizer than the display. The electro-optic element is configured to transition between substantially clear and substantially darkened states. The electro-optic element includes a plurality of electrochromic molecules substantially aligned with the second polarization of the light such that the electro-optic element is configured to substantially absorb the light of the second polarization when in the darkened state.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Henry A. Luten, William L. Tonar, Leroy J. Kloeppner
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Publication number: 20190353969Abstract: A window assembly includes an electro-optic element which has a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent 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 medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is switchable such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. An absorptive layer is positioned on the fourth surface of the electro-optic element and a reflective layer is positioned on the absorptive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventor: William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20190339580Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: 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: 10466524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: 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: 10457216Abstract: A display assembly includes a bezel. An electro-optic element includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the first substantially transparent substrate. The electro-optic element also includes a second substrate. The first substantially transparent substrate and the bezel have a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion or from about 5 ppm to about 50 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Niels A. Olesen, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray
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Publication number: 20190324341Abstract: An electro-optic element includes a first substantially transparent polymer substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A first polymer multi-layer film is disposed between the first substrate and the first conductive layer. The first polymer multi-layer film includes a first polymer layer, an inorganic layer, and a second polymer layer. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. An electrochromic medium is disposed in a cavity defined between the first and second substrates and includes a cathodic material, an anodic material, and at least one solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Inventors: William L. Tonar, Garret C. DeNolf, Gary J. Dozeman, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Sheng Liu, Yuping Lin
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Publication number: 20190323979Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: 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: 10451949Abstract: A window assembly includes an electro-optic element which has a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent 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 medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is switchable such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. An absorptive layer is positioned on the fourth surface of the electro-optic element and a reflective layer is positioned on the absorptive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 10444498Abstract: A vehicle display system is disclosed. The system comprises an electro-optic device configured to switch between a mirror state and a light-transmissive 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 electro-optic device is converted to the darkened state when the substantially transparent display is emitting light.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Tonar, Neil J. Boehm
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Patent number: 10434948Abstract: A vehicle display mirror system is disclosed. The system comprises a display device and a reflecting polarizer. The display device is operable to display image data on a display surface as display light. The reflecting polarizer comprises a light receiving surface proximate the display surface and configured to output the display light in a first polarization from an emitting surface. The system further comprises a liquid crystal element, a polarizing element, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the liquid crystal element and configured to selectively align a liquid crystal material to pass the display light through the liquid crystal element and deactivate the liquid crystal element to adjust a received light from the first polarization to a second polarization and reflect the second polarization from the emitting surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, Gary J. Dozeman, Danny L. Minikey, Jr.
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Patent number: 10427606Abstract: Anisotropic film laminates for use in image-preserving reflectors such as rearview automotive mirror assemblies, and related methods of fabrication. A film may comprise an anisotropic layer such as a light-polarizing layer and other functional layers. The film having controlled water content is heated under omnidirectional pressure and vacuum to a temperature substantially equal to or above a lower limit of a glass-transition temperature range of the film so as to be laminated to a substrate. The laminate is configured as part of a mirror structure so as to increase contrast of light produced by a light source positioned behind the mirror structure and transmitted through the mirror structure towards a viewer. The mirror structure is devoid of any extended distortion and is characterized by SW and LW values less than 3, more preferably less than 2, and most preferably less than 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, Gary J. Dozeman, Tammy G. Morgan, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 10423044Abstract: 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: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20190270411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Gary J. Dozeman, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 10404973Abstract: The disclosure provides for a display system for a vehicle comprising at least one image sensor, an image processor, and a display apparatus. The image sensor is configured to capture image data. The image processor is in communication with the image sensor and configured to generate augmented image data from the image data. The augmented image data is configured counteract a farsightedness of an occupant of the vehicle. The display apparatus is in communication with the image processor and configured to communicate the augmented image data independently to each of a right eye and a left eye of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: William L. Tonar, Andre J. Rieder
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Publication number: 20190258130Abstract: A method for removing a material from a surface of a substrate includes impinging a laser beam on the material during a first sweep to remove the material from the surface along a first line and impinging the laser beam on the material during a second sweep to remove the material from the surface along a second line adjacent to the first line. The first line includes first artifacts that form a first portion of an array of artifacts on the surface. The second line includes second artifacts that form a second portion of the array of artifacts on the surface. A first laser pulse of the laser beam corresponding with the second sweep is synchronized with a start of the second sweep when transitioning between the first line and the second line such that the start of the second sweep coincides with the first laser pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Henry A. Luten, Donald L. Bareman, Thomas J. Scott, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Niels A. Olesen
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Publication number: 20190258129Abstract: An electrochromic device and an electrode assembly for forming an electrochromic device includes a substrate, a conductive layer disposed over the substrate, and a resistive layer disposed over the conductive layer. The resistive layer includes conductive particles disposed in a polymer binder. The conductive particles include at least one doped metal oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Zachary J. Petroelje, William L. Tonar, Leroy J. Kloeppner
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Publication number: 20190254143Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: 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: 20190249847Abstract: A light assembly is configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite. The assembly comprises a plurality of lighting modules comprising a plurality of light sources configured to emit light. The assembly further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data disposed in at least one of the lighting modules. An articulating head assembly is configured to support each of the lighting modules. The articulating head assembly comprises a plurality of actuators configured to rotate each of the lighting modules about a first axis and a second axis. The assembly further comprises 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: 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: 10365530Abstract: A window assembly includes an electro-optic element which has a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent 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 medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is switchable such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. An absorptive layer is positioned on the fourth surface of the electro-optic element and a reflective layer is positioned on the absorptive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 10343608Abstract: A rearview assembly having an electrochromic element. A front substrate defines a first surface and a second surface. A front side edge is disposed between the first surface and the second surface. A rear substrate is operably coupled with the front substrate and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom. The rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A rear side edge is disposed between the third surface and the fourth surface. A perimeter of the rear substrate is larger than a perimeter of the front substrate, such that an outer portion of the third surface is exposed, thereby defining a peripheral step between the front side edge and the rear side edge. An electrochromic material is disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate. A bezel is configured to extend around the rear substrate, over the outer portion of the third surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Eric S. Lundy, William L. Tonar, Michael J. VanAst, Christopher J. Van Huis, Brian J. Barksdale, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Joel A. Stray, Mark R. Roth