Patents by Inventor Xiaoxu Niu
Xiaoxu Niu 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: 20250123527Abstract: An electro-optic element includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface, the second substrate is disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the first substrate such that the second and third surfaces face one another. A first electrode is associated with the second surface and a second electrode is associated with the third surface. An electrochromic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. An outer seal is disposed between the first and second substrates in a peripheral manner to contain the electrochromic medium. The outer seal is substantially uniform and defines a completely closed loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Garret C. DeNolf, Xiaoxu Niu, Patrick K. Kreun, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Autumn W. Goulet, Adam R. Heintzelman, Juan C. Lara, Ryan Barrido Balili
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Publication number: 20250100794Abstract: A storage system for a plane fuselage including at least one storage unit defining an enclosed cargo storage space. At least one monitoring module is disposed proximate the at least one storage unit. The at least one monitoring module is configured to detect a condition within or proximate the at least one storage unit that includes at least one of a temperature, a fire condition, a water leakage, a gas leakage, a chemical leakage, an explosive condition, or a movement of the at least one storage unit. At least one status communication device is in communication with the at least one monitoring module and is configured to alert a user of the detected condition by the at least one monitoring module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Yuhang Yang, Michael Burns, Bethany D. Van Houten, Thomas S. Wright, Andrew D. Weller, David I. Driscoll, Xiaoxu Niu, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael F. Behm
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Publication number: 20250100685Abstract: A tray for a seat of a passenger vehicle including: (a) a first article that is at least partially transparent to a wavelength or wavelength range within the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation comprising a first primary surface; and (b) a first display separated from an external environment by the first article, the first display, when activated, at least partially visible through the first article from the external environment. A seat of a passenger vehicle including a seatback and the tray coupled to the seatback. The tray can be manipulable to, from, and between a stowed position and a deployed position. The first display is activated when the tray is in the deployed position. The tray can include a second display that is activated when the tray is in the stowed position to be viewable by a passenger rearward of the seatback to which the tray is coupled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2024Publication date: March 27, 2025Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: YUHANG YANG, MICHAEL BURNS, BETHANY VANOEFFELEN, THOMAS S. WRIGHT, ANDREW D. WELLER, DAVID I. DRISCOLL, KURTIS L. GEERLINGS, XIAOXU NIU, BRADLEY R. HAMLIN, MICHAEL F. BEHM
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Publication number: 20250020966Abstract: A variable transmission device forms a surface area including a plurality of electro-optic elements and first and second electrodes electrically connecting with a power supply circuit. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A plurality of third electrodes is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A control circuit is electrically connected to one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode and configured to supply control signals to the electro-optic elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2024Publication date: January 16, 2025Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
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Publication number: 20240361619Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. A concealment layer is located between the electro-optic medium and the first surface and a user interface defines a touch input sensor aligned with the concealment layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2024Publication date: October 31, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Eric S. Lundy, Michael J. Taylor, Andrew D. Weller, Xiaoxu Niu, Nigel T. Lock
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Publication number: 20240346901Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self-testing detector device. The detector device may comprise: a chamber, a light source, a sensor, a substance emitter, and/or a speaker. The chamber may be configured to allow ambient air and substances to enter. The lights source may be configured to emit light into the chamber. In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect light within the chamber. In other embodiments, the sensor may be configured to detect certain substances within the chamber directly. The substance emitter may be configured to emit substances during a test cycle of the detector device. The speaker may be configured to emit an audible alarm when the light or substances detected by the sensor pass a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: THOMAS S. WRIGHT, DARIN D. TUTTLE, ALEXANDER R. ARENT, SUE F. FRANZ, XIAOXU NIU, RYAN BARRIDO BALILI, GREGORY J. NAGEL
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Patent number: 12111556Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first electrode electrically connecting with power supply circuitry. A second electrode is spaced from the first electrode and electrically connecting with the power supply circuitry. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one third electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and electrically connecting with one of the first electrode and the second electrode via switching circuitry. The switching circuitry is operable to control an electrical current through the first electrode, the electro-optic medium, and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
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Publication number: 20240152017Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface. A first electrode layer is associated with the second surface. A second electrode layer is associated with the third surface. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electro-optic medium is operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers. At least one third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least one light source operably electrically interposes the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2023Publication date: May 9, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Ethan J. Lee, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Steven J. Veenman
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Patent number: 11932170Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20240069373Abstract: An electro-optic element including: (i) an electrochromic medium; (a) a first electro-optic conductive layer that is substantially transparent disposed to one side of the electrochromic medium; (b) a second electro-optic conductive layer disposed to another side of the electrochromic medium; (c) a capacitive touchscreen conductive layer disposed on an opposite side of the first electro-optic conductive layer as the electrochromic medium, the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer comprising a pattern and being substantially transparent; (d) a capacitive touchscreen insulating layer disposed between the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer and the first electro-optic conductive layer; and (e) electrical circuitry configured (i) to drive the capacitive touchscreen conductive layer and at least one of the first electro-optic conductive layer and the second electro-optic conductive layer together with substantially in-phase AC voltage and (ii) to provide an input DC voltage difference between the first electrType: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Xiaoxu Niu
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Publication number: 20230384580Abstract: An optical element is provided that has an outer surface, the optical element including: a coating on the outer surface for causing any fluid thereon to form into fluid droplets; a plurality of independently activated electrodes each having a plurality of interdigitated fingers positioned proximate the outer surface and extending across an area of the outer surface; and a drive circuit for selectively applying signals to the plurality of electrodes. The AC signals applied to electrodes having adjacent fingers each have a phase shift such that fluid droplets are continuously swept in a predetermined direction across the outer surface. The electrode fingers may be arranged with a uniform pitch, where the pitch is the distance between the centers of the electrodes, the pitch being less than or equal to 750 ?m??. The electrode fingers may be arranged in a single plane with gaps therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Ryan Barrido Balili, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Xiaoxu Niu, Erik Christian Vyhmeister-Cancel, David Martin Bostrom
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Publication number: 20230333435Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. A first electrode is coupled to the first substrate and a second electrode is coupled to the second substrate. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and is configured to be electro-activated between states. A plurality of transistors are in electrical communication with the electro-optic medium to switch localized regions of the electro-optic medium between states.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings
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Publication number: 20230324758Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first electrode electrically connecting with power supply circuitry. A second electrode is spaced from the first electrode and electrically connecting with the power supply circuitry. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one third electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and electrically connecting with one of the first electrode and the second electrode via switching circuitry. The switching circuitry is operable to control an electrical current through the first electrode, the electro-optic medium, and the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Xiaoxu Niu, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Bradley R. Hamlin, Michael J. Burns
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Publication number: 20230288736Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first substrate having an electrically conductive coating disposed on a rear surface; a second substrate having a front surface opposed to the rear surface of the first substrate; a sealing member extending along a perimeter of the rear surface of first substrate and front surface of second substrate; a chamber defined by the first substrate, the second substrate, and sealing member; and an edge resistor disposed on along at least a portion of a perimeter area of at least one of rear surface of first substrate and front surface of second substrate. The edge resistor extends along a first portion of an electrically conductive coatings that covers a first portion of a length of the region, and a second portion of the length of the region is free from electrically conductive coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings
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Publication number: 20230271555Abstract: A rearview apparatus for a vehicle includes a first measurement device configured to detect a vehicle orientation. The first measurement device is in connection with a portion of the vehicle that maintains a fixed relationship relative to a body of the vehicle. A second measurement device is configured to detect an apparatus orientation of the rearview apparatus, which is adjustable relative to the body of the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the first measurement device and the second measurement device. The controller is configured to identify an orientation difference between the vehicle orientation and the apparatus orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Joshua D. Lintz, David J. Cammenga
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Publication number: 20230174710Abstract: A hydroxyl-terminated polyester resin, a preparation method therefor and use thereof. The hydroxyl-terminated polyester resin is composed of the following raw materials in parts by mass: 25-50 parts of a diol, 40-70 parts of a dibasic acid, 0.1-2 parts of glycidyl tertcarbonate, 0.5-4 parts of a hydroxylation reagent, 0.08-0.3 parts of a catalyst and 0.2-0.5 parts of an antioxidant. The acid value of the polyester resin is 1-8 mgKOH/g, the hydroxyl value is 20-30 mgKOH/g, the melt viscosity at 200° C. is 9000-13000 mPa·s, the reactivity at 180° C. is 410-520 s, the glass transition temperature is 53-59° C., and the softening point is 101-106° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2020Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventors: Xiaoxue Niu, Zhiping Ma, Li Zeng, Jing Xie, Yong Li
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Patent number: 11624861Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly, includes a front substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. The front substrate being substantially transparent. The front substrate defines a shaped edge along a periphery of the first surface. A first polarizer is coupled with the second surface. An electro-optic element is coupled to the first polarizer having a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the fourth element surface. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization into the second polarizer. A reflective layer is positioned between the front substrate and the display is configured to reflect both the first polarization of light and a second polarization of light.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu
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Patent number: 11619852Abstract: An electro-optic element is disclosed. The electro-optic element may comprise a voltage control device electrically connected to an electrode of the electro-optic medium. In some embodiments, the voltage control device may be a transistor. The voltage control device may be operable to receive a supply voltage and to output an activation voltage to an electro-optic medium of the electro-optic element. Additionally, the electro-optic element may further comprise a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to receive at least one feedback signal. Based, at least in part, on the feedback signals, the control circuit may accordingly control the activation voltage output by the voltage control devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Andrew D. Weller, Kurtis L. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11590932Abstract: A user monitoring apparatus for identifying a user of a vehicle includes a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information comprising a facial feature of the user in a field of view. A panel comprises a display portion. The apparatus further includes a feedback apparatus disposed behind the panel and configured to communicate alignment information visually indicating an alignment of the facial feature within the field of view of the scanning apparatus. The feedback apparatus includes at least one emitter configured to emit an alignment emission through an optical element thereby illuminating the alignment information on the display portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Bostrom, Christopher B. Case, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Xiaoxu Niu, Adam R. Heintzelman
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Patent number: 11586066Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David J. Cammenga, Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu