Zeeland, MI, United States of America

Rodney K Blank

This inventor holds 104 USPTO granted patents and 7 published patent applications and 4 EPO patents, primarily in Vehicular Vision Systems (CPC class B60R2001-1253). Top assignees: Donnelly Corporation, Magna Mirrors of America, Inc., Magna Electronics Inc.. Active years: 1996-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Rodney K Blank. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/rodney-k-blank

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 104 

% Patents Active = 57.7

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.6

ph-index = 36

Forward Citations = 7,739(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 6,531(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:

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Location History:

  • Holland, MI (US) (1996 - 2002)
  • Zeeland, MI (US) (2003 - 2024)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1996-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
Vehicular Video Camera
Rearview Mirror Assembly
Driver Monitoring
Interior Rearview Mirror
Exterior Rearview Mirror
Camera Display
Vision System
Trailer Camera
Touch Sensors
Ambient Light Detection
Vehicle Door Handle
Multifunctional Camera
104 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Innovations and Contributions of Rodney K. Blank

Introduction

Rodney K. Blank, based in Zeeland, MI, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive technology, holding an impressive total of 98 patents. His innovations focus primarily on enhancing vehicular safety and functionality, particularly in rearview mirror systems. Blank's work exemplifies the intersection of engineering and design, aiming to improve the driving experience.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Rodney Blank has developed a *Vehicular Exterior Rearview Mirror Assembly*, which features a sophisticated design allowing the mirror reflective element to move in tandem with the mirror head. This innovation is particularly beneficial for drivers, as it ensures optimal visibility while maintaining a streamlined attachment structure to the vehicle. Another noteworthy patent is the *Vehicular Rearview Mirror Control System*, which integrates an interior rearview mirror assembly, an exterior mirror assembly, and a rearward-viewing camera. This system intelligently processes image data to detect ambient light and glare from following vehicles, allowing it to automatically dim the appropriate mirrors to enhance driver comfort and safety.

Career Highlights

Rodney K. Blank's career has been marked by his association with notable companies in the automotive industry. He has worked with Donnelly Corporation and Magna Mirrors of America, Inc., where he has been pivotal in developing innovations that align with industry standards for automotive safety and usability. His dedication to research and development has established him as a respected figure in his field.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Blank has collaborated with talented individuals such as Niall R. Lynam and Mark L. Larson. These partnerships have fostered an environment of creativity and shared expertise, contributing to the successful realization of their collective innovations.

Conclusion

Rodney K. Blank stands out as a remarkable inventor in the automotive sector, with a robust portfolio of patents that demonstrate his commitment to enhancing vehicle safety and functionality. His innovations, particularly in mirror technologies, reflect a profound understanding of both driver needs and technological possibilities, ensuring that his contributions will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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