Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Ash

Kevin L. Ash 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: 10324350
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a chamber defined by a first conductive surface of a first substrate, a second conductive surface of a second substrate, and a sealing member joining the first substrate to the second substrate; an electrochromic medium containing a blue cathodic electroactive compound and up to three anodic electroactive compounds; wherein the electrochromic medium is disposed within the chamber; the anodic electroactive compounds include a green anodic electroactive compound and one or two gray anodic electroactive compounds; and the anodic electroactive compounds include from about 8 mol % to about 15 mol % gray anodic electroactive compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10247996
    Abstract: An electrical control system for controlling a variable transmittance window is disclosed. The system comprises a driver circuit in communication with an electro-optic element. A controller is in communication with the driver circuit. The controller is configured to identify a temperature condition of the electro-optic element and adjust an output voltage supplied to the electro-optic element in response to the temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David I. Driscoll, Bradley L. Busscher, Michael T. Stephenson, Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20190004387
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a front substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A rear substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A seal is disposed about a periphery of the second surface and the third surface. A space is defined between the front substrate, the rear substrate, and the seal. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the space. A first conductive material is disposed on the second surface of the front substrate. A second conductive material is disposed on the third surface of the rear substrate. At least one isolation line extends across at least one of the first conductive material and the second conductive material to define independently controlled dimming regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Sue F. Franz
  • Patent number: 10167073
    Abstract: A window mounting assembly includes a multi-piece bezel having a first portion having an attachment feature, and a second portion having a retention feature. The retention feature is configured to engage the attachment feature such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall. The inner wall defines a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20180231861
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: 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: 10023028
    Abstract: An autodimming window assembly for a vehicle such as an aircraft includes a UI devoid of movable elements and integrated with a dust cover of the window assembly. A dust cover optionally includes a lightguide configured to deliver light from a light source associated with the assembly and indicia representing an operational characteristic of the UI and articulated to the dust cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark D Bugno, David J Cammenga, Bradley L Busscher, David I Driscoll, Kevin L Ash, Alex K Cammenga, Andrew D Weller
  • Patent number: 9976726
    Abstract: A window assembly includes a pressure pane and a bezel proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defining an inner opening. The bezel includes an inner wall with a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the inner opening and is received in the channel of the inner wall. The electro-optic element operates between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition. A surface of the electro-optic element exhibits a first level of spectral reflectivity at least when in the dimmed condition. The assembly further includes a dust cover assembly proximate the bezel. The dust cover assembly including a light transmitting sheet and a plurality of light sources disposed at edges of the light transmitting sheet and to emit light into the light transmitting sheet to illuminate the light transmitting sheet with a diffuse light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Steven J. Veenman
  • Publication number: 20180095338
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a chamber defined by a first conductive surface of a first substrate, a second conductive surface of a second substrate, and a sealing member joining the first substrate to the second substrate; an electrochromic medium containing a blue cathodic electroactive compound and up to three anodic electroactive compounds; wherein the electrochromic medium is disposed within the chamber; the anodic electroactive compounds include a green anodic electroactive compound and one or two gray anodic electroactive compounds; and the anodic electroactive compounds include from about 8 mol % to about 15 mol % gray anodic electroactive compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin L. ASH, Kelvin L. BAUMANN
  • Patent number: 9857657
    Abstract: A partition assembly includes a rigid support frame and a first transparent pane in abutting contact with an inner surface of the frame. The first transparent pane includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The assembly further includes an electro-optic element received within the frame and positioned adjacent the interior surface of the first transparent pane. The electro-optic element operates between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition with a surface of the electro-optic element exhibiting a first level of spectral reflectivity at least when in the dimmed condition. A cover assembly is received within the frame and is positioned opposite the electro-optic element from the first transparent pane. The cover assembly includes a light transmitting sheet and a plurality of light sources disposed at edges of the light transmitting sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Steven J. Veenman
  • Publication number: 20170371222
    Abstract: An electrical control system for controlling a variable transmittance window is disclosed. The system comprises a driver circuit in communication with an electro-optic element. A controller is in communication with the driver circuit. The controller is configured to identify a temperature condition of the electro-optic element and adjust an output voltage supplied to the electro-optic element in response to the temperature condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: David I. Driscoll, Bradley L. Busscher, Michael T. Stephenson, Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20170307952
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes one or more flame-retardant agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin L. ASH, Gary J. DOZEMAN, Leroy J. KLOEPPNER, Michelle CARROLL
  • Publication number: 20170242315
    Abstract: A control system for variable transmittance windows is disclosed. The system comprises at least one electro-optic element, a local control circuit, and a feedback circuit. The local control circuit is in communication with the electro-optic element via a conductive supply. The feedback circuit is in communication with the conductive supply and configured to communicate a feedback signal to the local control circuit. The local control circuit is configured to receive the feedback signal and adjust an output voltage transmitted to the conductive supply in response to the feedback signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Michael T. Stephenson, Carl N. Wassink
  • Patent number: 9738140
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, a second substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, an electrochromic composition contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates that includes at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and at least one solvent, wherein at least one of the anodic electroactive and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic, and wherein the electrochromic device exhibits a contrast ratio of at least 20,000:1, a darkening time less than about 30 seconds, and a clearing time of less than about 150 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann, Sue F. Franz
  • Publication number: 20170102601
    Abstract: A window assembly is provided that includes an electro-optic element with a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface has a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface has a second electrically conductive layer. A cavity is defined between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A pane is positioned proximate the electro-optic element and an infrared reflective film is positioned on at least one of the pane and the electro-optic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Kevin L. Ash, Michael T. Stephenson, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 9586669
    Abstract: An aircraft window assembly includes a pressure pane. A bezel is proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defines an inner opening. The bezel includes an inner wall with a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the inner opening and is configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall. The electro-optic element is capable of operation between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition. A dust cover is proximate the bezel. The dust cover includes an interior substrate and an exterior substrate. The interior substrate and the exterior substrate generally define a gap therebetween. A thermally absorbent liquid is disposed in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 9575359
    Abstract: An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the third and fourth surfaces includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal 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 and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A substantially transparent light emitting display is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device, which is converted to the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Theiste, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Sue F. Franz, Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 9575360
    Abstract: An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. One or more spacing members are deposited on one of the first substrate and the second substrate and are configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. The one or more spacing members at least substantially dissolve upon association with the electro-optic medium. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Theiste, Sue F. Franz, Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20160362169
    Abstract: A window mounting assembly includes a multi-piece bezel having a first portion having an attachment feature, and a second portion having a retention feature. The retention feature is configured to engage the attachment feature such that an inner opening is defined having an inner wall. The inner wall defines a channel. An electro-optic element is disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20160363831
    Abstract: A partition assembly includes a rigid support frame and a first transparent pane in abutting contact with an inner surface of the frame. The first transparent pane includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The assembly further includes an electro-optic element received within the frame and positioned adjacent the interior surface of the first transparent pane. The electro-optic element operates between a transmissive condition and a dimmed condition with a surface of the electro-optic element exhibiting a first level of spectral reflectivity at least when in the dimmed condition. A cover assembly is received within the frame and is positioned opposite the electro-optic element from the first transparent pane. The cover assembly includes a light transmitting sheet and a plurality of light sources disposed at edges of the light transmitting sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Steven J. Veenman
  • Publication number: 20160362168
    Abstract: An aircraft window includes an outer window assembly that includes a pressure pane coupled to a pressure pane frame. An inner window assembly includes a bezel adapted to couple to a perimeter of the inner window assembly against the outer window assembly. The bezel has a plurality of attachment features disposed thereon. A plurality of retaining features is disposed around the perimeter of the window. The retention features are configured to engage the attachment features for retaining the inner window assembly on the outer window assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash