Patents by Inventor Trevor Frank
Trevor Frank 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: 10678103Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Mullins, Trevor Frank, Jason Satern, Travis D. Wilbur, Mark Sawyer
-
Publication number: 20200026141Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas S. Silkwood
-
Patent number: 10533892Abstract: Various implementations relate generally to multi-sensor devices. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein further include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations include one or more of an infrared sensor or infrared sensors, a cellular communication circuit, and a GPS module.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: VIEW, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Clark Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Jason Zedlitz, Trevor Frank, Jue Wang, Alexander Rumer, Dennis Mullins, Kevin Kazuo Kaneshiro
-
Publication number: 20190391456Abstract: This disclosure describes insulated glass units (IGUs) that incorporate electrochromic devices. More specifically, this disclosure focuses on different configurations available for providing an electrical connection to the interior region of an IGU. In many cases, an IGU includes two panes separated by a spacer. The spacer defines an interior region of the IGU and an exterior region of the IGU. Often, the electrochromic device positioned on the pane does not extend past the spacer, and some electrical connection must be provided to supply power from the exterior of the IGU to the electrochromic device on the interior of the IGU. In some embodiments, the spacer includes one or more holes (e.g, channels, mouse holes, other holes, etc.) through which an electrical connection (e.g., wires, busbar leads, etc.) may pass to provide power to the electrochromic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: Ronald M. Parker, Yashraj Bhatnagar, Trevor Frank, Travis D. Wilbur, Stephen C. Brown
-
Patent number: 10444589Abstract: This disclosure describes insulated glass units (IGUs) that incorporate electrochromic devices. More specifically, this disclosure focuses on different configurations available for providing an electrical connection to the interior region of an IGU. In many cases, an IGU includes two panes separated by a spacer. The spacer defines an interior region of the IGU and an exterior region of the IGU. Often, the electrochromic device positioned on the pane does not extend past the spacer, and some electrical connection must be provided to supply power from the exterior of the IGU to the electrochromic device on the interior of the IGU. In some embodiments, the spacer includes one or more holes (e.g., channels, mouse holes, other holes, etc.) through which an electrical connection (e.g., wires, busbar leads, etc.) may pass to provide power to the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Ronald M. Parker, Yashraj Bhatnagar, Trevor Frank, Travis D. Wilbur, Stephen C. Brown
-
Publication number: 20190243206Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas Silkwood
-
Publication number: 20190243207Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas Silkwood
-
Publication number: 20190235129Abstract: Certain aspects pertain to a cloud detector comprising a first detector module directed to a first region of the sky and a second detector module directed to a second region of the sky. Each detector module has a tube enclosing one or more sensing elements. The one or more sensing elements of the first detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the first region of the sky. The one or more sensing elements of the second detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the second region of the sky. In one aspect, the cloud detector is configured to detect cloud cover based on these weather condition readings. In some cases, the one or more sensing elements comprise an infrared radiation detector (e.g., thermopile) for measuring infrared radiation intensity and a photosensor element for measuring sunlight intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Trevor Frank, Alexander Rumer, Brandon Tinianov, James Fox, Douglas S. Silkwood, Erich R. Klawuhn
-
Publication number: 20190210346Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating pressure compensated insulated glass units (IGUs). In one example, a method assembles an IGU from a first lite, a second lite and a spacer registered with and between the first and second lite, while at least the space between the first and second lites and within the perimeter of the spacer contains a heated or cooled inert gas. In another example, a method provides a vented IGU, heats or cools the vented IGU, introduces inert gas into the interior volume of the vented IGU, and seals vent ports before the IGU comes to ambient temperature. In another example, a method introduces or removes inert gas from an IGU by penetrating a seal of the IGU and then reseals the IGU. In another example, an apparatus for fabricating an IGU comprises a temperature control unit configured to heat or cool an inert gas and an IGU press wherein the apparatus is configured to introduce a heated inert gas or a cooled inert gas into the IGU as the hermetic seal of the IGU is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Ronald M. Parker, Trevor Frank, Ryan Taylor
-
Patent number: 10303035Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas Silkwood
-
Publication number: 20190155122Abstract: Onboard EC window controllers are described. The controllers are configured in close proximity to the EC window, for example, within the IGU. The controller may be part of a window assembly, which includes an IGU having one or more EC panes, and thus does not have to be matched with the EC window, and installed, in the field. The window controllers described herein have a number of advantages because they are matched to the IGU containing one or more EC devices and their proximity to the EC panes of the window overcomes a number of problems associated with conventional controller configurations. Also described are self-meshing networks for electrochromic windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Stephen C. Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Erich R. Klawuhn, Trevor Frank, Douglas Silkwood
-
Patent number: 10234596Abstract: Certain aspects pertain to a cloud detector comprising a first detector module directed to a first region of the sky and a second detector module directed to a second region of the sky. Each detector module has a tube enclosing one or more sensing elements. The one or more sensing elements of the first detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the first region of the sky. The one or more sensing elements of the second detector module are configured to take weather condition readings from the second region of the sky. In one aspect, the cloud detector is configured to detect cloud cover based on these weather condition readings. In some cases, the one or more sensing elements comprise an infrared radiation detector (e.g., thermopile) for measuring infrared radiation intensity and a photosensor element for measuring sunlight intensity.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Trevor Frank, Alexander Rumer, Brandon Tinianov, James Fox, Douglas S. Silkwood, Erich R. Klawuhn
-
Patent number: 10221612Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to methods, structures, tools, installation systems, etc. for retrofitting a new electrochromic window in a pre-existing window recess. In many cases, the new electrochromic window is installed parallel to a lite of a pre-existing window, with the resulting structure including the new electrochromic window, the pre-existing window, and a pocket that forms between them. Installation of a new electrochromic window in tandem with a pre-existing window results in many benefits including improved insulation (e.g., due to the presence of the additional air pocket(s) and lite(s)), improved climate control (e.g., due to the ability to control the amount of sunlight entering the building via the electrochromic window), and enhanced aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Loy Purdy, Ronald M. Parker, Trevor Frank, Scott Schmidt
-
Publication number: 20190032195Abstract: Described are methods of fabricating lithium sputter targets, lithium sputter targets, associated handling apparatus, and sputter methods including lithium targets. Various embodiments address adhesion of the lithium metal target to a support structure, avoiding and/or removing passivating coatings formed on the lithium target, uniformity of the lithium target as well as efficient cooling of lithium during sputtering. Target configurations used to compensate for non-uniformities in sputter plasma are described. Modular format lithium tiles and methods of fabrication are described. Rotary lithium sputter targets are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Disha Mehtani, Sridhar Karthik Kailasam, Trevor Frank, Todd William Martin, Jason Satern, Que Anh Song Nguyen, Dhairya Shrivastava, Martin John Neumann, Anshu A. Pradhan, Robert T. Rozbicki
-
Patent number: 10180606Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: View, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Mullins, Trevor Frank, Jason Satern, Travis D. Wilbur, Mark Sawyer
-
Publication number: 20180314100Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Dennis Mullins, Trevor Frank, Jason Satern, Travis D. Wilbur, Mark Sawyer
-
Publication number: 20180301858Abstract: This disclosure provides connectors for smart windows. A smart window may incorporate an optically switchable pane. In one aspect, a window unit includes an insulated glass unit including an optically switchable pane. A wire assembly may be attached to the edge of the insulated glass unit and may include wires in electrical communication with electrodes of the optically switchable pane. A floating connector may be attached to a distal end of the wire assembly. The floating connector may include a flange and a nose, with two holes in the flange for affixing the floating connector to a first frame. The nose may include a terminal face that present two exposed contacts of opposite polarity. Pre-wired spacers improve fabrication efficiency and seal integrity of insulated glass units. Electrical connection systems include those embedded in the secondary seal of the insulated glass unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Dennis Mullins, Trevor Frank, Jason Satern, Travis D. Wilbur, Mark Sawyer
-
Publication number: 20180284555Abstract: Window controllers and methods for controlling tinting and other functions of tinting zones of multi-zone tintable windows and multiple tinting zones of a group of tintable windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Erich R. Klawuhn, Stephen Clark Brown, Dhairya Shrivastava, Douglas S. Silkwood, Jason Zedlitz, Trevor Frank, Charudatta Joshi, Thomas Anthony Gubiotti
-
Publication number: 20180196325Abstract: This disclosure describes insulated glass units (IGUs) that incorporate electrochromic devices. More specifically, this disclosure focuses on different configurations available for providing an electrical connection to the interior region of an IGU. In many cases, an IGU includes two panes separated by a spacer. The spacer defines an interior region of the IGU and an exterior region of the IGU. Often, the electrochromic device positioned on the pane does not extend past the spacer, and some electrical connection must be provided to supply power from the exterior of the IGU to the electrochromic device on the interior of the IGU. In some embodiments, the spacer includes one or more holes (e.g., channels, mouse holes, other holes, etc.) through which an electrical connection (e.g., wires, busbar leads, etc.) may pass to provide power to the electrochromic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Ronald M. Parker, Yashraj Bhatnagar, Trevor Frank, Travis D. Wilbur, Stephen C. Brown
-
Publication number: 20180180962Abstract: Portable apparatus for identifying and mitigating defects in electronic devices disposed on substrates or windows are disclosed herein. Such defects can be visually perceived by the end user. The substrates or windows may include flat panel displays, photovoltaic windows, electrochromic devices, and the like, particularly electrochromic windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Robert T. Rozbicki, Bruce Baxter, Trevor Frank