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).
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Publication number: 20240053650Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface that is opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed in a parallel and spaced apart relationship so as to define a cavity therebetween. The second and third surfaces face each other. A seal extends between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is located in the cavity and is retained by the seal. A port is at least partially defined by a port reduction member that is located between the first substrate and the second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Michael J. Dornbush, Gerald W. Redwine, Garret C. DeNolf, Stephen F. Richlich, Kevin L. Ash, Donald L. Bareman, David R. Bush
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Patent number: 11269231Abstract: A controller system configured to clear an electro-optic device may include an electro-optic device having a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon; a second substrate having a first surface having a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon, and a second surface, the second substrate being approximately parallel to the first substrate such that a chamber is defined by the first and second substrates; and an electro-optic medium disposed in the chamber defined by the first and second substrates and in contact with the first and second layers of electrically conductive material; a controller in communication with the electro-optic device, wherein the controller is configured to control electrical power supplied to the electro-optic device and a potentiometer in communication with the electro-optic device and with the controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Henry A. Luten, Carl N. Wassink, Kevin L. Ash, Zachary J. Petroelje, Michael T. Stephenson
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Patent number: 11230662Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to electrochromic devices including variable electrochromic light filter devices that may be configured to vary the transmissivity of light therethrough in response to an applied voltage from one or more control circuits, device components, electroactive photocurable compositions, cured electroactive polymer compositions used therein and methods of forming the aforementioned devices and electroactive polymer compositions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 11194210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann
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Patent number: 11067868Abstract: An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a rear surface and a second substrate having a front surface opposed to the rear surface of the first surface; a cavity defined between opposed surfaces of the first and second substrates; an electrically conductive coating disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; a metal strip extending at least partially around a circumference of one of the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; and a sealing member bonding first substrate and second substrate together in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the sealing member at least partially covers at least a portion of the metal strip.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman
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Publication number: 20210112636Abstract: A window operable to separate an interior from an exterior is disclosed. The window comprises a pressure pane and an anti-condensation assembly. The anti-condensation assembly is disposed in an interior direction relative the pressure pane. Further, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a substantially transparent substrate disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative the pressure pane. Additionally, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a resistively heatable layer associated with the first substrate. The resistively heatable layer is operable to generate heat when an electrical current is applied thereto. Accordingly, application of power to the resistively heatable layer may serve to reduce or eliminate the presence of visible condensation in the window.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Steven J. Veenman, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 10955719Abstract: 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: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: 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: 20200407037Abstract: A dust cover for an aerospace window that comprises dust cover having an exterior substrate and an interior substrate in a spaced apart relationship with a substantially transparent coupling agent therebetween. The dust cover is disposed in a spaced apart relationship from an electro-optic element, defining a gap therebetween. The gap 30 mm or less, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3.5 mm, and/or 3 mm. The exterior substrate, the coupling agent, and the interior substrate are comprised of a combination of materials, such that the combination is substantially transparent and operable to resist breaking and maintain sufficient rigidity to prevent the electro-optic from breaking, when a force of 680 N is applied to an interior surface of the interior substrate in the direction of the electro-optic element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman, Bradley L. Busscher, Peter T. Kantola, Stephen M. Vruggink
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Publication number: 20200393731Abstract: An electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first conductive surface, a second substrate having a second conductive surface, and a sealing member joining the first conductive surface of the first substrate to the second conductive surface of the second substrate. The electrochromic device also includes a first busbar spaced apart from a second busbar and both in electrical communication with the first conductive surface of the first substrate, and a third busbar spaced apart from a fourth busbar and both in electrical communication with the second conductive surface of the second substrate. The first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing member define a chamber. The first busbar is electrically connected with the third busbar to define a first zone. The second busbar is electrically connected with the fourth busbar to define a second zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2020Publication date: December 17, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Michelle M. Carroll, Michael T. Stephenson
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Patent number: 10754219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Sue F. Franz
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Publication number: 20200115628Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to electrochromic devices including variable electrochromic light filter devices that may be configured to vary the transmissivity of light therethrough in response to an applied voltage from one or more control circuits, device components, electroactive photocurable compositions, cured electroactive polymer compositions used therein and methods of forming the aforementioned devices and electroactive polymer compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CorporationInventor: Kevin L. ASH
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Patent number: 10589834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash
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Publication number: 20200073192Abstract: A controller system configured to clear an electro-optic device may include an electro-optic device having a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface having a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon; a second substrate having a first surface having a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon, and a second surface, the second substrate being approximately parallel to the first substrate such that a chamber is defined by the first and second substrates; and an electro-optic medium disposed in the chamber defined by the first and second substrates and in contact with the first and second layers of electrically conductive material; a controller in communication with the electro-optic device, wherein the controller is configured to control electrical power supplied to the electro-optic device and a potentiometer in communication with the electro-optic device and with the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Henry A. Luten, Carl N. Wassink, Kevin L. Ash, Zachary J. Petroelje, Michael T. Stephenson
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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: 10459307Abstract: An electrochromic device includes one or more flame-retardant agents.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Michelle Carroll
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Publication number: 20190294014Abstract: An electro-optic device comprises a first substrate having a rear surface and a second substrate having a front surface opposed to the rear surface of the first surface; a cavity defined between opposed surfaces of the first and second substrates; an electrically conductive coating disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; a metal strip extending at least partially around a circumference of one of the rear surface of the first substrate and the front surface of the second substrate; and a sealing member bonding first substrate and second substrate together in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the sealing member at least partially covers at least a portion of the metal strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman
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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: 20190258126Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann
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Patent number: 10359682Abstract: A variable transmittance window system is provided and includes at least one variable transmittance window. At least one energy harvesting device generates electrical power. A power supply circuitry maximizes the electrical power. At least one energy storage device is charged by the electrical power. A slave control circuitry controls a transmittance state of the at least one variable transmittance window, the slave control circuitry being powered by at least one of the power supply circuitry and the at least one energy storage device. A master control circuitry monitors the slave control circuitry, wherein the master control circuitry is operable to issue a wireless override signal to the slave control circuitry such that the slave control circuitry changes the transmittance state of the at least one variable transmittance window to an override transmittance state.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David I. Driscoll, Bradley L. Busscher, Kevin L. Ash, Christian M. Kemperman
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Patent number: 10324350Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann