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).

  • Publication number: 20240053650
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Dornbush, Gerald W. Redwine, Garret C. DeNolf, Stephen F. Richlich, Kevin L. Ash, Donald L. Bareman, David R. Bush
  • Patent number: 11269231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, Carl N. Wassink, Kevin L. Ash, Zachary J. Petroelje, Michael T. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 11230662
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 11194210
    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: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann
  • Patent number: 11067868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman
  • Publication number: 20210112636
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Steven J. Veenman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 10955719
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sue F. Franz, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, George A. Neuman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Donald L. Bareman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20200407037
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman, Bradley L. Busscher, Peter T. Kantola, Stephen M. Vruggink
  • Publication number: 20200393731
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Michelle M. Carroll, Michael T. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 10754219
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Sue F. Franz
  • Publication number: 20200115628
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin L. ASH
  • Patent number: 10589834
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bradley L. Busscher, David I. Driscoll, Andrew T. Mitchell, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20200073192
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, Carl N. Wassink, Kevin L. Ash, Zachary J. Petroelje, Michael T. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20190339580
    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: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    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: 10459307
    Abstract: An electrochromic device includes one or more flame-retardant agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Michelle Carroll
  • Publication number: 20190294014
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Gary J. Dozeman
  • Patent number: 10423044
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sue F. Franz, William L. Tonar, David J. Cammenga, George A. Neuman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Donald L. Bareman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20190258126
    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: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Kelvin L. Baumann
  • Patent number: 10359682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David I. Driscoll, Bradley L. Busscher, Kevin L. Ash, Christian M. Kemperman
  • 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