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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Patent number: 8736943Abstract: A variable transmission electrochromic window including: first and second substantially transparent substrates having electrically conductive materials associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic window exhibits an Ev of less than approximately 20, and more preferably less than approximately 5, while in a low transmission state during normal daylight conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, Kevin L. Ash, David I. Driscoll, Henry A. Luten
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Publication number: 20130258440Abstract: A controller system configured to control an electrochromic device and method thereof are provided, wherein the controller system includes an electrochromic device having a first substantially transparent substrate, a second substantially transparent substrate approximately parallel to the first substantially transparent substrate such that a chamber is defined by the first and second substantially transparent substrates, and an electrochromic medium between the first and second substantially transparent substrates, and a controller in communication with the electrochromic device, wherein the controller is configured to monitor electrical power supplied to the electrochromic device and adjust the electrical power supplied to the electrochromic device to maintain the electrochromic device in an approximately minimum transmission state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: David L. Eaton, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste
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Patent number: 8547624Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
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Publication number: 20130182308Abstract: A variable transmission electrochromic window including: first and second substantially transparent substrates having electrically conductive materials associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic electroactive material, at least one cathodic electroactive material, and wherein at least one of the anodic and cathodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and wherein the electrochromic window exhibits an Ev of less than approximately 20, and more preferably less than approximately 5, while in a low transmission state during normal daylight conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, Kevin L. Ash, David I. Driscoll, Henry A. Luten
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Publication number: 20130120822Abstract: An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 8345345Abstract: An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
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Publication number: 20110255142Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
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Patent number: 7990603Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system comprises a master control circuit and user input circuits for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of slave window control circuits coupled to the master control circuit, user input circuits and the variable transmittance windows. Each slave window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit and/or user input circuits. Also disclosed are novel methods for the manufacture of an electrochromic device used in variable transmittance windows. Novel structural features for improving heat transfer away from the windows, shielding the window from external loads, and improving the electrical performance of the windows are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
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Publication number: 20110176195Abstract: An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 7684103Abstract: An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material, wherein the first and second substrates are substantially uniformly spaced apart by a spacing member comprising a non-polymeric material which substantially dissolves upon association with the at least one solvent.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
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Patent number: 7525714Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L Poll, Kevin L Ash, David A Theiste, Thomas F Guarr, William L Tonar
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Publication number: 20090027756Abstract: An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material, wherein the first and second substrates are substantially uniformly spaced apart by a spacing member comprising a non-polymeric material which substantially dissolves upon association with the at least one solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
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Patent number: 7414770Abstract: An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material, wherein the first and second substrates are substantially uniformly spaced apart by a spacing member comprising a non-polymeric material which substantially dissolves upon association with the at least one solvent.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
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Patent number: 7154657Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 7001540Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising: at least one solvent; a cathodic electroactive material; an anodic electroactive material; wherein at least one of the cathodic and anodic electroactive materials is electrochromic; and a self-healing cross-linked polymer gel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 6972888Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6934067Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror for motor vehicles, the mirror incorporating thin front and rear spaced glass elements having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A layer of transparent conductive material is placed onto the mirror's second surface, and either another layer of transparent conductive material or a combined reflector/electrode is placed onto the mirror's third surface. A chamber, defined by the layers on the interior surfaces of the front and rear glass elements and a peripheral sealing member, contains a free-standing gel comprising a solvent and a crosslinked polymer matrix. The chamber further contains at least one electrochromic material in solution with the solvent and interspersed in the crosslinked polymer matrix.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 6842276Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device. Also disclosed is the use of steel bus clips for the electrochromic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20040095631Abstract: An electrochromic window assembly is disclosed that includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is maintained in a parallel and spaced relation from the first substrate by means of a window frame and spacer. The window assembly further includes an electrochromic device mounted within the airtight chamber formed between the first and second substrates. Electrochromic device 22 may be mounted so as to provide an air chamber between first substrate 12, which is the external substrate, and electrochromic device 22. At least one of the chambers formed between substrates 12 and 14 and electrochromic device 22 may be filled with an insulating gas such as argon. Also disclosed are novel methods for manufacture of an electrochromic device for incorporation into such a window assembly. A novel electrochromic device is also disclosed having electrical bus clips secured about the entire periphery of the electrochromic device. Also disclosed is the use of steel bus clips for the electrochromic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20040061097Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts