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: 8736943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, Kevin L. Ash, David I. Driscoll, Henry A. Luten
  • Publication number: 20130258440
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Eaton, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste
  • Patent number: 8547624
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
  • Publication number: 20130182308
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas F. Guarr, David A. Theiste, Kevin L. Ash, David I. Driscoll, Henry A. Luten
  • Publication number: 20130120822
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 8345345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20110255142
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
  • Patent number: 7990603
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Bradley L. Busscher, Robert R. Turnbull, George A. Neuman, David J. Cammenga, David A. Theiste
  • Publication number: 20110176195
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Steven J. Veenman, William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon, Kevin L. Ash
  • Patent number: 7684103
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7525714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David L Poll, Kevin L Ash, David A Theiste, Thomas F Guarr, William L Tonar
  • Publication number: 20090027756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7414770
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7154657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 7001540
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6972888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 6934067
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6842276
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20040095631
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20040061097
    Abstract: An electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts