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: 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
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Patent number: 6671080Abstract: 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: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6635194Abstract: 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: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20030137715Abstract: 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: January 23, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6594067Abstract: 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 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20030112489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
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Patent number: 6545794Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: a first glass element having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, wherein said first element comprises a height (h1), a width (w1), a thickness (t1), an inner surface, and an outer surface; a second element having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, wherein said second element comprises a height (h2), a width (w2) , and a thickness (t2), an inner surface, and an outer surface; a cell spacing (c) which comprises a distance between said inner surface of said first element and said inner surface of said second element; a gelled electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between said first and second elements; wherein (h1), (w1), (t1), (h2), (w2), (t2), and (c) are numerical values in millimeters; and wherein (h1), (w1), and (t1) of said first element, and (h2), (w2), and (t2) of said second element and (c) comprise numerical values such that the following inequality is satisfied:Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts, David A. Theiste
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Publication number: 20030042473Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Thomas F. Guarr, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20030020053Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Roberts, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Publication number: 20020075552Abstract: 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 20, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Patent number: 6407847Abstract: 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: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: David L. Poll, Kevin L. Ash, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, William L. Tonar
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Publication number: 20010055143Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20010042855Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 6268950Abstract: 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 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20010005274Abstract: An electrochromic device comprising: a first glass element having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, wherein said first element comprises a height (h1), a width (w1), a thickness (t1), an inner surface, and an outer surface; a second element having an electrically conductive material associated therewith, wherein said second element comprises a height (h2), a width (w2) , and a thickness (t2), an inner surface, and an outer surface; a cell spacing (c) which comprises a distance between said inner surface of said first element and said inner surface of said second element; a gelled electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between said first and second elements; wherein (h1), (w1), (t1), (h2), (w2), (t2), and (c) are numerical values in millimeters; and wherein (h1), (w1), and (t1) of said first element, and (h2), (w2), and (t2) of said second element and (c) comprise numerical values such that the following inequality is satisfied: 1 2 ⁢ h 1 5 ⁡ ( 1 -Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Inventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Kathy E. Roberts, David A. Theiste
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Patent number: 6248263Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Harlan J. Byker, Kathy E. Siegrist, John S. Anderson, Kevin L. Ash
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Patent number: 6246507Abstract: An inside non-planar electrochromic mirror includes front and rear non-planar elements, a layer of transparent conductive material, a reflector and a perimeter sealing member which bonds the front and rear non-planar elements in a spaced apart relationship. The front and rear non-planar elements each include front and rear surfaces. A layer of transparent conductive material is disposed on the rear surface of the front non-planar element. The reflector can be disposed on either side of the rear non-planar element. When the reflector is on the rear surface of the rear non-planar element then the front surface of the rear non-planar element contains a layer of transparent conductive material. When the reflector is on the front surface of the rear element it must be constructed of conductive material. The perimeter sealing member bonds the front and rear non-planar elements and defines a chamber therebetween. The chamber contains at least one electrochromic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, William L. Tonar, Kevin L. Ash, Kathy E. Roberts, Timothy A. Bonardi
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Patent number: 6195193Abstract: An improved seal member is provided as a part of an electrochromic device to bond two glass elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment the seal member provides improved adhesion to a reflector/electrode on the third surface of an electrochromic mirror, or to a layer of metal on the second or third surface for an electrochromic light filter. This seal member comprises a mixture of an organic resin scaling system and an adhesion promoter, where the adhesion promotor comprises a first and a second region, where the first region interacts with the reflector/electrode or the metal layer, and a second region that interacts with the organic resin sealing system, and may even chemically react with the organic resin sealing system. In another embodiment the seal member is provided with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closer to glass than a standard epoxy sealing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, Kevin L. Ash, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6157480Abstract: An improved seal member is provided as a part of an electrochromic device to bond two glass elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. In one embodiment the seal member provides improved adhesion to a reflector/electrode on the third surface of an electrochromic mirror, or to a layer of metal on the second or third surface for an electrochromic light filter. This seal member comprises a mixture of an organic resin sealing system and an adhesion promoter, where the adhesion promotor comprises a first and a second region, where the first region interacts with the reflector/electrode or the metal layer, and a second region that interacts with the organic resin sealing system, and may even chemically react with the organic resin sealing system. In another embodiment the seal member is provided with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is closer to glass than a standard epoxy sealing system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: John S. Anderson, William L. Tonar, Kevin L. Ash, Thomas F. Guarr
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Patent number: 6057956Abstract: 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: August 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer