Patents by Inventor Leroy J. Kloeppner
Leroy J. Kloeppner 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: 8891154Abstract: 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: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: 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: 8867116Abstract: A distate interior electrochromic mirror including: first and second substrates; 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, at least one cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; a cross-linked polymer matrix; wherein, in a first state, the electrochromic medium exhibits a maximum light transmission; and wherein, in a second state, attenuation occurs to a significant extent in at least one of visible radiation and near-infrared radiation; and further wherein the distate electrochromic device does not materially exhibit segregation after being maintained in the second state for 24 continuous hours at 50 degrees centigrade.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Leroy J. Kloeppner, Zachary J. Petroelje
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Publication number: 20140268279Abstract: 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 both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; wherein at least one of a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and wherein the plug is at least partially cured with at least one photoinitiator and at least one photosensitizer upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 350 nm to about 420 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: STEVEN J. VEENMAN, LEROY J. KLOEPPNER
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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: 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: 7884995Abstract: 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 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: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Steven J. Veenman, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon
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Patent number: 7864398Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochromic element comprises providing a first substrate having first and second surfaces opposite one another and a first edge surface, providing a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces opposite one another and a second edge surface, wherein the third surfaces faces the second surface, and providing an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon the application of electric field thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Gary J. Dozeman, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, Thomas F. Guarr, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Eaton
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Patent number: 7706046Abstract: According to the present invention, a rearview mirror comprises a first substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, a reflective coating disposed on a surface of the first substrate, and an electronic circuit component secured to the rear surface of the first substrate. The mirror element may be an electrochromic mirror element comprising a transparent second substrate positioned in front of the first substrate. The electronic component secured to the rear surface may be a component of a drive circuit for the electrochromic mirror element. The rearview mirror element may further comprise electrically conductive tracings provided on the rear surface of the first substrate electrically coupled to the electrical component. The tracings may be used to electrically couple the drive circuit to the electrodes of the electrochromic mirror element. The tracings may be deposited on the rear surface using numerous methods including inkjet printing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Robert R. Turnbull, Thomas F. Guarr, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Eaton, Joel A. Stray, Barry K. Nelson
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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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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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Publication number: 20090002803Abstract: 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 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: June 27, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: William L. Tonar, Joel A. Stray, Steven J. Veenman, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Poll, Gary J. Dozeman, Nalini C. Menon
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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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Publication number: 20070201122Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochromic element comprises providing a first substrate having first and second surfaces and a first edge surface, providing a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces and a second edge surface, the third surfaces facing the second surface, providing an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, the medium having a light transmittance that is variable upon application of electric field thereto, applying a conductive layer on a portion of at least one of the surfaces, wherein applying the layer is accomplished at substantially atmospheric pressure, and applying at least one of metallic particles, an organometallic, a metallo-organic, and combinations thereof, wherein the conductive layer has a bulk resistivity of greater than or equal to 150 ??·cm. The conductive layer may be applied via ink jetting, ultrasonic spraying, auger or jet pumping.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Gary J. Dozeman, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, William L. Tonar, Thomas F. Guarr, Leroy J. Kloeppner, David L. Eaton
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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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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: 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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Patent number: 6614578Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising at least one solvent, an anodic material, 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, and an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a solublizing moiety which serves to increase solubility of the ultraviolet stabilizing material relative to the same without the solublizing moiety.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Punam Giri, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Kelvin L. Baumann, Jeffrey R. Lomprey, Thomas F. Guarr
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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: 20030030883Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising at least one solvent, an anodic material, 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, and an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a solublizing moiety which serves to increase solubility of the ultraviolet stabilizing material relative to the same without the solublizing moiety.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Punam Giri, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Kelvin L. Baumann, Jeffrey R. Lomprey, Thomas F. Guarr