Patents Assigned to AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
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Patent number: 11318817Abstract: An alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second body member coupled to the first body member such that the first and second body members define a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: David T. Renke, Lee N. Hiltunen
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Publication number: 20210331755Abstract: An alignment member includes a first body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, a second body member having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite the first end, the second body member coupled to the first body member such that the first and second body members define a longitudinal axis of the alignment member, a first base member coupled to the second body member, a second base member rotatably coupled to the first base member, and a locking mechanism configured to engage with the first base member. The first base member rotates relative to the second base member to position the alignment member from a first position to a second position and the locking mechanism engages with the first base member to retain the alignment member in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: David T. Renke, Lee N. Hiltunen
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Publication number: 20210043997Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent substrate, an electrical conductor provided on a surface of the substrate, and a solderless electrical connector for energizing the electrical conductor. The solderless electrical connector includes a connector body adhered to the substrate and a metallic element elastically compressed between the connector body and the electrical conductor to facilitate an electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, Matt Cornell
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Patent number: 10849192Abstract: Systems and methods for environmentally sealing electrical connections of window assemblies are disclosed. A mechanically protective enclosure assembly is adhered to a transparent pane including glass. The enclosure assembly includes a first member, a second member, and an opening. The first member includes a transparent-pane engaging surface, a first interface surface, and a plurality of first walls extending therebetween. The second member is attached to the first member. The second member includes a top member, a second interface surface, and a plurality of second walls extending therebetween. The first interface surface engages the second interface surface to provide a first fluid-tight seal. The opening is defined by at least one of the plurality of first walls and at least one of the plurality of second walls. The opening engages the wiring harness to provide a second fluid-tight seal therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Eric Rogers, Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
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Patent number: 10744745Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a window assembly adapted to be installed within the front opening of the vehicle frame. The window assembly includes an inner transparent sheet, an outer transparent sheet, and an interlayer of polymer disposed between the inner transparent sheet and the outer transparent sheet. The interlayer is configured wherein a first portion of the interlayer has a first variable thickness profile and wherein a second portion of the interlayer has a second variable thickness profile, with the first portion of the interlayer distinct from the second portion of the interlayer. The system also includes a front-facing camera positioned within the vehicle for receiving light transmissions from an object located outside the vehicle through the first portion. The system may also include a head up display—associated with the second portion of the interlayer.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignees: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc., AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.Inventor: Colin Byrne
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Patent number: 10721795Abstract: A window assembly comprises a substrate with a transparent layer that defines an area having a periphery. An outer region devoid of the transparent layer is defined adjacent the transparent layer along the periphery. A conductive element disposed on the substrate and comprises a first portion overlapping an area of the transparent layer and abutting and being in direct electrical contact with the transparent layer. The conductive element further comprises a second portion integrally extending from the first portion and disposed in the outer region. The periphery of the transparent layer delineates the first and second portions of the conductive element. The second portion has an area defining an enclosed slot. A feeding element couples to the conductive element for energizing the enclosed slot as a slot antenna. An energizing element couples to the conductive element for energizing the conductive element to implement a bus bar.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Jun Noda, Frederick Schaible, III, Jesus Gedde
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Patent number: 10665920Abstract: Glazing panel having an electrically conductive connector. A glazing panel comprising (i) a pane of glass, (ii) an antenna, (iii) an electrically conductive connector joined to the antenna by a lead-free solder material, and (iv) a coaxial cable joined to the electrically conductive connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignees: AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC Inc., AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INCInventors: Remi Sarkis, Paul Schoebrechts, Peter Schnoerch, Shoichi Takeuchi, Naoki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10601149Abstract: A window assembly (10) includes a transparent pane (18), an electrical conductor (20) contacting the transparent pane (18), an electrical connection element (22) for energizing the electrical conductor (20), an electrically conductive solder joint (28) disposed between the electrical connection element (22) and the electrical conductor (20) for providing an electrical connection between the electrical connection element (22) and the electrical conductor (20), an encapsulation (26) over the electrical connection element (22) and the electrical conductor (20), and a casing (30) disposed between the encapsulation (26) and the electrical conductor (20) to prevent contact between the encapsulation (26) and the solder joint (28).Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Daniel D. Bennett, William C. Schuch
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Patent number: 10553964Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent substrate, an electrical conductor provided on a surface of the substrate, and a solderless electrical connector for energizing the electrical conductor. The solderless electrical connector includes a cover adhered to the substrate to define a hollow volume, and a biasing member disposed within the hollow volume and elastically compressed between the cover and the electrical conductor. The biasing member further being electrically conductive and in electrical communication with the electrical conductor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
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Publication number: 20190356063Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent substrate, an electrical conductor provided on a surface of the substrate, and a solderless electrical connector for energizing the electrical conductor. The solderless electrical connector includes a cover adhered to the substrate to define a hollow volume, and a biasing member disposed within the hollow volume and elastically compressed between the cover and the electrical conductor. The biasing member further being electrically conductive and in electrical communication with the electrical conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
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Patent number: 10396428Abstract: An apparatus including an antenna, a first split ring resonator, and a second split ring resonator disclosed. The first split ring resonator located on a first side of the antenna, wherein the first split ring resonator is magnetically coupled to the antenna. The second split ring resonator located on a second side of the antenna, wherein the second split ring resonator is magnetically coupled to the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignees: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED, AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC.Inventors: George Daniel, Armin R. Völkel, Bernard D. Casse
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Patent number: 10374330Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent substrate, an electrical conductor provided on a surface of the substrate, and a solderless electrical connector for energizing the electrical conductor. The solderless electrical connector includes a cover adhered to the substrate to define a hollow volume, and a biasing member disposed within the hollow volume and elastically compressed between the cover and the electrical conductor. The biasing member is formed from a polymeric material and is electrically conductive.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
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Publication number: 20190217579Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a window assembly adapted to be installed within the front opening of the vehicle frame. The window assembly includes an inner transparent sheet, an outer transparent sheet, and an interlayer of polymer disposed between the inner transparent sheet and the outer transparent sheet. The interlayer is configured wherein a first portion of the interlayer has a first variable thickness profile and wherein a second portion of the interlayer has a second variable thickness profile, with the first portion of the interlayer distinct from the second portion of the interlayer. The system also includes a front-facing camera positioned within the vehicle for receiving light transmissions from an object located outside the vehicle through the first portion. The system may also include a head up display—associated with the second portion of the interlayer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2017Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicants: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc., AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.Inventor: Colin BYRNE
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Patent number: 10355721Abstract: An apparatus with structures in a conductive film that let a selected set of RF frequency bands pass through, while blocking the passage of all other frequencies is disclosed. The film may include a first portion of the film and a second portion of the film circumscribing the first portion. The second portion is separated from the first portion by a first gap along a periphery of the first portion of the film and wherein a width of the first gap is associated with a wavelength of a first radio signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignees: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED, AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC.Inventors: Armin R. Völkel, George Daniel, Bernard D. Casse, Christopher Lalau-Keraly
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Patent number: 10260277Abstract: An encapsulated glass assembly includes a plastic frame having at least three sides and corners, with the frame having a channel extending within its outer frame surface that includes a lower wall portion connected to a side wall portion. The outer frame surface further includes at least one upper wall portion extending from the side wall portion and extending along at least one side of the frame, each one of the at least one upper wall portions further defining a portion of the channel as a C-shaped channel. A glass panel coupled to the frame is retained within the C-shaped channel along at least one side of the frame such that the edge of the panel is adjacent to the side wall portion. An encapsulant having a Shore hardness less than the frame is bonded onto the panel and onto the frame to secure the panel to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Joel Jerrim, Daniel Bennett, David W. Lahnala
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Patent number: 10263362Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method of environmentally sealing an electrical joint formed between an electrical connection element and an electrical conductor disposed on a transparent pane is described. The method includes adhering a mechanically protective enclosure to the transparent pane to define an internal volume therebetween and filling at least a portion of the internal volume with a sealing material that inhibits ingress of liquid into the volume and provides a fluidic environmental barrier about the electrical joint. The electrical joint is disposed within the internal volume and spaced from the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
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Patent number: 10243251Abstract: An antenna includes a ground element defining a straight edge extending along a first axis. A radiating element is spaced apart from the ground element. A feeding element has a first conductor coupled to the ground element and a second conductor coupled to the radiating element. The radiating element includes two radiating segments extending substantially parallel to one another along a second axis transverse to the first axis with each radiating segment defining a width measured perpendicular to the second axis. The width of one radiating segment is greater than the width of the other radiating segment. A coupling portion connects the radiating segments and includes a straight edge facing the straight edge of the ground element. The straight edge of the coupling portion extends along a third axis that is transverse to the first axis. When combined with a substrate, the antenna is a component of a window assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Gurkan Gok, Jesus Gedde
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Patent number: 10119323Abstract: An encapsulated glass assembly includes a glass panel and a plastic frame and a clip. The frame has at least three frame sides and has a lower wall portion extending from an outer wall surface along each of the at least three frame sides. The clip has a C-shaped clip channel and is coupled to a first frame side of the frame such that a portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped clip channel. An optional clip can be coupled to a second frame side. The plastic frame can alternatively include a C-shaped channel on the second frame side, wherein another portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped channel. An encapsulant is bonded onto the panel, the frame, and the clip to secure the frame to the panel. The encapsulant has a Shore hardness less than the Shore hardness of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: David W. Lahnala, Daniel Bennett, Brian Kinross
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Publication number: 20180317282Abstract: Systems and methods for environmentally sealing electrical connections of window assemblies are disclosed. A mechanically protective enclosure assembly is adhered to a transparent pane including glass. The enclosure assembly includes a first member, a second member, and an opening. The first member includes a transparent-pane engaging surface, a first interface surface, and a plurality of first walls extending therebetween. The second member is attached to the first member. The second member includes a top member, a second interface surface, and a plurality of second walls extending therebetween. The first interface surface engages the second interface surface to provide a first fluid-tight seal. The opening is defined by at least one of the plurality of first walls and at least one of the plurality of second walls. The opening engages the wiring harness to provide a second fluid-tight seal therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2017Publication date: November 1, 2018Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Eric Rogers, Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
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Publication number: 20180287294Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method of environmentally sealing an electrical joint formed between an electrical connection element and an electrical conductor disposed on a transparent pane is described. The method includes adhering a mechanically protective enclosure to the transparent pane to define an internal volume therebetween and filling at least a portion of the internal volume with a sealing material that inhibits ingress of liquid into the volume and provides a fluidic environmental barrier about the electrical joint. The electrical joint is disposed within the internal volume and spaced from the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch