Patents Assigned to AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11318817
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Lee N. Hiltunen
  • Publication number: 20210331755
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Renke, Lee N. Hiltunen
  • Publication number: 20210043997
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, Matt Cornell
  • Patent number: 10849192
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Rogers, Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
  • Patent number: 10744745
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignees: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc., AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Byrne
  • Patent number: 10721795
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Noda, Frederick Schaible, III, Jesus Gedde
  • Patent number: 10665920
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignees: AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC Inc., AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC
    Inventors: Remi Sarkis, Paul Schoebrechts, Peter Schnoerch, Shoichi Takeuchi, Naoki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10601149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Bennett, William C. Schuch
  • Patent number: 10553964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
  • Publication number: 20190356063
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
  • Patent number: 10396428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignees: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED, AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC.
    Inventors: George Daniel, Armin R. Völkel, Bernard D. Casse
  • Patent number: 10374330
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bennett, Christopher A. Imeson
  • Publication number: 20190217579
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicants: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc., AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin BYRNE
  • Patent number: 10355721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED, AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC.
    Inventors: Armin R. Völkel, George Daniel, Bernard D. Casse, Christopher Lalau-Keraly
  • Patent number: 10260277
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Jerrim, Daniel Bennett, David W. Lahnala
  • Patent number: 10263362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
  • Patent number: 10243251
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Gurkan Gok, Jesus Gedde
  • Patent number: 10119323
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Lahnala, Daniel Bennett, Brian Kinross
  • Publication number: 20180317282
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Rogers, Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch
  • Publication number: 20180287294
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: AGC Automotive Americas R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Imeson, William C. Schuch