Patents by Inventor Lowell E. Bitter

Lowell E. Bitter 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).

  • Conductive coating treatment of glass sheet bending process
    Patent number: 4655811
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method for producing a curved glass member having a transparent, electroconductive coating by first coating the glass flat with indium-tin oxide, followed by coating that film with a layer of carbonaceous material and covering that layer with a mating piece of glass while the two pieces of glass are bent in a bending oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Lowell E. Bitter
  • Process for making a conductively coated glass member and the product thereof
    Patent number: 4650557
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a curved, conductively coated glass member, and the resulting product, by providing for a sufficient degree of substoichiometry at the moment of bend that the glass can be bent using conventional bending techniques without crazing the coating. Two alternative methods for achieving the degree of substoichiometry are disclosed. One involves coating the part to an initial light transmittance (T.sub.o) which is lower than that typically sought by prior artisans. The other involves bending the part in a reducing environment. Also disclosed is a method for increasing conductivity of the coating by exposing the coated part to a reducing environment at temperatures considerably higher than those heretofore thought feasible for use in reduction curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Lowell E. Bitter
  • Crack detector for electrically conductive windshield
    Patent number: 4565919
    Abstract: A circuit and method for interrupting power applied to an electrically conductive panel such as a vehicle windshield or window upon cracking of the conductive coating or element thereon. The circuit includes structure for (1) monitoring the resistance of the conductive element and (2) interrupting power applied thereto when the resistance of the conductive element assumes a value indicative of element cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell E. Bitter, Bryan L. Lundgren
  • Process for making a curved, conductively coated glass member and the product thereof
    Patent number: 4490227
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method for making a curved, conductively coated glass member, and the resulting product, by providing for a sufficient degree of substoichiometry at the moment of bend that the glass can be bent using conventional bending techniques without crazing the coating. Two alternative methods for achieving the degree of substoichiometry are disclosed. One involves coating the part to an initial light transmittance (T.sub.o) which is lower than that typically sought by prior artisans. The other involves bending the part in a reducing environment. Also disclosed is a method for increasing conductivity of the coating by exposing the coated part to a reducing environment at temperatures considerably higher than those heretofore thought feasible for use in reduction curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Donnelly Mirrors, Inc.
    Inventor: Lowell E. Bitter
  • Crack detector for electrically conductive windshield
    Patent number: RE33343
    Abstract: A circuit and method for interrupting power applied to an electrically conductive panel such as a vehicle windshield or window upon cracking of the conductive coating or element thereon. The circuit includes structure for (1) monitoring the resistance of the conductive element and (2) interrupting power applied thereto when the resistance of the conductive element assumes a value indicative of element cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell E. Bitter, Bryan L. Lundgren