Patents by Inventor Robert A. Schwenke
Robert A. Schwenke 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).
-
Patent number: 10631636Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a table assembly comprising a set of tables and a plurality of extension members, each extension member configured to be inserted between two tables positioned adjacent to each other such that the extension member when inserted to be in a coplanar relationship in a horizontal plane along with adjacent tables forms an extended table system.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Inventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Publication number: 20190142157Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a table assembly comprising a set of tables and a plurality of extension members, each extension member configured to be inserted between two tables positioned adjacent to each other such that the extension member when inserted to be in a coplanar relationship in a horizontal plane along with adjacent tables forms an extended table system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Patent number: 9871199Abstract: In an embodiment, a light emissive window assembly for providing illumination to an occupant compartment of an automobile comprises a window panel comprising a transparent viewing area and an emissive area, wherein the emissive area is configured to emit light into the occupant compartment and the transparent viewing area is not configured to emit light; wherein the emissive area comprises an abrasion resistant layer, an ultraviolet protective layer, a base layer, and an emissive layer; wherein the ultraviolet protective layer is located in between the abrasion resistant layer and the base layer; and wherein the base layer is located in between the ultraviolet protective layer and the emissive layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.Inventors: Robert Schwenke, Wilfried Hedderich, Chengtao Li, Christophe Lefaux, Ken Foster
-
Patent number: 9796362Abstract: A window defroster assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a transparent panel and a defroster grid integrally formed with the transparent panel by means of a robotic dispensing mechanism. The defroster includes conductive first and second busbars and a plurality of conductive grid lines extending between and connected to the first and second busbars.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: EXATEC, LLCInventors: Robert A. Schwenke, Steven M. Gasworth
-
Publication number: 20160185287Abstract: In an embodiment, a light emissive window assembly for providing illumination to an occupant compartment of an automobile comprises a window panel comprising a transparent viewing area and an emissive area, wherein the emissive area is configured to emit light into the occupant compartment and the transparent viewing area is not configured to emit light; wherein the emissive area comprises an abrasion resistant layer, an ultraviolet protective layer, a base layer, and an emissive layer; wherein the ultraviolet protective layer is located in between the abrasion resistant layer and the base layer; and wherein the base layer is located in between the ultraviolet protective layer and the emissive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Robert Schwenke, Wilfried Hedderich, Chengtao Li, Christophe Lefaux, Ken Foster
-
Patent number: 9315148Abstract: A window assembly having a first transparent area and a light emissive area. The panel includes a first transparent layer with an ultraviolet blocking layer and an abrasion layer. The light emissive area includes a light emissive layer that may be an organic light emitting display, an electroluminescent display, a polymer light emitting display or a light pipe configured to receive light from a light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: EXATEC LLCInventors: Robert Schwenke, Wilfried Hedderich, Chengtao Li, Christophe Lefaux, Ken Foster
-
Patent number: 9018564Abstract: A plastic window system including a transparent plastic panel and an electrically conductive grid provided on the plastic panel. The conductive grid includes at least one conductive mounting location. An electrical terminal is electrically connected to the conductive mounting location, and a connector secures the terminal to the conductive mounting location. The connector includes a portion extending from the panel to a location outboard of the conductive mounting location relative to the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Exatec LLCInventors: Jonathan Sargent, Eric van der Meulen, Robert A. Schwenke, Jason Beaudoin, Juan Velasquez
-
Publication number: 20140376243Abstract: A window assembly having a first transparent area and a light emissive area. The panel includes a first transparent layer with an ultraviolet blocking layer and an abrasion layer. The light emissive area includes a light emissive layer that may be an organic light emitting display, an electroluminescent display, a polymer light emitting display or a light pipe configured to receive light from a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Robert Schwenke, Wilfried Hedderich, Chengtao Li, Christophe Lefaux, Ken Foster
-
Patent number: 8800482Abstract: An apparatus for printing a conductive ink onto a plastic panel including an articulatable arm having an end that opposes a surface of the panel. A nozzle is mounted via a nozzle height actuator to the end of the arm, and the nozzle is coupled to a source of conductive ink. A flow regulator, coupled to the ink source, regulates the flow rate of ink out of the nozzle and is controlled by the controller. A height sensor is configured to output a height signal relative to the surface and the controller, which is coupled to the arm, the flow regulator, the nozzle height actuator and the sensor, is configured to control the arm, flow regulator, nozzle height actuator, and speed of nozzle movement such that a conductive trace of predetermined height and width is applied to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Exatec LLCInventors: Robert Schwenke, Eric Van der Meulen, Billy Bui, Keith Weiss
-
Publication number: 20110262627Abstract: A method for printing a conductive trace on a plastic panel comprising: locating a nozzle proximate to a surface of a panel; moving the nozzle relative to the surface of the panel; sensing the surface of the panel relative to the height of the nozzle off of the panel; determining the speed at which the nozzle is being moved across the surface of the panel; adjusting at least one of the height of the nozzle relative to the surface of the panel and a flow rate of conductive ink out of the nozzle; and dispensing a conductive ink from the nozzle onto the surface of the panel to form the conductive trace. The conductive trace is formed with a predetermined width.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: EXATEC, LLCInventors: Robert Schwenke, Eric Van der Meulen, Billy Bui, Keith Weiss
-
Patent number: 7612727Abstract: A window assembly capable of receiving wireless signals is described. The window assembly includes a plastic substrate having a first side and a second side. A coating is coupled to the first side of the plastic substrate. An antenna is located adjacent to the first side of the plastic substrate. The antenna may be located between the first side of the plastic substrate and the coating or may be embedded within the coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Exatec, LLCInventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Patent number: 7567183Abstract: A system for sensing environmental conditions on a window assembly. The system includes a transparent panel and a sensor integrated onto the panel. The sensor being configured to sense environmental changes on the panel. The sensor may comprise conductive inks that are printed onto the window assembly. The window assembly may comprise a plastic panel, such as a multilayer polycarbonate panel such that a portion of the sensor may be located on the one layer of the panel while another portion of the sensor overlaps the first portion on a second layer of the window. The sensor may be a resistive or capacitive sensor and may be configured to detect changes in one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture. Further, the sensor may be in electrical communication with a controller configured for control various vehicle subsystems based on the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Exatec LLCInventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Publication number: 20080280503Abstract: A plastic panel system including a transparent plastic panel and an electrically conductive grid. The panel includes a substrate and the grid is provided on the panel so as to overlie the substrate. Including with the grid is at least one conductive mounting location. An electrical connector, which includes a plastic portion and an electrically conductive portion, is secured to the panel by ultrasonically welding the plastic portion to the panel. As a result of the retention of the connector with the panel, the conductive portion of the panel is in electrical contact with the mounting location of the conductive grid. The electrical system of an automotive vehicle can be attached to the connector of the panel system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Eric F.J.M. van der Meulen, Robert A. Schwenke, Keith D. Weiss
-
Publication number: 20080268672Abstract: A plastic window system including a transparent plastic panel and an electrically conductive grid provided on the plastic panel. The conductive grid includes at least one conductive mounting location. An electrical terminal is electrically connected to the conductive mounting location, and a connector secures the terminal to the conductive mounting location. The connector includes a portion extending from the panel to a location outboard of the conductive mounting location relative to the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Jonathan Sargent, Eric van der Meulen, Robert A. Schwenke, Jason Beaudoin, Juan Velasquez
-
Patent number: 7423240Abstract: A window defroster system that includes a heater grid and a controller. The controller includes a pulse width modulator configured to provide a driving signal to the heater grid. The driving signal has an initial heating portion and a pulsed portion. The initial heating portion provides an initial voltage that is greater than an optimal operating voltage of the heater grid, the pulsed portion provides a pulsed signal with a pulsed high voltage that is greater than the optimal operating voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Exatec LLCInventors: Robert Schwenke, Keith D. Weiss
-
Publication number: 20080099456Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing a conductive grid onto a plastic panel, and a resultant product. A nozzle is mounted to the end of an arm, and the nozzle is coupled to a source of conductive ink. A flow regulator, coupled to the ink source, regulates the flow rate of ink out of the nozzle and is controlled by a controller. The controller is further configured to apply an initial conductive trace onto a panel and to apply a subsequent conductive trace beside or onto the initial conductive trace to vary the volume of the grid line along a portion of its length.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Robert Schwenke, Craig Orr
-
Publication number: 20070194216Abstract: A window integrated control for a vehicle. The system includes a window and a control integrated onto the window. The control may comprise conductive inks that are printed onto the window. The window may be a plastic panel, such as a multilayer polycarbonate panel. Further, the control may be in electrical communication with a controller that is configured to control various vehicle subsystems, such as a keyless entry, vehicle defroster, or window positioning system based on the control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2006Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Publication number: 20070175175Abstract: An apparatus for printing a conductive ink onto a plastic panel including an articulatable arm having an end that opposes a surface of the panel. A nozzle is mounted via a nozzle height actuator to the end of the arm, and the nozzle is coupled to a source of conductive ink. A flow regulator, coupled to the ink source, regulates the flow rate of ink out of the nozzle and is controlled by the controller. A height sensor is configured to output a height signal relative to the surface and the controller, which is coupled to the arm, the flow regulator, the nozzle height actuator and the sensor, is configured to control the arm, flow regulator, nozzle height actuator, and speed of nozzle movement such that a conductive trace of predetermined height and width is applied to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2005Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Robert Schwenke, Eric Meulen, Billy Bui, Keith Weiss
-
Publication number: 20070162233Abstract: A system for sensing environmental conditions on a window assembly. The system includes a transparent panel and a sensor integrated onto the panel. The sensor being configured to sense environmental changes on the panel. The sensor may comprise conductive inks that are printed onto the window assembly. The window assembly may comprise a plastic panel, such as a multilayer polycarbonate panel such that a portion of the sensor may be located on the one layer of the panel while another portion of the sensor overlaps the first portion on a second layer of the window. The sensor may be a resistive or capacitive sensor and may be configured to detect changes in one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture. Further, the sensor may be in electrical communication with a controller configured for control various vehicle subsystems based on the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2006Publication date: July 12, 2007Inventor: Robert Schwenke
-
Publication number: 20070151966Abstract: A window defroster assembly for use in a motor vehicle includes a transparent panel and a defroster grid integrally formed with the transparent panel by means of a robotic dispensing mechanism. The defroster includes conductive first and second busbars and a plurality of conductive grid lines extending between and connected to the first and second busbars.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventors: Robert A. Schwenke, Steven M. Gasworth