Abstract: A window heating system, in particular for heating a window of a motor vehicle, includes a resistance heating device, applied onto or integrated into the window, that is connectable to a heating voltage source via terminal contacts by way of an electrical switching device. The switching device is a semiconductor switching device arranged directly on the window to be heated.

Abstract: A windshield clearing and de-icing system including a first housing having air inlet and outlet ports extending through walls of the first housing and further having fluid inlet and outlet ports extending through the walls of the first housing, and also including a first air conduit member connected to the air inlet and outlet ports and a first fluid conduit member connected to the fluid inlet and outlet ports. The system and also includes a heating member connected to a fan having a motor and securely mounted in a second housing which is adapted to be mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle. The system and further includes a heater member being adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir pump and connected to a second fluid conduit member which is connected to the first fluid conduit member.

Abstract: An improved control method variably activates an electric resistance heating element in a vehicle heating system so as to maximize the heating performance without overloading the vehicle generator or discharging the vehicle storage battery. A desired activation level for the heating element is determined based at least in part on the ability of the engine driven generator to develop electrical current, and when enabled, the heating element is activated based on the desired activation level. If a load condition for which the generator is unable to charge the storage battery is detected, the activation level is progressively reduced, and when the load condition is no longer detected, the activation level is progressively increased toward the desired level.

Abstract: An electrically heated backlite assembly and method of making same includes a glass panel and an opaque, electrically nonconductive coating bonded to the glass panel. The electrically nonconductive coating has an outer surface with a plurality of first undulations at selected locations. The electrically heated backlite assembly also includes an electrically conductive coating overlying and bonded to the electrically nonconductive coating. The electrically conductive coating has a generally smooth outer surface and an inner surface with a plurality of second undulations complementary to the first undulations at the selected locations. The electrically heated backlite assembly includes a conductor strip attached to the electrically conductive coating at the selected locations and for connection to a source of power to provide power to the electrically conductive coating to heat the glass panel to de-ice and defog the glass panel.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper assembly is provided which is attachable to the wiper blade carrier arm of a vehicle. The assembly has a wiper blade having an electrical heating element throughout its longitudinal length. The heating element is energized through a thermo-sensor that is activated at a selected temperature and upon oscillation of the wiper arm.

Abstract: Use of PTC circuit protection devices in motor vehicle wiring systems. The devices can replace some or all of the fuses conventionally used. Preferred devices contain PTC conductive polymers. Because the PTC devices can be reset without physical access to them, the wiring system can be arranged more efficiently and more economically. For example, the size of at least some of the wires of the harness can in many case be reduced.

Abstract: An anti-fogging glass having a plurality of conductive heating lines, a pair of bus bars to which both ends of the respective heating lines are connected, and terminal portions on the respective bus bars, to which terminals for supplying a current are to be connected, wherein the plurality of heating lines comprise first heating lines and second heating lines in a predetermined proportion to the plurality of heating lines, the second heating lines are connected in the vicinity of at least one terminal portion, and the vicinity of the terminal portion, in which the second heating lines are connected, is a second region other than a first region constituting a current pathway to the first heating line.

Abstract: Vacuum deposition processes such as sputter-depositing are employed to deposit electrically conductive bus bars onto thin film transparent conductor sheets. These assemblies provide efficient and durable electrical connections to the conductor sheets which can be laminated into glazing structures such as automotive windshields to provide resistance heating for defogging and deicing or the provide an electrical connection for in-window antennas and in window radiation shields.

Abstract: A heating device for heating a windshield of a vehicle includes a first layer adapted to be mounted to a fourth surface of a windshield. The heating device also includes at least one resistance element embedded in the first layer for connection to a source of power to heat a predetermined area of the windshield.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, plural electrical heating members are integrated with a heater core for heating air. The air conditioning apparatus includes a first control unit for determining number of the electrical heating members to be operated, and a second control unit for controlling electrical power supplied to each of the electrical heating members based on the number determined by the first control unit. The second control unit preferentially supplies electrical power to an electrical heating member plated at a side of a foot opening through which air blown toward a lower side of a passenger compartment. Thus, the lower side of the passenger compartment can be preferentially quickly heated by heat generated from the electrical heating members.

Abstract: An electric heating grid extends from the middle of one side of the windshield, down that side to the bottom of the windshield, and from there across the bottom to the opposite side. The grid is operated by a control circuit having an on-off switch that is accessible to the vehicle operator. The control circuit includes a switch for sensing ambient outdoor temperature so as to allow the grid to be operated only when the outdoor temperature is below a threshold that distinguishes wintertime from non-wintertime conditions.

Abstract: A glass heating system includes a low emissivity sheet of coated glass and an optical sensor mounted on the surface of the glass for optically detecting condensation on the glass. The low emissivity glass is economical to produce and provides superior thermal properties. The low emissivity glass has improved thermal characteristics for use in insulating glass doors for freezers and refrigerators. The optical sensor is positioned between the sheets of glass in the insulating glass unit for detection of moisture on the outer surface. When condensation is detected, the controller transmits power through the conductive coating on the unexposed surface of the glass to heat the glass and eliminate the condensation. In a two paned insulating glass door, the control circuit can be conveniently mounted in the frame of the door.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for connection to a windshield wiper retainer assembly of a vehicle comprises a housing having a pair of flexible side walls presenting wiping edges depending therefrom and adapted for contact with a windshield. A top wall of the housing spans the side walls and forms a channel therebetween. The top wall further defines at least one aperture in an end thereof. The wiper assembly further includes an elongated heater member having a structure releasably slidable in the channel through the aperture in the top wall. The wiper assembly further includes a plug for connecting a heating element of the heater member to the battery of the vehicle. The heater member cooperates with the side walls to direct heat from the heating element onto the wiper edges and onto the windshield itself. The heater member is slidably interchangeable with a third wiper, the third wiper including a structure that is releasably slidable within the channel.

Abstract: A vehicle window glass assembly comprises a window glass and a plurality of parallel, electric heating strips disposed on the window glass. The distance between adjacent two of the heating strips at least at portions thereof disposed in a central region of the window glass being in the range of 20 to 28 mm so that a quantity of heat generated by the heating strips per unit area can be smaller, i.e., 0.80 to 0.95 times of a reference electric power or a supply power for the heating strips can be 0.80 to 0.95 times of a reference electric power. The reference electric power is a power necessary for causing a surface temperature of a comparable window glass with comparable heating s trips to rise up to 90% of an equilibrium temperature in the range of 35 to 45.degree. C.

Abstract: A vehicle window assembly includes one or more resistance heating lines for electrically heating a section of the window area corresponding to a window wiper rest area. An opaque obscuration band is formed so as to define one or more elongate, relatively narrow wiper alignment apertures along a portion of the window at the wiper rest area. The aperture(s) defined by the obscuration band are positioned so as to be aligned with at least a portion of a heating line. In this manner, at least a portion of the heating line is visible from the exterior of the vehicle through the outer surface of the window.

Abstract: Only a small useful quantity of washing water as close as possible to the spray nozzles of the windshield wiper system is heated. As a result of corresponding miniaturization, the heating time can be reduced to 5 to 10 seconds. A sufficient cleaning effect can be achieved in most cases by hot water after the windshield spray system is actuated two or three times. Additional cleaning can be carried out either by rinsing with colder or cold water or by repeating after 10 to 20 seconds. The water is heated via an instant heating element which, with a content of, for example, 10 to 50 cm.sup.3, can be installed even in a secondary chamber. Some of the heat energy is therefore stored in a larger thermal reserve tank of, for example, 1 dl.

Abstract: A resin window 1 with a conductor in which a conductor print 3 is interposed between a resin panel 2 and a resin film 4 joined to one side of the resin panel, includes a metal film 6 provided on one side of the resin film 4 that is joined to the resin panel 2. The metal film 6 is connected to a conductor print 3 at a portion thereof and is exposed through an opening 5 formed in the resin film 4. The resin panel 2 has integrally formed fixing pins 7 that protrude to the outer surface side of the resin film 4 through the metal film 6. A terminal 8 is secured to a resin window 1 by heat treating the fixing pins 7 with a mounting base 8a of the terminal 8 made of electrically conductive material being overlaid on the metal film 6.

Abstract: A resin window 1 with a conductor in which a conductor print 3 is interposed between a resin panel 2 and a resin film 4 joined to one side of the resin panel, includes a metal film 6 provided on one side of the resin film 4 that is joined to the resin panel 2. The metal film 6 is connected to a conductor print 3 at a portion thereof and is exposed through an opening 5 formed in the resin film 4. The resin panel 2 has integrally formed fixing pins 7 that protrude to the outer surface side of the resin film 4 through the metal film 6. A terminal 8 is secured to a resin window 1 by heat treating the fixing pins 7 with a mounting base 8a of the terminal 8 made of electrically conductive material being overlaid on the metal film 6.

Abstract: A vehicle glass clearing system includes an installed portion and an auxiliary heating element system including an auxiliary heating element having a control and drive circuit having mechanisms for detecting the moisture level and the temperature and that provides a higher drive current to the heating element when threshold temperature and moisture levels are detected.

Abstract: An insulating glazed element composed of at least two glass sheets separated from each other by a small space in which a vacuum has been created is provided with a heating element on an internal face of at least one of the glass sheets. Two current supply collecting lines are positioned on at least part of the internal face of the at least one of said glass sheets. The heating element includes at least one conductive layer deposited on at least part of the internal face of the at least one of the glass sheets. The conductive layer extends between the two current supply collecting lines.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a windshield presenting an inner surface (14) including a test section (16) therein. A cooling device (24) is attached to the inner surface (14) for cooling the section (16) to a temperature a few degrees below the temperature of the inner surface (14) adjacent the test section (16). A sensor (26) is disposed adjacent the inner surface (14) for sensing condensation on the test section (16) and for providing a heating signal to a defogging control (28) in response to condensation on the test section (16) for initiating the heating of the surface surrounding the test section (16) by the vehicle heater (18) to prevent condensation from forming on the surface surrounding the test section (16).

Abstract: A flexible buss bar adapted for electrical connection with circuitry carried by a glass pane is provided, as well as a method of attaching a flexible buss bar to a glass pane. The flexible buss bar includes a flexible conductor having at least one metallic contact pad affixed thereto. It is also contemplated to have a plurality of such metallic contact pads attached at regular intervals along the length of the flexible conductor. The spacing of the plurality of metallic contact pads is selected to match the locations of corresponding structures formed on the glass pane. Solder cladding is selectively adhered to portions of the at least one metallic contact such that the at least one metallic contact pad may be bonded to the corresponding structure located on the glass pane.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to control a heated area for a glass surface on a motor vehicle. The method and system sense the ambient temperature, determine whether the vehicle charging system is operating within a first predetermined voltage level, and disable the heated area if the charging system voltage is outside the first predetermined level.

Abstract: In a laminated heated plate glass, especially for an airplane cockpit, the plate glass includes at least two sheets of structural glass (12, 14) which are secured in a rabbet of the cockpit and connected to one another by a first intermediate layer (16) made of transparent plastic material, at least one third sheet, made of glass (18), which is not secured in the rabbet and which is connected to the external sheet of structural glass (14) through the intermediary of a second intermediate layer (20) made of plastic, and conducting devices in a thin layer (26) which are arranged between two current input strips (28), which are connected to a source of current. The connecting devices (26) are arranged in the thickness of the plate glass, on the outside of the set of the two sheets of structural glass (12, 14), on the side facing the outside of the cockpit.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper system for reducing the accumulation of ice and snow upon a vehicle's windshield wipers during cold weather conditions. The inventive device includes a blade member having a passageway extending through a central portion thereof, a heating element removably positioned within the passageway, an electronic control circuit electrically connected to the heating element for controlling the heating element, a plurality of arm photovoltaic cells attached to the wiper arm and electrically connected to the electronic control circuit, and a plurality of frame photovoltaic cells attached to the wiper frame and electrically connected to the electronic control circuit. The electronic control circuit includes a battery within for providing electrical power to the heating element during darkness. The electronic control circuit may also include an electrical connection to the vehicle's power system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temperature sensing and for detecting cracks or breakage of a windshield. A resistance element is connected to the windshield and a resistance monitoring circuit is connected to the resistance element for monitoring an electrical property of the resistance element. A physical integrity monitoring device can be connected to the resistance monitoring circuit for determining the physical integrity of the windshield based upon the monitored electrical property of the resistance element. Also, a temperature calculator can be used to determine a temperature based upon the monitored electrical property associated with the resistance element and upon a relationship between resistance and temperature that has been stored in a memory device.

Abstract: A window is provided which includes an array of fine, closely spaced wires through which electric current is passed to heat the window. Such windows are useful as vehicle windows, e.g. windscreens, because the heating disperses ice or condensation on the surface of the window, thereby improving visibility. According to the invention, at least some of the wires extend along diverging lines, so that the heated area extends over substantially the whole of the transparent portion of the window. It is also described how to achieve a sufficiently uniform heating effect over the extended heated area. A method of manufacturing such windows, and an apparatus for forming such arrays of wires, are also provided.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper system for eliminating ice and snow accumulation upon a windshield wiper thereby preventing interference with the wiper's operation. The inventive device includes a heat exchanger for engagement with a heated portion of a vehicle such as an engine manifold, a fan connected to the heat exchanger, an exchange tube fluidly connected to the fan opposite of the heat exchanger, a plurality of air channels within the wiper frame fluidly connected to the wiper frame, a blade member removably attached to the wiper frame, an air passageway within the blade member fluidly connected to the exchange tube, and a plurality of vents within the blade member and connected to the air passageway from releasing the warm air conducted by the heat exchanger. The warm air prevents ice and snow from accumulating upon the wiper frame or wiper blade. In an alternative embodiment, the exchange tube may be directly connected to a blower manifold of the vehicle's heat system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring current flow through a resistive heating element and for detecting breakage of the heating element. In one preferred embodiment the heating element is disposed on a vehicle window. A current is passed through the heating element continuously, even when the vehicle ignition is turned off. A differential amplifier is used to generate a signal representative of the current flow through the heating element which is indicative of whether the heating element is functioning properly or has been broken. The signal is converted from an analog to a digital signal by an analog to digital convertor and then subsequently output to a controller or computer. From this signal the computer determines if the heating element has been broken. The apparatus and method can be used for a variety of functions, but has particular utility in detecting if a window supporting the heating element has been broken such as during an attempted theft.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a washer fluid above a predetermined temperature at a point of delivery where the fluid is directed onto a windshield of a vehicle. The system and method include a washer nozzle that has an internal resistance such that, when a current is passed through the nozzle, a temperature of nozzle is maintained at a predetermined temperature which is above the freezing temperature of the fluid. In one embodiment, the nozzle body and its electrical terminals are a one-piece molded construction, with another embodiment having a plurality of metallic conductors insert-molded into the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle body which is molded of an electrically conductive, internally-resistive, thermo-plastic which can be energized with less than about twenty or even ten amperes so that the nozzle body temperature is maintained above, for example, one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit when an ambient temperature of about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A mirror heater which is suitable for bathrooms and humid spaces includes electrically insulating layers which are partially provided by double-sided adhesive tapes. The double-sided adhesive tapes fix the various layers to one another and provide an insulative layer.

Abstract: A multiple-layer, high transmittance, low emissivity coated article is disclosed comprising at least two infrared reflective metal layers alternatingly combined with at least three metal oxide antireflective layers to produce a coating with superior low emissivity and low visible reflectance, especially for use to reduce heat load in automobiles, wherein the coating furthermore is electroconductive for use in an electrically heatable transparency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield with a heating arrangement to heat the wiper rest area of the windshield. The windshield includes first and second glass sheets secured together by an interlayer. A single, continuous resistance heating wire is secured between the glass sheets and makes multiple passes through a predetermined portion of the windshield generally corresponding to the wiper rest area such that the wire generates a desired power density within the predetermined portion to heat the wiper rest area. Opposing first and second ends of the wire extend to common connection area along an edge of the windshield and a connector secured to the wire ends provides for external electrical access to the wire. The wire may also extend along a marginal edge portion of the windshield generally corresponding to its A-post area.

Abstract: A vehicular heater is provided including a box mounted within a vehicle. Also included is a heater assembly situated within the box and adapted to generate heat upon the receipt of power. A plurality of exhaust fans are each rotatably mounted to the box for creating a flow of air past the heater assembly and directed toward the engine of the vehicle and further in communication with the vehicle cab heater duct system of the vehicle. Next provided is a control panel for selectively supplying the exhaust fans and heater assembly with power.

Abstract: The wiper rest area of an automotive windshield is heated by a heatable member optionally mounted on a polyester substrate or heating element. The windshield includes outer and inner glass sheets secured together by an interlayer. The heating element is positioned on inner surface of the outer glass sheet and held in position by the interlayer securing the inner and outer sheets together. The heating element or heatable member has extensions extending beyond the edge of the windshield to provide external electrical access to the heatable member to power the heating element to heat the wiper rest area or position.

Abstract: A busbar supplies current to an electrically resistant area heating device, such as an array of fine closely-spaced wires, which extends over a window, e.g. a laminated vehicle windscreen. The busbar is arranged to turn a corner, e.g. a corner of the window, by providing a separate corner piece of busbar strip which is electrically connected to adjacent lengths of straight busbar strip. This facilitates concealment of the busbar, as is desirable for vehicle windscreens, especially when the corner piece is shaped to suit the corner of the window. Electrical connection of the corner piece to the adjacent lengths of busbar strip is achieved by use of a solder of low melting point, which melts on autoclaving of the window.

Abstract: An optically transparent article is prepared from an optically transparent first piece and an optically transparent second piece. A channel pattern is scribed into a surface of the first piece to a preselected depth. A metallic stripe pattern is deposited into the channel pattern, with the thickness of the metallic stripe pattern being less than the depth of the channel pattern. The second piece is placed over the first piece and sealed thereto at a peripheral boundary such that the second piece does not contact the metallic stripe pattern. A bus connection is optionally made to the metallic stripe, preferably from the periphery of either the first or second piece.

Abstract: An electrically heatable laminated glass glazing includes an inner glass sheet, an outer glass sheet and an intermediate thermoplastic film interconnecting the two glass sheets. Collector conductors constituted by foil strips serve as power supply conductors for heating resistors are embedded in the intermediate film from the side adjacent to the inner glass sheet. The free surface of the inner glass sheet is provided with a decorative frame of an opaque baking ink. An opaque coating, whose color is adapted to that of the decorative frame, is joined to the surface of the foil strip directed towards the intermediate film. The coating is preferably constituted by an inked polymer sheet having a width slightly greater than that of the foil strip.

Abstract: A portable automatic windshield defroster having a housing, including a housing top and a housing bottom. The housing further includes a housing left and a housing right. The housing left is securely attached to a proximal end of the housing left egress and is sealably connected to a housing left connector which functions to cover the housing left egress. A housing left diffuser is sealably connected to a distal end of the housing left connector. The housing bottom has a housing bottom inlet therethrough. The housing bottom further comprises a housing bottom attachment means secured thereto and functions to removably affix the housing bottom to a vehicle dashboard. The portable automatic windshield defroster further comprises a primary power means, which may include a cigarette lighter cord.

Abstract: A vehicle heater is provided including a heater coil assembly situated in a ventilation system of a vehicle and adapted to generate heat only during the receipt of a voltage. A temperature control dial is mounted on a control panel of the vehicle for selecting a temperature. Finally, a control mechanism is adapted to transmit a predetermined voltage amount to the heater coil, wherein the predetermined voltage is proportional to the temperature selected by way of the temperature control dial.

Abstract: An electrically heated transparency which has a glass plate, a pair of bus bars provided at upper and lower sides of the glass plate and a transparent electric conductive film disposed on a surface of the glass plate so as to connect the pair of bus bars. The upper side bus bar has two upper bus bar elements. The upper bus bar elements are respectively extended to current feeding portions and have free ends at opposite positions in an upper side portion of the glass plate and near both sides of the transparent electric conductive film. The upper bus bar elements have parallel portions, in a connecting portion for connecting the upper side bus bar to the transparent electric conductive film, so as to oppose to each other with a space, and the upper bus bar elements are in contact with the transparent electric conductive film at the parallel portions.

Abstract: A novel arrangement for electrically heating the lower section of an automobile glazing unit is disclosed. An embodiment of the arrangement includes a heating grid pattern employing vertical shorting bars to prevent complete inoperability of individual heating conductors. An alternate embodiment of the arrangement includes heating conductors of varying electrical resistance to achieve greater heat generation at desired locations.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly providing having an electrical heating mechanism along the length of a wiper blade. The assembly can be trimmed to a length appropriate for a particular automobile.

Abstract: An electrically heating windshield glass has two glass plates; a polyvinylbutyral sheet interposed between the two glass plates; a pair of bus bars provided at peripheral portions of the glass plates and between them; and a number of tungsten wires connected between a pair of the bus bars. The diameter of the tungsten wires or the space between adjacent tungsten wires is continuously and/or stepwisely changed in response to a change of the distance between the bus bars.

Abstract: This invention concerns a pane, particularly a pane for an automobile vehicle, especially a rear window or side window, comprising a glass sheet coated on its inner face, i.e., the face intended to be towards the passenger compartment, with a network based upon an enamel composition of low emissivity and/or conductive of electricity, this network extending over, essentially, the entire area of the glass sheet corresponding to the viewing field, with a rate of coverage by the enamel composition of between 20 and 90%, and preferably between 25 and 80% of the area over which the network extends.

Abstract: A remote and programmable indash defrost/cooling system includes a processing unit coupled to the vehicle's ignition system, heating system, and cooling system. A memory coupled to the processing unit stores a computer readable program which is designed to direct operation of the vehicle's ignition, heating, and cooling systems to allow preprogrammed warming or cooling of the vehicle. The processing unit may also cause the windows of the vehicle to be defrosted and cleaned by starting front and rear defrost systems and then activating the front and/or rear windshield wipers to clear the defrosted ice from the windows.

Abstract: A window defroster for a motor vehicle consists of a plenum with a resistive electrical heater and a blower that draws in cool air and directs it over the heater coils and on to the window to be defrosted. The plenum is plugged into a stand on a timer removably mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle. The time of start and duration are programmed into the timer which is connected to the vehicle battery. The device is designed to start ten minutes before the vehicle is to be driven and stop when the driver enters the vehicle to drive away with a clear windshield.

Abstract: A panel is composed of synthetic resins and coated with an antifogging layer, the panel having a plastics substrate formed as a board or film or molded into any desired shape. The panel further has a heat generating pattern as the antifogging layer formed on the substrate and composed of a conductive paste, and a hard coat covering the layer and mainly composed of a silicone resin. The conductive paste is composed of a resinous binder, a conductive agent and a solvent, and the binder is selected from a group consisting of (i) a saturated polyester, (ii) a mixture of the polyester and a polyvinyl chloride, (iii) a mixture of the polyester and a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate, and (iv) a mixture of the polyester, the polyvinyl chloride and the copolymer. The heat generating pattern layer protects the resin panel from fogging, and the hard coat enhances scratch resistance and weather resistance to the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing condensed moisture on the inside of automotive windows with essentially no sensitivity to precipitation on the outside of the window. The apparatus senses the influence of the moisture on the impedance (mainly capacitive) between two electrodes. It is intended especially for rear windows where the sensing electrodes can be integrated with the resistive heater network printed on the internal side and activate it automatically. Similarly it can be used for front windows where it can automate the operation of electrical or hot-air defoggers.

Abstract: An optically transparent article is prepared from an optically transparent first piece and an optically transparent second piece. A channel pattern is scribed into a surface of the first piece to a preselected depth. A metallic stripe pattern is deposited into the channel pattern, with the thickness of the metallic stripe pattern being less than the depth of the channel pattern. The second piece is placed over the first piece and sealed thereto at a peripheral boundary such that the second piece does not contact the metallic stripe pattern. A bus connection is optionally made to the metallic stripe, preferably from the periphery of either the first or second piece.