Abstract: A multiple-layer, high transmittance, low emissivity coated article which can be subjected to high temperature processing such as bending, annealing, tempering, laminating or glass welding as a result of primer layers comprising metal and metal oxide is disclosed for use as an electroconductive coating for an electrically heatable transparency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for and a method of applying output voltage from a power generator to a heating resistor in a motor vehicle. During the standstill condition of the vehicle the heating resistor is connected directly to the generator and a power supply network connected parallel to the terminals of a battery, is disconnected from the generator. The output voltage of the generator is regulated to increased values to achieve a higher efficiency in the heating resistor. During the travel of the motor vehicle, the heating resistor is connected in series with the power supply network and a regulated voltage from the power generator is applied across the series connection. The output voltage is regulated such that a nominal voltage is maintained at the power supply network. The switchover between the standstill and running operational conditions is provided by two switching devices which are controlled by a control device in dependency on operational conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle heating device includes a housing containing a rechargeable battery in a recharging unit which is selectively connectable to an AC or a DC power supply source for maintaining the battery in a charged condition. The housing is in the form of a case having a hinged lid and an interior provided with a plurality of storage receptacles for storing and transporting a blower assembly and a pair of vent conduits. The blower assembly includes an electric fan for discharging air through two heated air outlet apertures. Preferably, electrical resistance heating elements are utilized to heat air within the blower assembly. The vent conduits comprise elongated flexible corrugated tubes each provided with a plurality of spaced vent apertures. The vent conduits are removably connectable to the blower assembly air outlet apertures. In use, the blower assembly and vent conduits are supported in spaced relation above a vehicle dashboard by a plurality of support stands.

Abstract: A flexible connection is made between the printed conductor array of an automotive windshield or rear window and an electric cable by a braided body formed with a lug at one end for connection to the cable and having, at the opposite end, oppositely bent arms or feet in the form of arms of a T soldered to the conductor array only at the extremity of these feet.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system has a normal operation mode and a defog or deice operation mode. In the defog operation mode, a higher output of a generator is applied to a vehicle window heater element. The defog operation mode is prevented from being activated until an engine idling gets stable even when the defog operation mode is selected, so as to improve the engine starting performance.

Abstract: A vehicle preheating system which provides for the preheating of the vehicle interior, as well as other components, is disclosed. The system includes an electrical heating element installed within the water lines of the vehicle and is supplied with electrical power by an external source. The unit containing the electrical heating element may also include a valve which can shut off coolant flow to and from the engine block, thus warming the vehicle interior more quickly. Alternatively, the electrical heating element may be used to preheat the engine as well as the interior as desired, or additional electrical heating elements may be installed in other areas. The standard vehicle heater fan is supplied with electrical power from a transformer and rectifier in the circuit, thus using only external power rather than vehicle battery power.

Abstract: A system for preventing frost from accumulating on a window of a motor vehicle has a heating element provided on the window, a temperature switch, which is closed when the temperature of the window is lower than 0.degree. C., and a humidity switch, which is closed when the humidity of air outside of the window becomes about 100%. When both the switches are closed, an electric circuit is closed to connect a battery with the heating element. At the same time, a wiper of the vehicle is operated for a short time to wipe out dew on the window.

Abstract: A vehicle, preferably "hatchback", rear window defroster electrical connector using an adhesively secured threaded post to receive thereon a circular electrical element which is pressed into an electrical connection by a nut against the defroster conductive deposit on the rear window, thereby avoiding the use of solder which deteriorates upon exposure to weather elements occasioned by the frequent opening of the hatchback rear window door or panel.

Abstract: An electric field detector for a heatable windshield includes detector lines which extend around a portion of the perimeter of the windshield between the edge of the windshield's electroconductive coating and the leads to one of the windshield bus bars and are electrically insulated from the coating, bus bars and leads. The detector lines are electrically interconnected to the coating by a tab at a predetermined location between the bus bars. As electrical current passes through the coating, voltage in the coating at the predetermined location is monitored and the current to the coating is interrupted in response to predetermined variations in the measured coating voltage.

Abstract: A device for defogging a wall mounted bathroom mirror includes an elongated housing adjustably suspended above and outwardly of the mirror by a pair of brackets. Ambient air drawn into the housing by a fan is filtered, heated by an electric heating element and discharged through an elongated air outlet on the housing toward the mirror. The air outlet is provided with a plurality of adjustable longitudinal louvers for selectively varying the heated air flow direction. Each louver is provided with an electric heating element for further heating the discharged air.

Abstract: A reasonably priced power supply circuit for a motor vehicle with two different load voltages, viz. the normal vehicle supply system voltage and a voltage higher than this for operation of a window heating glazing with a thin-film heating resistor. A generator is designed for the higher voltage, which corresponds at least to the voltage required for operation of the window heating glazing. With the window heating glazing switched off, the voltage supplied by the generator is adjusted to the vehicle supply system voltage by a controller. With the window heating glazing switched on, the vehicle supply system voltage is derived from the higher voltage. To ensure a safe operating condition, a time switch for the temporary reduction of the exciter current for the generator during change-over of the load switch, a main timer for limitation of the heating time and a threshold voltage switch for limitation of the generator voltage are provided as additional monitoring elements.

Abstract: An optical element for a motor vehicle windshield comprises, in combination, an interference filter having one or more light-reflecting metal layers and one or more reflection-suppressing layers for coacting with the one or more metal layers to minimize reflection and enhance transmission in the visible region, a gradient band continuation of the interference filter above the direct line of forward vision through a windshield when disposed in a motor vehicle for reflective rejection of infra-red solar energy, such band including a light-reflecting metal layer gradually increasing in thickness toward a lateral edge of the band, a transparent substrate supporting such filter and gradient band and plural bus bars substantially parallel to the lateral edge of the gradient band in electrical contact with the metal layers of the interference filter and the gradient band continuation.

Abstract: An electrically heatable transparent panel (1) comprises spaced electrically conductive bus strips (2, 3) interconnected by electrically conductive heating means (4) deposited on a substrate (5) of glazing material.To reduce the visual obtrusiveness of the heating means (4) as compared with linear heating elements as conventionally used in heatable rear windows or motor vehicles, and for other purposes, the heating means comprises electrically conductive enamel deposited meshwise on the substrate, the interstices of the mesh having a maximum dimension of 10 mm or less, and substantially no individual line of mesh has a width greater than 0.5 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high voltage electrical power supply device for an auxiliary circuit CA of a motor vehicle.The device comprises an alternator 1 having two identical stator windings 11 and 12, each connected to a rectifier bridge 13 and 14 supplying a rectified alternator voltage on a terminal B+1, B+2 an excitiation regulator 2 enabling the regulation of the excitation current of the inductor winding of the alternator and means for parallel-series/series-parallel switching of the stator windings. Alternator output terminals B+1, B+2 are provided for generating a nominal value voltage or a high voltage. A control logic is interconnected with the excitation regulator 2 and the switching means 3 to ensure the starting of the high voltage operation conditionally with respect to status parameters of the vehicle such as the engine speed, the clutch position, the temperature of the vehicle, and the supply voltage of the device.

Abstract: A vehicle window heating apparatus includes a heating element provided for heating a vehicle window when connected to a generator. The generator has a field winding fed from a voltage regulator connected to a vehicle battery. The apparatus also includes a circuit for connecting the generator selectively to one of the voltage regulator and the heating element. The circuit is responsive to a signal indicative of a demand for a window de-icing operation for connecting the generator to the heating element while disconnecting it from the voltage regulator and the vehicle battery upon the occurrence of three conditions of (a) the vehicle transmission being in neutral or park, (b) the engine being idling, and (c) the vehicle being at rest.

Abstract: A device for temporary positioning in the interior of a vehicle for warming and defrosting through one or more resistance electric heater/blowers controlled by a timer connected to an exterior AC power source with an optional ground fault interrupter circuit. The attachment arm is preferably a tough, flexible elastomeric band having flat wire conductors extending therethrough from the device to the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air heater mounted in an elongated ventilation slot located beneath a window of a land, sea or air vehicle has a plurality of self-regulating ceramic heater tablets having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) positioned between two metal strips and fastened thereto in thermally and electrically conductive relation.Heat exchangers comprising sheet metal fins with baffles are secured in electrically and thermally conductive relation to the opposite sides of the strips so that the baffles introduce turbulence into the air flowing over the strips. Other metal strips having electrical terminals are thermally and electrically connected to the fins opposite the first named strips for energizing the heater tablets. The PTC tablets are spaced to define flow passages therebetween so that the air flowing through the ventilation slot passes over the heat exchangers, plates and tablets for rapidly withdrawing heat from the tablets.

Abstract: A laminated structure [10; 20; 30] formed of a ceramic color layer and a conductive layer comprises a ceramic color layer [2; 22; 32] formed on the surface of plate glass [11] and a conductive layer [3] formed on the surface of said ceramic color layer and containing silver ions. At least a partial layer [2; 22b; 32b] constituting said ceramic color layer and located on the side on which said conductive layer is formed is comprised of any one of a ceramic layer [2; 22b] containing a reducing agent and a ceramic layer [32b] having a higher melting point.

Abstract: On a vehicle window glass provided with defogging heater strips, such as automobile rear window glass, the invention provides an antenna of improved efficiency for receiving FM and AM radio broadcast waves. In an area left above the heater strips the antenna is constructed of at least three elements each of which is a conductive strip. The first and main element is a T-shaped element with its horizontal part at a short distance from the upper edge of the window glass. On one side of the vertical part of the T-shaped element, the second element extends horizontally from a point on that vertical part. The third element, which is located on the other side of that vertical part, has a primary part which constitutes at least three sides of a horizontally elongate rectangle and a secondary part which extends horizontally from a point on the vertical part of the T-shaped element and connects with the primary part. A lead extends from a side of the rectangle to a feed point.

Abstract: An optical element for a motor vehicle windshield comprises, in combination, an interference filter having one or more light-reflecting metal layers and one or more reflection-suppressing layers for coacting with the one or more metal layers to minimize reflection and enhance transmission in the visible region, a gradient band continuation of the interference filter above the direct line of forward vision through a windshield when disposed in a motor vehicle for reflective rejection of solar energy, such band including a light-reflecting metal layer gradually increasing in thickness toward a lateral edge of the band and an anti-glare backing behind the gradient band for suppressing luminous reflection from within the motor vehicle when the optical element is disposed in the windshield.

Abstract: A heated transparency is provided with greater reliability by providing dual electrical connections to the bus bar that is at the edge portion remote from the edge at which attachment to the power source are made. Unique features disclosed herein include the provision of leads connected to the remote bus bar that extend along the same side edge of the transparency, and/or the provision of connections to the remote bus bar at locations spaced from the ends of the remote bus bar.

Abstract: A discontinuity detection system for a heated transparency such as a windshield is provided wherein a break in any portion of the bus bars is detected. A voltage sensor lead extends from the farthest extremity of the longest length of bus bar.

Abstract: A heating device for a mirror includes a substrate having an electrical buss system deposited on one surface thereof including a plurality of interdigitated electrodes and two buss bars. There is provided a plurality of heater-lets formed of an electrically resistive layer of material having a positive temperature coefficient. The plurality of heater-lets have varying sizes and shapes and are deposited over the electrical buss system between the adjacent electrodes of the interdigitated electrodes. Each of the plurality of heater-lets are separated from its neighbor by spaces of varying sizes and shapes so as to form a plurality of individual heating areas of variable intensity. A first adhesive layer is deposited over the resistive layer and adheres to the exposed areas of the substrate. An electrical barrier layer is secured to the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer is disposed on the electrical insulated barrier layer. A removable protective covering is secured to the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: An electrically heated windshield wiper blade and assembly is provided which includes an elongated resilient blade, a blade carrier comprising an elongated body member and a pair of pivotable blade holder end sections located on opposite ends of the body member. The body member of the blade carrier includes a pair of first flexible electrical conductors extending there-through. Each conductor enters the body member and terminates at a first end located beyond a respective end of the body member. The wiper blade includes a relatively long first resistance heating element fully enclosed within a longitudinal passageway and which is electrically connected at each end to a first end of a respective one of a pair of second flexible electrical conductors. Each of the blade holding end sections comprises a hollow sealed portion through which a second resistance heating element extends. A second end of each second conductor is electrically connected to one end of the second heating element within the hollow portion.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper blade unit suitable for incorporation into existing windshield wiper assemblies. The unit comprises an elastic wiper blade, for example RTV rubber, and a flexible, fibrous carbon heating element disposed in the blade substantially along its entire length. The heating element contains a plurality of fibrous carbon strands coaxially surrounded by a heat shrunk polymeric tube. A live wire and a ground wire enter the blade and the heat shrunk polymeric tube at an intermediate point and extend through the tube to establish electrical contact with the respective first and second ends of the fibrous carbon strands. The wires preferably enter a side wall of the blade half way along its length and are insulated with a "tetrafluoroethylene polymer".

Abstract: A laminated window is prepared by applying an ultraviolet curable acrylate resin to a transparent rigid outer layer. The acrylate is carried in a solvent that swells a plastic surface of the outer layer to promote adhesion. After evaporating substantially all of the solvent the base coat is exposed to ultraviolet radiation to polymerize the acrylate. An electrically conductive metal layer is deposited on a portion of the base coat. When this is completed the window may be laminated with a conventional interlayer and rigid transparent inner layer.

Abstract: A heated transparency is provided with first and second bus bars along opposing edges of a transparency interconnected by an electroconductive coating. The bus bars and coating are applied to the same surface of the transparency. Electrical leads are spaced from the coated surface and are electrically insulated from the coating and bus bars.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle window comprises a glass pane having an outer edge and a peripheral black obscuration band extending around the pane edge and leaving a central portion of the pane clear and unobstructed. This band is at least partially formed of a coating-deposited black conductor capable of generating heat when an electric current is passed through it. Thus an electrical current can be passed through the conductor to heat at least a portion of the pane at the obscuration band. The conductor may be positioned side-by-side with the band, disposed in a recess in the band or overlie the band. The conductor may define a heated wiper rest zone on the window.

Abstract: A remotely-operated vehicle windshield defrost system having the capability of being initiated before the driver enters the vehicle, e.g. while he is having breakfast before leaving for work. The windshield can thus be essentially frost-free at the moment the vehicle enters traffic; there is no delay, as with conventional defrost systems which depend on the engine warming up before the defrost action can begin.

Abstract: A heated bilayer appendage is provided for mounting outboard of an existing non-heated aircraft window. The appendage prevents moisture or frost accumulation on the outboard surface of the appendage so that a clear viewing area is maintained through that portion of the windshield over which the appendage is mounted. The appendage may be provided with an anti-static coating to prevent static charge accumulation on the appendage.

Abstract: A power discontinuity sensor for a heatable windshield with bus bars having a double lead configuration. Sensor lines extend around the perimeter of the windshield in close proximity to adjacent bus bars or leads. The sensor lines are provided with current from an upper bus bar through a connecting bridge along the upper bus bar. Voltage in the sensor lines is monitored and current to the bus bars is interrupted in response to predetermined variations in the measured voltage.

Abstract: A system for preventing frost from accumulating on a window of a motor vehicle has a heating element provided on the window, a temperature switch, which is closed when the temperature of window is lower than 0.degree. C., and a humidity switch, which is closed when the humidity of air outside of the window becomes slightly lower than 100% relative humidity. When both the switches are closed, an electric circuit is closed to connect a battery with the heating element, thereby preventing the formation of frost on the window.

Abstract: A temperature control device for a heatable windshield which includes a temperature sensitive resistance member that extends into critical areas of the windshield to monitor the windshield temperature and prevent overheating. The voltage drop across the member is compared to a set voltage drop value as the windshield is powered and becomes heated. When the member's voltage drop exceeds the set value, the power to the heatable windshield is automatically interrupted to prevent overheating.

Abstract: In a system for electrically heating a transparency, a malfunction in the heating circuit is detected by a Hall effect sensor that detects current changes in a lead to the heating circuit. The sensor is not directly connected to the heating circuit and detects the entire heating current at a location close to the transparency.

Abstract: The invention involves an inexpensive, rugged, flexible, composite plastic backlight panel that provides an even heat distribution across the entire surface of the backlight panel for a convertible top of a vehicle. Two wires are connected to the car battery. A series of conductive members are each in electrical engagement with each of the wires, forming a closed loop electric circuit. The conductive members are printed onto one of the laminates, forming an interlayer thereon. An inner transparent plastic laminate, and an outer transparent plastic laminate are sandwiched around one end of each of the wires, and the interlayer. The laminates including the wires and members are bonded together and the resulting panel is secured to the convertible top thereby forming the backlight panel. When the circuit is energized, the electrical energy is converted into thermal energy that is transmitted to the outer laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electricity at overvoltage in an automobile.Automobile circuits comprise a main circuit (1) and an auxiliary circuit (2) requiring to be temporarily supplied at overvoltage. The main circuit is normally supplied by a battery (3) fed by an alternator (4) of which the excitation circuit is regulated by a regulator (5). In accordance with the invention, the device includes commutation means (6) controlled from the stator output of the alternator on the auxiliary load (2), the excitation of the alternator (4) following this commutation being taken via the regulator (5) to a sufficient value as a function of the state of the engine (M) for assuring a temporary supply state of the auxiliary circuits (2) at overvoltages and at reduced current.Application to supply of electric circuits of automobiles or the like.

Abstract: The terminal for encapsulated glazing having coverings or equipment requiring an electric power supply. The terminal, for example of the hollow rivet type, is fastened, particularly by soldering or brazing, in the area of the edges of the glazing on a zone having a conductive covering, embedded in the encapsulation material of the glazing. The terminal makes it possible to supply power to the heating glazings.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a heated laminated windshield construction. Initially, a transparent material to be provided as the outer layer of such a laminated windshield is selected. A transparent basecoat is applied on the inner major surface of the outer layer. A quantity of electroconductive metal is deposited onto the basecoated surface to form a metal strike coat. A portion of the metal strike coat is masked so that unmasked portions of the strike coat comprise the pattern of the electroconductive metal film runs to be formed on the inner major surface. An electroconductive metal is electroplated onto the unmasked portions of the strike coat. Portions of the strike coat onto which no metal was electroplated are removed to thereby leave on the inner major surface of the layer a plurality of spaced apart electroconductive metal film runs comprising electroplated metal and the portion of the metal strike coat beneath the electroplated metal.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a heated laminated windshield construction. Initially, a transparent material to be provided as the outer layer of such a laminated windshield is selected. A transparent basecoat is applied on the inner major surface of the outer layer. A quantity of electroconductive metal is deposited onto the basecoated surface to form a metal strike coat. A portion of the metal strike coat is masked so that unmasked portions of the strike coat comprise the pattern of the electroconductive metal film runs to be formed on the inner major surface. An electroconductive metal is electroplated onto the unmasked portions of the strike coat. Portions of the strike coat onto which no metal was electroplated are removed to thereby leave on the inner major surface of the layer a plurality of spaced apart electroconductive metal film runs comprising electroplated metal and the portion of the metal strike coat beneath the electroplated metal.

Abstract: In a vehicle window glass antenna, linear electrodes are bonded to edges of a transparent conductive film deposited on substantially the entire surface of a glass window, and tuning conductors are arranged so as to tune antenna elements including these linear electrodes to a specific reception band, thereby increasing a reception gain without degrading the heat wave reflecting performance of the transparent conductive film. The tuning conductors are strip-shaped transparent conductive films separated by cut lines or linear conductors bonded to the linear electrodes.

Abstract: A controlled zone defrosting system is provided for disbursing electrical energy, according to predetermined priorities, to a plurality of defrosting devices, formed of an electrically conductive glass coating material, in an automobile or the like. The defrosting devices could, for example, be effectively located to melt ice formed on such areas as the driver and passenger sides of a windshield, a rear window, etc. The disbursement of electrical energy may, in addition to being dependent on preselected priorities, be made dependent on a number of factors such as time, temperature and the remaining amount of energy. The electrical energy may be supplied by an associated automobile's battery, an independent battery, or an electrical energy generating mechanism such as a photovoltaic device. Available remaining electrical energy may be monitored and, as it is diminished, be disbursed only to zones given top priorities.

Abstract: An automotive charging apparatus employs a high voltage load, such as a deicing means for deicing a windshield of the automobile, in the line which connects a battery with an alternator. The automotive charging apparatus also employs a switch in parallel with the high voltage load so that an output voltage is supplied both to the high voltage load and to the battery when the switch member is opened and the output voltage is supplied only to the battery when the switch member is closed. The output voltage of the alternator changes to the higher level when the switch member is opened in order to maintain the battery voltage within the range of the predetermined value.

Abstract: A self regulating heating device for a mirror is disclosed including a substrate having an electrical buss system deposited on one surface including a plurality of interdigitated electrodes and two buss bars. Stripes of positive temperature coefficient resistive material are printed perpendicularly over the buss system to form a plurality of heater areas and exposed substrate areas. A first adhesive layer is deposited over the resistive layer and adheres to the exposed areas of the substrate. An electrical barrier layer is secured to the first adhesive layer and a removable protective covering is secured by the second adhesive layer. The buss bars are tapered such that the power density at any point along their length is substantially equal to the average power density of the heater areas.

Abstract: A window-pane (2) such as an automobile windshield or rear window to be fixed on a rigid frame is provided at its periphery with a bead (5) of thermoplastic material. The device (1) for fixing the window-pane comprises a sectional strip (9) of plastic material to which is secured a resistance-type heating element (10) of resilient metal having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. One wing of the heating element (10) is secured to the sectional strip (9) and the other wing (19b) is free with respect to the strip so as to form therewith a clip which is capable of resilient engagement on the wall (8) of the rigid frame (3).

Abstract: Windshield wiper structure includes a wiper blade for engaging a windshield of a vehicle, and supporting elements including a metallic wiper blade carrier for carrying the blade, a metallic wiper arm connected to the carrier and pivotally mountable through a metallic end piece on a metallic post for reciprocating rotary motion about the post, a metallic spring engaging the post and the wiper arm for selectively resiliently urging the blade against or away from the windshield, and an electrical lead connected to the spring for connection to the electrical system of the vehicle. The structure uses the spring as a heating element for tending to melt snow and ice from the wiper blade and windshield. The supporting elements are electrically conductive and heat up with the spring. The blade and the supporting elements are coated with a non-wettable plastic material, a preferred example of which is polytetrafluoroethylene, which resists ice build-up.

Abstract: An automotive pre-heater is set forth for use in cold climates for warming the interior and selective portions of an automobile prior to starting and operation. A compact housing secured by conventional bracketry to the interior of an automobile is provided. Fan means operated by a programmable timing element provide warmth to the interior of an automobile. Optional heating outlets are provided to further enable pre-warming of selected automobile portions such as the carburetor, battery, and engine block. A windshield defrosting conduit is provided to enable windshield defrosting. The pre-heater is powered electrically from a power source external of the automobile.

Abstract: Discontinuities in an electrically heated transparency are detected by monitoring voltage differences between two areas of the heating circuit on the transparency.

Abstract: A heatable window, especially for optical equipment, comprising an elongate heating element located in one or more grooves formed in the window and maintained in place by adhesive material.

Abstract: In an automotive vehicle having a visual glass pane subject to collecting vision obscuring moisture in the form of ice, frost, mist, fog, etc., apparatus is provided for removing the collected moisture. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a transparent layer of dielectric material underlying the glass pane in heat conducting relationship thereto, and means for producing dielectric heating of the dielectric material to thereby heat the glass and remove the collected moisture. Preferably, the layer of dielectric material is a polymer film and the means for producing dielectric heating includes a pair of transparent electrodes extending over the layer of dielectric material. For ease of fabrication, the pair of electrodes may be interdigitated on the same side of the layer of dielectric material.

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.