Abstract: A flexible sheet member is mounted to an interior surface of a vehicular windshield, with the sheet member including a serpentine resistance heater directed therethrough in electrical communication with the associated vehicle. A rheostat effects selective heating in the resistance element. Further, a modification of the invention includes directional air conduits mounted to an interior surface of the sheet member to direct heated air within the passenger compartment, wherein the tubes include conduits, and the conduits each selectively mount a cap member at an upper terminal end thereof, wherein each cap member includes a pivotally mounted directing tube to selectively direct heated air throughout the vehicular passenger compartment.

Abstract: A solder button may be attached to an elongated conductor by substantially surrounding a portion of the conductor with a mass of solder. The mass of solder may be crimped or heat welded into fixed position onto the elongated conductor, which is typically in ribbon form, with the solder being cut from a strip of solder by cutting and crimping means, the strip of solder being in transverse relation to the conductor at the crimping means. The elongated conductor, with attached solder buttons, may be attached by automated means in a single step to a plane of glass or the like.

Abstract: An electrically heated vision unit, such as a windshield, has bus bars extending substantially parallel to, and spaced from, each other in contact with an electrically conductive film provided on a surface of a transparent substrate. One bus bar extends laterally beyond the corresponding end of the opposite bus bar, an end portion at such corresponding end of the opposite bus bar being recessed away to avoid excessive current density at such recessed end portion.

Abstract: A laminated transparency with an electroconductive coating positioned within the laminate. An edge coating composition is applied about the periphery of the laminate to seal the edge of the coating and prevent coating degradation.

Abstract: A window heating apparatus for use with an automotive vheicle including a vehicle battery, an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a generator for generating an output voltage corresponding to engine speed. A voltage regulator is switchably connected to the vehicle battery and, when connected, controls current to the field winding to maintain a constant generator output voltage. A heating element is provided for heating a vehicle window when connected to the generator output terminals. A signal indicative of a demand for heating the vehicle window and a signal indicating when the transmission is in neutral or park are provided. A circuit normally connects the generator output terminal to the vehicle battery and the voltage generator. The circuit, in response to a command signal, connects the generator output terminal to the element while disconnecting the generator output terminal from the vehicle battery and the voltage regulator.

Abstract: An electrical heating arrangement for a motor vehicle comprises a heating resistor that is energizable directly by the power generator provided that within a network of consuming devices failure has been detected and also provided that essential elements of the network such as battery or engine temperature are within predetermined limits. Upon detection of a failure this error condition is optically indicated and the connection between the heating resistor and the generator is interrupted.

Abstract: An electrically heatable car glazing (1) of laminated glass has a transparent surface coating (8) as the heating resistor. The outer glass plate (2) is provided, along the circumference of its inner side, with a frame-like heat-curing coating (6), and bus bars (7) of an electrically conductive heat-curing paint are provided on the frame-like coating. The surface coating (8) is placed over the bus bars (7), and metal foil bands (10) are placed above the bus bars (7) on the surface coating. The end portions (11) of the metal foil bands (10) are provided with a tear-proof plastic envelope (12), which is bonded to the glass plate (2).

Abstract: An electrically heated automobile glazing has a surface coating (14) serving as resistance heater and a frame-shaped decorative layer (15) of an opaque bakable enamel. Frame-shaped decorative layer (15) consists of an electrically conductive bakable enamel and is in electrically conductive contact with surface coating (14). Current supply conductors (16) are made of thin strips of metal or metallic strips and are in electric contact with decorative layer (15). Surface coating (14) can be deposited between the surface of the glass and decorative layer (15) or between decorative layer (15) and current supply conductor (16).

Abstract: A control member is connected to an air-conditioning computer and it receives therefrom a signal for triggering defrosting of the windshield. Switch-over means are connected to the rectified output of the alternator and connect the output either to the network for distributing electrical energy at the nominal voltage of the vehicle battery, or else to a network for feeding the electric windshield. The control member is constituted by a logic unit delivering a plurality of sequential control signals. These signals include at least one signal for controlling de-excitation of the inductor of the alternator, which signal is delivered to the excitation regulator, and a switchover control signal for controlling the switchover means. Raised-voltage regulation is inhibited so long as the battery is connected to the rectified output of the alternator and it is enabled when the windshield is connected to the rectified ouptut of the alternator.

Abstract: This specification discloses an electric power supply system for an automobile having a load which needs a higher voltage than the normal battery voltage.

Abstract: A dual lead electrically heatable windshield is provided with an internal jumper arrangement that allows the bus bar having the dual lead to be powered by a single external connection to one of the dual leads. A jumper arrangement may also be used in combination with a crack detector for the dual lead heatable windshield.

Abstract: A glazing which is electrically heated and reflective of heat rays is equipped on the surface directed toward the passenger compartment of a vehicle with conductors obtained by baking metallic silver enamel and also with a semi-reflecting layer consisting of a metal compound which is resistant to abrasion and corrosion, in particular titanium nitride. The semi-reflective layer of titanium nitride is deposited after baking the enamel conductors by a vacuum deposition technique.

Abstract: Electrical power for an electrically heated vehicle windshield is controlled by an arrangement utilizing a modified alternator coupled to the windshield heater via an autotransformer. In a high power mode, the vehicle battery is coupled to a center tap of the alternator, while in a normal power mode the vehicle battery is coupled to a conventional rectified output of the alternator. A microprocessor controlled silicon controlled rectifier bridge provides direct current to the windshield heater element by rectifying the output of the autotransformer. Additionally, a current sensor coupled to the heater element is utilized by the microprocessor to determine the electrical resistance of the heater element in order to take required diagnostic measures.

Abstract: An electrically heatable windshield comprises two glass plates bonded to each other with an interlayer therebetween and a transparent conductive layer formed at contacting surface between one of the glass plates and the interlayer so that the windshield is heated by supplying a current to the transparent conductive layer through a bus bar for feeding power. A colored layer such as a ceramic color print is formed at the peripheral portion of the surface, in contact with the interlayer, of at least one of the glass plates. The bus bar is formed on the colored layer without expanding. A transparent protective layer is formed so as to cover the edge portion of the colored layer which is near the center of the glass plates, and the transparent conductive layer is formed over the transparent protective layer.

Abstract: In a window heater controlling apparatus used in an automobile, a heater control unit including a microcomputer is employed to detect a heater-ON condition and thereafter to control the heating voltage of the alternator in such a manner that the heating voltage is gradually increased up to the rated heating voltage at the beginning of the heater control operation. This heater control operation can be performed by duty ratio control of the switching transistor.

Abstract: A high power supply apparatus employs a high-power load such as a deicing means for deicing a windshield of the automobile. The high-power load is connected to a converter which connects the output voltage of the alternator to a predetermined voltage. During the operation of the high-power load, the alternator is disconnected from the battery through a switch, and at the same time, the rotating speed of the alternator is increased by the idle speed controller. Since the high-converter means converts the output voltage of the alternator when the rotating speed of the alternator is increased, a predetermined electric power of the alternator is supplied to the high-power load.

Abstract: An anti-frost system for the windshield of a motor vehicle has a heating element incorporated in the windshield. The system has an atmospheric temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor and a windshield temperature sensor. Signals from the atmospheric temperature sensor and the relative humidity sensor are inputted to a calculator circuit which calculates a saturated steam temperature from the input signals. The saturated steam temperature and the windshield temperature are delivered to an operation circuit, which determines that frosting on the windshield is expected under a combined condition to the windshield temperature and the saturated steam temperature and which turns a transistor on to close a switch to energize the heating element for preventing frosting in advance.

Abstract: A remote starting apparatus utilizes a receiver for receiving a command signal from a remote transmitter operated by a user. The apparatus facilitates both the starting of the vehicle from a remote location as well as the supplying of extra fuel to the vehicle's carburetor as required. The receiver is positioned on the dashboard of the vehicle and a flexible heating pad may be employed to keep the window free and clear of accumulated condensation so that the receiver can receive the command signal generated by the remotely located transmitter.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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 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 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 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.