Abstract: A device for controlling electric current flowing through a conductor-coated, condensation-free transparent glass sheet in response to the presence of moisture on the surface of the sheet. Moisture-detecting electrodes forming part of an oscillator are attached to the surface of the sheet and receive an AC voltage developed within the oscillator. The electrical resistance between the electrodes changes in response to the amount of moisture and alters the level of output from an oscillator. A relay circuit is controlled by the oscillator output to switch a power supply circuit on and off, thereby controlling the current flowing through the glass sheet.

Abstract: An electrically heated transparent panel is described for a laminated safety glass window construction having a clear polymer inner layer with a pattern of wrinkled resistance wires oriented in a three-dimensional non-parallel random fashion so as to reduce glare from the wires when the window is used in automotive and other type vehicles. The individual resistance wires are partially embedded in the polymer sheet by a technique utilizing shrinkage of a thermoplastic polymer from its original dimensions when heated to an elevated temperature together with having the individual wires change configuration when relaxed from tension forces on the wire when first assembled with the polymer sheet.

Abstract: The specification discloses a control device for an automotive window heater energized by an alternator having a field winding and comprising a manual switch terminal, an ignition terminal, a battery terminal, indicator terminal, field winding terminal and a ground terminal; a first normally open relay having a winding and a first normally open armature switch; a triggerable switch device electrically in series with said first relay winding between said ignition terminal and ground; a trigger circuit for said triggerable switch electrically disposed between ground and said manual switch terminal; a timing circuit including a chargeable condenser; a second relay having a winding and a second normally open armature switch; and a voltage responsive switch responsive to a voltage greater than a predetermined value and electrically in series with said winding of said second relay between ground and said indicator terminal; said first and second relay switches when closed connecting said indicator terminal respecti

Abstract: A frangible panel having an electrically-energizable layer carried in an area thereof for heating the panel and main circuit means for supplying electrical power to the layer is provided with circuit breaker means operable to interrupt electrical power to the layer upon breakage of the panel. The circuit breaker means includes a fusible link connected in series with the layer and a solid-state control device connected in the main circuit in parallel with the layer. The solid-state device has a control gate which is connected to a sensing circuit surrounding the electrically-energizable layer and which is connected in the main circuit to render the solid-state control device non-conductive as long as the sensing strip is continuous and to render the solid-state control device conductive when the sensing circuit is broken. Thus, the solid-state control device connects the fusible link to ground and causes the link to blow, thereby interrupting power to the electrically-energized layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the manufacture of plastic sheets to be used as interlayers in laminated antenna-windshield structures including a soldering apparatus suspended above and associated with a wire laying apparatus for operation in conjunction therewith to solder a connecting plate to the antenna wire elements laid and embedded into the plastic sheet by the wire laying apparatus. The soldering apparatus is provided with guide pins insertable into the work table supporting the plastic sheet for effecting operation of the soldering apparatus to deliver solder to the workpieces and effect the bond therebetween.

Abstract: A hand-held mechanized electrically heated windshield cleaner for removing snow, ice and other material from a motor vehicle windshield includes a hollow pistol-like housing having a gripping portion and a barrel portion extending at right angles thereto. A bearing member at the front of the barrel portion slidably supports an outwardly extending driving shaft. A scraper blade of resilient rubber-like material is secured to the outer end of the shaft. An electric motor in the gripping portion reciprocatingly drives the shaft through an arrangement including a disk rotated by the motor and eccentrically connected to the shaft by means of a connecting rod. An electric heating coil is provided in the blade adjacent the edge thereof. The heating coil and motor are energized by an electric cable adapted to be plugged into the vehicle cigarette lighter socket.

Abstract: A grid of heating conductors for defrosting applied to the window of a vehicle is connected to a source of electrical energy through a relay-operated switch. This switch is closed either in response to a drop in the resistance between two conductors or electrodes mounted in spaced relation on an insulating support such as the window (the drop occurring by accumulation of moisture on the support and between the conductors) or in response to a drop in temperature at or near the window. For this purpose the resistance between the two conductors over the surface of the support may be paralleled by a thermostatic switch which closes with drop in temperature, both this resistance and the thermostatic switch being in the input to a trigger circuit controlling the relay to energize it in response to a decline in resistance at that input. Alternatively the trigger circuit may include thermistors which sense the drop in temperature and set the trigger circuit to the condition which energizes the relay.