Windshield Or Window Patents (Class 219/203)
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Patent number: 8084716Abstract: An open forklift truck is provided having an elongated windshield that protects the operator from wind chills experienced when operating the truck in a cold storage environment. The windshield is a laminate having a plurality of heating elements disposed therein that are electrically connected to a control that monitors speed, battery voltage, temperature, and ambient feedback and adjusts the power supply to the windshield based on this feedback. Accordingly, the windshield is maintained at a predetermined temperature selected to limit condensation and fogging of the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Raymond CorporationInventor: Richard M. Day
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Publication number: 20110297661Abstract: Defrosting, defogging, and de-icing structures are disclosed herein. An example of the structure includes at least one optically transparent member, at least one electrical strip extending along the at least one surface of the at least one optically transparent member; and an optically transparent composite established on at least the at least one surface of the at least one optically transparent member. The composite is in thermal communication with the at least one electrical strip. The composite includes a matrix, and a predetermined amount of graphene. The predetermined amount is based upon a predetermined transparency for the structure and a predetermined thermal conductivity of the structure. Furthermore, the structure is configured such that the graphene functions as a thermal conductor for substantially uniform heating of the composite and not an electrical conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Rajesh Raghavan, Senthil Kumar Vadivelu
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Patent number: 8058592Abstract: A gas sensor is equipped with a built-in ceramic heater. The gas sensor detects the concentration of a predetermined gas component contained in the exhaust gas. The ceramic heater has a heater base member made of ceramic, a heating element formed in the inside of the heater base material, and a pair of external electrode pads that is electrically connected to the output terminals for the outer leads. The external electrode pads, the heating element, and the heater leads are made of base metal. The outer surface of each external electrode pad is covered only with a dense protective film made of noble metal such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), and palladium (Pd).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takehito Kimata, Kiyomi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8047451Abstract: A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: McNaughton IncorporatedInventor: Patrick James McNaughton
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Publication number: 20110259880Abstract: A mechanical scraper with synchronized pulse electrothermal deicing includes a heating element that is coupled to a power supply and that is operable to convert power from the power supply into heating energy. A controller controls the magnitude and duration in which power is applied to the heating element, such that only an interfacial layer of ice at an ice-object interface is disrupted for a sufficient period of time to allow the scraper to move or remove the dislodged ice/snow. A scraper then works over the surface to be deiced, thus removing the ice before the interfacial layer re-freezes. Another method of the present invention electromagnetically induces current at the ice-to-object interface, to melt interfacial ice, using coils and a high frequency power supply disposed proximal to the scraper.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: ICECODE, LLCInventors: Victor F. Petrenko, Charles Sullivan
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Publication number: 20110253692Abstract: An electrical heater for vehicle windshields and windows includes an electrically driven heater element and heater circuit wiring electrically connected to the element for electrically the element to produce heat from the element when energized, wherein the heater circuit wiring is adapted to only be electrically connected to a conventional DC electrical system of a vehicle, and wherein the heater element is adapted to only be mounted to the under-windshield vents of the vehicle to thereby direct airflow flowing over the heater element as forced by the vehicle's heater core fan through the vehicle ducting and out from the vehicle's under-windshield vents only onto the underside of the windshield.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Richard Egon Schauble
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Patent number: 8039774Abstract: A heating system in the form of a multi-layer, yet relatively thin and flexible panel. The panel contains a number of layers including first, second and third electrically insulating layers. A first electrically conductive resistive layer (heater layer) is sandwiched between the first and second insulating layers. A second electrically conductive resistive layer (resistive neutral plane layer) is sandwiched between the second and third insulating layers. The heater layer has a neutral electrical connection and a live electrical connection. The neutral and live electrical connections are electrically connected to each other at the panel only by electrically resistive material of the heater layer extending between the neutral and live electrical connections. The resistive neutral plane layer has a neutral electrical connection electrically connected with the neutral connection of the heater layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: United States Gypsum CompanyInventor: Ashish Dubey
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Publication number: 20110233182Abstract: A heated vehicle window includes at least one ply of a glazing material, provided with an antenna and an array of electrical conductors forming a heating circuit. The heating circuit comprises a plurality of electrical conductors and at least two busbars for supplying direct electrical current to which the electrical conductors are connected. A discrete electrically conductive layer is provided to cover at least a portion of at least two of the busbars in direct current electrical isolation therefrom. The busbars and the discrete electrically conductive layer act as a capacitor in the presence of alternating electrical current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Pilkington Automotive Deutschland GmbHInventor: Detlef Baranski
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Patent number: 8022333Abstract: The invention is aimed at a substrate, in particular window pane, with an electrically conducting and heatable coating, at least one communication window made in the latter in the form of an interruption of said coating, the window being able to allow communication radiation used as signal carrying information to be transmitted therethrough and whose wavelength lies in a span of wavelengths that can be reflected or absorbed by the coating, and another electrically conducting element in contact with at least one part of edges of the window and in contact with the coating, characterized in that the communication window is provided with an electrically conducting covering and linked electrically to the other electrically conducting element.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventor: Helmut Maeuser
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Patent number: 8022334Abstract: A heatable glass pane is disclosed. The glass pane includes two bus bars which are located parallel to a base edge of the glass pane and arranged essentially in a line in their axial direction, spaced apart a short distance from one another. The glass pane includes a set of heating wires which are in electrical contact with the two contact busbars and the heating wires have essentially the same lengths.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Peter Bäumler
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Publication number: 20110215078Abstract: A windshield heater includes a substrate that is sized and shaped to cover a typical automotive windshield when placed adjacent an interior side of the windshield. The device includes one or more heating elements supported by the substrate, with the heating elements being connected to a power source to carry an electrical current or other means of producing heat throughout the heating elements. The heating elements radiate heat toward the windshield, thereby warming the windshield and either defrosting it or preventing frost from building up in the first place. The heater may include a timer and thermal control circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Paridon Williams
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Publication number: 20110204037Abstract: A windshield heater for heating the bottom section of a vehicle windshield includes a heating element located proximate the windshield selectively energized by direct current from the electrical circuit of the vehicle. The heater may be a heating element directly adhered to the windshield. Alternatively, the heater may include a sleeve enveloping the length of the heating element and a corresponding length of compressible material to lodge the heater between the windshield and the adjacent section of a dashboard to place the heating element proximate the windshield.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: W. John Seaborn
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Publication number: 20110198334Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of obtaining a heated window, comprising depositing a continuous thin film of a transparent electronically conductive oxide, having a sheet resistance that is uniform over the entire area of the film, on a glass sheet; and subjecting the thin film to a plasma treatment in which a device that emits excited species of an oxygen plasma is placed facing a region of the thin film, and then a relative movement is created between the thin film and the device in order to treat differentially the various regions of the thin film, so that after the thin film has been treated it has regions with different sheet resistances.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: SAINT - GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Georges Zagdoun, Pierre Chaussade, Vincent Legois
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Patent number: 7987238Abstract: An on-line service manages downloads of digital content in response to user requests. User requests to download digital content include parameters defining conditions for downloads. Parameters may define the device to which the requested content is to be downloaded and the time that the download is to take place. The requests and related parameters are maintained in a queue which may be centrally managed and maintained. The queue is monitored and downloads executed consistent with the user-specified parameters. Digital content is downloaded to devices other than from which the request was made and at times specified by the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Jerry P. Hook, Jerry Alan Johnson, Paul S. Hellyar, Shyam Krishnamoorthy, Simon P. Attwell
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Publication number: 20110174796Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear window and a defroster assembly including heating lines extending across the rear window. A protective barrier at least partially covers the heating lines. The protective barrier includes a film that provides a barrier between the heating lines and sulfur gases generated by components of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Andrea L. Sterling, Corey B. Sargent, Mark T. Bacchus, Scott M. Ankeney
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Publication number: 20110155713Abstract: A defrost window includes a transparent substrate, a carbon nanotube film, a first electrode, a second electrode and a protective layer. The transparent substrate has a top surface. The carbon nanotube film is disposed on the top surface of the transparent substrate. The first electrode and the second electrode electrically connect to the carbon nanotube film and space from each other. The protective layer covers the carbon nanotube film.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Beijing Funate Innovation Technology Co., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Quan Wang, Liang Liu
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Patent number: 7964821Abstract: A window such as a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) has a de-icing feature. In certain example embodiments, a conductive structure is provided on an interior surface of a substrate of the window, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Vijayen S. Veerasamy, Daniel F Prone, Scott V. Thomsen
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Publication number: 20110132888Abstract: A connection device configured to equip a laminated glazing unit requiring an electrical connection to equipment outside of the glazing unit. The laminated glazing unit includes at least one set of two sheets having a glass function between which are positioned a lamination interlayer sheet and at least one current lead. The connection device includes conductive portions that extend both on the inside and outside of the glazing unit, the internal conductive region configured to be connected to the current lead(s) and the external conductive region configured for connection to the equipment outside of the glazing unit and protected by an insulating shell. The external conductive region with its insulating shell is in a form of a connection box for connection via wiring to the equipment outside the glazing unit, the box including a mechanism receiving the conductive portion inside the glazing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventor: Annabelle Andreau-Wiedermaier
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Patent number: 7928345Abstract: In an aircraft windshield defogging/deicing system, a pair of transparent sheets maintained in spaced facing relation by a transparent interlayer have a resistive coating positioned between the transparent sheets. An inverter is provided for applying to the resistive coating a square wave or quasi-square wave AC signal. In response to receiving this AC signal, the resistive coating generates heat, which reduces or avoids the accumulation of moisture or ice on the aircraft windshield.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Briggs
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Patent number: 7909665Abstract: An improved electrical connector for use with a glazing is disclosed. The glazing preferably comprises a ply of glazing material having a first electrically conductive component mounted thereon, and a second electrically conductive component, joined to the first by a solder. The second component comprises first and second connector feet linked by a bridge portion, the bridge portion being at a height h above each of the connector feet, and each of the feet comprises at least one protrusion having a height d. At least one of h or d is chosen to maximise the adhesion between the second electrically conductive component and the first electrically conductive component. Preferably, the glazing is an automotive glazing.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Pilkington Group LimitedInventor: Michael Lyon
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Publication number: 20110062139Abstract: A transparent glazing unit including a resistive heating coating that extends over a substantial part of the glazing unit, in particular over a main viewing field, and is electrically connected to at least two busbars such that, when an electrical supply voltage is applied between the busbars, a current flows, which heats a heating field in the coating. The heating field includes at least one semiresistive region in direct contact with at least one busbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventors: Lothar SCHMIDT, Carole Baubet, Marc Maurer
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Publication number: 20110030276Abstract: A rear slider window assembly includes a frame portion, at least one fixed window panel and at least one movable window panel that is movable along the frame portion. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position and has a first electrical element (such as a heater element) established thereat. The first electrical element is electrically connected to a power source of the vehicle irrespective of whether the movable window panel is in the opened or closed position. The first electrical element may be electrically connected to the power source of the vehicle via a flexible connector that is connected at one end to the first electrical element and at another end to an electrical connector at the fixed window panel, such as at an electrical element of the fixed window panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Dominic C. Smith, Troy F. Tooker, Darin J. Snider
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Patent number: 7880120Abstract: The inventive transparent window pane is provided with a resistive heating coating (2) which extends through a substantial portion of the window pane, in particular on a main view field (A) and is electrically connected to at least two conductor rails (4, 5) in such a way that, when an electric' supply voltage is applied between said conductor rails, a circulating current heats the coating heating field, wherein said heating field comprises at least one semi-resistive area (6) directly contacting at least on e conductor rail (4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Lothar Schmidt, Carole Baubet, Marc Maurer
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Publication number: 20110006050Abstract: The present invention is a heated sun shield assembly that has suction cups which attach the shield to the windshield of an automobile. The shade has a flexible opaque heated sheet that is attached to a flexible frame. The frame is designed and can be folded and twisted into a plurality of concentric loops that can be placed in a pouch for storage. The opaque sheet has affixed to one surface, a thermal electric foil or conductive ink grid, which connects to 12-volt supply wires, a 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter and a timer delay mechanism. Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide a collapsible or roll up heated sun shield assembly that can shade the interior of an automobile as well as defrost the windshield.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Joseph Patrick Nee, Sean Cody Bolduc
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Publication number: 20100314378Abstract: The invention relates to a glass pane (1), comprising at least two individual panes and an adhesive layer located in between them, with the glass pane (1) having a local heating area (8) which only extends over part of the overall area of the pane (1) and which can be heated by means of a heating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Jan Grunert, Wolfgang Von Avenarius, Dang Cuong Phan
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Publication number: 20100270280Abstract: A transparent window pane including an electrically heating coating that extends over a large part of the surface of the window pane, or over its field of vision, and which is electrically connected to at least two busbars of low electrical resistance, such that, after an electrical supply voltage has been applied to the busbars, an electrical current flows in a heating field formed by the coating. Further, a heating element includes conducting elements of low electrical resistance, or printed conducting tracks and/or wires, in a zone of the surface not heated by the coating, which preferably lies on the edge of the transparent window pane and on the same face as the coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Ariane Blanchard, Guenther Schall, Marc Maurer
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Patent number: 7816627Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an electric cable to a window pane. The system includes a generally elongated plate having a width approximately equal to a thickness of said pane, the plate being provided with a plurality of holes. A socket is fastened to the plate and is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the electric cable within it, the socket being in communication with an opening provided in the plate in order to permit electrical conductors to pass through the plate. The electric cable is fastened to the plate and the plate is fastened to an edge of the pane, in order to resist a 35 lb traction.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Prelco Inc.Inventors: Richard Langlais, Stephane Fournier, Stephane Mercier
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Publication number: 20100258547Abstract: The invention discloses an electrically heated window having minimised hot spots. The window comprises at least two plies of a glazing material having a ply of an interlayer material laminated therebetween. An array of heating wires is carried by one of the plies, the heating wires extending between a first electrical connection means and a second electrical connection means for supplying current through the wires, the first and second electrical connection means being substantially parallel to each other. The first electrical connection means is shaped so as to define a wire-free area to allow a data signal to be transmitted through the window to a device positioned in the vicinity of the wire-free area. The second electrical connection means is shaped to correspond to the first electrical connection means, such that the heating wires in the array have a substantially constant length.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Pilkington Group LImitedInventors: Mark Andrew Chamberlain, Jonathan Barclay Dixon
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Publication number: 20100252544Abstract: The invention relates to glazing units provided with conducting wires. The glazing units according to the invention comprise enameled conducting wires applied by screen-printing. When subjected to a “zebra” test (DIN 52305), in which the conducting wires are oriented parallel to those of the image of the test and the glazing receives the incident light beam at an angle of 30° C. in relation to the normal to the glazing, the increase in distortion in relation to that of the glazing without conducting wires is at most 70% and preferably at most 50%.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: AGC Flat Glass Europe SAInventor: Philippe Marquet
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Publication number: 20100252545Abstract: A system for effectively defrosting a plastic window includes a transparent plastic panel, a heater grid having a plurality of grid lines that are integrally formed with the plastic panel, and equalizing means for equalizing the electrical current traveling through each of the grid lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: EXATEC, LLCInventors: Keith D. Weiss, Yana Shvartsman
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Patent number: 7805896Abstract: A heated insulating glass panel, with a fitting, is provided. The heated insulating glass panel is formed from two dielectric sheets that are separated by a spacer, which has a spacer layer at the spacer edge. The fitting, which is made of a fitting base portion and a fitting tubular portion, is attached to the spacer layer at the spacer edge by way of, for example, two screws. Thus, the fitting provides a pathway for routing wires into and away from the heated insulating glass panel. If necessary, an elbow may be provided which attaches to the fitting tubular portion for changing the direction of the routing of the wires. In addition, conduit may be attached to the fitting to route the wiring to and from the heated insulating glass panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Engineered Glass Products, LLCInventors: Peter F. Gerhardinger, Dillon R. Ashton
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Publication number: 20100243632Abstract: A vehicle window panel includes a panel body having a plate shape and made of a resin material. The panel body integrally includes a window portion permitting light to pass therethrough. A conductive layer strip is formed on an interior surface of the window portion by applying a paste containing silver powder, as a main component, and thermosetting resin, as a binder, onto the interior surface. The layer strip has a width ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, both inclusive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: DAIKYONISHIKAWA CORPORATIONInventor: Tsuyoshi IGURA
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Publication number: 20100237055Abstract: A defrosting or defogging structure includes at least one optically transparent member and an optically transparent composite laminated to the optically transparent member(s). The optically transparent composite includes a thermally and electrically conductive filler material embedded in a polymer matrix. The filler material has at least one dimension on the nanoscale. The optically transparent composite is configured to heat the optically transparent member(s) when an electric current is applied thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ingrid A. Rousseau, Xinran Xiao
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Patent number: 7792998Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing a real-time streaming service between terminals by using a wired/wireless communication channel. The system for providing a real-time streaming service between terminals includes a server terminal for parsing and separately storing header information of media data, decoding and outputting each of video and audio data included in the media data, and providing header information and the media data being currently reproduced in response to a sharing request for the media data; and a client terminal for generating a decoder by means of the header information received from the server terminal according to the sharing request for the media data being reproduced in the server terminal, decoding the media data provided from the server terminal by means of the generated decoder, and outputting the media data.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Dong-Kyu Heo, Jin-He Jung, Sang-Bong Lee, Jeong-Hoe Ku
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Publication number: 20100219173Abstract: A viewing window for an optical sensor and/or detection system in a vehicle, wherein at least one viewing field of the optical system is defined within the viewing window. A window-heating device encircles the viewing field while the viewing field itself is designed to be free from integrated elements or surface-mounted elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: Andreas Gruber
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Publication number: 20100213183Abstract: A transparent window (1) has an electrically heatable coating, which extends over a substantial part of the area of the window (1), in particular over its viewing area (A). In addition, the coating is electrically connected to at least two mutually opposite low-impedance bus bars in such a way that, after an electrical feed voltage has been applied to the bus bars, a current flows between them over a heating area (21) formed by the coating. In this arrangement, there is between the bus bars and the heating area (21) at least one at least partially light-transmitting transitional region (15), the effective surface resistance of which is lower than the surface resistance of the coating. In order to obtain a transitional region (15) having the visual appearance of a band filter, it is proposed that the surface resistance in the at least one transitional region (15) increases in the direction from the assigned bus bar to the heating area (21).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCEInventor: Guenther Schall
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Patent number: 7783400Abstract: The present invention is an ice and snow elimination system for motor vehicles. The present invention is unique in that its counterintuitive features are activated when the engine is off. The system allows consumers to remotely activate the ice and snow elimination system in Standard Sentry Mode to keep the exterior car surfaces free of ice and snow. Automatic Sentry Mode functions in the same way except that no remote communication device is needed. The Ice Buster feature is used to quickly eliminate a large buildup of ice and snow (for economy cars) or, in mid-priced cars when the driver forgets to activate Standard Sentry Mode. Upon the availability of better conditions such as the onset of warmer weather, the ice and snow elimination system will shut down temporarily to optimize the system. Preferably, the system has three models available, one for luxury vehicles (Automatic Sentry Mode), another for mid-priced vehicles (Standard Sentry Mode), and another for economy vehicles (Ice Buster Feature).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Peter W Zimler
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Patent number: 7781705Abstract: A system for effectively defrosting a plastic window includes a transparent plastic panel, a heater grid having a plurality of grid lines that are integrally formed with the plastic panel, and equalizing means for equalizing the electrical current traveling through each of the grid lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Exatec, LLCInventors: Keith D. Weiss, Yana Shvartsman
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Publication number: 20100202052Abstract: A vehicle heating system employs a vehicle rearview mirror outer case that defines a cavity within which a mirror resides. A vehicle rearview mirror inner case may define a cavity and the rearview mirror inner case may reside within the rearview mirror outer case. A mirror surface or mirror structure, such as glass or plastic, may reside against the rearview mirror inner case to enclose the inner case, with the exception of air inlet and outlet tubes. A rearview mirror inlet tube may pass through the outer case and the inner case and permit air to enter the rearview mirror inner case. A rearview mirror outlet tube that passes through the outer case and the inner case may permit air to exit the rearview mirror inner case. An HVAC unit attaches to the rearview mirror inlet tube to blow air into the rearview mirror outer case or inner case.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Rajeev Sharma
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Publication number: 20100193494Abstract: A conductive composition having a conductive component, a glass frit component, an organic medium, a boride component and a platinum group metal component, is provided. Embodiments of the conductive composition incorporate a palladium component and boride component selected from ZrB2, TiB2 and LaB6 and combinations thereof and having a Mohs hardness of about 7 or greater. Embodiments of articles with a conductive composition disposed thereon and methods of preparing such articles are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: BASF Catalysts LLCInventors: Robert Prunchak, Francisco Vieira, Xuerong Gao, Virginia Garcia
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Patent number: 7748765Abstract: A sub-assembly of a lift-glass hinge is disclosed. The sub-assembly includes a conductive connection member including a central portion, a first terminal end and a second terminal end; a first conductive lead; and a second conductive lead, wherein each of the first and second conductive leads include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first conductive lead is connected proximate one of the first and second terminal ends of the conductive connection member, wherein the first end of the second conductive lead is connected proximate the central portion of the conductive connection member. A lift-glass hinge is also disclosed. A vehicle system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Byrnes, Timothy F. O'Brien, Daniel V. Beckley
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Publication number: 20100163675Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more sensors to monitor performance of one or more properties, e.g. a heating arrangement of the windshield, and to generate signals representative of the performance of the properties. One part of a connector, external of the transparency and connected to the sensors is connected to a system positioned in the aircraft. The system receives a signal from each of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine difference between performance of the property as indicated by the signal received and a preferred performance of the property to provide real time monitoring of the performance of the windshield. With this arrangement information regarding the performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.Inventors: Ali N. Rashid, Monroe A. Stone, James F. Priddy
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Patent number: 7731373Abstract: An electrically heated window intended to be fitted with an imaging device which views an object through a viewing area of the window. A resistance heating element comprises at least one electrically conductive wire extending across the viewing area a plurality of times along a plurality of arc-shaped path.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Maria Oskarsson, Jenny Hendenberg, Jan Rapo, Martin Petersson
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Patent number: 7718923Abstract: A sunshade for an automobile placed upon a dashboard in the interior of the vehicle provides a reflective outer surface to deflect heat and sunlight through the windshield into a vehicle during hot weather conditions and also provides the outer surface with heat strip elements when enabled during cold weather to provide a radiant heat to the windshield to prevent ice build-up on the windshield maintaining a clear windshield during freezing temperatures, the heat strip elements drawings a low voltage current from a rechargeable battery supply or a 12 volt DC power from a cigarette lighter plug, or both.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventors: Scott P. Hansen, Mary J. Hunt-Hansen
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Patent number: 7714254Abstract: A climate control device (1) with a heater (5), a ventilation device (7), and with an operating device (3). The operating device includes an operating element (9) that can be switched to at least three different operating states. The operating element (9) has a first and a second electrical resistance device (11, 11?, 13, 13?), the first of which is associated with the heater (5) and the second of which is associated with the ventilation device. The electrical resistance of the two resistance devices (11, 11?, 13, 13?) can be changed simultaneously by actuating the operating element (9).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Rainer Spee, Michael Seifert, Stefan Stöwe
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Patent number: 7700901Abstract: A glass panel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention may include a first glass sheet having an electro-conductive film provided thereon and a conductor positioned at a location on the electro-conductive film. A retainer engages an edge portion of the first glass sheet and the conductor so that the retainer applies a compressive pressure to the conductor. The compressive pressure enhances electrical contact between the conductor and the electro-conductive film.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Radiant Glass Industries, LLCInventors: Steve Busick, Gino Figurelli
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Patent number: 7696644Abstract: A power transfer system for imparting power to at least one functional element, such as a movable glass-containing functional element, such as a sliding glass door. The power transfer system preferably includes a magnetic induction power transfer mechanism with a power transfer circuit having first and second separated coils, and a resonant circuit power driver having a resonant frequency. The power transfer mechanism is designed to apply power to the functional element and/or to other devices or systems connected to it. The power transfer system may include an electronic feedback mechanism with an electronic feedback circuit for sensing a predetermined condition concerning the functional element.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: CookTek LLCInventors: Reinhard Metz, Warren Graber
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Publication number: 20100084389Abstract: A windshield deicer has a windshield with a substantially transparent heating element that generates heat in response to applied power in a magnitude sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice on the windshield; and a controller for limiting duration of the applied power such that a heat diffusion distance into the interfacial layer of ice and/or the windshield is less than about a thickness of the ice and/or the windshield. In an embodiment, the heating element is visually transparent semiconductor material having an electron gap larger than about 3 eV, and examples are given including ZnO and ZnS films. In another embodiment, the heating element is a transparent conductor made from indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide, metal, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the heating element dissipates at least 2 kilowatts per square meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: Victor F. Petrenko
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Publication number: 20100059495Abstract: The present invention provides interlayers that comprise a polymer film onto which micro lines have been formed from a conductive material. The interlayers comprising such films can be incorporated, for example, into a two glass pane multiple layer glazing. Such glazings can be used, for example, in automobile windscreens or rear window applications or other applications that require a heated glazing panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Pol D'Haene
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Patent number: RE41715Abstract: A glazing provided with an electric circuit includes an electrically conducting substrate and a terminal for making electrical connection thereto. The terminal is attached to the glazing by an adhesive, rather than solely by solder, and the electrical connection between the terminal and the substrate is provided by means other than, or additional to, physical contact between the terminal and the substrate. For instance, the adhesive may be electrically conducting, or a soldered joint may additionally be provided if the adhesive is electrically insulating, or of insufficient conductivity for the type of circuit in question. The adhesive may be pre-applied to the terminal, and may be a tack-free adhesive activated or cured by heat. The terminal may be in two parts, with the base part of a standardized design. The glazing is suitable for use in buildings, appliances or vehicles, especially automotive vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Pilkington Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Luigi Capriotti, Ciro Paudice