Abstract: The invention relates to using the heat generated during thermal treatment of one or more glass sheets to melt solder. In one nonlimiting embodiment, a lead providing external access to an electrical conductive arrangement, e.g. a conductive member between and connected to spaced bus bars between laminated sheets has an end portion of a connector, e.g. a lead soldered to each of the bus bars during thermal processing of the sheets, e.g. during the lamination of the sheets during a windshield manufacturing process. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the connector is soldered to the electrically conductive arrangement during the annealing of glass blanks following the heating and shaping of the glass blanks. Soldering the leads during the annealing or laminating process eliminated possible thermal damage to the sheet by having the sheet heated during the soldering operation instead of only a small surface portion of the sheet at and eliminates the cost of a separated soldering operation.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising finely divided particles of (a) an electrically-conductive material; (b) one or more inorganic binders; and (c) one or more metal(s) selected from cobalt, nickel, iron and bismuth, wherein components (a), (b) and (c) are dispersed in a liquid vehicle, in the manufacture of an electrically-conductive pattern on a substrate for the purpose of increasing the resistivity of said electrically-conductive pattern.

Abstract: A method of bonding a connector to an electrical conductor. The conductor is applied to a glass substrate and the connector is placed over the conductor. An ultrasonic welding apparatus is used to oscillate the connector relative to the conductor to bond the connector to the conductor while maintaining the temperatures of the connector and conductor below the predefined melting points and without damaging the glass substrate. In addition, an electrically conductive foil can be disposed between the connector and the conductor for ensuring electrical communication between the connector and the conductor.

Abstract: A heatable article, e.g. a heatable windshield, having a generally trapezoidal shape has a conductive member, e.g. a conductive coating, between and in contact with a pair of spaced bus bars having different lengths. Selected portions of the coating between the bus bars are segmented to reduce the difference in watt density between the coatings at the bus bars when current moves through the coating. In one non-limiting embodiment, the width of the segments at the longer bus bar is less than the width of the segments at the longer bus bar. With this configuration, the watt density at the bottom of the windshield is increased to more efficiently remove ice and snow. In another non-limiting embodiment, the coating has a communication window to pass frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. RF frequencies, to obtain information from within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a transparent panel and a conductive heater grid formed integrally with the transparent panel. The conductive heater grid has a first group of grid lines and a second group of grid lines, with opposing ends of each group being connected to first and second busbars. Grid lines of the second group are spaced between adjacent grid lines of the first group, with the width of the grid lines themselves in the second group being less than the width of the grid lines in the first group.

Abstract: An adjustable diving mask with a frame assembly has two-frames for mounting two lenses, and an angle adjusting mechanism mounted between the two frames for adjusting the included angle between the two frames, and accordingly, the included angle between the two lenses. The angle 10 adjusting mechanism includes a tight fit shaft having a tapered section and a non-circular section, about which the first and the second frame could be pivotally turned relative to each other to obtain a desired included angle between them.

Abstract: Methods for forming electrically conductive heated dielectric panels are provided. The panels are utilized for warming objects and/or insuring unobstructed viewing through the panels by removing moisture. The methods include depositing electrically conductive metal bus bars onto the dielectric panel, onto which panel a conductive coating has previously been disposed. The conductive metal bus bars are deposited onto the coated dielectric panel through the use of a circularly rotating or an inline heating head and mask apparatus, in combination with an oxyacetylene or a plasma device. A metallic tab, which extends from the panel peripheral edge, is brought into electrical contact with each conductive metal bus bar for external electrical connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing electrically conducting tracks on a transparent substrate, by screen printing with an electrically conducting paste, and to the transparent substrate provided with said tracks. According to the invention, conducting tracks are formed with a width less than or equal to 0.3 mm by applying, by screen printing, a thixotropic electrically conducting paste having a ratio of the viscosity without shear stress to the viscosity under shear stress under screen-printing conditions of at least 50 and having a silver content greater than 35% and of which at least 98% of the particles which form it have a size less than 25 ?m, by means of a screen having at least 90 threads per cm, the coating of said screen being provided with slots, the narrowest width of which is equal to 0.25 mm±0.05 mm, and by subjecting said tracks to baking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-reflecting windshield that includes a laminated glass sheet and a detecting device for optically detecting a target object such as water droplets. The laminated glass sheet includes a first glass sheet, a heat-reflecting film formed on the first glass sheet, an intermediate film and a second glass sheet. The detecting device is disposed on a main surface of the laminated glass such that a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element in the device are arranged in a predetermined region of the main surface, and the predetermined region is rubbed by a windshield wiper. The heat-reflecting film includes at least three dielectric layers and at least two metal layers, and the heat-reflecting film is not formed in said predetermined region.

Abstract: A defroster for a heat exchanger includes a heat transfer plate on the heat exchanger; a thin film heater arranged on the heat transfer plate; and a power supply wire connected to the film heater for supplying power to the film heater. The defroster can be fabricated by forming a masking layer with a certain shape on an electrically resistant substrate; patterning a thin film heater on the substrate based on the shape of the masking layer; adhering the film heater to a heat transfer plate; and connecting a power supply to the film heater. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a defrosting performance of the heat exchanger and use an environment-friendly, alternative refrigerant with the relatively, low temperature defroster of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heated window with an electrically conducting surface coating that may be electrically connected as a heating element to a voltage source using a first and a second current-collecting rail and that is split into a first part, a heated look-through region, and a second part, an additional heated region. In the heated window at least two current-collecting rails are arranged in the additional heated region so that the direction in which the current flows in the additional heated region is roughly perpendicular to the direction in which the current flows in the heated look-through region.

Abstract: An automotive glazing panel has an electrically heatable solar control coating layer, spaced first and second bus bars positioned respectively adjacent a first and a second side edge of the glazing panel and adapted to relay electrical power to the coating layer and a data transmission window positioned adjacent the top edge of the glazing. This arrangement may be used to alleviate or reduce perturbations to heating of the glazing panel caused by the presence of the data transmission window.

Abstract: An electrically conductive heated glass panel assembly, control system, and method for producing panels are provided to warm objects and to insure unobstructed viewing through glass by removing moisture. An integrated connection circuit interconnects glass sheets, which have a low emissivity conductive coating deposited thereon. The circuit includes copper bus bars that are disposed onto the conductive coating through the use of a circularly rotating or an inline heating head and mask apparatus. A metallic tab, which extends from the glass sheet's peripheral edge, is disposed onto each conductive metal bus bar for external electrical connectivity. Two types of glazing channels are offered to interconnect multiple panels to external circuits and controls. A solid-state controller may be provided to obtain sensor control signals so as to drive a triac circuit that provides current flow through the panel for the desired heating.

Abstract: An automotive transparency having a heatable wiper rest area includes a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet secured together by an interlayer material. An opaque band is positioned on the inner surface of the outer glass sheet along a portion of an edge of the outer sheet at an expected wiper rest areas; and an electrically conductive member is positioned on a major surface of the second glass sheet and extends along an edge portion of the second sheet at the wiper rest area. A plurality of bus bars positioned in electrical contact along the conductive member divides the conductive member into a plurality of heatable areas with a first lead electrically interconnecting selected ones of the bus bars and a second lead electrically interconnecting other selected ones of the bus bars with overlying portions of the first and second leads electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A snow removal system for melting snow from the body of a vehicle is disclosed. The snow removal system includes a control assembly being designed for operationally coupling to a power supply of the vehicle. A plurality of conducting strips are operationally coupled to the control assembly. The conducting strips are designed for being coupled to the body of the vehicle. The control assembly distributes power through the conducting strips whereby the conducting strips generate heat when power is passed through the conducting strips for warming the body of the vehicle to melt snow on the vehicle.

Abstract: Windshield wiper apparatus is provided to substantially increase the amount of heat and the speed with which the heat is delivered to the wiper mechanism and blade to clean the ice and snow accumulation. Hot air is provided from either or both the exhaust system or a special electric heater directly into the modified windshield wiper and onto the windshield.

Abstract: A composite laminate useable in the manufacture of articles having a member responsive to electrical stimuli, e.g. changes transmission, and/or is heated, as current passes through the member includes a pair of spaced bus bars adhesively secured to a major surface of a plastic sheet in a spaced relationship to one another. Each of the bus bars includes, among other things, an end portion having a protective sleeve and an air barrier to prevent air from moving between the inner surfaces of the protective sleeve and the underlying surface of the end portion of the bus bar. A method of making the composite laminate is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle safety device for melting ice and snow on roadways and in areas immediately adjacent the vehicle tires includes ductwork extending from a heater mounted adjacent the vehicle engine with the ductwork terminating at front and rear undercarriage mounted v-shaped ducts. Each v-shaped duct includes a pair of heating vents disposed adjacent each vehicle tire that blows heated air onto the roadway for melting the ice and snow. A heating grid is securable to the vehicle undercarriage for providing additional radiant heat to melt ice and snow, and a dashboard-mounted control panel provides for the manual activation of the heater and the heating grid while sensors mounted to the undercarriage and electrically connected to the control panel provide for automatic activation of the heater and heating grid upon sensing a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An automotive glazing panel has an electrically heatable solar control coating layer, spaced first and second bus bars adapted to relay electrical power to the coating layer. The glazing panel is provided with at least two, spaced data transmission windows positioned at least partially in contact with the heatable solar control coating layer which are separated by a portion of the glazing panel which is in electrical contact with the electrically heatable solar control coating layer.

Abstract: A cut-to-length heating system including a heating cable having a first conductor with a first resistivity and a second conductor with a second resistivity. The heating cable having a first end and a second end with the first conductor being electrically connected to the second conductor at the first end. The first resistivity substantially higher than the second resistivity. An average power limiting device electrically connecting the first conductor and the second conductor at the second end.

Abstract: An electrically conductive film contains electrically connected first and second visible light-transmissive metal or metal alloy layers separated by a visible light-transmissive crosslinked polymeric layer. The film can be joined or laminated into glazing (especially non-planar vehicular safety glazing) with reduced likelihood that the metal or metal alloy layers will be damaged or distorted. The film also can transparently shield a device that can cause or is sensitive to electromagnetic interference with reduced likelihood that the metal or metal alloy layers will fracture.

Abstract: A window includes an ice removal structure thereon for weakening the adhesion strength of ice to the window upon an application of voltage. The ice removal structure is at least partially covered and/or coated with a layer of diamond-like carbon (DLC) in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the DLC may be of a type known as ta-C which can be very dense and have a large number of sp3 carbon-carbon bonds. The DLC protects the ice removal structure, and in certain instances can act as a semiconductor in order to aid ice removal. In other embodiments, the ice removal structure may include first and second substantially transparent electrodes sandwiching an anodized layer with columnar structure therebetween.

Abstract: Heating of a functional unit is started by a control device. An actual temperature or a parameter dependent on the actual temperature is monitored during, and optionally before and after the actual heating of the functional unit. A characteristic feature of the time course of the actual temperature or of the parameters dependent on the heating temperature, which determines the phase transition of water, serves for the evaluation and control of the heating. Analysis of the characteristic features is used to control the heating power of the heating elements. Threshold values and further factors such as proportionality factors for the controller, for example, are determined depending upon significant characteristics. The threshold values and factors are also particularly used for a subsequent starting of the heating using the corresponding analysis and control.

Abstract: A heated window including at least one rigid pane, at least two current busbars of different polarity placed substantially parallel close to one edge of the heated window at different distances from the edge, and linear heating resistors electrically connected thereto. The busbars lie sideways to the heating resistors and the heating resistors start from a first current busbar and, passing over the other current busbar while being insulated therefrom, in the direction of the window surface and in at least one loop, return toward the other current busbar and are electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: Opposing substrates of a vehicle window are laminated to one another using a polymer inclusive interlayer which has a notch or cut-out portion defined therein. Following lamination, at least one bus bar(s) supported by one of the substrates is exposed in this notch or cut-out portion of the interlayer. Then, an external connector may be electrically connected to the bus bar(s) at a location between the opposed substrates, by sliding a portion of the connector into a gap between the two laminated substrates at a location where the bus bar(s) is exposed due to the notch or cut-out in the interlayer. Because the connector can be electrically connected to the bus bar(s) after the lamination process, various techniques (e.g., nipper rolls, vacuum apparatus, etc.) may be used to laminate the substrates to one another prior to this electrical connection.

Abstract: A heatable window (e.g., vehicle windshield) includes a heatable layer including one or more conductive layers. The heatable layer may be a single layer conductive coating, or alternatively may be a multi-layer heatable coating including one or more dielectric layer(s) in addition to one or more heatable conductive layer(s). Bus bars are provided so that a voltage may be applied across at least one conductive layer of the coating, in order to heat the layer so that the coating generates heat for defogging, deicing and/or desnowing the window. At least a portion of one of the bus bars includes both an underlying conductive base layer portion, and an overlying conductive braid portion that is conductively attached to the conductive base portion. The braid portion significantly increases the current capacity of the bus bar portion if so desired.

Abstract: A microwave-heatable apparatus for defrosting a windshield includes a housing that has first and second sections integral with each other and selectively movable between open and closed positions. The first and second sections each has an elongated slot formed therein and for advantageously allowing air to flow upwardly therethrough respectively. The first and second sections each has a chamber defined about the respective slots thereof and a plurality of heat-absorbing members positioned within the chambers respectively for dissipating thermal energy so that as air passes upwardly through the slot the air will become heated.

Abstract: An electrically conductive coating of an automotive heatable windshield has a communication window having an enhanced frequency selective surface having arranged passing areas (uncoated areas) and blocking areas (coated areas) to pass and block, respectively, predetermined wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the frequency selective surface includes a pattern having a first plurality of arcuate break lines on one side of a dividing break line and a second plurality of arcuate break lines on the other side of the dividing break line. An elongated continuous blocking area is between adjacent break lines. The arcuate break lines of a group are nested within one another with the arcuate break line having the largest radius of curvature adjacent the dividing break line. The break lines each have alternating blocking and passing areas.

Abstract: A heatable laminate includes a first substrate; an electrically conductive member on a portion of the first substrate; a pair of spaced bus bars each bus bar being in electrical contact with the electrically conductive member; a second substrate overlaying and the electrically conductive member and bus bars; an interlayer positioned between the two substrates; a first leads connected to one of bus bars and a second lead connected to the other bus bar, each lead having an end extending beyond the periphery of the first substrate to provide external electrical access to the bus bars; an electrically non-conductive sleeve over selected portions of each of the lead; and air barriers along selected portions of the sleeve to prevent air from enter between the substrates.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. a laminated windshield has a pair of spaced bus bars on an electric conductive member e.g. an electric conductive coating on a glass sheet. The perimeter of the coating is spaced from the peripheral edge of the sheet to provide a non-conductive strip. Ends the bus bars extend into the non-conductive strip to minimize/eliminate hot spots at the end portions of the bus bars. An additional feature to reduce hot spots includes bus bars having different lengths with portions of the coating between the bus bars not extending beyond the ends of the longer bus bar. In another, the windshield has a vision area, a bus bar between the top edge of the coating and the top edge of the vision area and a bus bar between the bottom edge of the coating and bottom edge of the vision area.

Abstract: A heated window consisting of at least one rigid pane, at least two current busbars of different polarity placed substantially parallel close to one edge of the heated window at different distances from the edge and linear heating resistors electrically connected thereto, characterized in that the busbars lie sideways to the heating resistors and the heating resistors (2) start from a first current busbar (4) and, passing over the other current busbar (3) while being insulated therefrom, in the direction of the window surface and in at least one loop, return toward the other current busbar (3) and are electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminated glass sheet for windshield that includes a transparent conductive film and enables ITS communication. The laminated glass sheet includes a first bus-bar aranged along an upper end of the laminated glass sheet, and a second bus-bar arranged along a lower end of the laminated glass sheet, and the first busbar includes a protruding portion that extends toward the second bus-bar, and the transparent conductive film is not formed in a concave portion that is formed by the protruding portion. Since the concave portion can be used for the communication, the conductive film may be free from an opening.

Abstract: A device for implementing control or regulating functions in a motor vehicle having at least one control unit, at least one peripheral element, and at least one control module. The peripheral element is connected to the control unit and receives and/or sends signals, and the control or regulating functions are implemented by a triggering and/or analysis of the signals of the peripheral element. The device also includes at least one control module connected between the control unit and the peripheral element, the control module being composed of an electronic unit and a flexible extension, and the peripheral element being contacted to the flexible extension.

Abstract: A heatable vehicle window includes a bottom bus bar and a plurality of top bus bars. Voltages or electric potentials applied to the top bus bars are different, so that a first one of the top bus bars is at a given electric potential and another one of the top bus bars is at another electric potential (i.e., the voltages/potentials are offset from one another). The degree to which the top bus bar voltages/potentials are offset relative to one another is a function of the distance each respective bus bar is from the bottom bus bar across the heatable layer(s). Given a substantially continuous heatable layer(s), this can in certain example embodiments enable approximately uniform heating of the window (e.g., laminated vehicle windshield, laminated vehicle backlite, or laminated vehicle sidelite).

Abstract: The present invention also provides a transparency having a heatable wiper rest area comprising: a first glass sheet having an outer major surface and an inner major surface; a second glass sheet having an outer major surface and an inner major surface, wherein the inner major surface of the first glass sheet faces the inner major surface of the outer glass sheet; an interlayer material securing the inner major surface of the first glass sheet to the inner major surface of the second glass sheet; an opaque band positioned on the inner major surface of the outer glass sheet along at least a portion of a selected edge of the outer glass sheet at an expected wiper rest area; and a wiper rest area heating arrangement.

Abstract: A heating element or heater for use with an automotive windshield is adapted to prevent the accumulation of ice and slush on windshield wipers. The heater is defined by a laminate having an electrical resistance member sandwiched between the first and second films forming the laminate. Contacts extend out of the laminate for connection to a source of power. The electrical resistance member, preferably, comprises a resistance wire which reaches a temperature sufficient to melt snow and ice accumulating on the windshield wipers, but which is insufficient to melt the laminate or to create a fire hazard. Optimally, the heater is powered through an automotive lighter outlet or accessory power outlet disposed within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a panel-type heating element having an excellent durability and high effectiveness in power saving. To attain this object, the present invention provides a panel-type heating element consisting of a base which a thin film containing zinc oxide and tin oxide can form a layer upon. The panel-type heating element is advantageously manufactured by a method comprising spraying a solution containing a zinc compound and a tin compound on a base. The solution then oxidizes by heating the base in a high temperature reaction chamber to form a thin film consisting of sediment containing zinc oxide and tin oxide on the surface of the base. As a result, the thin film gives the base excellent acid, water and chemical resistance, and heats quickly.

Abstract: A heatable article, e.g. a heatable windshield, having a generally trapezoidal shape has a conductive member, e.g. a conductive coating, between and in contact with a pair of spaced bus bars having different lengths. Selected portions of the coating between the bus bars are segmented to reduce the difference in watt density between the coatings at the bus bars when current moves through the coating. In one non-limiting embodiment, the width of the segments at the longer bus bar is less than the width of the segments at the longer bus bar. With this configuration, the watt density at the bottom of the windshield is increased to more efficiently remove ice and snow. In another non-limiting embodiment, the coating has a communication window to pass frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. RF frequencies, to obtain information from within the vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a reservoir for holding windshield washer fluid, and an applicator system for furnishing washer fluid from the reservoir to an exterior surface of the vehicle. A heat transfer system recovers heat from a braking system of the vehicle and conveys the recovered heat to the washer fluid contained within the reservoir.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle having a body with a removable soft top and a separate rear window with an electrically-operable component. The rear window being selectively attachable to and removable from the top. A separable fastener assembly such as a zipper is provided with the top and the rear window so that the electrically-operated component is electrically connected with a vehicle power supply upon attachment of the rear window to the soft top.

Abstract: Localized heating of a window, such as a vehicle windshield or sidelight, is provided by dividing an optical coating that is electrically conductive into high and low heating zones. While the conductive coating covers substantially the entirety of the window, the coating is patterned to establish a preselected heating power density pattern. In one application, bus-to-bus dimensions are kept short and opposite polarity high heating zones are placed in a side-by-side relationship, so that the major portion of the window is left unheated and the bus connections may be placed along the same window edge. In another application, the bus-to-bus dimensions are significantly larger, but power concentration is provided by a pattern of isolation lines that narrow the dimensions of current flow through a zone in which heating is desired.

Abstract: An automotive glazing panel has an electrically heatable solar control coating layer, spaced first and second bus bars adapted to relay electrical power to the coating layer. The glazing panel is provided with at least two, spaced data transmission windows positioned at least partially in contact with the heatable solar control coating layer which are separated by a portion of the glazing panel which is in electrical contact with the electrically heatable solar control coating layer.

Abstract: A laminate, e.g. a heatable windshield has a pair of glass sheets laminated together about a member responsive to electrical stimuli, e.g. changes transmission or is heated as current passes through the member. A pair of spaced bus bars is in surface contact with the conductive member, and a lead assembly associated with each of the bus bars has a lead in contact with its respective bus bar and extends beyond the periphery of the sheets. The lead assembly further includes first and second air barriers to prevent air from moving between the sheets after the edge sealing procedure and during autoclaving of the laminate subassembly. The first air barrier is an adhesive between surfaces of the lead and inner surfaces of an electric and mechanical protective sleeve positioned over portions of its respective lead.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. a laminated heatable windshield has a pair of spaced bus bars on an electric conductive member e.g. a sputtered electric conductive coating. The perimeter of the coating is spaced from the peripheral edge of the sheet to provide a non-conductive strip. Electric conductive leads connected to the bus bars provide external electric access to the bus bars. End portions of each of the bus bar extend beyond the perimeter of the coating into the non-conductive strip to minimize, if not eliminate, hot spots at the end portions of the bus bars. Additional features to reduce hot spots includes the pair of bus bars having different lengths with one of the bus bar extending along the top side of the coating and one of the bus bars extending along the bottom side of the coating. The portions of the coating between the bus bars do not extend beyond the ends of the longer bus bar.

Abstract: An air-conditioner for use in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle includes an electric heater for heating water circulating through a heater core and a compressor for compressing refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle. The electric heater is powered by an on-board battery, and the compressor is also driven by the same on-board battery. When a voltage of the on-board battery abnormally increases to a first predetermined level, the electric heater is switched off to prevent the electric heater from being overheated. When the voltage further increases to a second predetermined level, operation of the compressor is also terminated. Thus, the electric heater is properly protected from the abnormally high voltage while properly keeping performance of the air-conditioner.

Abstract: An automotive glazing panel having an electrically heatable solar control coating layer, spaced first and second bus bars adapted to relay electrical power to the coating layer and a data transmission window positioned at least partially in contact with the heatable solar control coating layer is arranged such that at least a portion of the periphery of the data transmission window is bounded by an electrically conductive band having an electrical resistance measured in ohms per square significantly less than the electrical resistance measured in ohms per square of the heatable solar control coating layer. This may be used to minimize perturbations to the heating of the glazing caused by the presence of the data transmission window and/or provide more even heating over the entire windscreen.

Abstract: A glass pane including at least a glass sheet provided with heating strips powered by collectors, the heating strips being divided in groups. The power supply of the different groups is provided sequentially, each group being powered once per sequence. The supply is provided by a device equipped to measure the outside temperature and the temperature of the outer surface of the glass, to determine a minimum heating time for each group according to the outside temperature, and to maintain the heating in the group as long as the outer surface temperature of the glass opposite the group is not higher than the melting point of ice.

Abstract: A condensation control system to remove or prevent condensation on a surface, such as a mirror. The condensation control system has a first terminal that is adapted to be directly connected to an AC power source and a second terminal. In one embodiment, the condensation control system includes a heating element, a power regulation device having a trigger, a voltage divider having an output, and a humidity sensor. The heating element is electrically coupled in series with the power regulation device between the first and second terminals. The voltage divider is electrically coupled in series between the first and second terninals and in parallel with the heating element and the power regulation device. The humidity sensor is electrically coupled between the output of the voltage divider and the trigger of the power regulation device.

Abstract: A hand held device is deployed adjacent to the inside surface of a window so as to remove ice from the outside surface of the window by employing infrared heat energy that melts the ice adjacent to the interface of the ice and the window. As the ice adjacent to that interface is melted, the remaining unmelted ice is free to slide away. The device is moved across the inside of the window, thereby removing the ice from substantially the entire outside surface of the window. The device may be closed for transportation, and opened for use. It also includes a normally “off” safety switch to activate the infrared heat energy source.