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: 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: A vehicle is provided with an external mirror which is, in turn, equipped with a defroster. Means are provided for displaying a visual indication on the mirror when the defroster is activated. When a driver operates a manual switch within the vehicle, current is supplied from the vehicle's source of potential to the defroster and to the display means causing it to display an appropriate symbol or symbols.

Abstract: A heatable mirror having a transparent surface element made from a substrate of inorganic material and at least one reflective layer as well as at least one heat-conducting layer applied to the substrate and/or the reflective layer and which has contact elements. The heat-conducting layer is formed by conductive particles having an average diameter of 3 to 100 &mgr;m at least partially embedded in the surface of the substrate and/or the reflective layer and the heat-conducting layer is designed to be over the entire surface or strip-like, wherein the non-conductive region for the strip-like embodiment is an insulating separating layer between the strips.

Abstract: A wall-mounted mirror which can be convectively and radiatively heated to prevent fogging by a sheet heater separated from the mirror interior surface by an air gap. The mirror is electrically insulated and grounded to prevent electric shock.

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: An apparatus for preventing the formation of ice on a substrate exposed to an outdoor environment or for preventing condensation of moisture in a cabinet for electrical equipment includes a sensor for measuring the temperature of the ambient air around the substrate or around or in the cabinet and calculates the rate of change of the temperature of the ambient air. The apparatus further includes a sensor for measuring the temperature of the substrate or of a surface of or inside the cabinet. A heater supplies heat to the substrate or cabinet in response to pre-arranged conditions dependent on the outputs of the sensors and on the calculated rate of change of the temperature of the ambient air. The apparatus for preventing condensation may optionally omit the sensor for measuring the temperature of a surface of or inside the cabinet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a heating element to a glass substrate. The heating element is formed of a plurality of conductive polymer thick film inks screen printed on the substrate. The heating element includes a resistive strip or resistor, conductive strips or conductors, and terminal portions, which form part of an electrical circuit. Electrical power applied to the terminal portions causes current to flow through the resistive strip, which generates heat through resistive heating. The heat is transferred to the substrate. The method of applying the heating element to the substrate includes, in one embodiment, screen printing polymer thick film materials onto a surface of a glass substrate to form the circuit conductors and resistive elements and surface mounting other components of the circuit on the substrate.

Abstract: A heatable rear view mirror assembly providing a visible indication to a driver of heating function is disclosed. The assembly includes a mirror housing, at least one mirror pane disposed within the mirror housing, at least one heating element disposed within the mirror housing for heating the mirror pane, a thermostat disposed within the mirror housing for automatically activating the heating element, and a display element secured to the mirror housing and visible to the driver, the display element being activated by the thermostat upon activation of the heating element. A related mirror assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature control device comprising a heater element and a power source. The heater element having a conductive ink affixed to a substrate. The power source connected to the conductive ink to supply power to said conductive ink, thereby heating the heater element.

Abstract: A heater for a lighted signal mirror assembly is disclosed. The heater delivers a diffused lighted signal to the mirror assembly. The heater also provides heating capabilities to substantially an entire reflective surface of the mirror assembly, including that portion on the reflective surface of the mirror assembly surrounding that area through which the diffused lighted signal is emitted.

Abstract: A fogless heated mirror for incorporation into a shower surround, bathtub surround, whirlpool surround, sauna surround and any other similar surround that may be exposed to direct contact with water or a very high concentration of steam. The fog-free mirror 10 of the present invention for incorporation into a shower or tub surround 12 generally includes a mirror 14, a heater pad 16, and an electrical connection assembly 18.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated pane (1), in particular heating or aerial pane, having electrically conductive wires (2) which are embedded in a thermoplastic adhesion layer (3) and are in electrical contact in particular with at least one connection element, and is distinguished by the fact that the wires (2) comprise at least two conductive material layers, one of which consists of a metal which can withstand high mechanical loads and the other of which consists of a metal of higher electrical conductivity and good solderability. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the laminated pane (1), there are electrically conductive wires (2) which have a core which is made from a metal which can withstand mechanical loads and is sheathed by a metal of higher conductivity and good solderability.

Abstract: A wall-mounted cabinet having a pivotable door with opposed exterior and interior mirrors which can be convectively and radiatively heated to prevent fogging, by a sheet heater between the two mirrors. The exterior mirror is electrically insulated, and the exterior and interior mirrors are grounded to prevent electric shock.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a heating element to a glass substrate. The heating element is formed of a plurality of conductive polymer thick film inks screen printed on the substrate. The heating element includes a resistive strip or resistor, conductive strips or conductors, and terminal portions, which form part of an electrical circuit. Electrical power applied to the terminal portions causes current to flow through the resistive strip, which generates heat through resistive heating. The heat is transferred to the substrate. The method of applying the heating element to the substrate includes, in one embodiment, screen printing polymer thick film materials onto a surface of a glass substrate to form the circuit conductors and resistive elements and surface mounting other components of the circuit on the substrate.

Abstract: The “Defogger” is a new device developed from several existing components, which will eliminate fog or condensation formed from the floating vapor molecules produced from showers, which collects on the face of a bathroom mirror. This combination of components has not been structured, built, or utilized to perform this function explained in the specification as to my knowledge and through extensive research on the subject matter. The “Defogger” has been devised as a new device, which will eliminate fog or condensation from a mirror, unlike such existing mechanisms, this invention works better and faster than the present standard existing moisture removal systems, or for example, “The Bathroom Ceiling Fan.” The “Defogger” can be utilized in hotels, motels, homes, or any where steam/vapor travel can accumulate onto glass or mirror surfaces.

Abstract: A defrosting assembly for a mirror of a vehicle for keeping sideview mirrors free of ice. The defrosting assembly for a mirror of a vehicle includes a transparent planar sheet and an electrical wire. The electrical wire has a medial portion that is coupled to the transparent planar sheet. An adhesive is coupled to a face of the planar sheet. The adhesive may be coupled to the mirror of the vehicle thereby coupling the planer sheet and medial portion of the electrical wire to the mirror. The electrical wire is designed to couple to a battery of the vehicle thereby creating an electrical current through the electrical wire. The electrical current passing through the electrical wire heats the electrical wire. The heating of the electrical wire defrosts the mirror.

Abstract: An electrically heated backlite assembly and method of making same includes a glass panel and an opaque, electrically nonconductive coating bonded to the glass panel. The electrically nonconductive coating has an outer surface with a plurality of first undulations at selected locations. The electrically heated backlite assembly also includes an electrically conductive coating overlying and bonded to the electrically nonconductive coating. The electrically conductive coating has a generally smooth outer surface and an inner surface with a plurality of second undulations complementary to the first undulations at the selected locations. The electrically heated backlite assembly includes a conductor strip attached to the electrically conductive coating at the selected locations and for connection to a source of power to provide power to the electrically conductive coating to heat the glass panel to de-ice and defog the glass panel.

Abstract: Vacuum deposition processes such as sputter-depositing are employed to deposit electrically conductive bus bars onto thin film transparent conductor sheets. These assemblies provide efficient and durable electrical connections to the conductor sheets which can be laminated into glazing structures such as automotive windshields to provide resistance heating for defogging and deicing or the provide an electrical connection for in-window antennas and in window radiation shields.

Abstract: A deposit (1) or a conventional radiator (1′), duly connected to the hot water system of the space housing mirror (8), a deposit which is flat and adapted in shape and size to mirror (8), and attached to its rear surface either by the cover of deposit (1) itself or through a plate (9) which replaces cover and in any case acts as a damper and diffuser of the heat reaching mirror (8), so that the thermal intensity is suitable and it is evenly distributed throughout the entire surface of the mirror, thus adequately heating it preventing the known fogging due to the humidity saturated atmosphere caused by a shower or bath.

Abstract: A heated bed for dogs, cats or other animals which can provide a selected amount of heat to the animal depending upon environmental temperatures. The bed includes a hollow blanket casing within which is disposed at least three layers of foam insulation material placed one on top of another. A removable heating element is interposed between two adjacent layers of the foam material and supplies heat to the animal resting on the bed. The amount of heat delivered to the animal is regulated by selectively positioning the heating element between different adjacent layers of the foam material. The heating element is connected to a power source via a step down transformer which converts high voltage energy into lower voltage energy to minimize the danger of serious shock to the animal.

Abstract: A flat resistance heating device with a heating layer including of a material having a positive resistance/temperature coefficient to which current or voltage can be applied via electrodes. In order to reduce the current uptake in the switch-on phase and hence to reduce the risk of a burn-through effect, the individual heating elements of the resistance heating device have a meniscus shape, so that they heat more rapidly in the narrow region when switched on and hence reduce the current uptake.

Abstract: The heater is formed from a substrate layer, a feeder buss layer, a dielectric layer, a PTF (polymer thick film) conductor or main buss layer, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor layer and an external laminated adhesive layer. All of the layers are substantially coextensive. The feeder buss layer, dielectric layer, main buss layer and PTC thermistor layers are preferably screen printed or otherwise selectively applied. The feeder buss layer includes first and second external electrical terminals formed on a single side thereof, and a buss for providing electrical communication from the first terminal to a connector diagonally removed from the second terminal. The connector and the second terminal provide electrical communication to diagonally opposed corners of the PTF conductor or main buss layer thereby providing relatively uniform current path distances through the thermistor layer.

Abstract: A window is provided which includes an array of fine, closely spaced wires through which electric current is passed to heat the window. Such windows are useful as vehicle windows, e.g. windscreens, because the heating disperses ice or condensation on the surface of the window, thereby improving visibility. According to the invention, at least some of the wires extend along diverging lines, so that the heated area extends over substantially the whole of the transparent portion of the window. It is also described how to achieve a sufficiently uniform heating effect over the extended heated area. A method of manufacturing such windows, and an apparatus for forming such arrays of wires, are also provided.

Abstract: In a mirror with a heater, a reflective heating resistor film, or a reflection film and a heating resistor film, are formed on a mirror base plate. The heating resistor film is provided with at least one pair of electrodes to apply electricity to and heat the film. The reflective heating resistor film, reflection film and/or heating resistor film are so arranged as to form a clear visible image and to be heated. The temperature of the mirror surface can be controlled, and the electrodes are formed so as to heat the entire surface of the mirror uniformly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring current flow through a resistive heating element and for detecting breakage of the heating element. In one preferred embodiment the heating element is disposed on a vehicle window. A current is passed through the heating element continuously, even when the vehicle ignition is turned off. A differential amplifier is used to generate a signal representative of the current flow through the heating element which is indicative of whether the heating element is functioning properly or has been broken. The signal is converted from an analog to a digital signal by an analog to digital convertor and then subsequently output to a controller or computer. From this signal the computer determines if the heating element has been broken. The apparatus and method can be used for a variety of functions, but has particular utility in detecting if a window supporting the heating element has been broken such as during an attempted theft.

Abstract: A planar heating device for a mirror. The device comprises a glass film 18 formed on a metallic chrome film 16b on the back side of the mirror; a group of electrodes formed on the glass film, the group including main electrodes 3, 4, power terminal lead electrodes 5, 6 and sub-electrodes 7, 8; a resistance film 9 formed so as to cover the sub-electrodes; an electrically insulating film 20 formed on the resistance film 9 and the group of electrodes; and power terminals 11, 12 or power lead lines soldered to the respective power terminal lead electrodes 5, 6. The glass film 18 is formed directly on the back side of the mirror by screen printing or a spray process. The group of electrodes and the resistance film 9 are formed directly on the back side of the mirror by screen printing. Silver electrically conductive ink having inorganic glass as binder is used as a material for the group of electrodes.

Abstract: A method of producing mirrors comprising depositing onto a ribbon of hot glass during the production process a coating comprising at least one pyrolytic reflecting layer and at least two reflection enhancing layers, the last applied or outer of the enhancing layers also serving as a protective layer for the coating. The mirrors have a visible light reflection of at least 35% and less than 70% and exhibit a bright silver or chrome appearance. There is also a provided a mirror having such a coating.

Abstract: A multi-layer heating and antenna element for mounting to a mirror plate of a vehicle rear view mirror assembly includes a heating foil layer secured to a surface of the mirror plate for heating the mirror plate, a conducting layer adjacent the heating foil layer for providing a heating current to the heating foil layer, an antenna layer, and at least one insulating layer between the conducting layer and the antenna layer for insulating the antenna layer from the conducting layer. A rear view mirror assembly mountable to a mirror housing includes a mirror carrier plate having a first and a second surface, a mirror plate secured to the mirror carrier plate, a heating foil disposed between the first surface of the mirror carrier plate and the mirror plate for heating the mirror plate, and an antenna secured to an disposed along the second surface of the mirror carrier plate. Related rear view mirror assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mirror heater which is suitable for bathrooms and humid spaces includes electrically insulating layers which are partially provided by double-sided adhesive tapes. The double-sided adhesive tapes fix the various layers to one another and provide an insulative layer.

Abstract: A multiple-layer, high transmittance, low emissivity coated article is disclosed comprising at least two infrared reflective metal layers alternatingly combined with at least three metal oxide antireflective layers to produce a coating with superior low emissivity and low visible reflectance, especially for use to reduce heat load in automobiles, wherein the coating furthermore is electroconductive for use in an electrically heatable transparency.

Abstract: A glass heating system includes a low emissivity sheet of coated glass and a capacitor for capacitive coupling the coated glass to a power source. The low emissivity glass is economical to produce and provides superior thermal properties. The low emissivity glass has a low sheet resistance and is coupled to one or more capacitors to increase the impedance of the circuit and reduce the power dissipation by the coated glass. The exact amount of power to be delivered to the coated glass can be varied by changing the capacitor. The low emissivity glass has improved thermal characteristics for use in insulating glass doors for freezers and refrigerators. In a two-paned insulating glass door, the capacitor can be conveniently mounted in the frame of the door or in the space between the two panes.

Abstract: A heated mirror has a heating element thermally bonded to the rear surface and a transparent conductive coating applied to its front surface and divided by a narrow gap into portion between which the capacitance and resistance will be influenced by moisture. Changes in resistance and/or capacitance of the coating are sensed and used to control the leaking element so as to apply heat to the microns when fogging occurs.

Abstract: A high temperature externally heated hair-styling device is provided which has a hair-styling body. An over-temperature alarm is mounted in the hair-styling body. The over-temperature alarm has a temperature sensor which is thermally connected to the hair-styling body. The sensor provides a voltage signal representative of the temperature of the hair-styling body. A variable reference voltage signal generator is powered by a DC battery power source. The reference signal generator has an adjustable range and the reference voltage signal is calibrated to coincide with a predefined operating temperature range. A comparative device comparing the representative and reference voltage signals is used to determine when the predefined operating temperature range is exceeded. An indicator device responsive to the comparative device is used to indicate a temperature of the hair-styling body exceeding the predefined operating temperature range of the hair-styling body.

Abstract: A casing seals to the edge of a mirror blank to form an autoclavable unit. An electrically energizable heater element is enclosed within the unit. The element is connected to a plug which extends from the casing and is adapted to engage a socket when the unit nests in a recess in a rack. A transformer is connected to the socket such that the heater is energized to preheat the unit while in the rack. Removal of the unit from the rack disconnects the electric supply, permitting the preheated unit to used without danger of shock. Several units may be preheated simultaneously on a single rack.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a mirror to prevent condensation on the mirror surface including: a pad element having at least one interior chamber and containing a heat retaining liquid such as a gel. Heating means such as an electrical heat element is located in the gel in the chamber of the pad element for heating the gel to a desired temperature; and the pad element is connected to the mirror to heat the mirror to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the mirror. The device may also include heat sensor, a thermostat, and a timer.

Abstract: Main electrodes 3, 4 are formed on the inner surface of a flexible insulating sheet 2 along opposed edges thereof, and junction electrode sections 3a, 4a are formed on the main electrodes at their central portions. Comb-toothed sub-electrodes 7, 8 extend from the main electrodes 3, 4 into interdigitated relation, and a layer of electrically resistive material 9 is formed over the main and sub-electrodes. Electrically conductive paths 5, 6 are formed on the inner surface of a terminal mounting substrate to which terminals are attached, and one ends of the conductive paths 5, 6 are connected with the corresponding junction electrode sections 3a, 4a while the other ends thereof are connected with the terminals to be connected to a power supply. The terminal mounting substrate with the terminals is bonded to the insulating sheet.

Abstract: A method of producing heatable mirrors comprising depositing onto a ribbon of hot glass during the production process a reflecting coating whereby the mirrors so formed have a visible light reflection of at least 70% and depositing an electroconductive heating layer onto the mirrors. There is also provided a heatable mirror comprising a glass substrate carrying a non-metallic reflecting coating whereby the mirror has a visible light reflection of at least 70% and an electroconductive heating layer deposited on the coated substrate.

Abstract: An outside mirror for a vehicle has a ultrasonic vibrator and a heating member in order to quickly remove the foreign substances from the entire surface of a mirror member. The ultrasonic vibrator is rigidly fixed to a supporting member. The supporting member is rigidly fixed to outer edges of the mirror member. A space is provided between the mirror member and the supporting member. The heating member is installed in the space. The ultrasonic vibrator atomizes water drops on the mirror member. The heating member melts ice, frost or other foreign substances on the mirror member. The ice, frost or the other foreign substances which are melted by the heating member are removed by the ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: An electrically powered bathroom fixture for use in conjunction with a mirror having a straight side. An electrical housing is mounted adjacent to the mirror to pivotally support a telescopic housing. The telescopic housing includes a hot air outlet extending parallel to the straight side of the mirror. The hot air outlet is adjustable to approximately the length of the straight side of the mirror. An end cap, mounted adjacent to the mirror, pivotally supports the opposite end of the telescopic housing. Electrical power is provided to the electrical housing for powering a receptacle with ground fault protection and an electrical hot air source. The electrical hot air source forces hot air through the length adjustable hot air outlet against the mirror. The telescopic housing is rotated between the electrical housing and the end cap to adjust the angle of the hot air outlet and the forced hot air with respect to the side of the mirror to selectively defog the mirror.

Abstract: The rearview mirror consists of a base attached to a motor vehicle; a supporting structure attached to the base, a mirror plate held in the supporting structure, and a self-controlled heater for defrosting and defogging located between the mirror plate and the supporting structure. The self-controlled heater includes a polymeric semiconductor substrate containing a conductive lampblack, a conductor track including a plurality of electrically conductive bands made with silver ink printed on the semiconductor substract and a terminal for each conductive band. The conductive track has interpenetrating portions spaced at intervals from each other and structured and dimension to provide sufficient heat transfer for defogging and defrosting the mirror plate.

Abstract: A defrosting mirror which includes a heat generating light tube housed inside a box structure. Light from the light tube illuminates the surrenndings via top and bottom openings formed in the box structure. The light tube also conductively heats the front surface of the mirror to prevent frost from forming thereon.

Abstract: A heater includes a heating element made of a PTC thermistor, electrodes formed on upper and lower surfaces of the heating element, flat metallic terminals connected to the electrodes, lead wires connected to inner surfaces of the metallic terminals that face each other, and an insulating case for covering exposed portions of the heating element, electrodes, and of the metallic terminals, and the connections between the lead wires and the metallic terminals. With this structure, since no bumps are produced on the outer surfaces of the metallic terminals by connecting the lead wires to the metallic terminals, the thickness of the insulating case over the metallic terminals is reduced. This allows a reduction in the thickness of the heater and an improved heat transfer between the heating element and the heated object.

Abstract: A device for heating a mirror so as to prevent the formation of fog thereon. There is a generally planar electric heating element for the back surface of the mirror, and an electrostatic shield which is mountable between the heating element and the reflective coating on the mirror, so as to prevent the development of an electrostatic charge between the element and coating. The electrostatic shield may be provided by a layer of high resistance conductive ink printed on a sheet of insulation; the conductive material is connected to ground potential as provided by the neutral lead of a household AC power supply. The heating element may also be provided by high resistance conductive ink printed on a sheet of insulation, with low resistance ink being printed over this to provide a power distribution/return network.

Abstract: A heat distributing device which includes a concentrated heat source and a stack of metal foils wherein the heat source is encapsulated between two of the layers of metal foil. The heat source can be a resistance heated wire which extends linearly and has a free end spaced inwardly from an end of the stack. The outer edge of the stack can be open or sealed. The stack can include metal wool and/or insulating material between layers of the metal foil. The heat distributing device can be used to provide uniform heating across an outermost layer of the metal foil. For instance, the heat distributing device can be used to heat a side-view mirror of an automobile.

Abstract: The mirror assembly uses a non-reflective conductive coating as a heating element for preventing fog formation on a mirror exposed to a humid environment such as is found in a bathroom. As compared to conductive reflective mirror coatings, the non-reflective conductive coatings used in this invention have a relatively high resistance, which allows high reflectivity mirrors to be made fog-free. The conductive coatings may be split into separate conductive elements with one or more scribe lines in order to control the length of the conductive path from inlet bus to outlet bus. The buses may be made from an ultra thin foil tape, which can be adhered to the conductive coatings, and which is solderable for securement of power lines thereto. Such a bus tape possesses both in plane and through plane conductive characteristics and can easily be cut to any length desired for the mirror sizes being produced.

Abstract: An electric heating unit for attachment to a rear surface of a mirror to reduce the formation of condensation on the mirror surface including a moisture resistant low heat conductivity heat barrier formed of a layer of closed cell plastic foam, a length of insulated low resistance heater wire mounted on the surface of the foam layer and connected to a voltage source, an aluminum foil covering the heater wire and the surface of the foam layer and adhesively connected thereto, an adhesive layer covering the outer surface of the aluminum foil, and a peel-off backing covering the adhesive layer to permit attachment of the heater unit to a mirror when the backing is removed. The components of the unit are selected to produce less than 120 watts per square meter of heat to a mirror to which the unit is attached.

Abstract: The mirror assembly uses a reflective coating as a heating element for preventing fog formation on a mirror exposed to a humid environment such as is found in a bathroom. As compared to other typically reflective mirror coatings, the coating used in this invention has a relatively high resistance. The coating may be split into separate conductive elements with one or more scribe lines in order to control the length of the conductive path from inlet bus to outlet bus. The buses are made from an ultra thin foil tape which can be adhered to the reflective coating and which is solderable for securement of power lines thereto. The bus tape possesses both in plane and through plane conductive characteristics and can simply be cut to any length desired for the mirror sizes being produced.

Abstract: A resistive sheet electrical mirror heater is provided for defogging a bathroom mirror. The heater may be retrofitted to a standard wall-mounted mirror. An elongated frame member rests along the top of the mirror and contains electrical circuitry. A planar heater sheet extends downwardly from and is supported by the frame member between the mirror and the wall. A power cord for connecting directly to a household outlet may extend from either end of the frame member.