Combined With Window Glass Patents (Class 324/505)
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Patent number: 9645182Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an energized e-field in a space, wherein the space includes at least one electrically conductive element disposed in the space and coupled with a controller, the method including receiving in the controller a signal from the at least one electrically conductive element, comparing the value to a threshold, and if the value exceeds the threshold, determining that an energized e-field occupies the space, and sending a signal from the controller indicative of the presence of the energized e-field in the space.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Mark L. Herman, Garry L. Peterman, Daniel M. Putnam
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Patent number: 9455766Abstract: Embodiments described provide detection of RF leaks in a coaxial cable of a cable plant. One embodiment comprises a mobile device that includes an antenna, a quadrature demodulator, and a controller. The antenna receives an RF signal from an RF leak in the coaxial cable. The quadrature demodulator demodulates the RF signal to generate IQ data. The controller determines changes in a phase angle of the RF signal based on the IQ data generated as the mobile device is in motion, and identifies that the mobile device is travelling toward the RF leak responsive to determining that the phase angle is advancing. The controller identifies that the mobile device is travelling away from the RF leak responsive to determining that the phase angle is retarding.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, IncInventors: Thomas H. Williams, Colin Justis
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Patent number: 8692557Abstract: A ground monitor is disclosed. The ground monitor may be configured to conduct a ground continuity test based on a determined ground resistance. The ground monitor may be operable to determine the ground resistance as a function of a voltage differential detected during application of a test current.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David A. Hein, Aftab Ali Khan
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Patent number: 8362783Abstract: A method verifies a completeness of an antenna disposed on a window. The antenna is electrically conductive and has a first end and a second end spaced from each other. The method comprises the step of placing the window on a fixture for supporting the window. The method also includes the steps of automatically aligning a distributing probe and the first end of the antenna and automatically aligning a receiving probe and the second end of the antenna. The method further includes the step of activating a current source to pass an electrical current from the distributing probe to the receiving probe through the antenna. The method also includes the step of indicating passage of the electrical current from the antenna to the receiving probe with the indicator to verify a completeness of the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: AGC Automotive Americas Co.Inventors: Tracy M. Baker, Kevin J. Salm, Terry A. Richardson
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Patent number: 7960974Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the testing of engine ignition systems is herein disclosed. The apparatus is connected in a series wiring path between a spark plug wire and a spark plug of an internal combustion-type engine. The apparatus comprises a housing containing a resistor and a lamp which provide illuminated indication of a current flowing through the apparatus. The apparatus allows a user to quickly determine if an ignition circuit of an engine is operating properly.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: John A. Moninger
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Patent number: 7537378Abstract: A wire disconnection inspecting device includes a vehicle position recognition unit for detecting that a vehicle has reached an inspection position; a preparation timing recognition unit for detecting that a step preceding by one is reached; a terminal for transmitting an operation signal to an ECU so as to make an electrical connection to a heating conductor; an infrared camera for imaging a rear shield of the vehicle; and a main processing unit for acquiring thermal image data from the infrared camera and inspecting disconnection of the heating conductor. The main processing unit recognizes that the vehicle has reached a step preceding by one according to the preparation timing recognition unit and makes electrical connection to the heating conductor via the terminal. The main processing unit acquires the image data from the infrared camera when the vehicle has reached the inspection position.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Keita Sekine, Kazuyuki Fukamachi, Katsumi Takeishi, John Cheek
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Patent number: 7126488Abstract: Herein provided is a method and apparatus that allows a pre-existing fuse housing to be easily modified and adapted to include a blown fuse indicator light thereon. Whereby when the fuse housing and light in combination are installed within an electrical circuit and if the fuse is no longer functional, the light will automatically illuminate so as to visually notify a user that the fuse needs to be replaced. Also, any suitable light source may be used, such as an LED, a cartridge type having end contacts, a long lasting reusable incandescent lamp, fiber optics, neon, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventor: Galen J. May
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Patent number: 6288552Abstract: A tester to test operation of the electrical conductors of a heated window grid. The tester includes a giant magnetoresistive sensor passed over the grids to generate a varying electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal is differentiated over the distance moved by the sensor by comparing the actual signal to a delayed version of a previous, actual signal. The actual and delay signal are subtracted to define a difference signal. The difference signal is then compared against thresholds to define high and low windows. The relative position of the high and low windows determines whether the sensor has passed over a properly functioning electrical conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: Tris Palmgren
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Patent number: 5864319Abstract: An antenna pane has a transparent sheet in which is imbedded a plurality of conductors at least some of which serve as antennas. It is tested by applying a test signal to one of the conductors and thereby transmitting the test signal from the one conductor, receiving the test signal with the other conductors serving as antennas, and evaluating the test signal received by the other conductors serving as antennas. The conductors serving as antennas of the pane are connected to a diversity processor and therethrough with a receiver. The test signal is produced by a signal generator operated by the diversity processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Flachglas Automotive GmbHInventor: Peter Paulus
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Patent number: 5666065Abstract: The firing circuit of an inflatable restraint system is tested to verify operation of two FETs in series with a squib which are used to apply current to the squib. For the test the squib is biased to an intermediate voltage and each FET is turned on alone to apply battery or ground voltage to the squib. High and low voltage detectors sense the voltage excursion past respective thresholds to verify FET operation, and a logic circuit immediately turns off the FET to result in a very short FET on time. If a short is present before the FET is commanded on, a detector and the logic circuit prevents FET conduction to avoid firing or degrading the squib.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.Inventors: Richard Joseph Ravas, Terrell Anderson, Robert Keith Constable
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Patent number: 5445694Abstract: An electrically heated composite glass sheet including heating element wires deposited and fixed in place on the thermoplastic film connecting the individual glass sheets together so as to extend from the one film edge as far as the opposite film edge. The heating wires are connected in parallel with buses, which are arranged at a predetermined distance from the edge of the film. Directly adjacent to the buses, the sections of the wires which are arranged between the buses and the edge of the film are severed by moving two electrodes, which are connected with a power supply, into contact with the wires. The electric current heats the wires between the electrodes to their fusion temperature and thereby severs the wires.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage InternationalInventors: Manfred Gillner, Karl-Heinz Mueller, Siegfried Pikhard, Juergen Engels, Gerd Sauer, Bernhard Reul, Klaus Henn, Helmut Maeuser, Stefan Immerschitt, Dieter Neumann
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Patent number: 5337004Abstract: Electrically conductive patterns such as antenna patterns on window glass are inspected for a wire break or a short circuit. The impedances between an electrically conductive pattern and an electrically conductive layer on an inspective table are measured at predetermined frequencies, or the levels of signals reflected from the electrically conductive pattern are measured at predetermined frequencies. A decision unit determines whether the electrically conductive pattern is acceptable or not based on the frequency characteristics of the electrically conductive pattern and the reference frequency characteristics of a reference electrically conductive pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventors: Harunori Murakami, Shohei Ohara
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Patent number: 4905261Abstract: A window defrosting grid testing apparatus which is automated to test the resistance grid for quality control relative to set automotive standards including the continuity of each line of the grid. In one preferred embodiment, the testing device includes means for automatically clamping the window in position on a support table and engaging a set of three conducting probes in conducting contact with the grid at predetermined locations associated with opposing ends of the grid lines and an intermediate position between the opposing ends. The probe in the intermediate position is mounted for lateral and transverse travel across the grid lines and is operatively connected to a voltage sensitive relay which operates to provide a signal only when the energized grid line engaged by the intermediate probe is non-defective relative to continuity.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1989Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Zane Machine Co.Inventor: Keith L. Knight
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Patent number: 4833398Abstract: An electric testing system to be attached to a water heater to permit instantaneous testing of the operability of each heating element comprising a separate branch circuit including each heating element and a current flow detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1988Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Inventor: Robert E. Buchan