Patent · US Expired

Obstruction sensing a signal transmitted across window

US6305123A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
11References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 17, 1999
Grant dateOct 23, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 17, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05Y2900/55
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

In a first embodiment, a vehicle window obstruction system incorporates a conductive coating placed on the window. Such coatings are known for use in defrost systems. A voltage source is connected to the conductive coating, such that an electrical charge is placed across the window. Electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored, and compared to expected values. In the event that an obstruction is encountered, the monitored values will differ from expected values, and a control can indicate the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, the signal could be a high frequency signal such as a sound signal which would be varied when the window contacts a human obstruction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.