RF shielding for aircraft windows

• US 20070045470A1
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Anuvu IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Row 44 Incorporated (Global Eagle Entertainment Incorporated)
• Inventors: Guidon, John, Fialcowitz, Gregg
• Granted Patent: US 7,350,753 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/129.300
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1484 Windows B64C1/1492 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/0063 by avoiding the use of electronic equipment during flight, e.g. of mobile phones or laptops
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 9/0005 Shielded windows

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved aircraft window having RF shielding. In one embodiment, a window shield comprises an electrically conductive, transparent, flexible film, which is applied by known processes to a window pane. This shield is grounded to the aircraft frame or exterior by a “tail” of conductive material, which is secured to a ground point in the vicinity of the window pane.

Claims

1. An aircraft window comprising:

a transparent pane having an inner surface and an outer surface; and

a transparent conductive film overlaying one of the inner and the outer surfaces, wherein the transparent conductive film is adapted to attenuate RF energy.

2. The aircraft window of claim 1, wherein the transparent conductive film is electrically connected to ground.

3. An aircraft window comprising:

a transparent pane having an inner surface and an outer surface; and

an electrically conductive material disposed between the inner and the outer surfaces, wherein the electrically conductive material disposed in a pattern adapted to attenuate RF energy.

4. The aircraft window of claim 3, wherein the electrically conductive material is electrically connected to ground.

5. The aircraft window of claim 3, wherein the pattern is a grid comprised of generally square openings.

6. The aircraft window of claim 3, wherein the pattern is a grid comprised of generally triangular openings.

7. The aircraft window of claim 3, wherein the pattern is a fractal-derived shape.

8. An aircraft window comprising:

a transparent pane having an inner surface and an outer surface; and

a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on one of the inner and the outer surfaces;

wherein the transparent conductive material is adapted to attenuate RF energy,

wherein the transparent conductive material is in liquid form prior to placement on the one of the inner and the outer surfaces, and

wherein the transparent conductive material is in solid form after placement on the one of the inner and the outer surfaces.

9. The aircraft window of claim 8 wherein the transparent conductive material is electrically connected to ground.

10. An aircraft window comprising:

a frame;

a transparent pane disposed in the frame; and

a shade movable with respect to the frame and adapted to cover at least a portion of the transparent pane,

wherein the shade comprises an electrically conductive material adapted to attenuate RF energy.

11. The aircraft window of claim 10 wherein the electrically conductive material is electrically connected to ground.