System and sensor for remote defrost activation
First Claim
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1. A defrost activation sensor comprising:
- a substrate disposable between a first pane of glass and a second pane of glass;
a first conductor disposed on the substrate, the first conductor configured to maintain a first potential;
a second conductor disposed on the substrate adjacent to the first conductor, the second conductor configured to maintain a second potential wherein the first potential is greater than the second potential; and
a processor coupled to the first conductor and the second conductor, the processor adapted to determine a deviation in a capacitance defined by the first conductor and the second conductor, the processor further adapted to activate defrosting means in response to a predetermined variance in the capacitance.
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Abstract
A system and a sensor usable for the automated activation of a defrosting mechanism; particularly the automated defrost of a vehicle window. Further, the sensor is adapted for the detection and measurement of changes in the dielectric constant of a dielectric disposed on a surface. Further still, the sensor is adapted for detecting changes in the phase changes of water, i.e. detecting if and when liquid water becomes frozen into frost, ice or snow. The sensor is coupled to a processor and various defrosting means for automatically defrosting vehicle windows in response to a remote signal, such as that provided by a keyless entry or remote starter.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A defrost activation sensor comprising:
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a substrate disposable between a first pane of glass and a second pane of glass;
a first conductor disposed on the substrate, the first conductor configured to maintain a first potential;
a second conductor disposed on the substrate adjacent to the first conductor, the second conductor configured to maintain a second potential wherein the first potential is greater than the second potential; and
a processor coupled to the first conductor and the second conductor, the processor adapted to determine a deviation in a capacitance defined by the first conductor and the second conductor, the processor further adapted to activate defrosting means in response to a predetermined variance in the capacitance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 27)
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12. A system for automatic defrosting comprising:
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a sensor disposed between a first and a second pane of glass is adapted to transmit a signal indicative of a capacitance, the capacitance being indicative of moisture on a surface;
heating means configured to heat the surface; and
a processor coupled to the sensor, the processor adapted to determine the presence of moisture on the surface in response to a predetermined capacitance signal from the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28)
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14. (canceled)
Specification