PHOTOSENSITIVE COCKPIT WINDSHIELD
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention 10 discloses a cockpit windshield with photosensitive glass that automatically and instantaneously converts from transparent state to dark state in response to, e.g., lightning strikes 16. The user may disable the photosensitive windshield by means of a power switch 22. In a preferred element of the photosensitive windshield, a variable control module 20 can be used to set parameters to suit each application and to accommodate user preference. In addition to a power switch 20 that enables and disables the photosensitive circuit, the control module provides means for the user to set shade capacity (opacity in dark state) 24, response rate 26 and light sensitivity 28. The control module 20 and windshield 12 are interconnected by means of a wire harness 32 or wireless transmitter/receiver. The system is powered by an external AC or DC power source 34. In another preferred element, the photosensitive control system provides means to control and protect multiple windows 36.
43 Citations
20 Claims
-
1-18. -18. (canceled)
-
19. A method for retrofitting a cockpit windshield of an airplane, comprising the steps of:
-
providing an airplane with a windshield that is not photosensitive; providing a window with a photosensitive portion which automatically changes from a transparent state to a darker state in response to varying light conditions; providing a photosensitive circuit for controlling said photosensitive portion; providing a control unit for controlling said photosensitive circuit, said control unit having an opacity control for controlling opacity and a control for controlling a light sensitivity of said photosensitive portion; securing said window over an exterior surface of said windshield; and
,adjusting the light sensitivity of said photosensitive window via said light sensitivity control of said control unit. - View Dependent Claims (20)
-
Specification