| 主权项 |
1. A self-regulating heated wiper blade assembly for vehicle windshields, comprising:
at least one elongated curved beam comprising a flexible spring material suitable for conforming to a curved windshield and returning to an original shape, the curved beam defining oppositely facing upper and lower sides, a central portion, and first and second opposite ends, and wherein the elongated curved beam comprises a conductive material; a first electrically insulated electrical conductor connected to the first end of the beam and a second electrically insulated electrical conductor connected to the second end of the beam, whereby the beam generates heat when electrical power is supplied to the first and second electrical conductors, wherein the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor each comprise a self-regulating electrical resistance heater and both the first and second electrical conductors consist essentially of a positive temperature coefficient material having an electrical resistance that varies the amperage drawn by the electrical resistance heater between hot and cold ambient temperature operation by more than 1 amp with changes between a first and second ambient temperature, whereby the electrical resistance heaters internally generate and radiate more heat energy at lower temperatures; an elongated flexible squeegee attached to the elongated beam, wherein the squeegee is made of a material having a lower stiffness than a stiffness of the flexible spring material of the beam, and wherein the beam is sufficiently stiff so as to cause the squeegee to curve and conform to a shape of the beam; a bracket connected to the central portion of the elongated curved beam, wherein the bracket is configured to releasably connect the heated wiper blade assembly to an arm of a vehicle windshield wiper system; and a cover extending over portions of the beam to thereby prevent direct exposure of the beam to air moving adjacent a vehicle in use. |
