A system comprises a plate (235) and one or more transducers (200) coupled to the plate (235). Each of the one or more transducers (200) is operable to generate ultrasonic waves which propagate through the plate (235) in a propagation direction (240), for ultrasonically clearing droplets (250) of fluid from the plate (235). The plate (235) comprises one or more structures disposed in the path of ultrasonic waves and configured to control the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the plate (235) to achieve a predetermined amount of ultrasonic wave energy propagating in a direction opposite to the propagation direction (240). The value of one or more parameters of the shape of each of the one or more structures is predetermined to achieve a predetermined effect on ultrasonic waves incident on the structure.

A system comprises a plate (235) and one or more transducers (200) coupled to the plate (235). Each of the one or more transducers (200) is operable to generate ultrasonic waves which propagate through the plate (235) in a propagation direction (240), for ultrasonically clearing droplets (250) of fluid from the plate (235). The plate (235) comprises one or more structures disposed in the path of ultrasonic waves and configured to control the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the plate (235) to achieve a predetermined amount of ultrasonic wave energy propagating in a direction opposite to the propagation direction (240). The value of one or more parameters of the shape of each of the one or more structures is predetermined to achieve a predetermined effect on ultrasonic waves incident on the structure.

A heating plate 10 includes: a pair of glass plates 11, 12; a conductive pattern 40, 70 disposed between the pair of glass plates 11, 12 and defining a plurality of opening areas 43, 73; and a joint layer 13, 14 disposed between the conductive pattern 40, 70 and at least one of the pair of glass plates 11, 12; wherein the conductive pattern 40, 70 includes a plurality of connection elements 44, 74 that extend between two branch points 42, 72 to define the opening areas 43, 73; and a rate of the connection elements 44, 74, which are straight line segments connecting the two branch points 42, 72, relative to the plurality of connection elements 44, 74, is less than 20%.

Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic lens cleaner using configurable filter banks are disclosed. In certain described examples, the methods and apparatus can expel fluid from a droplet on an optical surface using an ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled to the optical surface and having first and second resonant frequency bands.

Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic lens cleaner using configurable filter banks are disclosed. In certain described examples, the methods and apparatus can expel fluid from a droplet on an optical surface using an ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled to the optical surface and having first and second resonant frequency bands.

A LIDAR system may include: a first housing containing a processor configured to control a light source to enable light flux of the light source to vary over a scan of a field of view; a second housing located in a vehicle remote from the first housing, the second housing containing a controllable light deflector, and an actuator configured to move the light deflector; and a data conduit configured to interconnect the first housing and the second housing, the data conduit is associated with a forward path from the first housing to the second housing and a return path from the second housing to the first housing, wherein the data conduit is configured to cooperate with the processor and the actuator such that the forward path conveys signals for controlling the actuator and the return path conveys reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects in the field of view.

A LIDAR system may include: a first housing containing a processor configured to control a light source to enable light flux of the light source to vary over a scan of a field of view; a second housing located in a vehicle remote from the first housing, the second housing containing a controllable light deflector, and an actuator configured to move the light deflector; and a data conduit configured to interconnect the first housing and the second housing, the data conduit is associated with a forward path from the first housing to the second housing and a return path from the second housing to the first housing, wherein the data conduit is configured to cooperate with the processor and the actuator such that the forward path conveys signals for controlling the actuator and the return path conveys reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects in the field of view.

An electrical heating system for a vehicle. The system includes: a transparent metallic layer configured to be mounted to a transparent material, conduct electrical current, and increase in temperature to heat the transparent material in response to electrical current running across the transparent metallic layer; a power supply; a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to heat and cool a passenger cabin of the vehicle; and a control module. The control module is configured to: apply voltage from the power supply to the transparent metallic layer to heat the transparent material; and apply voltage from the power supply to a component of the HVAC system to heat the component of the HVAC system.

An HVAC system for a vehicle including: a transparent metallic layer configured to be mounted to a windshield; a control module configured to apply voltage from a power supply to the transparent metallic layer to heat the windshield; and an HVAC case defining a face outlet and a combined foot and side window outlet, the HVAC case including a mode door movable to control airflow through both the face outlet and the combined foot and side window outlet.

A pane arrangement with a heatable sensor window includes a composite pane including an outer pane having an exterior-side surface and an interior-side surface and an inner pane having an exterior-side surface and an interior-side surface, which are joined to one another via at least one thermoplastic intermediate layer; an enclosure arranged on the interior-side surface of the inner pane and having an inner surface and an outer surface; a radiation receiver and/or a radiation source, which face(s) the composite pane within the enclosure such that a beam path of electromagnetic radiation passes through a sensor window of the composite pane; a first heating element; and a second heating element. The first heating element is arranged below the beam path on the outer surface or on the inner surface of the enclosure and the second heating element is arranged in a region of the composite pane surrounding the sensor window.