FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and Rule 13]
TITLE: “AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TRANSPARENCY OF A WINDOW OF A
VEHICLE”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
NATIONALITY: Indian.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a window panel of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure discloses an apparatus for controlling transparency of the window panel of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, vehicles such as including passenger vehicles, light duty vehicles, pick-up trucks, buses, and trucks etc, comprises windows, and sun/moon roofs. Such windows allows occupants to view their environmental surroundings, without allowing environmental conditions to enter a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Usually, these window and roof panels are transparent that allow passage of light and brings in an airy and roomy feeling within the cabin of the vehicle. In some configurations, a blind, tints, anti-glare lamps or a screen may be provided to block excess light coming into the cabin of the vehicle. However, application of these light blocking means completely blocks the light by making the cabin dark and claustrophobic. Moreover, the light blocking means have to be manually operated, thus the driver has to give attention to operate, which is quite unsafe while driving.
Typically, the window and the roofs panels are also tinted to provide an advantage of reducing the amount of glare, thereby providing privacy, and making the contents of the interior of a vehicle more difficult to discern. However, the difficulties of using tinted panels is an invariable constant light reduction and a complete darkening of entire field of view for the occupants/ driver. Thus, it is critical for vehicles to have windows and roof panels that facilities change in transparency level based on requirement.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more above limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an apparatus for controlling transparency of a window of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a window frame configured to receive a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel are stacked to form a void space between the first panel and the second panel. Further, the apparatus includes a fluid cylinder, in fluid communication with the window frame. The fluid cylinder is configured to selectively circulate fluid into the void space for controlling transparency of the window.
In an embodiment, the first panel and the second panel are manufactured by at least one or a transparent or translucent material.
In an embodiment wherein the fluid is a coloured inert gas.
In an embodiment, the window frame is provided to peripherally seal the first and the second panel in a spaced apart configuration.
In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit connecting the fluid cylinder to the window frame.
In an embodiment, a plurality of nozzles is provided on the conduit to circulate the fluid within the window frame.
In an embodiment, the window frame is defined with a plurality of fluid inlets, each configured to fluidly communicate with the each of nozzles projecting from the conduit.
In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a valve interceded on the conduit. The valve provides the fluid to flow through the conduit in a selective direction and prevent backflow.
In an embodiment, the fluid cylinder is a hollow cylinder comprising a dual action plunger movably positioned within the hollow cylinder to selectively circulate the fluid into the void space.
In an embodiment, a push button is provided which is operable by a user to trigger the actuator for controlling transparency by selectively circulating the fluid into the void space
In an embodiment, the window frame is fixed to at least a portion of the vehicle.

The present disclosure further includes an apparatus for controlling transparency of a window of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a window with a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel are stacked to form a void space between the first panel and the second panel. Further, the apparatus includes a fluid cylinder is in fluid communication with the window to selectively circulate fluid into the void space for controlling transparency of the window.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus for controlling transparency of a window for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in assembled condition;
Figure 3a illustrates a sectional view of a window frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3b illustrates a detailed view of the window frame of Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4a illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4b illustrates a detailed view of the window of Figure 4a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of the apparatus for controlling transparency of a window for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a setup, device, or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Vehicles are usually provided with windows and sun/moon roof panels which allows a driver and the occupants of the vehicle to view their surroundings. Usually, these window and roof panels are transparent that allow passage of light and brings in an airy and roomy feeling within the cabin of the vehicle. Conventionally, various light blocking means are used. However, application of these light blocking means completely blocks the light by making the cabin dark and claustrophobic. Moreover, the light blocking means have to be manually operated which is unsafe for a driver when these are to be operated by themselves. Accordingly, an apparatus for controlling transparency of a window of a vehicle of the present disclosure is configured to overcome the problems associated with the conventional window/ roof panels. The apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a window frame having a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel are stacked to form a void space therebetween. Further, the apparatus includes a fluid cylinder, in fluid communication with the window frame to selectively circulate fluid into

the void space for controlling transparency of the window. Therefore, the apparatus of the present disclosure is suitable to achieve required transparency level as per the user requirement.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating an apparatus for controlling transparency of a window (100) for a vehicle [interchangeably referred as “apparatus (100)”].
The apparatus (100) comprises a window frame (10) configured to receive a first panel (12) and a second panel (14). The first panel (12) and the second panel (14) are stacked within the window frame (10) one above the other, wherein the stacking forms a void space (16) between the first panel (12) and the second panel (14). The window frame (10) is provided along an entire periphery of first panel (12) and the second panel (14) thereby sealing and accommodating the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) in a spaced apart configuration to define the void space (16). The window frame (10) may be defined with a top end and a bottom end, each defined with at least one provision to receive the first panel (12) and the second panel (14), respectively. In an embodiment, the second panel (14) is configured below the first panel (12) along a vertical axis of the vehicle. The at least one provision to receive the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) may be a groove, a channel, a slot partially or completely along an inner surface of the window frame (10). In an embodiment, the first and second panels (12,14) can be secured within the window frame (10) by any fastening members. In an embodiment, the void space (16) so created by the stacking of the first and the second panels (12,14), forms a vacuum chamber which is isolated from ambient conditions and air. Further, the window frame (10) is defined with a plurality of fluid inlets (not shown in Figures). The plurality of fluid inlets may be provided along the periphery of the window frame (10). The first panel (12) and the second panel (14) are manufactured by at least one or a transparent or translucent material. This provides occupants within the vehicle to view surroundings. The first panel (12) and second panel (14) is at least one of glass panels, thermoplastic, thermoelastic, fiber glass, or any suitable material that provides transparency for viewing.
The present disclosure further includes a fluid cylinder (20) in fluid communication with the window frame (10). The fluid cylinder (20) is configured to selectively circulate fluid into the void space (16) for controlling transparency of the window of the vehicle. The fluid cylinder (20) is in

fluid communication with the window frame (10) via a conduit (30). The fluid cylinder (20) may be disposed within the vehicle. The conduit (30) may include a plurality of nozzles (32) projecting outwardly from the conduit (30). Each of the plurality of nozzles (32) are configured to be in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid inlets of the window frame (10). This configuration of the plurality of nozzles (32) and plurality of inlets facilities uniform distribution of the fluid within the void space (16). In an embodiment, the fluid cylinder (20) is a hollow cylinder comprising a dual action plunger (22) movably positioned within the hollow cylinder (30) to selectively circulate the fluid into the void space (16). A quantity of the fluid to be filled in the void space (16) is altered by the actuation of the dual action plunger (22). Depending on the requirement, the dual action plunger (22) is actuated to supply and fill the predetermined quantity of fluid into the void space, thereby by limiting an amount of light entering the vehicle through the window, thus making the window partially or completely opaque. Similarly, the dual action plunger (22) may be actuated to withdraw a predetermined quantity of the fluid present within the void space (16), making the window partially or completely transparent allowing the user to view the surrounding environment. In an embodiment, the dual action plunger (22) is operable using an actuator. The actuator may be at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators.
Further, a push button (40) may be provided to be operable by the user to trigger the actuator for controlling transparency by selectively circulating the fluid into the void space. The push button (40) may be provided on control panel, door, or dashboard of the vehicle to enable controlling transparency of the window. In an embodiment, the push button (40) is preferably mounted to driver's door. The push button (40) may be switched between ON/OFF conditions. In an embodiment, in an ON condition the actuator is actuated to move the dual action plunger (22) to supply and fill the fluid into the void space (16) via the conduit (30). Likewise, in an OFF condition the actuator is actuated to move the dual action plunger (22) to withdraw the filled fluid from the void space (16) via the conduit (30). In an embodiment, push button (40) is coupled to a control unit (not show in figures). The control unit is further communicatively coupled with the control panel. The control panel may comprise one or more indicators such as a transparency level indicator. The transparency level indicator allows the occupants to press the push button (40) at preferred transparency of the window. In alternate embodiment, the control knob may be provided for setting preferred transparency of the window. The control panel may preferably be mounted to driver’s door panels. The control panel may further include certain lock buttons to prevent

accidental adjustment of transparency. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present invention control panels may be installed into the door panel near or adjacent to an existing window control switch or console or other suitable positioning.
The apparatus (100) includes a valve (50) interceded on the conduit (30). The valve (50) allows the fluid to flow through the conduit (30) in a selective direction and prevents backflow. In an operative configuration, when the dual action plunger (22) is actuated to supply the fluid into the void space (16) via the valve (50) and any back flow of the fluid is prevented. This configuration eliminates any fluid losses from the window frame (10). Similarly, when the dual action plunger (22) is actuated to withdraw the fluid from the void space (16) via the valve (50) and it prevents any backflow, thus inhibits any fluid to be supplied back into the window frame (10). In one configuration, the void space (16) may be filled with a coloured inert gas. The application of inert gas in the void space (16) acts as an effective insulator because inert gas is denser than regular oxygen. This facilitates maintaining a desired conditioning for the occupants without significant alteration or operation of an air conditioning system of the vehicle. Moreover, inert gas is inflammable which does not harm the occupants in case of an accidental leak. Thus, application of the inert gas is economically feasible for controlling the transparency of the window. In another embodiment, a coloured liquid, smoke may be supplied to the void space (16).
The window frame (10) of the present disclosure is fixed to at least a portion of the vehicle. The window frame (10) may be provided on a roof, windows, windshield, or a rear window of the vehicle. The configuration of the window can be varied as per application requirements. In an embodiment, window frame (10) may be defined as a moon roof of the vehicle.
Further, referring to Figure 4a and 4b, another embodiment of the apparatus (200) comprising a window with the first panel (212) and the second panel (214) stacked to form a void space (216) therebetween without utilization of any window frame. Also, a fluid cylinder (220) is in fluid communication with the window to selectively circulate fluid into the void space (216) for controlling transparency of the window. The fluid is supplied via a conduit (230) which connects the fluid cylinder (220) and the void space (216) of the window.
In an embodiment, the window frame (10) may be manufactured by at least one of a metal, composite material, and any other suitable material.

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for controlling transparency of the window of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of apparatus (100) may be varied according to the application requirement.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the apparatus (100) that is simple, robust, and compact.
In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) of the present disclosure protects occupants within the vehicle from the intense ultraviolet rays and ambient conditions.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or

“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERALS

Reference Number Description
100,200 Apparatus
10 Window frame
12, 212 First panel
14, 214 Second panel
16, 216 Void space

20, 220 Fluid cylinder
22 Dual action plunger
30, 230 Conduit
32 Plurality of nozzles
40 Push button
50 Valve

We claim:
1. An apparatus (100) for controlling transparency of a window of a vehicle, the apparatus
(100) comprising:
a window frame (10) configured to receive a first panel (12) and a second panel (14), wherein the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) are stacked to form a void space (16) between the first panel (12) and the second panel (14); and
a fluid cylinder (20), in fluid communication with the window frame (10), configured to selectively circulate fluid into the void space (16) for controlling transparency of the window.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) are manufactured by at least one or a transparent or translucent material.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid is a colored inert gas.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the window frame (10) is provided to peripherally seal the first panel (12) and the second panel (14) in a spaced apart configuration.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a conduit (30) connecting the fluid cylinder (20) to the window frame (10).
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises a plurality of nozzles (32) provided on the conduit (30) to circulate the fluid within the window frame (10).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the window frame (10) is defined with a plurality of fluid inlets, each configured to couple with the each of nozzles (32) projecting from the conduit (30).

8 The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5 comprises a valve (50) interceded on the conduit (30) wherein the valve (50) provides the fluid to flow through the conduit (30) in a selective direction and prevent backflow.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid cylinder (20) is a hollow cylinder comprising a dual action plunger (22) movably positioned within the hollow cylinder to selectively circulate the fluid into the void space (16).
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a push button (40) operable by a user to trigger an actuator for controlling transparency by selectively circulating the fluid into th e void space.
11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the window frame (10) is fixed to at least a portion of the vehicle.
12. An apparatus (200) for controlling transparency of a window of a vehicle, the apparatus
(200) comprising.
a window with a first panel (212) and a second panel (214), wherein the first panel (212) and the second panel (214) are stacked to form a void space (216) between the first panel (212) and the second panel (214) , and
a fluid cyIinder (220), in fluid communication with the window, configured to selectively circulate fluid into the void space (216) for controlling transparency of the w i n d o w .
13. The apparatus (200) as caimed In claim 12, wherein the first panel (212) and the second
panel (214) are manufactured by at least one or a transparent or translucent material.
14. The a p p a ratu s (200)asc,a i m e d in claim 12, comprises a conduit (230) connecting the fluid cy Under (220) to the void space (216) of the window.