Rigid elements embedded in a windshield

Abstract

A windshield with rigid elements embedded therein, including an upper layer of glass, a lower layer of glass, one or more rigid elements positioned between the two layers of glass, a layer of interlayer material surrounding the rigid elements cured between the two layers of glass, wherein the width of the interlayer material is equal or greater than the width of the rigid elements.

1 . A windshield with rigid elements embedded therein, comprising:
 an upper layer of glass;   a lower layer of glass;   one or more rigid elements positioned between the two layers of glass;   a layer of interlayer material surrounding the rigid elements cured between the two layers of glass;   wherein the width of the interlayer material is equal or greater than the width of the rigid elements.   
     
     
         2 . A windshield according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid elements include a patch antenna. 
     
     
         3 . A windshield according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid elements include an integrated circuit. 
     
     
         4 . A windshield according to  claim 3 , wherein the integrated circuit serves as a front end receiver providing amplification for the patch antenna. 
     
     
         5 . A windshield according to  claim 3 , wherein the integrated circuit serves as a global positioning receiver coupled to said patch antenna.