Liquid Sprayer For Transparent Panel (e.g., Windshield) Patents (Class 239/284.1)
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Patent number: 8157187Abstract: Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element and the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet through the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
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Patent number: 8141794Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
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Patent number: 8136197Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the dispensing of a washer fluid onto a rear windshield upon detecting the disablement of the rear wiper arm is provided. The disablement of the rear wiper arm may be caused by the movement of the rear windshield from a fully closed position to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dave Peterson, John Sgueglia
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Patent number: 8132742Abstract: A windshield wiper spray nozzle offset device includes an offset arm and an attachment device. The offset arm includes an offset leg extending from a clamping base. The attachment device is preferably a clamp plate and at least two fasteners. The at least two fasteners are preferably used to secure the clamping base and clamp plate to opposing sides of the wiper arm. However, other attachment devices may also be used, such as spring clips. The wiper arm may also be modified by making the offset arm as an integral portion of the wiper arm. A nozzle snap-on retainer and a hose snap-on retainer are removed from the wiper arm and snapped on to the offset leg. The offset position of the spray nozzle increases the spray area thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Daniel A. Lipinski
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Publication number: 20120056004Abstract: The present invention discloses a windshield wiper system that affords for deicing of a windshield for a motor vehicle. The system includes a first container having a first liquid, a second container having a second liquid along with a spray nozzle or jet proximate to the windshield and in fluid communication with the first container and the second container. A pump operable to pump or force the second liquid through the spray nozzle and onto the windshield is also included. In addition, a time delay switch activates the windshield wiper only after the second liquid has been on the windshield a preset time.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Christian Arthur Trager
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Patent number: 8123148Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, Thomas Gronski
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Patent number: 8113444Abstract: A light cleaning device for washing lights located on an external portion of a vehicle. The device has an elongate housing formed with an inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized liquid and a rinsing head fitted with at least one jet nozzle. The jet nozzle is mounted at a distal end of a telescopically retractable hollow tube of the device, which is normally retracted. There is a liquid flow path from the housing to the rinsing head which can emit a jet spray therefrom when the tube is projected from the housing. The nozzle may have a jet forming member fitted therein to turbulate the jet spray fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Raviv-Agriculture Cooperative Societies Ltd.Inventors: Konstantin Litvinov, Michael Levitsky
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Patent number: 8100168Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reheating the water of the windscreen washers of a motor vehicle comprising, in the engine compartment thereof, a degassing box (1) forming part of the engine cooling system, and at least one tank (3) for pressurised washing water, said tank being associated with a circulation pump which pumps water therefrom and supplies said water to nozzles for spraying the same over the windscreens. The inventive device is characterised in that the tank (3) at least partially surrounds the degassing box (1), leaving a separation space of a determined thickness thereinbetween, and a double-walled hollow body (4) is integrated into said space, defining a closed thermal insulating volume.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SAInventor: Gerard Jeuffe
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Patent number: 8074898Abstract: Disclosed is a windshield wiper reservoir system for cleaning a windshield of a vehicle. The reservoir system includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a motor system, and a plurality of wiper tubes coupled to the motor system. The first reservoir is configured to store a wiper fluid and the second reservoir is configured to store a de-icing fluid. The motor system is configured to drive at least one of the wiper fluid from the first reservoir and the de-icing fluid from the second reservoir. Each of the plurality of wiper tubes includes a spray head. Further, the each of the plurality of wiper tubes is configured to receive the at least one of the wiper fluid and the de-icing fluid. Furthermore, the spray head is configured to spray the at least one of the wiper fluid and the de-icing fluid onto the windshield of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventor: Cleve Franklin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8069527Abstract: A washer nozzle provided in a wiper blade has a first ejection hole ejecting a first washer fluid, and a second ejection hole ejecting a second washer fluid. A first ejection axis, which is a center line of a first ejection port angle of the first ejection hole, is define. A second ejection axis, which is a center line of a second ejection port angle of the second ejection hole, is defined. The washer nozzle is structured such that the first ejection axis and the second ejection axis intersect with each other as seen from a width direction of the wiper blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Harita
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Publication number: 20110292212Abstract: A washer nozzle removes foreign matter on an image capturing surface of a camera mounted to the outside of a vehicle by supplying washer fluid to the image capturing surface. The washer nozzle includes an inside spray hole and a discharge portion. The inside spray hole sprays the washer fluid introduced into the washer nozzle. The discharge portion receives washer fluid sprayed from the inside spray hole. The discharge portion has a passage extending in a direction intersecting the spray direction of the washer fluid and a discharge port connected to the passage. The discharge portion discharges, from the discharge port, washer fluid sprayed from the inside spray hole along the image capturing surface, while filling the passage with the washer fluid, thereby washing the image capturing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ASMO CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Tanabe, Hiroshi Matsumoto, Masami Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8061630Abstract: An insert body (10) for a spray nozzle assembly (1) has a fan jet producing section (17) for producing an oscillating, large-area fan jet and a point jet producing section (18) for producing at least one point jet located in the wetting area of the fan jet. It is thereby ensured that even if the fan jet collapses or is pushed aside, the surface is wetted at least by the or each point jet, which are much more forgiving from a fluid dynamics standpoint.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: A. Raymond et CieInventor: Daniel Utz
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Patent number: 8047451Abstract: A washer fluid heater apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a heat exchanger having a washer fluid inlet to allow washer fluid to enter the heat exchanger and a washer fluid outlet to allow the washer fluid to exit the heat exchanger; and (b) a coolant passage traversing through the heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant inlet and coolant outlet operably coupled to an engine's coolant system to allow passage of engine coolant through the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: McNaughton IncorporatedInventor: Patrick James McNaughton
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Patent number: 8042749Abstract: Disclosed is an economical washer device of a headlamp for a vehicle includes a nozzle unit integrally mounted onto a nozzle cover, the nozzle unit including a washer discharging opening and a washer introducing opening, wherein a washer liquid is fed through the washer introducing opening and selectively discharged through the discharging opening, and a slide drive unit integrated with the nozzle unit and configured and dimensioned to rotatably support the nozzle unit when the nozzle unit is rotated by an ejection pressure of the washer liquid discharged.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung Won Son, Young Jun Suh
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Patent number: 7997302Abstract: A valve is disclosed that includes a valve body defining an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet and the plurality of outlets cooperating to form a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths through the valve body. The valve further includes an outlet selection member carried by the valve body and defining a port configured to complete a fluid flow path selected from the plurality of alternative fluid flow paths. The valve further includes a first magnet assembly configured to enable reciprocation of the outlet selection member and a second magnet assembly configured to enable rotation of the outlet selection member. A washer fluid supply system incorporating the valve and a method of operating the valve are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Tyler C. Henderson, David A. Lucas, Jason Stibs
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Patent number: 7959090Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
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Publication number: 20110101127Abstract: An adjustably mounted spray nozzle (4) for windshield washer fluid of a motor vehicle is designed to be easy to install and adjust. To this end, the spray nozzle (4) has the following features: it has a bearing axis (7) by means of which it can be attached to a vehicle in a manner that enables it to pivot about a y-axis of said vehicle; the spray nozzle (4) is provided with an adjusting-means element for pivoting about its bearing axis (7); the adjusting-means element is designed to cooperate with an adjusting-drive manipulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2005Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicants: REHAU AG & CO., A. RAYMOND & CIEInventors: Matthias Beyer, Horst Stickel, Jurgen Sporer, Daniel Utz, Peter Zielke
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Patent number: 7905427Abstract: A windshield heated liquid spray assembly including a liquid heating assembly and a heated liquid spray assembly operative to spray the heated liquid onto a windshield, the liquid heating assembly including a liquid heating chamber, at least one heating element disposed in the liquid heating chamber and at least one heat dissipator in heat conduction contact with the at least one heating element, the at least one heat dissipator at least partially defining at least one liquid flow channel and being operative to transfer heat from the at least one heating element to the liquid flowing through the at least one liquid flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: M-Heat Investors, LLCInventors: Uri Arkashevski, Joseph Rogozinski
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Patent number: 7878421Abstract: A wash system for window glasses and/or headlamps of a vehicle, with a fluid line through which a fluid is conducted from a fluid reservoir into a nozzle and with a heating cable which is laid in the fluid line is disclosed. The heating cable is laid so as to enter the nozzle or to pass through the nozzle and to heat not only the fluid line but also the nozzle. One obtains a wash system that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures freeze protection at reduced energy expense by the fact that the heating cable is laid in a meander pattern in the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Vola Plast Werner Hoppach, KGInventors: Jurgen Hofmann, Markus Bickel, Lutz Seyfarth
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Patent number: 7857238Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, Thomas Gronski
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Patent number: 7841546Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid distributing apparatus for a windscreen or head lamp washer system of a vehicle, including a body (102, 202, 302) for fluid distribution, a holding apparatus (110, 210, 310) for attaching said fluid distributing apparatus to the vehicle and at least one connecting tubing (104, 206, 208, 308) for connecting a fluid line, said body (102, 202, 302) being retained for pivotal movement with respect to said holding apparatus (110, 210, 310), an adjusting apparatus being attached to said body (102, 202) or to said connecting tubing (308) for pivotal movement of said body (102, 202, 302) with respect to said holding apparatus (110, 210, 310) and for retaining said body (102, 202, 302) in the desired position with respect to said holding apparatus (110, 210, 310), said adjusting apparatus being configured to be a set screw (112, 212, 312), a tubular retaining fixture (132, 332) having an internal thread being attached to said body (102, 202) or to said connecting tubing (308), said setType: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Vola Plast Werner Hoppach KGInventor: Jürgen Hofmann
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Publication number: 20100237171Abstract: In an apparatus for wetting a glass pane, in particular a glass pane of a motor vehicle, a spherical body (15) which supports a nozzle body (20) is inserted into an accommodation space (10) which is formed in a bearing head (9) of an insert body (1). The accommodation space (10) exhibits the spherical body (15) together with resistance projections (12) which fix an annular shoulder and also serve to fluidically stabilize a liquid fluid, which flows into a flow expansion space as a subregion of the accommodation space (10), in the form of, for example, wash water. An oscillating fan-like stream can be reliably generated as a result.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: A. RAYMOND ET CIEInventors: Markus Rathey, Daniel Utz
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Patent number: 7797785Abstract: A windshield washer control system comprising a wiper device; a motor connected to the wiper device, the motor being in operative connection with a controller, the controller including a timer; a pump selectively operated by the controller; and a sprayer for dispensing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Harold B. Thibodeau, James M. Burcar, David K. Novack
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Patent number: 7793381Abstract: A blade-mountable windshield wiper spray device including a body formed by a first upper member, arranged in use distant from the blade and a second lower member, arranged in use in contact with the support part of the blade; the first member integrally in one piece carries a plurality of fluid-dynamic sprayers and snapping fastening means to the blade so that the second member is sandwiched in use between the first member and the blade, closing respective internal cup-shaped cavities open towards the second member of the first member; the first and the second members reciprocally and fluid-tightly couple so that the second member defines along with the internal cavities of the first member respective feeding chambers of the sprayers.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: ITW Automotive Italia S.R.L. con unico socioInventor: Fulvio Yon
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Patent number: 7775456Abstract: A fluidic device, that operates on a pressurized liquid flowing through it to generate an oscillating spray having desired three-dimensional flow characteristics, includes a member that has fabricated within it at least two liquid flow channels that are configured in the form of a fluidic circuit having an inlet and an outlet and a centerline therebetween. These flow channels are further configured so that the straight line projections of their centerlines, that extend from their outlets, intersect at a prescribed intersection angle, ?, and the outlets are separated by a characteristic separation distance, “w.” We have found that the values of the intersection angle, ?, and separation distance, “w,” can be are chosen so as to yield the desired three-dimensional flow characteristics of the spray.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Bowles Fluidics CorporationInventors: Shridhar Gopalan, Gregory Russell
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Patent number: 7775224Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle, including a vessel, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating element for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: M-Heat Investors, LLCInventors: Shlomi Franco, Jossef Wodnik, Vychislav Ivanov
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Patent number: 7766258Abstract: An apparatus that is used by the driver or the passenger of a motor vehicle to clean the window of the motor vehicle, while the vehicle is in motion. The apparatus is used by either the driver or the passenger and is extend out of either side window to spray fluid on the windshield. The device is operated by a diaphragm pump that transports the fluid from a reservoir to the outlet nozzles. The fluid is sprayed in a jet-like fashion onto the windshield surface for the windshield wipers to use as a wetting agent for cleaning and clearing the windshield. The apparatus includes a sponge holder and a sponge that allows the operator to clean and clear the windshield even if the windshield wipers are not working properly.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventor: Thomas John Barniak, Jr.
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Patent number: 7753287Abstract: The present invention comprises a cleaning system for headlamps, windshields or other surfaces, particularly of motor vehicles, comprising a tube system with liquid reservoir and a pump for providing and supplying a cleaning liquid and a nozzle configuration with liquid exit for applying a cleaning liquid of a surface to be cleaned wherein said liquid exit comprises a curved slot and/or a sphere arrangement to apply the cleaning liquid with low liquid pressure onto the surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Fico Cables, S.A.Inventors: Miguel Mota Lopez, Juan Jesus Elvira Peralta
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Patent number: 7748075Abstract: In a low speed wiping mode, reciprocal wiping movement of a wiper is executed at a first wiping speed without spraying the washer fluid from washer nozzles. In a high speed wiping mode, reciprocal wiping movement of the wiper is executed at a second wiping speed that is higher than the first wiping speed without spraying the washer fluid from the washer nozzles. In a wash and wipe mode, washer fluid is sprayed from the washer nozzles over the windshield, and reciprocal wiping movement of the wiper is executed a plurality of times. A wiping speed of the wiper in the wash and wipe mode in at least one of a running state and a stopped state of the vehicle is set to be lower than the first wiping speed of the wiper that is set for the low speed wiping mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakano
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Publication number: 20100163079Abstract: In a device (1) for cleaning a window (2) or a lens of a motor vehicle, a wash nozzle (5) is of spherical design and is held in a ball socket (13) of a nozzle stem (4). The wash nozzle (5) produces a fan-type jet (6) and can be adjusted by an angle of inclination ? and a tilting angle ? in relation to the nozzle stem (4). The device can be freely adjusted to different designs of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Jens Bettenhausen, Patrick Opel, Dirk Ringler, Heiko Weitzel
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Patent number: 7735183Abstract: If a washer switch is turned on in a state in which a wiper determining portion determines that a wiper switch is in an OFF state, and a vehicle speed determining portion determines that a vehicle speed is equal to or more than a predetermined speed, a simultaneous operation control portion ejects the washer fluid in a state in which the wiper is positioned at a lower reversing position. The simultaneous operation control portion causes the wiper to reciprocate at least once simultaneously with the ejection. The simultaneous operation control portion additionally ejects the washer fluid at least once, in a state in which the wiper is positioned at an intermediate position between the lower reversing position and an upper reversing position. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit a lack of the washer fluid from being generated on the surface to be wiped.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Harita
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Publication number: 20100133356Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washelcski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
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Patent number: 7703701Abstract: A system for spraying liquid for a windshield of an aircraft includes a spray-liquid supply circuit, a pressurized-gas supply circuit designed to purge the spray-liquid supply circuit, and at least one nozzle disposed downstream from the circuits and designed to spray the spray liquid and pressurized gas on an aircraft windshield, wherein the system includes a control device able to simultaneously actuate the temporary spraying of spray liquid and of pressurized gas respectively in the spray-liquid spraying circuit and in the pressurized-gas spray circuit in such a way that a pressurized-gas spraying time is strictly greater than a spraying-liquid spraying time. For example, the control device includes a time-lag relay controlling the pressurized-gas supply circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Airbus FranceInventors: Amelie Le Louarn, Gilles Chene
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Patent number: 7699244Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the front cover lens of a vehicular lamp, including a bracket 8 that is attached to the cylinder of a spray nozzle 5 and positions the cylinder in the opening formed in a vehicle body, a fixing member 9 that covers the bracket, and an elastic member (a clip spring) 101 disposed between the bracket and the fixing member. Engagement pieces 83b and 84a of a pair of arm elements 83 and 84 of the bracket engage the front (outer) side of the opening, a plurality of contact portions 92a, 93a, 94a and 95a of the fixing member are in contact with the rear (inner) side of the opening, and the elastic member interposed between the bracket and the fixing member urges the fixing member toward the opening, thus securing the bracket to the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Sakai, Masaaki Sato
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Publication number: 20100084844Abstract: A windshield washer nozzle cover for concealing an external windshield washer nozzle disposed on the exterior surface of a vehicle, the windshield washer nozzle cover being molded into a shape different than the contour of the windshield washer nozzle, wherein the shape is configured in the form of indicia to provide non-verbal communication to others.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: Steven A. Dringenberg
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Patent number: 7673814Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
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Patent number: 7669786Abstract: In the case of a windshield washer device (2) for a motor vehicle, a nozzle holder (6) is connected via a spring element (12) to a fastening flange (4) fastened to the motor vehicle. The nozzle holder (6) has a connection (9) for a washer fluid line (10). The spring element (12) is formed as a cross-sectional tapering (15) of a connecting element (14). The angle of inclination of the nozzle holder (6) and therefore the angle of inclination of a washer nozzle (7) arranged in the nozzle holder (6) can be adjusted via an adjusting means (13) at a distance from the spring element (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Holger Semmelroth, Heiko Weitzel
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Patent number: 7657961Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element coil or tube covered with a plastic sheath that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
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Patent number: 7641131Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom, John Mitchell
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Publication number: 20090283605Abstract: A liquid heating unit for use in a vehicle surface cleaning and deicing system, the liquid heating unit including a liquid heating assembly, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning at least one vehicle surface, at least one heating element for heating fluid in the liquid heating assembly and a freeze protection element located in the liquid heating assembly, the freeze protection element including a deformable container being deformable in at least two generally perpendicular axial directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: MICROHEAT INC.Inventors: Uri Arkashevski, Vychislav Ivanov, Joseph Rogozinski
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Patent number: 7614412Abstract: In the present washer fluid spraying apparatus, when the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced, the buoyant force of the float does not have an effect to the valve member, and therefore the cross-sectional area of the flow passage of the valve member is reduced. Consequently spraying amount is limited compared to a case where there is a plenty of amount of remaining washer fluid. Therefore, compared to the structure that controls the washer pump driving status by detecting the remaining amount by a sensor, the driver of the vehicle can know that the amount of the remaining washer fluid in the tank is reduced while limiting the manufacturing costs.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyuki Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7615955Abstract: A washer controller controls a washer motor in accordance with a manipulation of a washer switch. A washer switch detector determines whether a manipulation of the washer switch is performed within a predetermined time period of a last manipulation of the washer switch. A spray time controller sets a spray time to a first set time when the manipulation of the washer switch is performed within the predetermined time period of the last manipulation, and to a second set time when the manipulation of the washer switch is performed after the predetermined time period, the second set time being greater than the first set time. A washer motor controller operates the washer motor for a time period corresponding to the spray time set by the spray time controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Harita, Yoshito Hirota
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Publication number: 20090250533Abstract: A washer nozzle-equipped camera apparatus includes a camera and a washer nozzle. The washer nozzle has a window spray outlet for spraying a washer fluid, supplied from a supply unit such as a pump, on a window of a vehicle. The washer nozzle further has a window duct for carrying the washer fluid to the window spray outlet. The washer nozzle further has a camera spray outlet for spraying the washer fluid on a lens of the camera. The washer nozzle further has a camera duct for carrying the washer fluid to the camera spray outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Keiko AKIYAMA, Toshiki ISOGAI, Kiyonari KOJIMA, Toshihiro HATTORI, Kazuyoshi AKIBA
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Patent number: 7588194Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid; a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing at least a portion of the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also has expandable and compressible features and parts for protection against freezing.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: SBR Investments Company LLCInventors: David Shank, John Washeleski, Peter Strom
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Publication number: 20090212130Abstract: Disclosed is a windshield wiper reservoir system for cleaning a windshield of a vehicle. The reservoir system includes a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a motor system, and a plurality of wiper tubes coupled to the motor system. The first reservoir is configured to store a wiper fluid and the second reservoir is configured to store a de-icing fluid. The motor system is configured to drive at least one of the wiper fluid from the first reservoir and the de-icing fluid from the second reservoir. Each of the plurality of wiper tubes includes a spray head. Further, the each of the plurality of wiper tubes is configured to receive the at least one of the wiper fluid and the de-icing fluid. Furthermore, the spray head is configured to spray the at least one of the wiper fluid and the de-icing fluid onto the windshield of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Cleve Franklin, JR.
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Publication number: 20090159142Abstract: A valve is disclosed that includes a valve body defining an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet and the plurality of outlets cooperating to form a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths through the valve body. The valve further includes an outlet selection member carried by the valve body and defining a port configured to complete a fluid flow path selected from the plurality of alternative fluid flow paths. The valve further includes a first magnet assembly configured to enable reciprocation of the outlet selection member and a second magnet assembly configured to enable rotation of the outlet selection member. A washer fluid supply system incorporating the valve and a method of operating the valve are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Tyler C. Henderson, David A. Lucas, Jason Stibs
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Patent number: 7520447Abstract: The current invention relates to a dispenser comprising a container (A) for holding a product to be dispensed and a dispensing mechanism (B), said dispenser comprises i. a container body (Q) having a bottom (E), and a means for interconnecting said bottom with a side opposite thereto; said container body further including at least one outlet opening (F) arranged in or near the side opposite to said bottom, preferably in or near the upper half of the means interconnecting the bottom with the side opposite to said bottom, ii. a conduct (G) connecting said container body, extending from the outlet opening (F), with said dispensing mechanism, iii. a trigger sprayer (H) and, iv. a neck (K) connecting said trigger sprayer (H) with said conduct (G) wherein said neck (K) and said conduct (G) are linked to said container body (Q) so that said neck (K) and said conduct (G) form a swan-neck or a U-shape extending from said outlet opening (F) so as to exchange air pressure and product to be dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Monsanto Europe S.A.Inventors: Wim Engelen, Hugo Smid
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Patent number: 7506823Abstract: In a washing nozzle for use on vehicles for applying a liquid cleaning or washing medium, means are provided for acting within the nozzle on a main jet generated in the nozzle with a collision jet in order thus to modify the nozzle jet which emerges.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'EssuyageInventors: Simone Eisele, Uwe Lasebnick
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Publication number: 20090032616Abstract: In the case of a windshield washer device (2) for a motor vehicle, a nozzle holder (6) is connected via a spring element (12) to a fastening flange (4) fastened to the motor vehicle. The nozzle holder (6) has a connection (9) for a washer fluid line (10). The spring element (12) is formed as a cross-sectional tapering (15) of a connecting element (14). The angle of inclination of the nozzle holder (6) and therefore the angle of inclination of a washer nozzle (7) arranged in the nozzle holder (6) can be adjusted via an adjusting means (13) at a distance from the spring element (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Holger Semmelroth, Heiko Weitzel
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Publication number: 20080315013Abstract: An automobile accessory pertaining to safety in its operation for its driver and any passengers within is disclosed. The total body apparatus (10) provides an implement for a secondary or alternative method of applying a liquid fluid, such as water or a commercially available cleaning and ice melting solution, onto a windshield surface of an automobile if that particular vehicle's windshield washers are not working properly or they have no fluid to disperse from its storage repository. The driver (operator) of the total body apparatus (10) can accomplish this operation from the safety of a seating position from the front seating area by simply rolling or ‘cracking’ a window an amount sufficient to extend the front adapter part (11) outside the planar line of the door window glass towards the demarcation line whereas the front door jamb corner meets the end side of the windshield or windshield frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Thomas John Barniak, JR.