Liquid Sprayer For Transparent Panel (e.g., Windshield) Patents (Class 239/284.1)
  • Patent number: 6789744
    Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus includes a thermally conductive mass formed of a stack of lamina, each having apertures for receiving heater element(s) therethrough and apertures which are alignable between opposed ends of the stack to form fluid flow paths. The lamina are rotatably offset from adjacent lamina in one step or groups of two or more steps to create helical flow paths in the throughbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Bissonnette, Mark M. Benner, Mark A. Pattison
  • Patent number: 6782908
    Abstract: A washer system which includes a first reservoir containing a freezable washer liquid and having a drain port therein. The drain port is in fluid communication with the freezable washer liquid when the first reservoir is in at least a full state. The washer system also includes a temperature sensor for measuring a critical temperature corresponding to approximately a freezing temperature of the freezable washer liquid, a drain plug sealingly communicating with the drain port, and an electrical control unit in operative communication with the temperature sensor and the drain plug. The electrical control unit controls the drain plug to drain the liquid from the first reservoir in response to the critical temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ellen Cheng-chi Lee, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Scott Alan Wojan
  • Patent number: 6769630
    Abstract: A headlight washer device is equipped with a nozzle support, which can be adjusted in its cleaning position through an opening in the autobody. A cap for closing the opening is connected via elastic elements with the nozzle support in such a way that the cap aligns autonomously along the edge of the body opening during the retracting movement of the nozzle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Alfred Leipziger
  • Patent number: 6761323
    Abstract: A water jet mechanism with composite control light-emitting modules, particularly a car water jet mechanism equipped with multiple light-emitting configurations for optional switching control, the base comprising a front assembly unit for installing the water jet assembly; a rear assembly unit, providing at least two accommodating grooves, each installed with a light-emitting member, in electrical connection with a module option control that supplies power for driving control, the module option control is optionally controlled to drive two light-emitting members to independently light or flash, or both simultaneously, to obtain single-color light or multiple-color decoration and enhancement of driving safety, and alarm effect by flashing lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Johnny Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040117937
    Abstract: Washer equipment jets washings to each sweeping area of driver's side and passenger's side windshield of a vehicle, which are swept by driver's side and passenger's side wiper blades, respectively, in such a manner that they synchronize together and move to a same direction. The washer equipment includes a primary jet part and a secondary jet part. The primary jet part splashes the washings down to a first splashdown disposed in each sweeping area of the driver's side and passenger's side wiper blades. The secondary jet part splashes the washings down to a second splashdown disposed upper side of the sweeping area of the driver's side wiper blade and disposed outside an upper reverse position of the passenger's side wiper blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Maruyama, Shuuichirou Itou, Akihisa Motono, Tetsuya Nakatsukasa
  • Publication number: 20040118939
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: David Shank, John Washeleski
  • Patent number: 6732953
    Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a washer fluid reservoir having washer fluid therein and a separator for receiving washer fluid from the reservoir and for adjusting the concentration of hydrocarbon additive within the fluid contained within the reservoir as a function of referenced temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Krause, Michael L. Greenfield, Scott Alan Wojan, Timothy John Wallington
  • Patent number: 6726122
    Abstract: The invention is based on a heatable washer system (10) for vehicle windows having at least one spraying nozzle (16) that is acted upon with washer fluid via a pressure valve (38), and the housing (40) of which is connected via a water line (14) to a water pump (20, 58) that delivers washer fluid from a reservoir (12) to the spraying nozzle (16), wherein a heating device (18) is located in the reservoir (12). It is proposed that the water line (14) comprise two passages (26, 28), one (26) of which is connected to the pressure side of the water pump (20), and the other (28) of which is connected to the reservoir (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20040074988
    Abstract: A nozzle device for ejecting a liquid onto vehicle windows or headlight lenses. At least one rotation chamber is formed inside a nozzle body. The liquid enters the chamber, is rotationally displaced in such a way that it is then ejected as a homogeneous fan jet via at least one slit-like nozzle opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Arndt Sternbach, Mark M. Benner
  • Patent number: 6719215
    Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a fluid reservoir, a pump mounted within the fluid reservoir, a heater mounted in proximity to the pump so as to provide heat to the fluid contained within the reservoir and a nozzle operatively associated with the pump for applying fluid from the reservoir to an outside surface of the automotive vehicle at an even sub-freezing temperatures, with aqueous-based fluids either none, or minimal freezing point depressants contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome R. Drouillard
  • Publication number: 20040035951
    Abstract: A water jet mechanism with composite control light-emitting modules, particularly a car water jet mechanism equipped with multiple light-emitting configurations for optional switching control, the base comprising a front assembly unit for installing the water jet assembly; a rear assembly unit, providing at least two accommodating grooves, each installed with a light-emitting member, in electrical connection with a module option control that supplies power for driving control, the module option control is optionally controlled to drive two light-emitting members to independently light or flash, or both simultaneously, to obtain single-color light or multiple-color decoration and enhancement of driving safety, and alarm effect by flashing lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Johnny Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6675989
    Abstract: A pump mounted in a housing is fluidically coupled to a vehicle windshield washer fluid reservoir. At least one outlet is carried on the pump housing for discharging fluid pumped from the reservoir. A fluid level sensor is mounted in the housing and has a sensing end projecting into the reservoir. The sensor includes a pair of spaced sensors having the sensing ends exposed to fluid within the reservoir. The sensor has a labyrinth shape adjacent to the sensing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Ritter, Mark M. Benner, Karl-Heinz Kuebler
  • Patent number: 6669109
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning or de-icing a vehicle window, including a reservoir for containing therein a washing fluid, a vessel having an inlet through which the washing fluid is received from the reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning a vehicle window, and a first heating element disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, characterized by an auxiliary heating element being disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, wherein the auxiliary heating element is disposed at a bottom portion of the vessel and is operative to heat a quantity of fluid which is not necessarily sufficient to cover the first heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Micro-Heat Inc
    Inventors: Vyshislav Ivanov, Jossef Rogozinski, Uri Arkashevski
  • Patent number: 6669110
    Abstract: When a washer system for a vehicle is activated, a first pumping device and a second pumping device supply a first discharge nozzle and a second discharge nozzle with a cleaning liquid, respectively, so that the cleaning liquid is discharged toward a right headlamp and a left headlamp, respectively. Hence, it is possible to reduce the size (a reduction of capacity) of the first pumping device and the second pumping device. In addition, the first pumping device and the second pumping device can supply front nozzles and a rear nozzle with the cleaning liquid, respectively, and therefore, the overall washer system for a vehicle does not need any additional pumping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuneo Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20030234303
    Abstract: A fluidic insert that receives fluid under pressure from a fluid inlet tube and generates a specified spatial distribution of the fluid exiting the insert includes: (1) a body member having top, bottom, front and rear outer surfaces, (2) top and bottom fluidic circuits located, respectively, at least partially within the member's top and bottom surfaces, wherein each of these circuits has at least one power nozzle, an interaction chamber, and an outlet whose exit lies within the member front surface, (3) the bottom fluidic circuit having a portion of its surface area located upstream of the power nozzle and adapted so that it can mate with a fluid inlet tube that supplies fluid to the insert, and (4) an inter-circuit flow passage that allows fluid to flow from the bottom fluid circuit to the top fluid circuit, the bottom end of this passage located such that it is downstream of the point where the inlet tube mates with the bottom circuit and upstream of the bottom circuit's power nozzle, with the top end of t
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Berning, Daniel E. Steerman, Srinivasaiah Sridhara, Gregory Russell
  • Publication number: 20030222156
    Abstract: A vehicle exterior surface wash apparatus includes a source of pressurized fluid having a pump which is operable in one of two different outlet flow directions and/or one of two different outlet flow pressures. Distribution conduits extend from the pump to fluid nozzles for dispensing fluid over selected exterior surfaces. A valve is connected in each fluid distribution path to select one of the fluid paths for fluid flow depending upon the valve position. An optional heater may be interposed with the fluid distribution path to supply heated fluid to at least one of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Lee A. Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 6626377
    Abstract: A window/lens cleaning device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a nozzle appliance (2) for spraying cleaning fluid, the nozzle appliance being mounted in an adjustable manner on a holding part (3). The holding part is formed as a nozzle cap (3) which surrounds the nozzle appliance (2) multilaterally and within which the nozzle appliance (2) can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030178506
    Abstract: At a time of forming lip portions 9e, 9f in upper and lower edge portions of an injection port 9d in a protruding manner, a nozzle for injecting a washer fluid of a washer fluid injection apparatus in a diffusion manner is structured such that a step surface 9i is formed on an inner side surface 9h such that protruding amounts of the lip portions 9e, 9f are set to the same size, a protruding tip portion in a washer fluid injection side of the lower lip portion 9f is positioned in a lower side than a lower side edge portion of the injection port 9d. Accordingly, it is possible to make the injected washer fluid hard to be affected by an air flow during traveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Takatoshi Kondou
  • Patent number: 6615438
    Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cleaning a window (24) of a vehicle (22), including a vessel (28), having an inlet (32) through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet (34) through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating element (50) 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Micro-Heat Inc.
    Inventors: Shlomi Franco, Jossef Wodnik, Vyshislav Ivanov
  • Patent number: 6604692
    Abstract: A heatable windshield washer nozzle is designed for mounting on the windshield wiper of a motor vehicle. The washer nozzle has a housing with a connection adapter. This connection adapter connects to a spray water hose that is electrically heatable via cables or woven wires molded into it. The ends of the heating cables are electrically bridged across just before the end of the hose. The housing is further equipped with a chamber for receiving a nozzle body and a heating plate above the nozzle body. A cover closes the chamber. The nozzle body is a flat chip with several channels fanning outward from a central water input opening. A bar is formed on the rim of the heating plate, which completely covers the surface of the nozzle chip. This bar extends along the connection adapter, so that when the heated spray water hose is slipped onto the connection adapter, the ends 23 of the heating cables extend over the bar of the heating plate without making direct contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie.
    Inventors: Daniel Utz, Hans-Jurgen Lesser
  • Patent number: 6598806
    Abstract: A windshield washing apparatus for marine craft includes a reservoir container having a bracket pivotally connected thereto. The bracket can be connected to vertical, horizontal or sloping surfaces on the marine craft while the container remains level. There is a pump mounted on the reservoir. A filler fitting has a connector for mounting the fitting on the surface of the marine craft remote from the reservoir. A first conduit connects the reservoir to the filler fitting. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle and a second conduit for connecting the pump to the spray nozzle. Preferably the reservoir has positions thereon for a plurality of pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Gary G. B. Phipps
  • Patent number: 6582526
    Abstract: A process for active cleaning of a vehicle window with a movable window wiping arm carrying a wiping blade and with cleaning fluid supply onto the windowpane includes initiating movement of the wiping arm and subsequently applying a prescribed first quantity of cleaning fluid at a defined side of the wiping arm facing a first moving direction of the wiping arm. In an embodiment, a second prescribed quantity of cleaning fluid is applied that is smaller than the first quantity at the defined side during movement of the wiping arm in a second moving direction opposite the first moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ferdinand Lersch, Peter Holler, Christian Haas
  • Patent number: 6568414
    Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the mirror element of an outside rear view mirror is disclosed. The arrangement includes a washing nozzle, which is disposed in the region of the outside rear view mirror on a motor vehicle and from which a jet of a cleaning liquid may be discharged. The position of the mirror element (1) relative to the body of the motor vehicle is variable, whereas the washing nozzle (9) is connected in a fixed manner to the body. To improve the cleaning action of the washing to nozzle (9), the mirror element (2) may be adjusted between a normal position, in which the driver may observe the traffic behind him in the mirror element (2), and a cleaning position, in which an advantageous angle for cleaning, in particular a steep angle arises between the mirror plane of the mirror element (2) and the jet of cleaning liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Fuchs, Peter Fuerst, Herwig Polzer
  • Patent number: 6561209
    Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for purging the washer liquids contained within a washer system. A first reservoir 21 containing a freezable washer liquid 40, a second reservoir 23 containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48, and an exit circuit 28 are fluidically coupled to a fluid distribution circuit 26. A fluid purge apparatus 61 is also coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26. An electronic control module (ECM) 20 is electrically coupled to the fluid distribution circuit 26, the fluid purge apparatus 61 and a temperature sensor 86. The ECM 20 controls the fluid purge apparatus 61 upon receiving a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 86. The fluid purging apparatus 61 purges freezable washer liquid 40 from a portion of the fluid distribution circuit 26, during temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature, to prevent the washer liquid from freezing within the fluid distribution circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Scott Wojan, Michael Lewis Greenfield, Timothy John Wallington, Edward Karl Krause
  • Patent number: 6554210
    Abstract: Fluid and air nozzle assemblies are capable of propelling streams of a cleaning fluid and air mixture onto a vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies are mounted on a vehicle adjacent to the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor and positioned such that liquid and air jets from the nozzles intersect prior to impinging upon the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor to form a spray mixture that cleans the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor. These nozzle assemblies have an adjustment feature for the purpose of aiming the fluid-air spray toward the vehicle vision device, visible indicator, or sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Holt, Chester E. Lundberg, Dave Austin, Mike Foster
  • Patent number: 6554565
    Abstract: In a fluid pump device, a filter is secured to a housing. A meshed portion of the filter substantially covers an inlet opening of the housing. Each engaging projection of the filter is engaged with a corresponding engaging recess of the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of an impeller. Arm portions of the filter substantially perpendicularly extend with respect to a meshed portion of the filter and are resiliently flexible in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the impeller. Each coupling projection of the filter is provided between adjacent two arm portions of the filter and is engaged with a corresponding coupling recess of the housing in the axial direction of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Suzuki, Yasuhiro Harita
  • Publication number: 20030066907
    Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a fluid reservoir, a pump mounted within the fluid reservoir, a heater mounted in proximity to the pump so as to provide heat to the fluid contained within the reservoir and a nozzle operatively associated with the pump for applying fluid from the reservoir to an outside surface of the automotive vehicle at an even sub-freezing temperatures, with aqueous-based fluids either none, or minimal freezing point depressants contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jerome R. Drouillard
  • Publication number: 20030066906
    Abstract: A windshield washer system for an automotive vehicle includes a washer fluid reservoir having washer fluid therein and a separator for receiving washer fluid from the reservoir and for adjusting the concentration of hydrocarbon additive within the fluid contained within the reservoir as a function of referenced temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Edward K. Krause, Michael L. Greenfield, Scott Alan Wojan, Timothy John Wallington
  • Publication number: 20030066909
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for cleaning headlamps on motor vehicles by means of cleaning fluid to be discharged through at least one spray nozzle (7), wherein the spray nozzle (7) in the rest position is arranged concealed or recessed in the bumper (2) or the bodywork of the motor vehicle and can be positioned by means of an actuator in a cleaning position. The cleaning device (1) according to the invention is distinguished in that the spray nozzle is arranged on a mounting which is secured pivotably to the bodywork and which in the rest position is pivoted into the bodywork and which can be pivoted out into the cleaning position by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Martyn Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20030066908
    Abstract: A windshield washing apparatus for marine craft includes a reservoir container having a bracket pivotally connected thereto. The bracket can be connected to vertical, horizontal or sloping surfaces on the marine craft while the container remains level. There is a pump mounted on the reservoir. A filler fitting has a connector for mounting the fitting on the surface of the marine craft remote from the reservoir. A first conduit connects the reservoir to the filler fitting. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle and a second conduit for connecting the pump to the spray nozzle. Preferably the reservoir has positions thereon for a plurality of pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Gary G.B. Phipps
  • Patent number: 6538235
    Abstract: A de-icing system for de-icing a window pane, in particular a window pane of a motor vehicle, comprising a reservoir for receiving a de-icing liquid, a heating element for heating the de-icing liquid, a pump for pumping the de-icing liquid from the reservoir through the heating element to at least one outlet, wherein the at least one outlet is shaped such that the heated de-icing liquid is nebulized and precipitates as distributed hot droplets on the window pane to be de-iced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fico Transpar, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Mota López, Juan Jesus Elvira Peralta
  • Publication number: 20030047621
    Abstract: When a washer system for a vehicle is activated, a first pumping device and a second pumping device supply a first discharge nozzle and a second discharge nozzle with a cleaning liquid, respectively, so that the cleaning liquid is discharged toward a right headlamp and a left headlamp, respectively. Hence, it is possible to reduce the size (a reduction of capacity) of the first pumping device and the second pumping device. In addition, the first pumping device and the second pumping device can supply front nozzles and a rear nozzle with the cleaning liquid, respectively, and therefore, the overall washer system for a vehicle does not need any additional pumping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tsuneo Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6530533
    Abstract: A window washing device for a windshield window of a vehicle has at least one spraying nozzle with at least one nozzle opening through which a spraying jet is sprayed onto a windshield window, the nozzle opening being adjustable so that an angle, which a direction of the nozzle opening encloses with the windshield window, is reduced with an increasing travel wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stepan Halek
  • Publication number: 20030042328
    Abstract: A washer system and a method are provided for dispensing a freezable washer liquid 40 versus using a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 depending on temperature. A first reservoir 21″ containing a freezable washer liquid is fluidically coupled to a first pump 188. A second reservoir 23″ containing a freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 is fluidically coupled to a second pump 192. The first pump 188 is fluidically coupled to a first port 196. The second pump 192 is fluidically coupled to a second port 204. The first pump 188 and the second pump 192 are electrically coupled to an electrical control circuit 205. The electrical control circuit 205 controls the first pump 188 and the second pump 192 upon measuring a temperature. The washer system uses the freezable washer liquid 40 in temperatures above a predetermined temperature and freeze-resistant washer liquid 48 in temperatures at or below a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Wojan, Michael Lewis Greenfield, Timothy John Wallington, Edward Karl Krause
  • Patent number: 6527000
    Abstract: A non-contact wiper and washer assembly for surveillance camera domes having a semicircular perforated tube in close proximity to the dome surface. The tube is pivotable by a motorized mechanism so that either washer solution or compressed air may be dispensed over the entire surface of the dome thereby washing it and cleaning it from any water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Vicon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Randmae, Rein Randmae
  • Patent number: 6520424
    Abstract: The inventive windscreen washer jet is used for spraying front or rear windscreens of automobiles and consists of the following: a housing (1) with a connector tube (2) for the spray water and a chamber (3) for integrating a jet chip (4). Said chip has a central opening through which the water flows (5) and from which several semicircular channels (6) are guided outwards in a fan shape. The channels (6) formed in the chip (4) are open towards one end and are blocked off by the chamber walls after the jet has been inserted, so that they are watertight. The channels (6) are formed in the chip (4) in such a way that the width (b) of the channel narrows towards the discharge area and they have a depth of 0.1 to max. 0.2 mm and a width of 0.2 mm to max. 0.4 mm at the discharge end. This ensures that the water jet is discharged at high speed and is therefore able to wet the vehicle windscreen more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Lesser, Mathias Hansel
  • Patent number: 6513185
    Abstract: A windshield wiper has a wiper arm (10), which is driven via a drive shaft and is made up of a fastening element (12) and a hinge element (14), pivotably connected to it via a swivel joint (18). The hinge element has a wiper rod (36) to which a wiper blade (42) is pivotably connected, and at least one spray nozzle (42) is disposed on a pivotable part (10, 22), the spray nozzle communicating with a water pump via a water line (48). An electric resistance heating line (50, 60) in wire form is guided through the water line (48) and has two insulated current-carrying leads (64, 66), which on one end are electrically connected to one another and on that end, with the spray nozzle (42, 54) of a heating-conducting material, form a contact point (62, 68) with good heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Zimmer, Norbert Wegner
  • Patent number: 6508414
    Abstract: In a window washer nozzle of a window washer apparatus, washer liquid in a vertical liquid pipe is introduced into a horizontal liquid pipe through a filter and sprayed out from an orifice to a windshield. The filter is integrally molded in a coupling portion of the first and the second liquid pipes. An opposed wall of the filter is opposite to an inlet of the horizontal liquid pipe with a space L through which the washer liquid flows into the horizontal liquid pipe. The space L is smaller than a bore size W of the orifice. Therefore, foreign materials in the washer liquid larger than the bore size W are blocked at the filter, thereby restricting clogging of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignees: Asmo Co., Ltd., Tamanokasei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Naoki Tamano
  • Publication number: 20030009841
    Abstract: In a wiper arm, a retainer has a longitudinal base wall and side walls extending from opposite side edges of the longitudinal base wall, so that the retainer has substantially a U-shaped cross section that opens toward a wiping surface. A first washer nozzle is mounted at a substantially intermediate portion of the retainer and a second washer nozzle is mounted at an end of the retainer. The first and second washer nozzles have a first engagement portion formed with either a projection or a recessed portion. The side walls have a second engagement portion formed with the opposite of the first engagement portion. The first and second engagement portions interlock with each other, so the nozzles are secured between the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Sato
  • Publication number: 20030006308
    Abstract: A nozzle for a windshield washing system of a motor vehicle is proposed, in which the nozzle insert can be inserted into the nozzle housing at different angles. In particular, the nozzle housing has a fine toothing, via which different inclination angles of the nozzle insert are fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Theo Kuch, Willi Neumann
  • Patent number: 6491503
    Abstract: A delivery device having a retaining mechanism for pre-tensioning a valve against a feed pump that is installed in an area removed from the sealing structure that provides surfaces used to seal the connection between the valve and the feed pump. The retaining mechanism has a locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20020166901
    Abstract: In a window washer nozzle of a window washer apparatus, washer liquid in a vertical liquid pipe is introduced into a horizontal liquid pipe through a filter and sprayed out from an orifice to a windshield. The filter is integrally molded in a coupling portion of the first and the second liquid pipes. An opposed wall of the filter is opposite to an inlet of the horizontal liquid pipe with a space L through which the washer liquid flows into the horizontal liquid pipe. The space L is smaller than a bore size W of the orifice. Therefore, foreign materials in the washer liquid larger than the bore size W are blocked at the filter, thereby restricting clogging of the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Naoki Tamano
  • Patent number: 6474568
    Abstract: In a washer system (9) which is intended for a motor vehicle, a delivery unit (1) is used to supply a washer nozzle (11) which is connected by means of a pipe element (10). To protect against damage at low ambient temperatures, a heating element (5) is arranged on a housing (7) of a pump chamber (3) of the delivery unit (1) and thus makes it possible for the washer fluid situated in the pump chamber (3) to be heated rapidly and in a specific manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Lutz Seyfarth, Roland Sieber
  • Patent number: 6467701
    Abstract: A shield cleaning system has a fluidic nozzle body (5) which is connected to a nipple (1) for the supply of cleaning fluid. The nipple (1) has at least one holding part (2) for invariable fastening to a body part. At its end facing the fluidic nozzle body (5), the nipple (1) has a spherical head (4). The fluidic nozzle body (5) is held on the latter by means of a ball socket (6) sealingly, but so as to be pivotable on all sides and rotable about its longitudinal axis relative to the nipple (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Uwe Martin
  • Patent number: 6463621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper having arm (10), which is driven via a drive shaft and on which a wiper blade is (20) is pivotably connected. At least one spray nozzle (64) for providing fluid to the windshield is disposed on one of the pivotable parts (10,22) and is connected via a water inlet (56) to a water pump. A nozzle body (40) with one inlet conduit (42) and at least one outlet conduit (44) is provided in a housing (36). A spray nozzle is mounted in the nozzle body. Both inlet and outlet conduits have openings on a jacket face of the nozzle body. A diaphragm (58,70), in a pressureless state, closes the inlet conduit (42) and the outlet conduit (44) on the jacket face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Zimmer, Norbert Wegner
  • Patent number: 6464150
    Abstract: A spray device (10, 56, 58) for a window or glass washing system has a spray nozzle (14) that has a nozzle bore (50) and is supported in a nozzle housing (12) with a water connection and has a device that prevents a returm flow and an uncontrolled escape of spraying water. The spray nozzle (14) is retained axially movably in the nozzle housing (12) and in the spraying operation is subjected to water pressure at a face end (24) toward the water connection (60), while with its other face end (26), it contacts a closure part (16, 38), which sealingly covers the nozzle bore (50) until it is brought, by an axial displacement of the spray nozzle (14), into an open position and uncovers the nozzle bore (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Zimmer, Claus Fleischer
  • Patent number: 6461121
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monodirectional pump comprising a body within which is accommodated a motor which activates a bladed rotor, the pump comprising an inlet opening for liquid and two outlet tips allowing for release of the liquid sucked by the pump through the two outlet tips simultaneously. The present invention also provides the uses of the pump, particularly in a system for washing surfaces, for example automobile windows and/or headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Societe d'Etudes et de Realisations Industrielles et Commerciales “Seric”
    Inventor: Reynald Lelong
  • Patent number: 6460780
    Abstract: A spray nozzle (10, 50, 68, 70) for a window or glass washer system has a closure element (14) with an elastic admission opening, which is opened by the pressure of the washing water. The closure element (14) is disposed in the water inlet upstream of a nozzle (32) having a fixed spray port (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Zimmer, Claus Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20020134857
    Abstract: The invention is based on a heatable washer system (10) for vehicle windows having at least one spraying nozzle (16) that is acted upon with washer fluid via a pressure valve (38), and the housing (40) of which is connected via a water line (14) to a water pump (20, 58) that delivers washer fluid from a reservoir (12) to the spraying nozzle (16), wherein a heating device (18) is located in the reservoir (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Joachim Zimmer
  • Patent number: RE38013
    Abstract: A vehicle washer nozzle liquid spray system having a source of washer liquid under pressure, a fluidic oscillator comprising a housing and a fluidic insert having a power nozzle, an oscillation chamber having an upstream end coupled to the power nozzle for issuing a jet of washer liquid into the oscillation chamber and a downstream end having an outlet aperture for issuing a jet of wash liquid to ambient, and side and top and bottom walls, an oscillation inducing silhouette in the oscillation chamber for causing said jet of wash liquid to rhythmically sweep back and forth between the sidewalls in the oscillation chamber. Top and bottom walls of the oscillation chamber first diverge for a predetermined distance in a downstream direction and then converge towards each other through said outlet aperture. This enables the deflection angle to be adjusted for different vehicles uses and applications by changes to the fluidic insert without changes to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Stouffer