Abstract: A washer fluid heater disposed within a vehicle having an engine cooling system and a washer fluid dispensing system. The washer fluid heater includes a plurality of thin walled, closely spaced tubular members concentrically arranged around a central axis of the washer fluid heater. Each of the tubular members is separated from an adjacent tubular member by one of a plurality of flow channels. The plurality of flow channels includes first and second groups of flow channels. The washer fluid heater also includes a first end cap and a second end cap, where the first end cap includes a first washer fluid port and a first coolant port and the second end cap includes a second washer fluid port and a second coolant port. The first and second washer fluid ports are coupled to the first group of flow channels while the first and second coolant ports are coupled to the second group of flow channels.

Abstract: A washer fluid heater disposed within a vehicle having an engine cooling system and a washer fluid dispensing system. The washer fluid heater includes a plurality of thin walled, closely spaced tubular members concentrically arranged around a central axis of the washer fluid heater. Each of the tubular members is separated from an adjacent tubular member by one of a plurality of flow channels. The plurality of flow channels includes first and second groups of flow channels. The washer fluid heater also includes a first end cap and a second end cap, where the first end cap includes a first washer fluid port and a first coolant port and the second end cap includes a second washer fluid port and a second coolant port. The first and second washer fluid ports are coupled to the first group of flow channels while the first and second coolant ports are coupled to the second group of flow channels.

Abstract: An electrically powered windshield wiper fluid heater having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. A piston is movably mounted in the housing between a retracted and an extended position and the piston forms a thin annular passageway between the housing and the piston. During fluid flow from the inlet, through the annular chamber and to the outlet, the differential pressure moves the piston to its extended position thus closing a switch which powers a heating element disposed around the housing.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the windshield wiper washer fluid is heated and delivered to the windshield through the rubber wiping element. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid is heated to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed reservoir by the heat from the engine coolant system. In another embodiment, a tubular electrical high intensity heating element with turbulent counter flow is used to instantly heat the windshield wiper fluid, and the heating element is automatically electrically energized in response to fluid flow through the tubular heating element. In another embodiment electrical direct current vehicle power or selectively alternating current external power is used to heat fluid to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed insulated reservoir. A novel windshield wiper blade is also disclosed in which the wiper blade has a longitudinally elongated fluid chamber formed along its length.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the windshield wiper washer fluid is heated and delivered to the windshield through the rubber wiping element. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid is heated to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed reservoir by the heat from the engine coolant system. In another embodiment, a tubular electrical high intensity heating element with turbulent counter flow is used to instantly heat the windshield wiper fluid, and the heating element is automatically electrically energized in response to fluid flow through the tubular heating element. In another embodiment electrical direct current vehicle power or selectively alternating current external power is used to heat fluid to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed insulated reservoir. A novel windshield wiper blade is also disclosed in which the wiper blade has a longitudinally elongated fluid chamber formed along its length.