Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle driver assistance system (100) comprising at least one detection module (101) and a cleaning device (120), the detection module (101) comprising at least one driver assistance sensor (110, 130) and at least a protective window (140) closing the detection module (101) and protecting the at least one driver assistance sensor (110, 130), the cleaning device (120) being configured to clean the protective window (140) and the cleaning device (120) comprising at least one wiper (121) in contact with the protective window (140) and able to move in a rectilinear main direction (D).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for de-icing and/or cleaning insects off a vehicle window (10) which is designed to perform at least a window wiping function and comprising a continuous-rotation motor (40) designed to drive the rotation of at least one wiper (30) to at least a first level corresponding to a first wiping speed, referred to as high wiping speed (HWS), and a second level at a second wiping speed, referred to as low wiping speed (LWS) and lower than the first, so as to perform the wiping function, and a system for spraying a specific, de-icing or insect-cleaning liquid, onto the window (10) from the said at least one wiper (30), characterized in that the continuous-rotation motor is designed in such a way as to operate at a third speed (CS), lower than the second speed, and in that the device is configured to cause the said wiper (30) to at least descend from the high position (PH) as far as the low position (PB) with the motor (40) operating at the very slow speed (CS) and with the said sp

Abstract: An aircraft windshield wiper system includes a wiper arm, a wiper blade coupled to a first end of the wiper arm, and an output shaft coupled to a second end of the wiper arm. The wiper blade includes a fluid dispensing system including nozzles, a fluid control unit, fluid lines, fluid source, and a user interface. The wiper blade with the fluid dispensing system is configured to dispense a variety of fluids directly from the wiper blade onto the windshield of an aircraft.

Abstract: A wiper blade device (10a; 10b; 10c) with at least one fluid channel (14a; 14b; 14c) which has at least one fluid output opening (16a, 16a?; 16b, 16b?; 16c, 16c?), in particular at least one nozzle element (50a, 50a?; 50b, 50b?; 50c, 50c?), to form a fluid output, and with at least one wind deflector unit (18a; 18b; 18c), on and/or in which the at least one fluid channel (14a; 14b; 14c) is arranged. The wiper blade device (10a; 10b; 10c) has at least one wiper blade end cap (12a, 12a?; 12b, 12b?; 12c, 12c?) which forms at least one end piece of the fluid channel (14a; 14b; 14c).

Abstract: A dump-truck fluid assistance system and method for prevention and remediation of material sticking to the truck bed and dampening generation of dust, at different stages of loading, transport, and dumping operations. Fluid is emitted from one or more outflow manifolds inside the bed of the dump truck for one or more purposes of lubricating the truck bed, regulating the temperature of the truck bed, physically flushing material from the truck bed, and dampening generation of airborne particles or dust. Under the control of a controller having a controller transceiver, directed via a cab operator transceiver or remote operator transceiver, a fluid pump sends fluid from a fluid reservoir via a fluid line into the outflow manifolds that emit the flow of fluid variously as spray, stream, jet, drip, or weep, into the bed of the dump truck.

Abstract: A safety device for heating hoses is provided to prevent overheating of a heating wire. The safety device includes a first hose that connects between a reservoir and a connector and a second hose that is fluidly connected to the first hose and allows windshield washer fluid to flow from the connector to a spray nozzle. A housing encloses the connector and a heating wire is disposed in at least one of the first and second hoses. A terminal is disposed inside the housing and is connected to the heating wire to apply electric power from a power supply unit to the heating wire. A circuit breaker is connected to the terminal and the heating wire and cuts off electric power applied to the heating wire based on a temperature condition.

Abstract: The present invention for rights for a system configured for use with an existing motor vehicle windshield washer system whereby a portion of solution is directed to a headlamp washing outlet.

Abstract: The invention proposes a system (10) for wiping a vehicle window (12), comprising: at least one windscreen wiper blade (14) adapted to be driven by a drive arm (16) of the wiper system (10) with alternating movements sweeping at least one portion of the exterior surface of a window to be wiped between two positions at which the sweeping direction is reversed; a device (18) for spraying a liquid onto the exterior surface; a pump for feeding the sprayer device (18) with liquid; a circuit (CP) for controlling the feeding of the sprayer device (18) by the pump (38) as a function of the sweeping direction, characterized in that it includes a sensor (CA) of acceleration of the windscreen wiper that is carried by the windscreen wiper and that is connected to the control circuit (CP) in order to supply to the control circuit (CP) signals representing the value of the acceleration of the windscreen wiper (11).

Abstract: An onboard optical sensor cleaning device ejects fluid against a sensing surface of an onboard optical sensor installed in a vehicle and removes foreign matter from the sensing surface. The onboard optical sensor cleaning device includes a cleaning liquid ejection port that ejects supplied cleaning liquid and an air ejection port that ejects supplied air. The cleaning liquid ejection port and the air ejection port are independent from each other, an air ejection axis of the air ejection port is set so that the ejected air mixes with the cleaning liquid ejected from the cleaning liquid ejection port and to be directed toward the sensing surface.

Abstract: injection positions (A2, B2, and C2) toward which washer liquids (W) are injected from the forward-side injection nozzles (A1, B1, and C1) and injection positions (D2 and E2) which washer liquids (W) are injected from the backward-side injection nozzles (D1 and E1) are alternatively shifted in the longitudinal direction of the blade rubber. Therefore, in wiping-out motion of the blade rubber for one reciprocation, the front glass (12) can uniformly get wet, the total number of injection nozzles can be made less than ever, the consumption amount of washer liquid (W) at the time of reciprocating wiping-out motion of the blade rubber can be reduced, power consumption of the washer pump can be reduced, and the size of the washer pump can be decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper arm head (14) for a wiper arm rod (11), with a first end region (178), which has an opening (15) for receiving a drive shaft, and a second end region (179) for the pivotable fastening of the wiper arm rod (11), and with means for directing at least one hose (31, 32) carrying a cleaning fluid. It is provided according to the invention that the means has a feedthrough (181, 182), which leads the hose (31, 32) from an upper side (187) in the direction of an underside (188) of the wiper arm head (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle wiper system comprising: at least two windscreen wipers 12, 22, including a first windscreen wiper 12 and a second windscreen wiper 22, a heating device comprising a first heating element 14 designed to heat the first windscreen wiper 12 and a second heating element 24 designed to heat the second windscreen wiper 22, an electrical supply device designed to supply electricity to the first 14 and second 24 heating elements, and a control module, the wiper system being characterized in that the control module is designed so as to delay, when the heating device is activated, the electricity supply to the second heating element 24 compared to the electricity supply to the first heating element 14, by a pause duration ?t.

Abstract: A rain sensor according to an embodiment comprises: a substrate; a sensing electrode formed on a first surface of the substrate; a reaction layer formed on the first surface of the substrate and burying an upper surface of the substrate and the sensing electrode; a driving unit electrically connected to the sensing electrode formed on the first surface of the substrate and processing a sensing signal transmitted through the sensing electrode; and a protective layer formed surrounding the driving unit, wherein an impedance value according to a change of at least one of a force and a dielectric constant caused by presence of rainfall is changed, and the sensing electrode transmits the sensing signal with respect to a variation amount of the impedance value of the reaction layer to the driving unit.

Abstract: A washing apparatus is provided for a sensor enclosure. That washing apparatus includes a wiper assembly and a control module. The control module is configured to displace a wiper blade of the wiper assembly between a stowed position free of the sensor enclosure and a deployed position engaging the sensor enclosure.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a base including first and second windows. The sensor system includes first and second optical sensors supported by the base and positioned to receive light through the first and second windows. The sensor system includes first and second nozzles directed at the first and second windows. The sensor system includes a manifold in fluid communication with the first and second nozzles. The sensor system includes a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the manifold. The sensor system includes an air compressor in fluid communication with the manifold.

Abstract: System for wiping a vehicle window, the said window being equipped with a sensor, comprising a first wiper (15) which can wipe a first area of the window, including a portion (8, 8?) which extends at the level of the said sensor, a second wiper (13) which can wipe a second area of the window, different from the said first area, means for activation of the said first and second wipers for the purpose of their displacement on the window, and electronic means for control of the said means for activation, characterized in that the said means for activation comprise a first motor for activation of the said first wiper, and a second motor for activation of the said second wiper, and in that the said control means are configured to activate only the said first motor when cleaning of the said portion is required.

Abstract: A light assembly for use in cold and/or inclement weather. The light assembly includes a lens having a hood wherein the hood is formed as a one piece formation with the lens. The hood and/or lens includes at least one aperture in communication with a supply of fluid. The supply of fluid being a windshield washing fluid (or similar) configured to melt and ice and/or snow on the lens of the light assembly.

Abstract: A foot operated pump includes a water and airtight flexible and collapsible wall between a top plate and a base plate and an interior variable volume chamber. A flexible hose is selectively attachable to either an inlet port or an outlet port on the top plate member. The contents (air and/or liquid) within the variable volume chamber are forced out of the outlet port upon forced downward movement of the top plate member towards the base plate member. As the top plate member returns to a normally relaxed state in separated, angled relation to the base plate, the variable volume chamber enlarges and air is sucked through the inlet port to fill the variable volume chamber. An opposite end of the flexible hose attaches to various adapters and fittings for clearing clogged drain lines and other conduits.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, at least one seat, an engine, a plurality of ground engaging members, a windshield, and a wiper assembly connected to the upper portion of the windshield. The wiper assembly has a wiper motor, a reservoir, a wiper arm pivotally connected to the upper portion of the windshield, a wiper blade connected to the wiper arm, and a sprayer connected to the wiper arm and fluidly connected to the reservoir. The wiper motor selectively pivots the wiper arm and the wiper blade between a stowed position and a pivoted position. The wiper blade has a first side and a second side. The first side is above the second side in the stowed position. The sprayer is configured for spraying a fluid only on the surface of the windshield away from the first side of the wiper blade. A method for wiping a windshield is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiping system (1; 1?) for a glazed vehicle surface comprising a wiper (2) having a wiper blade (4) provided with at least one channel (6) in which a washing fluid (7) is intended to circulate, said channel (6) extending along the longitudinal axis (L) of the wiper blade (4) and emerging laterally from the wiper blade (4) through at least one spraying orifice (8), and a connector (3; 3?) linked to the wiper (2) and intended to be linked to a wiper arm of a vehicle, characterized in that the connector (3; 3?) has at least one opening (15; 16) formed facing at least one spraying orifice (8) of the wiper blade (4). The present invention relates also to a method for manufacturing a wiping system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling rear wiper units and rear washer units for a rear windshield of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, the vehicle includes, in addition to the rear windshield, the rear washer unit, and the rear windshield, a control system. The control system includes a detection unit and a processor. The detection unit is coupled to a single input device onboard the vehicle. The detection unit is configured to detect a user's engagement of the single input device. The processor is coupled to the detection unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically controlling the rear wiper unit and the rear washer unit based on the detecting of the user's engagement of the single input device.

Abstract: A wiper arm comprising an arm main body; a first nozzle portion disposed at a first predetermined position in a length direction of the arm main body; a second nozzle portion disposed at a second predetermined position in the length direction of the arm main body, and jets washing fluid toward a position that is different from an impact point of the washing fluid jetted from the first nozzle portion; a first line hose accommodated in the arm main body and connected to the first nozzle portion; a second line hose accommodated in the arm main body side-by-side with the first line hose and connected to the second nozzle portion; and a hose retention unit attached to the arm main body and that comprises: a first hose retention portion retaining the first line hose; and a second hose retention portion provided integrally with the first hose retention portion and retaining the second line hose.

Abstract: An apparatus of detecting a position of a rotating member includes a cam plate connected to the rotating member. The cam plate includes a plurality of segments that are spaced apart from each other. The plurality of segments are disposed in an annular shape. A fixed ring is disposed between the cam plate and the worm wheel. A first contact point is in contact with an interior portion of any one of the segments and maintaining a fixed state. A second contact point is formed at an external circumferential portion of any one of the segments and is in contact with the fixed ring.

Abstract: In a vehicle wiper device, a retaining portion is formed inside an arm piece at respective areas of a base end side fixing section, a main body, and a leading end side fixing section of the arm piece. A hose is retained by the retaining portion. This thereby enables the hose to be retained to the arm piece without using a retaining member, such as a holder, to retain the hose to the arm piece. Moreover, disposing the hose inside the arm piece enables the hose to be suppressed from being exposed or projecting out from the arm piece. The hose can accordingly be retained in the arm piece without having a detrimental effect on the appearance and while suppressing an increase in cost of the vehicle wiper device.

Abstract: A vision control system for controlling a vision of a glass surface of a locomotive. The vision control system includes a sensing module for detecting at least one parameter related to the glass surface. The sensing module includes a moisture sensing device configured to detect a presence of moisture on the glass surface and a photo sensor configured to detect an opacity of the glass surface. The vision control system also includes a cleaning system configured to perform a cleaning operation on the glass surface. The vision control system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the sensing module and the cleaning system. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of the at least one parameter related to the glass surface from the sensing module and communicate with the cleaning system to control the cleaning operation based on the received signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of a window washer system associated with a system for wiping a glazed surface of a motor vehicle, said wiper system comprising a wiper motor for rotating at least one wiper blade holder arm, and this window washer system comprising a liquid reservoir connected to at least one nozzle designed to deliver, over a wiping cycle, at least one liquid jet for at least a first window washer system activation period defined between an instant (td1) for initiating the spraying of the liquid and an instant (ta1) for stopping the spraying of the liquid, these instants each being determined as a function respectively of a first angular position and of a second angular position of the wiper blade holder arm defining a first angular sector in which the spraying of the liquid is continuous.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper apparatus is applied to a vehicle provided with a wiping surface including a first wiping area at a passenger's seat side and a second wiping area at a driver's seat side. A first wiper includes a first wiper blade configured to wipe the first wiping area. A second wiper includes a second wiper blade configured to wipe the second wiping area. A washer nozzle is arranged on the first wiper to supply washing liquid to the second wiping area. The washer nozzle sprays washing liquid so that the supply of washing liquid toward a front side in an advancing direction of the second wiper blade switches to a rear side in the advancing direction when the second wiper blade moves from the first reversing position to the second reversing position during the wiping operation of the first and second wipers.

Abstract: A wiper washer apparatus sprays a washer liquid onto a windshield of a vehicle that has imaging areas of an imaging device and wipes the windshield. The apparatus includes a wiper arm that reciprocates a blade so as to wipe a predetermined wiping area, a spray unit that sprays the washer liquid onto the wiping area on the windshield from a nozzle provided on the wiper arm, a drive unit that drives the wiper arm in a mode selected from modes including at least a low speed mode and a high speed mode, and an input unit through which a user inputs a command for spraying the washer liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid heating device for an automobile that comprises two independent liquid flow paths (10a, 10b) integrally formed in at least one part (1a) made of a heat-conducting material, each liquid flow path (10a) being capable of enabling a flow of liquid between a connection terminal defining an inlet and a connection terminal defining an outlet (12a, 12b), each of the connection terminals being capable of sealingly receiving a liquid supply duct or tube, and a heating means (14) thermally coupled with said part (1a) and capable of heating said part (1a) so that the liquid flowing through said flow paths can absorb the heat of said part (1a). The invention advantageously enables the very flexible use thereof for one or more systems requiring heated liquid inside a single vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper blade of a motor vehicle, comprising an elongate flexible strip, wherein at least one end of the strip is covered by a cap with a built-in conduit provided with a nozzle offset on the side of the flexible strip relative to the longitudinal median plane of said flexible strip.

Abstract: A windshield wiper includes a wiper assembly, a scrubber assembly, and an engaging assembly. The wiper assembly includes a wiper support structure and a wiper blade attached to the wiper support structure. The scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. The engaging assembly is coupled with the wiper assembly and the scrubber assembly and is configured to raise and lower the scrubber assembly with respect to the wiper assembly. Also, an automated method of using a windshield wiper.

Abstract: A device by which windshield wiper arms on motor vehicles are provided with an illumination source is intended to increase vehicle visibility as well as create a unique visual effect at night. A motor vehicle equipped with the device comprises at least one illumination source or sources interconnected via wiring to a dash-mounted control box which provides a pair of switches to control the illumination of at least one illumination source.

Abstract: When receiving no reverse state signal, which indicates that a vehicle is in reverse, a wash control circuit allows the actuation of the wiper motor by the interlocking operation and retains a changeover valve device on the side of the window washing nozzle. When receiving a reverse state signal, the wash control circuit switches the changeover valve device from the window washing nozzle to a camera washing nozzle and inhibits the actuation of the wiper motor by the interlocking operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper for vehicle windows that comprises structural members comprising at least a longitudinal substrate (10); a stiffening rod (20) arranged as an extension of said substrate (10); a wiping blade (30) attached to said substrate (10); an accessory (40) including at least one tube (42a, 42b) for spraying a washing liquid, said accessory (40) being assembled on said substrate (10). According to the invention, the wiper further includes means (60a, 60b) for heating the washing liquid, said heating means being included in the tubes (42a, 42b) of the accessory (40).

Abstract: The present invention is a windshield wiper lifter that mounts to a standard vehicle windshield wiper arm. The windshield wiper lifter has an articulating arm affixed approximately perpendicular to the windshield wiper. A first block and a second block are affixed to the windshield in the arced path of the windshield wiper lifter. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the first block it raises the wiper arm off of the windshield when the wiper arm strokes in a first direction. When the windshield wiper lifter strikes the second block it lowers the windshield wiper arm when stroking in a second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for supplying a cleaning liquid for an automobile, characterized in that it includes a liquid distribution member (2) including at least one liquid inlet and at least two liquid outlets, a check valve capable of preventing a liquid flow from each liquid outlet towards each liquid inlet, wherein the device (1) for supplying a cleaning liquid further includes heating means (4) thermally coupled with the liquid distribution member (2).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wiper assembly for sweeping a glass surface on a vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a windshield washer assembly connected to the windshield wiper drive arm of the vehicle for controllably dispensing washer fluid directly down onto the glass surface of the vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a novel control unit carried by the vehicle for controlling the dispensing of the washing liquid from the windshield washer assembly. Uniquely, the control unit includes a sensor that is operably associated with the pump for sensing the position of the wiper arm as it moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the glass surface and for controllably energizing the pump at selected positions of the wiper drive arm so that the washer fluid is always dispensed forwardly of the wiper blade to avoid smearing.

Abstract: A wiper assembly for sweeping a glass surface on a vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a windshield washer assembly connected to the windshield wiper drive arm of the vehicle for controllably dispensing washer fluid directly down onto the glass surface of the vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a novel control unit carried by the vehicle for controlling the dispensing of the washing liquid from the windshield washer assembly. Uniquely, the control unit includes a sensor that is operably associated with the pump for sensing the position of the wiper arm as it moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the glass surface and for controllably energizing the pump at selected positions of the wiper drive arm so that the washer fluid is always dispensed forwardly of the wiper blade to avoid smearing.

Abstract: A window cleaning system includes a control panel that has independently operable switches electrically coupled thereto. A reservoir for housing window washing fluid is nested within an engine compartment. Power operated pumps are mated to the control panel and are in fluid communication with the reservoir. Fluid dispensing assemblies are conjoined to the pumps and are independently activated for soaking a unique vehicle door window. Fluid wiping implements are situated above the fluid dispensing assemblies and cooperate with the fluid dispensing assemblies for automatically removing excess fluid from the door windows. Collection bins include funnels attached to a top surface thereof that receive and store runoff fluids from the door windows. The collection bins include plugs connected thereto for draining runoff water outwardly and away from the vehicle doors. Filters are seated subjacent to the funnels for preventing debris from being deposited into the collection bins.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror for a motor vehicle has a mirror housing, a wiper motor, and a wiper arm which is driven by the wiper motor via a wiper mechanism and bears a wiper blade for cleaning a mirror surface. The wiper mechanism generates an essentially parallel reciprocating movement of the wiper blade. It is essential here to the invention that the wiper mechanism has a first L-shaped pivot arm and a second L-shaped pivot arm which are respectively mounted rotatably in a fixed position at their elbows and are mounted rotatably, at their limbs on the wiper side, on an inner parallel wiper arm. Furthermore, an outer parallel wiper arm which is connected to the inner parallel wiper arm and bears the wiper blade is arranged on the inner parallel wiper arm. The two pivot arms are driven by the wiper motor to which they are connected in terms of drive at their limbs on the drive side.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling a wiper system of a type that can operate in an automatic mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated automatically and in a manual mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated by a user, the wiper system including at least one wiper configured to move across a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a motor coupled to the at least one wiper for moving the at least one wiper across the surface and a processor in operable communication with the motor. The processor is configured to detect when the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and return the at least one wiper to a predetermined position, and deactivate the wiper system, if the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and the vehicle is turned off.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a wiper for removing material impacting a surface of a vehicle are provided. An event indicating that the material has stopped impacting the surface of the vehicle is detected. A first number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into a predetermined position is less than a predetermined portion of a wipe cycle of the wiper. A second number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into the predetermined position is not less than a predetermined portion of the wipe cycle of the wiper.