Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on an outside surface of a windshield is disclosed. The sensor includes an emitter circuit for emitting light energy, and a detector circuit for receiving light energy. A processor controls the emitter circuit and processes signals received from the detector circuit. A self test circuit is connected between the processor and the emitter circuit, the self test circuit is operably associated with the emitter circuit for generating a test signal for simulating the presence of moisture on the outside surface of the windshield.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently controlling windshield wipers, comprising a setting switch which is capable of being manually activated, a microconller responsive to the activation of the setting switch, means for programming a time interval into the microcontroller in response to activation of said setting switch, whereby the microcontroller initiates a sweeping action of the windshield wipers corresponding to the time interval between activations of the setting switch and continues to initiate a sweeping action of the windshield wipers during the programmed time interval until a subsequent activation of the setting switch, and, either means for decreasing the time interval after setting of the programmed time interval by a single subsequent activation of the setting switch or means for increasing the time interval after setting of the programmed time interval by two subsequent activations of the setting switch. A method for intermittently controlling windshield wipers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for operating a windshield wiper, having a sensor device for detecting the state of wetness of a windshield, an evaluation device that receives the sensor signal and an actuating unit for the windshield wiper that can be actuated by the evaluation device to effect suitable wiping operation. Even when individual drops impact the windshield, appropriate wiping operation can be initiated during a drying phase of the windshield, because it is provided that current measured values of the sensor signal can be supplied to both the difference-initiating stage and a drop-recognition device that is provided in the evaluation device and in which the sensor signal can be evaluated with respect to individual drops using signal breaks, and that an adapted control signal can be generated by the control-signal-generating stage when a minimum signal break is detected, with which signal corresponding wiping operation can be initiated by way of the actuating unit.

Abstract: A drive circuit system includes an opening control circuit Eo adapted to close an opening relay to drive a motor in a window opening direction by operation of a control switch to an opening position, and a closing control circuit Es adapted to close a closing relay to drive the motor in a window closing direction by operation of the control switch to a closing position. The opening control circuit Eo and the closing control circuit Es include final output stage transistors To and Ts, respectively, each of which comprises a PNP-type transistor. When the drive circuit system becomes wet due to the entry or condensation of water or liquid, a leak current I is permitted to flow simultaneously between bases of the final output stage transistors To and Ts and ground 2. Both of the transistors To and Ts are simultaneously turned on to close the opening relay and the closing relay.

Abstract: In a wiper system using a reversible motor for reciprocating angular movement of a wiper arm, a separate relay and a separate position detecting segment are used for selectively defining a path for regenerative braking. Because the third relay and the third position detecting segment are provided separately from those used for controlling the power supply of the electric motor, and are therefore relatively free from any large time constant, it is possible to start the regenerative braking action at a prescribed angular location without involving any substantial time lag so that the wiper arm can be stopped at a prescribed angular position at each terminal point at high precision at all times.

Abstract: A detection device has a transducer (10) for emitting and receiving series of ultrasonic pulses. An integrator (23) integrates echo signals resulting from ultrasonic pulses within a time window so as to produce an integral value. A time-delay circuit (28) is used to control the instant of opening T1 of a time window and a control circuit (25) determines an average value of a number of n integral values and for loading the values of the opening a instant T1 into the time-delay circuit (28) so as to maintain the average value at a steady value. The control circuit (25) determines the average value by loading a first value of T1 in the time-delay circuit before the integration of the first x echo signal and a second value of T1 in the time-delay circuit before the integration of the second n-x echo signals.

Abstract: A unique electrical control for a defroster has a resistive electrical filament strip and a bi-directional motor having a H-bridge drive. The defroster filament may be simultaneously operated to warm a window or mirror and function as a power or current dissipating resistance to prevent a short circuit within the H-bridge drive.

Abstract: An electric motor control system for a motor vehicle rear wiper assembly. The system includes an electric motor including a motor housing. A gear mechanism is coupled to the electric motor to selectively connect the motor to a motor application. A plurality of resistive contacts are located either on the motor housing or on the gear mechanism and are arranged in a predetermined resistance pattern to indicate motor operational data. A controller is connected to the motor and is programmed to control operation of the motor. A contact mechanism is connected opposite the resistive contacts either on the gear mechanism or the motor housing to selectively contact one of the plurality of resistive contacts dependent upon a selected motor application. A resistance measuring device is connected between the wiper and the controller to generate a sensed resistance signal and communicate the sensed resistance signal to the controller for motor control purposes. Exact output location can be determined at any time.

Abstract: In a rain sensor system for a motor vehicle, a sensor element is provided as separate part for attachment in the vicinity of a vehicle window. The sensor element is wiped by a separate wiper blade which is fastened to a windshield wiper or driven by the latter. As a function of the a degree of wetness present on its top, the sensor element supplies electric signals to an evaluation electronics. Above a limit value of the signals, the evaluation electronics connects the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A device for operating a windshield wiper with an automatic wiper control. A fast reaction to a suddenly occurring heavy wetting event is assured without adversely affecting the sequence of intermittent wiper operation. This is achieved by an evaluation unit which has a surge detection stage that makes it possible to detect, during intermittent operation when a sensor signal falls short of a surge threshold and by triggering a control signal for at least one wiping action when the signal falls short of the surge threshold.

Abstract: A windshield wiping arrangement with at least one wiper arm (11) is disclosed, which is operated by an electromotor (10) with reversible rotational direction. A time determination device (19) is provided, which determines the time (T.sub.n ; T.sub.n+1 ; T.sub.n+2 ; T.sub.n+3 ; T.sub.n+4) following the triggering of a wiping operation. Furthermore, a time presetting device (22) is provided, which presets a maximum allowable time (T.sub.max ; T.sub.max,n+1 ; T.sub.max,n+2 ; T.sub.max,n+3) for the duration of half of a wiping cycle. A comparator (21) detects a possibly existing time overrun and, with a time overrun signal (27), triggers a wiping operation in the opposite direction relative to the preceding wiping operation by reversing the electromotor (10). The windshield wiping arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to maintain a limited wiping operation when a blocking occurs (B1, B2, B3), as can be caused, for example, by a snow load on a windshield to be cleaned.

Abstract: A arrangement for operating a windshield wiper in a direct mode, an intermittent mode or a continuous mode, having a sensor device for detecting a degree of moisture on the windshield, an evaluation device for the sensor signal and an actuation unit for the windshield wiper. A non-disturbing smoothing of the interval times is accomplished in a simple manner in that an interval time control has a smoothing stage for the interval time with which it can be determined during which time segment of predetermined time segments within the interval time a wetting event occurs, starting from the beginning of the interval, and with which the second interval time can be shortened all the more, the earlier the time segment appears during which the wetting event occurs.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes at least one wiper arm (10) that is driven by an electric motor (11), whose rotary direction is variable at least in the respective extreme position. Upon the change of rotary direction, the electrical power made available to the electric motor (11) is reduced. The rated power is not made available until either a specified time has elapsed or a specified position of the wiper arm (10) has been reached. For specifying a reduced electrical power, a reduction in the current flowing through the electric motor (11) is especially well-suited. The windscreen wiper device according to the invention makes for a slight thermal load on both the electric motor (11) and the drive stage (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a windshield wiper having an automatic wiper control. The apparatus is provided with a rain sensor having a light-emitting transmitter and a receiver that responds to the emitted light by emitting a sensor signal, and an evaluation device for the sensor signal. The evaluation device has a microcomputer and a capacitor that is outside of the microcomputer and to which the sensor signal is supplied. Also included is a comparator connected to the capacitor for comparing the voltage built up at the capacitor by the sensor signal to a threshold voltage and for emitting an output signal if the threshold voltage is exceeded. The microcomputer forms a measured value from the output signal, the value of which correspond to a time at which the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for operating a windshield wiper, having a sensor device for detecting the state of wetness of the windshield, an evaluating device that receives the sensor signal and in which an adjusting device is provided for updating a reference value, and an actuator unit for the windshield wiper that is actuated by the evaluating device for initiating a wiping process if the difference between the reference value and a current measured value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The evaluation and analysis of an event that influences the sensor signal, such as a slow buildup on the windshield under drizzly or foggy conditions, are facilitated by the fact that the adjusting device includes at least one adjusting stage whose time constant is in an order of magnitude of one second to a few seconds, and that the reference value can be followed step-wise, taking into consideration all current measured values received at intervals of fractions of a second.

Abstract: A straight line wiper of the kind where a belt or chain drive (1) on two pulleys or gear wheels (2, 3) and driven by a motor (10), drives a wiper (4, 5) along a straight line path driven by movement of the upper flight of the belt (1) in one direction and by the lower flight in the reverse direction between two ends of stroke potions (6, 7). The apparatus includes a motor speed profile arrangement which reduces the speed of the motor (10) as the wiper (4, 5) approaches each end of stroke position (6, 7) and increases the motor speed as the wiper (4, 5) moves away from each end stroke position (6, 7).

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved system for windshield wipers in vehicles. An induction motor is used, in which speed is accurately controlled by controlling frequency of power supplied to the motor. The induction motor may be of the consequent-pole type, which ordinarily does not produce sufficient torque. Addition of (a) auxiliary tooth slotting and (b) skew has raised the torque produced to acceptable levels.The invention includes a control system, which senses excess load on the motor, which occurs as the windshield dries, and reduces motor speed, subject to a minimum, in response.

Abstract: An intermittent windshield wiper system achieves a substantial wipe event at the end of a wash cycle during intermittent operation. The innovative wiper system includes gear reducing box for reducing the oscillation rate of the wipers below the rotation rate of the wiper motor; a selector switch that functions in conjunction with a first rely for controlling the supply of power to the wiper motor to operate it at a higher speed during the initial phase of intermittent operation and during the wash cycle and with a second relay for controlling the supply of power to the wiper motor to operate it at a lower speed during the remainder of the intermittent cycle and to brake the wiper motor during the final phase of intermittent cycle. The innovative wiper system advantageously utilizes the same mechanism to achieve the normal intermittent dwell, instant on, and wipe after wash timing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selective measurement of liquid and solid particles deposited on plate surfaces. The method is based on the transmission of radiation, which originates from total reflection from the interface between liquid droplets at the surface of the plate and surrounding gas, e.g., air. This radiation is transferred inside the plate as radiation undergoing total internal reflection between the surfaces of the plate. Such measuring radiation reaches a detector protected from background radiation, whereby intensity increase can be measured and used for the control, e.g., windshield wipers and washer equipment.

Abstract: A wiper motor and window washer control system for controlling the wiper motor and window washer pump of a window cleaning system. The wiper motor and window washer control system includes an electronic circuit for controlling the application of window washing fluid by the window washer pump and for controlling the operation of window wipers driven by the wiper motor. The electronic circuit relies on a power metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) for controlling the current applied to the window washer pump. A wash circuit controls the duration of the application of wash fluid according to an R-C network. A wiper control circuit controls the window wipers during the application of the window washer fluid and during operation of the window wipers during normal and intermittent operation. A wiper/wash circuit generates a signal used by the wiper control circuit during application of the window washer fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating a wiper includes a sensor for detecting a wetting state of a pane and outputting a sensor signal based thereon, an evaluator for receiving the sensor signal from the sensor, and evaluating the sensor signal, and an actuator for actuating the wiper, the actuator being actuated by the evaluator to produce one of a plurality of wiping modes, including a stage II wiping mode for heavy wetting conditions. The evaluator includes an evaluation stage for determining whether a degree of wetting corresponding to a stage II wiping condition occurs after a prolonged wiping break, for example after passing through a tunnel, and a processing stage. If a degree of wetting corresponding to a stage II wiping condition is determined to occur after a prolonged wiping break, the processing stage is actuated by the evaluation stage to cause a change-over to stage II wiping within a shorter time period than in a case where a prolonged wiping break is not present for a comparable degree of wetting.

Abstract: In a control circuit for a vehicle windshield wiper system, a relay energization retaining circuit forms a self-sustaining circuit jointly with a relay drive transistor for driving a wiper relay, and maintains supply of electric current to the wiper motor when the ON signal for the relay drive transistor is terminated as long as the auto stop switch is at the brake position until the auto stop switch subsequently moves on to the drive position.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a windshield wiper having a sensor device for determining the state of wetness of a windshield, an evaluation device which receives the sensor signal, a dirt-recognition stage and an adjusting device for updating a reference value when dirt is present on the windshield, and an actuating unit for the windshield wiper which can be actuated by the evaluation device in order to initiate a wiping process if the difference between the reference value and a current measured value of the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The measured values can be evaluated by the dirt-recognition stage with respect to signal breaks of the sensor signal caused by the wiping action of the wiper across the sensor surface.

Abstract: An improved interval control device comprising a timing device; a memory unit; trigger button actuable, a first time, by the user to initiate operation of the desired mechanism and to start said timing device to determine the duration of operation of said desired mechanism; said trigger button being actuable a second time by said user to halt operation of said desired mechanism, to cause said memory unit to store the time of operation indicated by said timing device and to restart said timing device to determine the length of the rest period; said trigger button being actuable by said user a third time to restart operation of said desired mechanism and to cause said memory unit to store the duration of said rest period and, thereafter, to actuate said desired mechanism in accordance with the stored intervals of operation and rest; and a device for ceasing said operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of governing a system such as a vehicle screen wiping system. It also relates to a governing apparatus for performing the method of the invention, and to a governed system of the simultaneous or synchronized type, for wiping a glass surface of a vehicle.The governing apparatus according to the invention includes a low level control module which effects, in the system, a reversion to a stable state. The command signal from the low level control module is generated by an intermediate level control module which operates as an open loop. Finally perturbations are compensated for by a high level control module which produces a modification of the command signals in such a way as to render the governing action convergent. The modification of the command signals consists in reducing the rate of propagation of the command signals when the load increases.

Abstract: A wiper-washer system for vehicles comprises at least one wiper drivable by a wiper motor and a washer device which includes a water reservoir and a water pump motor. The wiper and water pump motors are activated through a switching arrangement. The wiper motor is in the form of a direct current motor with a gearbox, designed for only a single rated speed. In addition a hybrid electronics unit provided with a control, a driver and a power output stage is fitted directly on or in the housing of the wiper motor. It is advantageous that the direct current motor for the wiper is of simpler construction and operates at more favourable working conditions than a two-speed direct current motor conventionally used. By means of the hybrid electronics unit the working current is supplied to the wiper motor in the absence of mechanical contact devices. Compared with conventional wiper-washer systems the outlay on cabling is reduced. Advantageous embodiments of the system are also described.

Abstract: Proposed is a device for operating a windshield wiper in the intermittent and continuous modes. To do this, at least one sensor (12) is provided, which emits signals in dependence on the coat of moisture or the amount of rain on a windshield to be cleaned, as well as an electronic control (16) for operating the windshield wiper (11) in dependence of the signal from sensor (12). The number for the sensor signals (E) per wiping interval (WP) is recorded as control signal (n) in one evaluating mechanism (14). Furthermore and depending on whether at least one threshold value (S1, S2) is exceeded or not reached by the control signal (n) or a signal (M1, M2), derived from control signals, there is a changeover between intermittent and continuous modes by means of a changeover device (21, 22).

Abstract: A windshield wiper control detects a stall condition of the windshield wiper motor such as may be caused by a freezing of wiper blades to the windshield by monitoring the commutating switch normally used to park the windshield wiper blades when the wipers are turned off. Failure of the signal from the switch to change indicates the motor has stalled and causes a timer holding a value greater than a wiper cycle to time out and de-energize the wiper motor. The wiper motor is re-energized by turning off then on again the wiper control. A method of setting the interval between intermittent operation of the wiper with a single switch, times from previous wiper cycles to the switch activation to set a longer or shorter wiper cycle interval.

Abstract: Harsh full voltage conductive switching action is removed from a commutator-type rotary switch integral with a motor assembly and is placed in relay contacts external to the motor assembly by controlling reduced current through the rotary switch to the relay to maintain the relay energized after a control voltage is removed from the relay, and initiating a fixed time one-shot pulse generator in response to the rotary switch opening the reduced current to de-energize the relay and switch the load into a dynamic braking circuit at a particularly timed moment.

Abstract: A process and a system for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular on a motor vehicle, employs a sensor which recognizes the intensity of the rain. The sensor gives off a signal whereby the windshield wiper is automatically controlled as a function of the intensity of the rain. A variation in the signal of the sensor is effected by random signals produced by the continuous movements of drops of water, and serves as measure for the intensity of the rain. In order to assure an optimal and reliable control of the windshield wiper as a function of the intensity of the rain, there is a monitoring of the time between a first sudden change of the signal and a second sudden change. When the time exceeds a given value, the windshield wiper is controlled as a function of at least an earlier one of the sudden changes in the sensor signal which precedes the aforementioned first sudden change.

Abstract: A differential capacitive moisture sensor, relying for its operation on the time-varying couplings in two moisture-sensing regions to provide indication of presence of moisture, with selectivity of sensing surface provided by a shielding electrode, and with temperature information provided by a simultaneously-fabricated resistive temperature sensor. Various electrode connections and sensor electronics may be used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control system and method for a vehicle speed-response type intermittent wiper. An operation time interval for the wiper, which serves to wipe a window of a vehicle, is set in accordance with a speed of the vehicle to drive the wiper at the operation time interval. Upon detection of a start of the vehicle from a stopped state, the wiper is driven in temporary precedence of the wiper operation time interval so that driving of the wiper can be adequately controlled to ensure the provision of a sufficient area of vision without driving the wiper beyond necessity.

Abstract: A wiper system for a motor vehicle window includes a wiper arm, a permanent magnet motor, a linkage connecting the motor with the wiper arm, and a switching mechanism. The wider arm is adapted to be rotatably mounted on a vehicle body for operable movement between first and second end wipe positions. The motor is of the three brush permanent magnet type, the brushes being a high speed brush, a low speed brush and a common brush. The switching mechanism is responsive to wider blade position and is closed, electrically connecting the high speed brush with the low speed brush, thereby achieving an intermediate speed, in at least one end wipe position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper controller 10 is provided for automatically regulating the operating speed of a motor powering a windshield wiper. An automatically set or manually set wiper speed selector 36, 48 is provided for selecting a wiper speed setting to initially control the operating speed of the windshield wiper motor. A sensor 22 senses the actual speed of the windshield wiper movement relative to the windshield. Controller 32 is responsive to the sensor 22 and automatically generates a wiper speed increase signal to the selector when the sensed wiper speed is less than a selected value, and similarly generates a wiper speed reduce signal when the sensed wiper speed is greater than a selected value. The wiper speed sensor 22 may include a magnet 20 which acts as a triggering mechanism outputting a signal from the wiper sensor. A timer 44 measures the time interval between at least a substantial portion of the forward wiping motion and the return wiping motion.

Abstract: An intermittent windshield wiper system includes a wiper control module and a wiper switch which allows an operator to set a time delay between consecutive wipes of a windshield wiper. The wiper switch includes an input setting that allows an operator to set the time delay according to the operator's needs and weather conditions. The wiper control module records the time delay and controls a wiper motor to repeatedly actuate a windshield wiper with the operator-set time delay between consecutive actuations of the windshield wiper. In one embodiment, the control module includes a timer for measuring the time delay, a memory for recording the time delay and a motor control for controlling the wiper motor. A method of controlling a windshield wiper for a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system having variable frequency induction motor control for reducing wipe speed at reversal points includes an induction motor, a wiper and blade assembly operatively connected to the motor, a sensing means for detecting when the position of the wiper and blade assembly is within a preselected range of one of the reversal points, and a motor control responsive to the control signal generated by the sensing means for causing the motor to reduce wipe speed during the preselected range prior to the reversal point to reduce pattern growth, noise, and water expulsion. The sensing means takes the form of a cam or plate operated switch driven by the induction motor. The control signal derived from the cam operated switch is provided as an input to a voltage controlled oscillator, whose variable frequency output is used to vary the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the windings of the three phase induction motor.

Abstract: A rain sensor which is arranged on the outside of the windshield of a motor vehicle in a region which can be passed over by a windshield wiper and has at least one conductive track which is connected to an electric potential within the motor vehicle. A loop resistance of the conductive track (1, 2) is measured for the electrical detection of a tear.

Abstract: A process and a system for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular on a motor vehicle, in which a rain sensor is located on the glass to be wiped and within the region of the windshield wiper. The sensor outputs a sensor signal as a function of the amount of moisture. The signal is detected periodically and, when a reference degree of moisture is reached during a measurement cycle, the system produces a triggering signal and the windshield wiper is activated. The wiping process takes place even when the windshield wiper is wetted with moisture only to a slight but nevertheless disturbing extent. In the process, when a degree of moisture below a reference degree of moisture is present at the end of the measurement cycle, this degree of moisture is included additively to the degree of moisture of a further measurement cycle. Thereupon, the degree of moisture of the further measurement cycle is compared with the reference degree of moisture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic windshield wiper control system which responds to sensed moisture in a manner which is responsive to changes in conditions, yet subjectively smooth. Moisture and noise sensitive signals from a sensor are digitized, and a functional block detects the reversals of the moisture sensing signal towards a quiescent level. These reversals are considered rain events and a method is disclosed for producing an ongoing measure of the frequency of these events. The resulting signal is representative of the flow rate of the raindrops impinging upon the moisture sensor. Another functional block with a logarithmic characteristic converts this quantity into an intensity value, in a manner which mimics human perception. A multiple time-constant averaging means maintains a value representative of the long-range prevailing conditions under which the device is operating.

Abstract: The invention proposes a process and a device for powering an electric motor (M) intended particularly to drive a windshield wiper arm of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a control unit (2) connected to control elements (3) under user control and to position sensors (5, 6, 7) of the windshield wiper arm, and comprising means (9) of control of the supply to the motor controlled by the control unit, characterized in that it comprises means (2a) for switching off the supply to the motor at the end of a first determined time (TETA.sub.1), whose inhibition is provided by the position sensors (5, 6, 7) so as to switch off the supply to the motor (M) during a second determined time (TETA.sub.2) if these switching off means have not been inhibited by activation of a position sensor by the arm.

Abstract: A feedback control circuit limits current being supplied to an electric drive motor. The motor drives a load cyclically along a path, and the load closes a switch when it passes a predetermined position. This activates a timing circuit which times out after a predetermined delay. If the load does not return to the predetermined position at the end of the prescribed delay time, then an oscillator circuit is triggered into operation to periodically terminate current flow to the motor. This provides cooling periods and enables the motor to exert repeated, temporary high torque efforts to restore normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finely adjusting the dwell period for an intermittent windshield wiper. A multi-position switch establishes a maximum delay and a delay request. A processor reads the switch setting and senses the timing of a positioning movement relative to the timing of the next preceding wiper blade stroke. When the elapsed time between those events is intermediate the maximum delay and the delay request, the dwell period is set equal to the elapsed time. Otherwise the dwell period is set equal to the maximum delay.

Abstract: A device is described for controlling the operation of an electric motor for driving the arm of a windshield wiper of an opening window, particularly the rear window of an automotive vehicle. The device has a control unit for supplying power to the motor. The operation of the motor is controlled by a key contact of the vehicle and a control element. The key contact and the control element are under user control and are connected in series between a power supply source, the control unit, and a contact for detecting the opening or closing of the window. The device is further characterized in that the open window detection contact is connected to a control unit data input so that it controls restarting the motor only after opening and closing of window and only after reinitialization of the control element by interruption of the control element and by a new user action on the control element.

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the operating speed of a vehicular windshield wiping system based on an average rate of change in the value of a sensor signal indicative of the moisture on the windshield. The wiping system includes a motor for driving at least one wiper blade at a high speed and a low speed, and a sensor mounted to the windshield for monitoring a portion of the windshield wiped by the at least one wiper blade. The method includes determining an average rate of change in the sensor signal value over a predetermined period of time and operating the wiper system with the motor at the high speed based on the average rate of change in the sensor signal value. In one embodiment, the method includes wiper system is operated with the motor at the high speed based on the frequency with which the average rate of change in the sensor signal value drops below a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control system improves vehicle windshield wiper operation by selectively controlling the motor speed of a dc motor that drives the wiper blade across the windshield. The motor speed is reduced for a portion of the wiper pattern adjacent the reversal points at each end of the wiper pattern. The motor speed is changed as a function of blade position by varying the duty cycle of an excitation voltage signal provided to a variable speed dc motor. The disclosed embodiment is useful for variable and continuous speed control in a vehicle wiper system.

Abstract: An improved actuator (10) wherein movement of an external potentiometer (R.sub.x) to drive a bi-directional motor (50) and move an attached member starts a timer (68). When a predetermined time period has elapsed, the actuator cuts power to the drivers (U1) of the motor, thereby putting the system into a "sleep" mode in which a minimum amount of current is drawn. If the external potentiometer was moved so as to cause an end of travel position of the member and the motor stalls, the actuator maintains this stall condition only until expiration of the predefined time period at which time the sleep mode is initiated. This sleep mode is thereafter maintained until power is reset or until the position of the external control potentiometer is changed. The time-out period is set to allow for full movement of the vane as well as to compensate for any uncertainty as to whether an end of travel position has been reached.

Abstract: A vehicle window wiper interfacing arrangement for interconnecting a window wiper function switch, a wiper motor controller, and an auto-delay controller to permit a water drop sensor to control a window wiper delay time when a window wiper system is operated in an AUTO-DELAY mode. The auto-delay controller outputs three wiper function signals, namely OFF, LOW speed and WASH to the wiper motor controller via a single bi-directional multiplexed line. The wiper motor controller outputs a wiper position signal to the auto-delay controller via the same bi-directional multiplexed line for use by a control program to determine a proper wiper delay time period.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive system for closing the windows or sunroof of a vehicle having one or more openings each closed by a power driven closure; the system having a moisture sensor for providing a moisture signal in response to the sensing of moisture; a circuit coupled to the closure and the moisture sensor for providing a signal to actuate the closure in response to the receipt of a moisture signal, the circuit including disabling features for safety purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a windshield wiping system, including a motor and windshield wipers, by detecting when a wiper passes over the portion of the windshield monitored by an optoelectronic sensor for the last time during a complete wipe cycle. In addition to the sensor, the apparatus includes a switch arrangement for activating the windshield wiping system and a circuit for processing the sensor output. The apparatus also includes a switching contact device associated with the motor for detecting the resting position of the windshield wipers.

Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting rain or other water droplets on the outer surface of a window and fog on the inner surface with a single photo-detector. The invention measures the accumulation of water droplets on the window by light refraction of a first light beam with droplets to redirect a first light beam to the photo-detector. A masking device prevents light from reaching the photo-detector directly without refraction. As a result the rain measurement output signal of the photo-detector increases with an increasing accumulation of water droplets on the window. The fog accumulation is measured by a second light beam reflected off the inner surface of the window to the photo-detector so that the output signal of the photo-detector decreases with increasing amounts of fog since fog scatters the light to reduce the amount of light reflected to the photo-detector.