Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.

Abstract: A rain sensor for selectively supplying power from a constantly available power source to a wiper means (14) to remove moisture from a vehicle window (12) when moisture has collected. A passive circuit (18) is supported on the window (12) and has an initial self-resonant frequency to sense moisture. A generating means (20,120) creates an electromagnetic field having a range of frequencies wherein the initial self-resonant frequency is within the range of frequencies. An moisture collects about the passive circuit (18), the resonant frequency of the passive circuit (18) shifts away from the initial self-resonant frequency, indicative of less coupling with the generating means (20,20). A detector (28,128) detects the coupling between the passive circuit (18) and the generating means (20,120) to actuate the wiper means (14) by a control means (30,130) when a predetermined decoupling magnitude is exceeded.

Abstract: This concealed wiper system comprises a wiper motor (1) having a mechanism to house the wiper arm in the retracted position by reversing rotation of the wiper motor; an oscillator (50) in which the oscillation frequency is varied by means of a variable resistor (59) installed within the automobile compartment; a wiper actuation switch (3) for wiper actuation selection; a wiper motor-position detector (2) for detecting wiper motor output shaft position; a wiper motor drive circuit (6) for driving the wiper motor; and an intermittent actuation control device employing a microcomputer (5).Intermittent actuation is selected by means of said wiper actuation switch (3), the intermittent pause period is based upon signals from said wiper motor-position detector (2) and signals from said means of oscillation (50), said wiper motor drive circuit (6) is controlled by the microcomputer (5).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper which smoothly starts to move the wipers at different wiping speeds from an initial position thereof in accordance with a detected amount of rain. The apparatus includes a sensor, a first comparator, an actuator, a second comparator, a memory and a changing device.The sensor detects the amount of rain. The memory memorizes the second actuating signal outputted from the second comparator and the memory outputs the memorized signal. The changing device for changing the wiping speed of the wiper at the time when the wiper starts to move from the initial position in accordance with a memorized second actuating signal outputted from the memory at the time when the wiper starts to move from the initial position, the changing device changes a low wiping speed of the wiper to a high wiping speed or a high wiping speed of the wiper to a low wiping speed.

Abstract: A control for an electrically powered, motor vehicle windshield wiper system with independent drive motors for the wiper blades which produces an opposing wiper pattern with overlapping park and which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture by providing a unique switching system which coordinates the blades to prevent interference therebetween and converts simply and effectively, when the system is turned off, to a blade parking control which allows continuation of normal blade movement into a predetermined park position. The control provides switch control for the motor of each wiper blade in response to certain predetermined positions of the other blade, including, in particular, a position adjacent but outside the wipe pattern of the other blade wherein the controlled blade may be stopped if necessary to avoid interference.

Abstract: A control for separately driven, potentially interfering wiper blades includes position sensors for each wiper blade and a memory which stores, for each pattern, numbers representing inner and outer wipe positions with acceleration, constant velocity and deceleration regions therebetween and a command velocity for the constant velocity regions. The memory further stores numbers defining a zone of potential blade interference and, for each position of each blade within this zone, a non-interference zone for the other blade. The control further includes closed loop velocity control apparatus responsive to the signals from the position sensors and the command velocity to maintain the command velocity in the constant velocity region, accelerate to the command velocity in the acceleration region and decelerate from the command velocity in the deceleration region.

Abstract: A window wiper control system provides accurate regulation and/or profiling of wiper speed. A desired interval corresponding with the preselected speed or speed profile is stored; a reference signal is provided to indicate a reference position of the wiper and is used to measure the actual interval of a wiper stroke or cycle. The actual interval is compared with the desired interval and an appropriate adjustment is made in a pulse-width modulation signal for effecting a desired speed and interval. The pulse-width modulation signal preferably has a relatively-low repetition rate. The wiper speed may be profiled to include acceleration and deceleration, and the intervals of acceleration and deceleration may be lengthened substantially to provide an apparent dwell.

Abstract: An automatic device for actuation of components for cleaning motor vehicle glass which includes a system for detection of the dirtiness of the glass, made up of a measuring photosensitive element receiving light directly through the glass and a reference photosensitive element isolated from any direct light and influenced only by the light transmitted through the interior of the glassing and an electronic circuit to receive and compare the responses of the two photosensitive elements and means to control the cleaning components automatically when the difference is response of these elements exceeds a certain threshold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the intermittent speed of a windshield wiper. A multi-speed motor for operating the windshield wiper is adapted to react to a change in drag of the wiper to automatically switch the motor to a different intermittent rate according to the load condition that exists.

Abstract: An electronic control system for windshield wipers on motor vehicles for initiating wiping action in response to the occurrence and level of precipitation on the windshield. A sensor unit comprising a block containing an array of photo-sensors arranged in a bridge configuration and a corresponding array of light sources is mounted on the inside surface of the windshield at a location traversed by the path of the vehicle's windshield wiper blades. The photo-sensor elements are oriented to normally receive light reflected back from the glass/air interface at the outside windshield surface from the photo-emitters, but when rain is present on the windshield, the light rays are scattered to create an unbalanced condition. The unbalancing of the bridge creates a signal which is demodulated in a synchronous demodulator and then applied via an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit to a window comparator.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for a reversible electric motor for directly driving a windshield wiper the motor is operated at reduced rotational speed in predetermined angular ranges to ensure smooth starting and stopping in the reversing positions and an accurate parking position.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of water includes a capacitance sensor coupled to a windshield to detect capacitance changes. A multivibrator is coupled to the sensor to translate the detected capacitance change to the frequency domain. A phase-locked loop coupled to the multivibrator produces a phase pulse in response to water causing a change in capacitance and, in turn, a change in the frequency of the multivibrator.

Abstract: A wiper driving apparatus comprises a speed reduction gear train mounted on a drive shaft of a motor which drives reciprocally and pivotally a wiper blade; a pin member operatively engaged with said gear train so as to move once every rotation of the gear train; a relay switch driven by a relay coil and including a moving contact and fixed contacts disposed opposite sides of the movable contact; an operating lever member for transmitting the movement of the pin member to the movable contact of the relay switch and retaining contact of the movable contact with one of the fixed contacts; and a control circuit including the relay switch and the operating lever member for controlling the driving, intermittent, and automatic stop operations of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A wiper device has a reversible electric motor having an output shaft operatively connected to a reciprocally movable wiper blade. The electric circuit including motor armature is constructed such that, when a wiper switch is on, the motor shaft is reciprocally rotated in alternate directions within a predetermined angular range less than 360.degree. to reciprocally drive the wiper blade and that, when the wiper switch is turned off, the motor shaft is rotated beyond the predetermined angular range to move the wiper blade to a rest position out of its wiping range.

Abstract: An automotive wiper control apparatus has an infrared emitting unit outside an occupant compartment, a photodetector unit inside the compartment in optical alignment with the infrared emitting unit, and an electric control for automatically controlling the wiper operation in dependence on the state in which infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting unit through a predetermined area of the windshield are received by the photodetector unit. The photodetector unit has an infrared transmission plate formed of an infrared transmissive material and carrying infrared shielding layers applied in a striped pattern to one surface of the plate. The infrared transmission plate is disposed in front of a plurality of photodetectors so that a contrast is produced on the photodetectors by the infrared rays passing through the uncoated zones of the plate which are free from the infrared shielding layers. The contrast is varied with variation in the quantity of raindrops on the predetermined area of the windshield.

Abstract: A control method performed in response to the occurrence of an abnormal sensor output during the operation of monitoring the output signal of a sensor and controlling the operation of an automobile device such as a wiper. A microcomputer detects the presence or absence of an abnormal value of the sensor output signal converted to digital form so that when the abnormal value is detected, the operation of the automobile device is selectively controlled in accordance with an engine operating condition indicative signal applied to the microcomputer.

Abstract: An automobile fan controller comprises: a fluctuation signal generator for generating a fluctuation signal; a pulse-width-modulation circuit including a triangle generator for generating a triangle-waveform signal having a constant amplitude and a constant period, and a comparator connected to the fluctuation signal generator and the triangle generator, for comparing the fluctuation signal with the triangle-waveform signal, thereby producing a pulse signal having a pulse width variable dependent on the fluctuation signal; and a driver circuit, including a switching power transistor connected to the pulse-width-modulation circuit, a fan motor mounted on an automobile, and an air flow switching unit mounted on the automobile for energizing and de-energizing said fan motor with a variable pulse width in response to the pulse signal.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly comprising two windshield wipers each driven by a separate motor is described in which a control provides switching signals for switching on and off the wiper motors so as to achieve relatively smooth running of the wipers. In particular wiping areas one motor is continuously switched on and only the other motor, in dependence on the difference of the angular positions of the two wipers, is controlled such that collision of the wipers is prevented when the wiping areas overlap.

Abstract: A rain sensor for an automotive wiper control system detects rain conditions to produce a rain condition indicative signal. The rain sensor includes a vibrator, the outer surface of which is exposed to rain drops and which vibrates or oscillates at an amplitude and frequency corresponding to the energy applied by rain drops. The rain sensor is adapted to produce the rain condition indicative signals corresponding to the vibration amplitude of the vibrator. The vibrator is resiliently suspended within a sensor casing by means of a resilient member which is adapted to allow vibration of the vibrator as rain drops hit the outer surface and to absorb vibrational noises transmitted through the vehicle body. The resilent member simultaneously serves to waterproof the components within the sensor casing.

Abstract: A control system for a motor driven wiper on a vehicle window comprises a voltage generator effective to generate a first rectangular voltage wave having a substantially constant frequency and duty cycle and apparatus effective to derive two additional rectangular voltage waves from the first: a second delayed from the first by a first delay and a third delayed from the first by a second delay dependent upon the capacitance of a capacitor affected by moisture on the vehicle window. One of the second and third rectangular voltage waves may also be inverted. The three rectangular voltage waves are provided to the inputs of an AND gate having an output effective to trigger a retriggerable monostable multivibrator having an energized output period longer in duration than a cycle of the rectangular voltage wave to drive the wiper motor when the level of moisture on the window in the vicinity of the capacitor is sufficiently high.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic activation and control of windshield wipers in response to moisture accumulation at the exterior surface of the windshield, including a pair of thin wires sandwiched within the windshield and positioned below the surface of the windshield to be cleared by the windshield wipers. The wires provide variable capacitance to a detection circuit, based on the amount of water occurring at the windshield surface. Activating circuitry is coupled to the detecting circuitry and wiper motor for initiating wiper action when capacitance measurement exceeds a predetermined reference standard.

Abstract: A windshield cleaner control for a vehicle in which signals from separate washer and wiper actuating switches in the vehicle passenger compartment are voltage multiplexed on a single electric conductor through the firewall to washer and wiper actuating circuitry in the vehicle passenger compartment. A wiper actuating path is established including, in series, a source of electric power, a wiper motor actuating coil relay, the park switch and the washer motor, the internal impedance of the actuating coil being sufficiently greater than that of the washer motor that the latter is not activated by current flow through the former. The parallel wiper and washer switches are connected in series between the source of electric power and the electric conductor, park switch and washer motor, but a resistor in series with the wiper switch similarly prevents activation of the washer motor by the wiper switch.

Abstract: In an intermittent windshield wiper system in which the time between wiping cycles depends upon the degree of dryness of the windshield and upon the speed of the wiper blades on the downstroke of the wiping cycle toward the dwell position of the wiper blades, a circuit is provided to regulate the speed of the motor on the down stroke making use of the same transistor device that is used in controlling the energization of the motor to achieve intermittent operation. The motor is a three-brush motor and speed regulation is achieved by deriving signals from one or two of the brushes and applying it to the input electrode of the transistor device. The regulated speed of the motor can be manually controlled to provide a manual adjustment to the sensitivity of the system to the degree of dryness of the windshield.

Abstract: In an automotive windshield wiper control system, a rain sensor provides a rain condition-indicative signal useful in controlling the wiper in its intermittent operation mode. That signal is integrated to yield a value representing rain accumulation on the windshield, and when the integrated value exceeds a given threshold, the wiper is reciprocated once to clear the windshield. In order to prevent arhythmic wiper operation, the signal integrator is disabled during wiper operation so that the integrated value will not approach the threshold too soon after or even before the end of the preceding wiper operation cycle.

Abstract: A wiper speed control system for an automotive wiper controls the operational speed of a wiper in accordance with rain conditions. The control system includes a rain sensor detecting rain conditions to produce an analog signal having an amplitude depending upon the detected rain conditions. The analog sensor signal is converted into a digital pulse signal by a converter for application to a digital circuit system. A control signal is produced by digitally processing the pulse signal. The control signal is applied to a wiper driver circuit to adjust the operational speed or timing in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A control system activates motor vehicle windshield wipers when an improved sensing element senses precipitation. The element comprises a thin, substantially planar sheet of electrically insulating material which is impervious to precipitation. First and second electrodes are secured to the sheet and in gapless contact therewith to form a precipitation sensing edge. The element is preferably supported at one end within the center of a trough formed within a holder to present the sensing edge to the atmosphere. The holder facilitates mounting and also protects the element from damage.

Abstract: Contact wear and damage to circular tracks of an end of travel stop arrangement for electric windshield wipers is minimized by the configuration and orientation of the contact. The contact takes the form of a bent end of a contact arm which engages the track with an elongated end edge that extends at an angle greater than zero and less than 90.degree. to the transverse or radial centerline of an insulating sector between ends of a conductive track. The so-angled contact edge slides easily over the junction between conducting and insulating sectors of the track.

Abstract: A device for automatic adjustment of the frequency of activation of a motor vehicle windscreen wiper driven by a motor is described. The main characteristic of the device lies in the fact that it comprises circuit means which control the frequency of activation as a function of the quantity of water present on the surface which is wiped by the windscreen wiper.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control, e.g. for use in automobiles, receives information as to the amount of humidity on the windshield from a sensor (1) which is arranged within the area which is swept by the windshield wipers, and adjust the wiper frequency in relation thereto. The windshield wiper control includes a circuit (2) which remembers the signal from the sensor just after the windshield wiper has passed the sensor. The signal is compared to the signal directly from the sensor by a comparator (3). Having detected a certain change, the amplifier (4) is activated which turns on the wiper motor through a relay (5). The sensor may be of the capacitive type.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control system has operations controlled by single touch actuators. A first such actuator provides for initiation of wiper operation in low speed with the first actuation and alternate high and low speed operation with additional actuations. A second such actuator stops wiper operation and, if actuated while the wiper is not running, initiates a single wipe of the wiper. A further actuator may be provided for initiation of either programmed or operator controlled wash operation, depending on the length of actuation. A final actuator may be provided for two touch intermittent wiper operation, in which the operator sets the delay time by two consecutive touches. Variations are described for either depressed park or non-depressed park systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation control circuit for positioning a rotating member driven by a motor comprising a power supply and a motor relay which is energized by the power supply. A circuit is provided for intermittently energizing the relay. The circuit may comprise a first switch means connected to the power supply and a second switch means connecting the first switch means to the motor relay. The second switch means is normally closed and a timer is connected to the first switch means which is operable in response to a closing of the first switch means to generate a relay energizing signal after a predetermined time delay. This signal is operable, through an associated relay, to open the second switch means and thereby deenergize the motor relay after the predetermined time delay. The control circuit is also operable to energize the motor relay in the continuous mode. Finally, safety interlocks are provided in the control circuit to minimize any hazards to operating personnel.

Abstract: For use in a motor vehicle having a windshield, a control system comprises a raindrop sensor which emits a beam of radiation into a section of the windshield from the inner surface thereof at such an angle of incidence that the beam reflects off the outer surface and detects the reflected beam to convert it into a first signal. The first signal is compared with a reference value to generate a second signal. A motor control circuit is responsive to the second signal for closing a window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control device for use on a vehicle includes a light-emitting unit mounted on the vehicle outside of a compartment for emitting a ray of infrared radiation, a photodetector unit mounted on the vehicle within the compartment and having a slit plate for producing an image of a striped pattern with bright and dark areas in response to exposure to the ray of electromagnetic radiation through the windshield and an array of photodetectors for sensing the bright and dark areas of the striped image and generating signals indicative of the bright and dark areas, and an arithmetic circuit arrangement for computing a contrast of the bright and dark areas based on the signals from the photodetectors and controlling the speed and/or period of operation of the windshield wiper based on the computed contrast.

Abstract: A control circuit for a windshield wiper motor which utilizes a plurality of infrared emitters that emit a chain of infrared pulses towards a plurality of infrared sensors. When rain passes between the infrared emitters and the infrared sensors, it will interrupt the flow of pulses therebetween. A control circuit senses the missed pulses and selectively energizes a low-speed, mid-speed and high-speed winding associated with the wiper motor for varying the speed of the windshield wipers. The device automatically controls the operation of the windshield wipers of a vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle such that intermittent wiper operation is controllable according to the distance travelled and the time elapsed, and is not merely dependent upon the speed of the vehicle. The windshield wiper system of the present invention thus improved comprises a distance signal generator, a time signal generator, a counter, and a wiper driving means, so that a more adequate intermittent wiper operation can be obtained in such a bad weather as drizzle or light rain, especially when the vehicle is travelling at a low speed or has stopped.

Abstract: A windshield wiper is operated by a wiper motor from an electric source, with a control circuit operating the motor. This control circuit has a continuous-wipe switch which when closed operates the wiper continuously. A discontinuous-wipe switch can be closed to start an oscillator, with this oscillator connected to a backward counter which counts backwardly synchronously with the oscillator. A comparator compares the instantaneous numerical output of the counter with a fixed numerical output generated by a settable memory, and operates the wiper briefly when the two outputs agree. A set switch is connected to the memory and can reset it so that when this set switch is operated the fixed numerical output of the memory is fixed at the instantaneous numerical output of the counter, thereby setting the interval between successive wipes of the wiper.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device for automobiles including a control circuit for controlling a wiper drive motor. The control circuit has a wiper switch including an intermittent position wherein the wiper is intermittently driven. In the intermittent position of the wiper switch, the wiper is at first driven for one complete stroke. Then, after a desired time, the operator actuates a time interval setting switch whereby the wiper is thereafter driven intermittently with the desired time interval.

Abstract: A wiper device for wiping rain on a mirror surface of a rear-view mirror provided on the exterior of an automotive vehicle, includes a driving means of the wiper blade for driving the latter in first and second directions alternatively. The driving device comprises an electric circuit which includes a switching means and a means for detecting both ends of the wiper blade motions in the first and second directions. The switching means is operative to switch direction of an electric power supply to an electric motor when the detecting means detects the end of wiper blade motion.

Abstract: A motor reversing control circuit for a motor vehicle windshield wiper has a motor driven cam with a first lobe defining a park position for the wiper and a second lobe defining, in relation to the first, a wipe angle. A park switch is actuated by either lobe to reverse the output of a flip-flop which controls motor direction. The motor is activated in response to one or more of (a) a main switch, (b) the unactuated park switch and (c) the flip-flop output signalling wiper movement toward the park position. An optional timer effective to delay the motor activation in response to the main switch provides a pause in the park position.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electric windshield wiper motor to permit a plurality of desirable windshield wiper system features to be realized including continuous and intermittent wiping operation with variable dwell, and coordinated manual or automatic wash and wipe operation. Some of the circuits implementing the control apparatus include a Zener diode and require only a single capacitor.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control circuit is described wherein the time at which the wiper motor is deenergized after an operating switch has been switched off is determined by the wiper speed. The parking position of the wiper is thereby independent of the condition of the windshield.

Abstract: In a windshield wiper system of the type using a reversible electric motor, and controlled by a reversing switch, at least one of the reversing points is variable in dependence on the switching position of an operating switch. The range of angular rotation of the motor armature is thereby increased when the operating switch is moved to the "off" position to in turn assure that the wiper blades will be moved to a concealed parking position.

Abstract: A universal intermittent windshield wiper circuit adaptable to the windshield wiper mechanism of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. The intermittent wiper circuit comprises an R-C timer circuit periodically energizing a three pole double throw relay. The internal interconnections of the relay switch contacts permit the intermittent windshield wiper circuit to be connected to the wiper mechanism of almost all domestically manufactured automotive vehicle as well as many vehicles manufactured overseas using only external connections. The circuit is equally adaptable to external and concealed wiper mechanism.

Abstract: A windshield wiper motor control circuit is described which is directed to controlling a reversible motor. A reversing switch is switched by a relay which is controlled via switches characterizing the end positions of the wiper blade traverse of the windshield. A delay interval may be provided prior to each time the motor direction is reversed to provide intermittent operation.

Abstract: A pre-step timer circuit for pre-advancing the next timer period (control step) in a DC motor controller, such as in a crane-hoist controller. A sensing resistor module is connected from the line side of a contactor coil of a preceding control step to the input of a timer module in series with the accelerating contactor coil in the next control step. This resistor module sensing the previous coil voltage provides a feed-forward path for the sensed voltage signal to pre-time the next timer module. So, if a master switch is left in the previous control step long enough for the next timer module to time out, then the next control step is actuated immediately when the master switch is advanced thereto.

Abstract: In order to be able to use a standard windscreen wiper switch with a biased open contact for selecting flick wipe or intermittent wipe operation the control circuit includes a flip-flop which is set when the contact is closed, but is reset by a timing circuit if the contact is held closed for more than a predetermined time. The output of the flip-flop controls a timer i.c. which in turn intermittently energizes the wiper system while the flip-flop remains set.

Abstract: A wiper switch of a wiper assembly includes a stopping position contact, an intermittent wiping position contact and a low-speed position contact which are respectively connected to a memory circuit, a trigger circuit and a preference circuit, wherein when the wiper switch is transferred from the stopping position to the intermittent wiping position the memory circuit generates a low level signal, whereas the memory circuit generates a high level signal when the wiper switch is transferred from the low-speed wiping position to the intermittent wiping position. A flip-flop connected to the memory circuit and the preference circuit generates a low level signal or a high level signal depending on the closing sequence of the wiper switch.

Abstract: A current limiting impedance network for a dryer control in which a controlled conduction device, such as an SCR, is connected to shunt an AC motor to selectively prevent operation of the motor, in which a current limiting, power dissipating resistor is replaced by a lower value and lower power rating resistor and a capacitor connected in series with the resistor. The capacitor has a capacitive reactance of a value approximately twice the inductive reactance of the motor to provide substantially the same magnitude of circuit impedance as with the current limiting power resistor and cause operation of the circuit with a leading rather than a lagging current phase angle.