Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a wetting condition on a windshield where radiation emitted by a radiation transmitter is coupled with the windshield by a coupling element with a beam acceptance surface designed as focusing lens and where, following at least one total reflection from the windshield via a decoupling element which has a beam emission surface that is also a focusing lens. The radiation is decoupled to a radiation receiver and the axial transmitter radiation is totally reflected on a level first limiting surface, and the radiation acceptance surface has a spherical shape. The radiation transmitter is arranged such that the diverging transmitter radiation is essentially focused axis-parallel toward the first limiting surface and that the dimensions of the first limiting surface are at least big enough so that it detects the complete parallel-focused beam of rays.

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: A circuit arrangement, in particular for a wiper arrangement for motor vehicle windshields, having an electric wiper motor and a step-switching unit for the wiper motor that can be actuated via a control device, and wherein at least one output of the control device that is assigned to a specific wiper speed is connected to at least one input of the step-switching unit that determines this wiper speed.A switching means (18) is parallel-connected to the outputs (20, 24) of the control device (12), by way of which a voltage source (U.sub.bat) can be connected with the inputs (22, 26) of the step-switching unit (14), which are assigned to the outputs (20, 24) of the control device (12).

Abstract: In order to provide a wiper-cooperative washing apparatus which adjusts the jetting rate and jetting timing of a washing liquid, thereby preventing waste of the washing liquid, an attachment nozzle pipe 7 for washing a glass surface W of a vehicle is removably attached to a wiper blade 1c, the attachment nozzle pipe 7 has nozzle openings 7d2, 7e2 and 7j from which the washing liquid is jetted toward the forward-wiping side of a blade rubber 1d, when a washer switch 6 is turned on, an arm 1a supporting the wiper blade 1c is swung forward and backward a predetermined number of times, during every forward swing of the arm 1a, a washer pump 2 is kept operating until 55% to 75% of one forward wiping stroke is completed, thereby adjusting the jetting rate of the washing liquid.

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 optoelectronic sensor device for the detection of the degree of wetting of a transparent vehicle screen with precipitation, includes a beam guide with two opposing parallel surfaces and two surfaces which lie opposite to one another and which are angled in opposing fashion through which beams enter and exit, one of the parallel surfaces being coupled to the vehicle screen in an optical fashion, the beam entry surface cooperating with an optical transmitter and the exit surface cooperating with an optical receiver. The device limits the wavelength of rays which exit from the beam guide to the operating range of the beam transmitter. Two filters (4) are incorporated in the beam path whose pass ranges overlap within a narrow frequency band.

Abstract: A speed-responsive wiper for a car which includes a plurality of push switches respectively disposed at different stage portions of an indicator of the car at which a gear-shifting lever is disposed, and a plurality of resistors respectively having different resistance values. Each resistor is connected between each corresponding push switch and a wiper motor. By this construction, the drive speed of the wiper is automatically adjusted in accordance with a varied position of the gear-shifting lever depending on the running speed of the car.

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: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic operation of a windshield wiper, having a sensor device for detecting the degree of moisture on a windshield, an evaluation device, and an actuation unit for the windshield wiper which is actuated by the evaluation device. The degree of moisture on the windshield can be analyzed better in that the evaluation device in has a recognition stage for recognizing drying moisture that is present on the windshield. By means of this recognition stage, whether the level of the measured values is rising as a result of the drying process can be determined from a time sequence of measured values derived from the sensor signal. In this manner, unnecessary wiping actions can be prevented.

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 automatic windshield wiper control system detects and monitors impacts on a vehicle's surface due to water drops in order to automatically and appropriately control the speed of the windshield wipers. Preferably, the automatic control system is activated when the manual windshield wiper control is switched to the intermittent setting. An operator can still manually select the slow and fast continuous speed settings of the windshield wipers. An acoustic sensor is mounted behind an exterior surface of the vehicle, preferably the outer casing of a side rear-view mirror. The acoustic sensor detects noises due to impacts on the surface and generates an electrical signal representing the impact noises. The electrical signal from the acoustic sensor is filtered, thereby electronically isolating the frequency components due to the impacts of water drops and creating a filtered signal. A voltage signal is then formed representative of the frequency of the impacts of water drops on the surface.

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: A circuit for implementing dual wash/wipe controls in an automotive vehicle having right- and left-side driver stations. The circuit can be used with existing wash/wipe control switches and comprises solid state diodes, a single selector switch, and a single relay, connected in a novel configuration with other existing components. The selector switch selects a wash/wipe switch at either one of the driver stations to have control over an electric-motor driven wiper motor to the exclusion of a wash/wipe switch at the other driver station. Diodes couple each wash/wipe switch to a wash/wipe electronic control module that in turn operates the electric-motor driven wiper motor.

Abstract: A device for operating a windshield wiper, with the device including a sensor for detecting the degree of moistness of a windshield, an evaluator for receiving a signal from the sensor, and a control unit which receives a control signal from the evaluator for operating the windshield wiper if a difference between a reference value and values derived from the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The evaluator includes a detector stage for determining whether the sensor signal or the values derived therefrom lie within a normal range (UGR, OGR), and a selector stage for switching to a predetermined base interval mode of operating of the wipes when the detector stage determines that the sensor signal or the values derived therefrom lie outside of the normal range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the automatic control of a windscreen wiper motor. The device has a moisture sensor which emits a signal depending on the moisture on the windscreen or another point on a motor vehicle so that this signal to some extent produces an analog reflection of the moisture varying in time. The output signal of the sensor is evaluated in such a way that it is continuously compared with a threshold value which can be altered. Every time this threshold value is reached or exceeded by a pulse-like change in the sensor output signal, this event is counted. After a given number Z of such events the windscreen wiper motor is switched on.

Abstract: A software-controlled latched voltage regulator includes three bipolar transistors responsive to a wiper switch multiplexed signal to place a latch formed by the transistors in an energized state, thereby supplying power to a microcontroller. One of the bipolar transistors is responsive to a deenergization signal supplied by the microcontroller, under software control, to place the latch in a deenergized state wherein regulated power is no longer supplied to the microcontroller. The voltage regulator further includes a zener diode that provides a reference voltage for use in connection with one of the transistors to implement a decoding function that is applied to the switch multiplexed signal to provide a pair of wiper switch position signals for use by the microcontroller during operation. While the latch remains in an energized state, the supplied regulated voltage enables the microcontroller to park a wiper arm of a wiper system, even though an ignition switch is an off position.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor 1 for detecting foreign bodies, especially raindrops on a windshield, includes an outer housing part 2 and an inner housing part as well as a fastening device 4, which is glued to a pane 5. A fastening means, for instance comprising two slides 6, is provided, guided in the outer housing part 2, and can be made to engage the fastening device 4 for securing the sensor 1 to the pane 5. In the interior of the sensor 1, the inner housing part, which carries the optoelectronic elements of the sensor 1, is pressed toward the pane 5 with a spring force braced against the outer housing part 2, in order to accomplish the optical coupling with the pane.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of rain droplets on a windshield employs a source of light, such as an LED, and a photodetector installed on the instrument panel of a vehicle. The LED and the photodiode are arranged with respect to one another such that light from the LED cannot reflect directly off the windshield into the photodiode. Only when the light from the LED is backscattered by an environmental condition, such as the raindrops on the exterior of the windshield, the condensation of moisture on the interior of the windshield, or the presence of smoke in the cabin, will the photodiode receive the light from the LED. Each of these environmental conditions has a predeterminable characteristic signature which permits the processing of data to detect same.

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: An arrangement for indicating a change in a reflective element of a radiation-permeable medium having a detection side disposed opposite the reflective element. The arrangement includes two measured sections each having a radiation source for generating radiation for transmission through the radiation-permeable medium; a sensor-active surface on the reflective element for reflecting at least a portion of the generated radiation through the detection side; and a radiation receiver for receiving the reflected radiation which has an output for producing a detection signal representing received radiation.

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: A direct current (DC) electric motor is shifted between higher and lower operating speeds in response to motor operating conditions to prevent motor stalling, overheating and burnout. Switches are performed between two or among more than two operating curves defined for the DC motor with switches preferably taking place approximately at points of intersection of the operating curves. The high or higher speed curve typically results from inducing inefficiency into the motor such that continued operation along the high or higher speed curve can lead to motor stalling and even burnout. At or near the intersection points of motor operating curves, operation is switched from the high or higher speed operating curve to a lower speed, higher efficiency operating curve such that motor current is immediately reduced for the same motor speed and torque. If the motor is able to once again operate along the high or higher speed curve, a switch-back is made at or near the point of intersection.

Abstract: In a process and a circuit arrangement for measuring the resistance of a resistance sensor, for instance a wetness sensor, via a rate of change of the charge of a capacitor, a measurement cycle consisting in each case of a charging of a capacitor, a discharging of the capacitor over the resistance sensor, and thereupon a measurement of the charge remaining in the capacitor, the direction of the discharge current through the resistor changes from measurement cycle to measurement cycle.

Abstract: The composite wall comprises a first sheet and second sheet separated by an intermediate layer as well as an ultrasonic detection device placed on a face of said second sheet and comprising a transducer element able to emit an incidental ultrasonic signal of frequence f, and able to receive an ultrasonic signal reflected on a face of said first sheet. The intermediate layer comprises at least facing the transducer element, an inserted element whose two faces are respectively in close contact with the first and second sheets. Further, the frequence f of the transducer element satisfies the following relationships:f.apprxeq.K.sub.1. V.sub.1 /2e.sub.1 .apprxeq.K.sub.2.V.sub.2 /2e.sub.2 .apprxeq.K.sub.3.V.sub.3 /2e.sub.3where K.sub.1, K.sub.2 and K.sub.3 are defined integers, e.sub.1, e.sub.2 and e.sub.3 are respectively the thickness of the first sheet, the second sheet and the inserted element, and V.sub.1, V.sub.2 and V.sub.

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: A sensor system for the measurement of the optical conditions at a boundary surface between a first medium that is a solid body and a second medium whose refracting indices are different. The sensor system has an optical unit comprising at least one sending unit with at least one sending element, at least one receiving unit with at least one receiving element, and an optical path connecting the send unit(s) to the receiving unit(s). A light-conducting body with a base surface and two optically active end surfaces is arranged in the optical path, where the base surface of the light-conducting body is attached to the surface side of the first medium between the sending unit(s) and the boundary surface. The first end surface of the light-conducting body is directed towards the sending unit(s) and the second end surface of the light-conducting body is directed towards the receiving unit(s).

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: Two windshield wiper blades are powered by separate electric motors. The blades overlap and when one blade is at its reversal point the other blade leaves part as the other blade begins to return to park. The position of the blades is encoded. The blades, if synchronized should be at identical locations and position codes at the same time. Motor power to the blade that arrives first is be removed, allowing the blade to coast. If the other blade still does not arrive at the position after an elapsed time, the first to arrive blade is dynamically braked. Intermittent wiper operation is provided in a way that initiates an immediate wipe if wiper delay is changed while the blades are parked.

Abstract: A motor drive system for imparting oscillating motion to a window wiper is disclosed which slows the wiper as it approaches respective right and left positions and holds the wiper at the right and left positions for a selectable delay interval in order to avoid deleterious effects of instantaneous motor direction reversal. The system includes a motor drive chip for generating the drive signal to the window wiper motor, a programmable logic array for sequencing the operation of the motor drive chip, and a delay chip for timing the selected delay.

Abstract: A sensor device is proposed for detecting the degree of wetting of a transparent pane by precipitation. The sensor device is provided with a beam guide element, which is affixed to the pane with the aid of an optical adhesive, and is acted upon by heat by a heating apparatus. A beam transmitter and a beam receiver are associated each via a lens. Such a sensor device solves the technical problem of guaranteeing optimum conditions for the transfer of heat to the beam guide element. The beam guide element has, in the central region of its rear surface remote from the pane, a recess lying outside of the beam paths. The recess contains a heating apparatus associated via a coupling medium with the beam guide element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection device having a transducer (10) for emitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses through a windshield, and producing an echo signal (40,50) representative of the reflected pulses. The detection device also includes an amplifier (23) for amplifying the echo signals (40,50) by a selectable gain, an integrating circuit (26) for integrating each of the echo signals (40,50) during a selected time period (62,63) so as to produce an integral value, amplifier control circuitry (27,28) measuring the integral value and selecting the gain of the amplifier so as to maintain the integral value at a steady-state value, and the temporal deviation of the integral value from the steady-state value is measured to determine if it is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The invention may be used to detect water on a windscreen and to control the operation of a windscreen cleaning system.

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 system and method for controlling a wiper for a vehicle window on a lift gate. The control system and method include an ignition switch (12), lift gate position switch (14), window position switch (16), washer switch (18) and wiper switch (20) for generating (42) multiple input signals. The control system and method also include a microprocessor (24) for processing (44) the input signals to determine wiper operations, and an output driver (26) for generating (46) an output signal to control the wiper in response to the wiper operations determined.

Abstract: A drive control circuit includes a first and a second relays, each of which selectively connects one of the terminals of a motor with a power supply. A power connecting circuit can connect the power supply with each one of the relays. A control circuit controls the power connecting circuit to disconnect the power supply from the first and second relays, and then controls to switch the connecting arrangements between the power supply and each terminal of the motor utilizing the first and second relays. Therefore, the rotational direction of the motor is switched, or the rotation of the motor is stopped.

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: A windshield wiper system in which a dedicated microcontroller controls not only the wiper motor, but also a solenoid which provides dynamically variable downforce on the wiper blade.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting the degree of wetting of a multi-layer transparent pane, made in particular of glass, by an, in particular, drop-shaped precipitation. The sensor device is provided with a beam guide element which comprises two beam windows and cooperates with a beam transmitter and a beam receiver. In order to prevent spurious beams caused by an extremely thin intermediate layer located in the pane from having a noticeable influence on the signal used to control the windscreen wiper system, the beam guide element comprises a further beam exit window in the central region of its rear surface facing away from the pane. The region is located between the two beam windows. The further beam exit window is allocated to the measuring path and cooperates with an additional beam detector. Only those irrelevant beams reflected at the extremely thin metallic intermediate layer located in the pane exit therefrom.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to offer a headlamp cleaning device which is always capable of attaining a constant cleaning capacity by keeping the ejected quantity of the cleaning fluid constant for a single cleaning operation without any regard to the fluctuations in the voltage of the electric power in the power source.The headlamp cleaning device according to the present invention is provided with an electric power source voltage monitoring means which monitors the power source voltage as applied to a cleaning device motor. This device furnishes the power source voltage to the electric power supply time setting means. When a cleaning device switch 9 is turned ON, the electric power supply time setting means 10-2 sets the driving time T to a longer time period when the value of the electric power source voltage is low, but sets the driving time T to a shorter period when the value of the electric power source voltage is high.

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 miniaturized window wiper includes a mounting hub having a concealed mounting boss therein, the hub being pivotally connected to a wiper arm which further mounts and shrouds a wiper blade holder, the wiper arm being subjected to tension by a torsion spring in order to bias a wiper blade against a window. A motor drive system for imparting oscillating motion to the wiper is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, for example vehicle screen wiping apparatus, is controlled by a control system comprising an emitter connected to a slave receiver through a single transmission channel. The emitter is arranged to deliver control or command signals, each of which is represented by a predetermined electrical quantity, so that at least one control signal can be passed along the transmission channel to the receiver connected to the other end of the latter. The receiver activates the electrical load such as the electric motor of the wiping apparatus. The emitter produces a plurality of values of an electrical quantity, representing control or command signals produced by a suitable device such as a switch. These control signals are passed to the slave receiver, via the single transmission channel, and are decoded by the receiver.

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.