Windshield wiper control system

Claim 1

An automatic control system for a windshield wiper mechanism driven by an electric motor comprising: an electronic control circuit having moisture activated means therein, said motor being energized in response to activation of the moisture activated means and being de-energized in response to de-activation of the moisture activated means; a manually operable switch member movable from an off position to a predetermined on position for energizing the electronic control circuit so as to condition the circuit to produce an output when the moisture activated means is activated, said electronic control circuit also including a capacitance means and a means momentarily contacted by said switch member for substantially immediately charging said capacitance means irrespective of the condition of the moisture activated means when said switch is moved from said off position to said on position, said circuit, when energized by actuation of said switch member, responding to the charge of the capacitance means to produce an output of predetermined duration and thereby energize the wiper motor for said duration until the capacitance means discharges whereby, when said switch member is moved to said on position, the motor is energized for said predetermined time period and thereafter the motor operates in response to activation of the moisture activated means.