US5157312A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device including wetness sensor for controlling a windshield wiper
Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
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Filing: 1990-10-22
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2010-10-22
Abstract
Abstract In a device for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular on a motor vehicle, the windshield wiper is switched on when a sensor indicates wetness above a preset threshold value. The windshield wiper can furthermore be turned on by a manually actuatable switch. The threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Werner Wallrafen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:04
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60S; B60S1/00; B60S1/02; B60S1/04; B60S1/06; B60S1/08; B60S1/0818; B60S1/0822; B60S1/0825; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S318/00; Y10S318/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A device for controlling a windshield wiper, suitable for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a sensor of windshield wetness, and a manually actuated switch; and a computer, the computer being coupled to the sensor and the switch, and outputting a control signal for driving a windshield wiper; and wherein the computer is operative to activate the windshield wiper if the sensor indicates wetness above a predetermined threshold value; the windshield wiper can be activated by the manually actuated switch; and the threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A device for controlling a windshield wiper, suitable for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a sensor of windshield wetness, and a manually actuated switch; and a computer, the computer being coupled to the sensor and the switch, and outputting a control signal for driving a windshield wiper; and wherein the computer is operative to activate the windshield wiper if the sensor indicates wetness above a predetermined threshold value; the windshield wiper can be activated by the manually actuated switch; and the threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch to approximately the output voltage given off by said sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein after an activation of the device, a threshold value selected by the computer assumes a value which is equal to or less than the output voltage given off by said sensor at the time of the activation of the device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein upon an actuation of the device after a predetermined period of time, a threshold value selected by the computer assumes the threshold value last present, which has been stored.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein upon a further activation of the device, a threshold value selected by the computer, after a predetermined period of time, assumes a value which lies approximately at an output voltage given off, at the time, by the sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
75 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said computer operates in response to a program to regularly interrogate said sensor and said switch; said computer switches the windshield wiper on or off upon the exceeding of a threshold value by said wetness indicated by said sensor, and upon actuation of the switch; and in response to a setting of the switch, said computer adjusts the threshold value as a function of an existing sensor signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |