Windshield moisture sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sensor for detecting moisture comprising:
- a dielectric substrate;
first and second electronconductive members positioned in an adjacent spaced apart relationship relative to each other on a first major surface of said substrate, wherein adjacent portions of said first and second members have exposed, uncoated electroconductive surfaces;
first and second electroconductive leads extending from said first and second electroconductive members, respectively;
means to electrically insulate said leads from each other;
means to permit electrical connection of said first lead to an electrical signal generator capable of inputting a reference signal into said sensor; and
means to permit electrical connection of said second lead to an electrical signal receiver capable to monitoring variations in the output signal from said sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A moisture sensor to sense rain on a windshield. The sensor members on the outboard surface of the windshield are uncoated and directly exposed to any moisture accumulation on the sensor. Leads connect the sensor to an electrical signal generator and receiver and are insulated from each other to prevent direct electrical interconnection therebetween and subsequent shorting of the sensor circuitry. When moisture is on the sensor, the nature of a monitorable electrical signal passing through the sensor changes and is detected. In response to the altered signal, the windshield wipers are actuated.
61 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A sensor for detecting moisture comprising:
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a dielectric substrate; first and second electronconductive members positioned in an adjacent spaced apart relationship relative to each other on a first major surface of said substrate, wherein adjacent portions of said first and second members have exposed, uncoated electroconductive surfaces; first and second electroconductive leads extending from said first and second electroconductive members, respectively; means to electrically insulate said leads from each other; means to permit electrical connection of said first lead to an electrical signal generator capable of inputting a reference signal into said sensor; and means to permit electrical connection of said second lead to an electrical signal receiver capable to monitoring variations in the output signal from said sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A sensor for detecting moisture comprising:
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a dielectric substrate; first and second electroconductive members positioned in an adjacent spaced apart relationship relative to each other on a first major surface of said substrate, wherein adjacent portions of said first and second members have exposed, uncoated electroconductive surfaces; a third electroconductive member spaced from said first and second electronconductive members and having said substrate therebetween wherein said second electroconductive member overlays at least a portion of said third electroconductive member; means to permit electrical connection of said sensor to an electrical signal generator capable of inputting a reference signal into said sensor and an electrical signal receiver capable of monitoring variations in the output signal form said sensor; and means to electrically insulate said electrical connection means from each other. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification