×

Apparatus and method for controlling a windshield wiping system

  • US 5,336,980 A
  • Filed: 12/10/1992
  • Issued: 08/09/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for controlling a vehicular windshield wiping system including a motor and at least one windshield wiper, the apparatus including a sensor mounted to the windshield for monitoring a portion of the windshield wiped by the wiper during each wipe cycle, the sensor generating a signal having a value which varies as a coating collects on the monitored portion, the wiping system being activated when the sensor value crosses a switch-on threshold such that the at least one wiper leaves a resting position and wipes the windshield, passing over the monitored portion of the windshield at least once during each wipe cycle, the apparatus further comprising:

  • detecting means for determining when the at least one wiper passes over the monitored portion of the windshield for the last time during a first wipe cycle; and

    means for controlling the windshield wiping system based on the sensor value generated only after determining when the wiper passes over the monitored portion of the windshield for the last time during the first wipe cycle.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×