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Apparatus and method for controlling a windshield wiping system

  • US 5,319,293 A
  • Filed: 12/10/1992
  • Issued: 06/07/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for controlling a vehicular windshield wiping system including 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 sensor signal having a value which varies as a coating collects on the monitored portion, the apparatus further comprising;

  • detecting means for recognizing at least two rain patterns based on the change in an amplitude of the sensor signal over a predetermined period of time the detecting means including a first counting means an d a second counting means, the first counting means having a value which is incremented based on variations in the sensor signal due to a first rain pattern, the second counting means having a value which is increased based on variations in the sensor signal due to a second rain pattern; and

    means for activating the windshield wiping system for a wipe cycle according to the recognized rain pattern.

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