AU2002302946A1 - System and method for cleaning or de-icing a windshield - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING OR DE-ICING A WINDHSHIELD REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to U S Provisional Patent Application Serial No 60/290,705, filed May 14, 2001 and entitled "Miniature De-icing System", priority of which is hereby claimed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to vehicle windshield washers, cleaners and de-icers generally

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The following Patent documents are believed to be relevant to the subject matter of the present invention U S Patents

653,629, 1,636, 190, 3,202,447, 3,332,045, 3,977,436, 3,979,068,

4,090,668, 4, 106,508, 4, 159,026, 4,253,493, 4,295, 1 1 1, 4,306,589, 4,403,756, 4,489,863, 4,561,632, 4,534,539, 4,524,797, 4,574,841 , 4,690,371 , 4,877, 186, 5,012,977, 5, 1 18,040, 5,280,806, 5,254,083, 5,318,071 , 5,345,968, 5,351,934, 5,354,965, 5,383,247, 5,509,606, 5,727,769, 5,784,751 , 5,927,608, 5,947,348, 5,957,384, 5,988,529, 6, 133,546, 6, 164,564 JP 2-53656, JP 2-234866, JP 63-93652, JP 83-12824, GB 1,451,666

The disclosures of all publications mentioned in the specification and of the publications cited therein are hereby incorporated by reference

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide improved vehicle window washers, cleaners and de-icers generally For the purpose of this patent application the term "windshield" is given a broader meaning than usual and refers to any window, mirror or headlight surface of a vehicle There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a windshield washing system including a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly including a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on the windshield wiper assembly The windshield sprayer assembly includes at least one sprayer, which includes a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying. The windshield washing system also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly. There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for windshield washing, which includes providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer, including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to the sprayer housing, the sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield and selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly includes a base, which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis.

Typically, the base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly includes a base mounted housing, which cooperates with the base and arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto.

Typically, the driven linear motion of the base mounted housing relative to the base is provided by a cam drive assembly.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a support arm, fixed to the base mounted housing for linear and rotational motion therewith.

Additionally or alternatively, the sprayer includes at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with the base mounted housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly includes an upstanding pin fixed to the base for rotary motion together therewith, the upstanding pin slidably engaging a base mounted housing slot formed in a bottom surface of the base mounted housing.

Preferably, the upstanding pin also slidingly engages an anchor element slot formed in an anchor element, which anchor element is linearly slidable relative to the base mounted housing and to the base along an axis generally parallel to the anchor element slot.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one compression wire is coupled to the anchor element and the at least one compression wire extends through at least one sleeve to the windshield sprayer assembly and being operative for controlling the positioning of the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing.

Typically, the windshield sprayer assembly includes a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between the sprayer housing and the sprayer housing closure, the pressurized fluid chamber receiving pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer housing closure includes a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface of the sprayer housing. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the cap is arranged to be sealed and to be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to the sprayer housing in the first position permitting spraying by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of a compression wire.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the spring loaded lever assembly includes a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spring and urging the sprayer housing closure away from the sprayer housing.

Typically, the spring force of the further spring exceeds the spring force of the compression spring. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the base mounted housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation, the engagement of the upstanding pin at a radial outward end of the anchor element slot applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of the further spring and to force the lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage the spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of the compression spring, thereby enabling the compression spring to seal the sprayer housing closure against the sprayer housing.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when base mounted housing is at the extreme inward radial orientation, both the anchor element and the base mounted housing are in their extreme retracted positions and a first separation is defined between an outward facing surface of the anchor element and an inner facing surface of the outer facing wall of the base mounted housing.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the base mounted housing moves radially outward from the extreme inward radial orientation, the anchor element is slidable relative to the base mounted housing and a second separation, greater than the first separation, is defined between an outward facing surface of the anchor element and an inner facing surface of the outer facing wall of the base mounted housing.

Preferably, the anchor element is slidable relative to the base mounted housing and moves radially outwardly together with the base mounted housing. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pin engages the anchor element slot to provide a lost motion mechanism, whereby tensioning of the compression wires is avoided.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the lost motion mechanism produces a liquid spray by allowing the pressurized fluid to escape from the pressurized fluid chamber.

Typically, the base mounted housing travels radially relative to the base.

Preferably, sufficient liquid pressure applied to the pressurized fluid chamber overcomes the spring force of the compression spring and permits spraying even when the sprayer housing is in the second position. Additionally or alternatively, the sprayer at least one sprayer includes an electrical heating element for heating thereof.

Typically, the electrical heating element is coupled to a source of electrical power by an electrical conductor.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the step for windshield spraying also includes receiving pressurized fluid into the at least one sprayer and spraying the pressurized fluid onto the vehicle windshield.

There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer. The sprayer includes a sprayer housing, a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying and a heater heating the sprayer housing.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for windshield spraying. The method includes providing at least one sprayer, including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and for assuming a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying and heating the sprayer housing

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heater includes an electric heater Additionally or alternatively, the heater includes a thermal heat exchange heater

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heater also heats the sprayer housing closure

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heater is positioned near an end of the sprayer housing that is in contact with the sprayer housing closure when the sprayer housing closure is in the second position

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a windshield washing system, which includes a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly including a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield and a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on the windshield wiper assembly, the windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer The windshield sprayer assembly includes a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying The windshield washing system also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to the rotational motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly

There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for windshield washing, which includes providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing, the sprayer housing closure having a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving the windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield and selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly includes a base which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis

Preferably, the base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly includes a base mounted housing, cooperating with the base and arranged for rotational motion therewith

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly is responsive to the rotational position of the base for governing the relative position of the sprayer housing and the sprayer housing closure

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a support arm, fixed to the base mounted housing for rotational motion therewith Additionally or alternatively, the sprayer includes at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes rotational motion together with the base mounted housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the compression wire is coupled to at least one engagement element, the at least one compression wire extending through at least one sleeve to the windshield sprayer assembly and being operative for controlling the positioning of the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer assembly includes a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between the sprayer housing and the sprayer housing closure, the pressurized fluid chamber receives pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet Typically, the sprayer housing closure includes a cap which is arranged to be selectably sealed against a corresponding sealing surface of the sprayer housing

Preferably, the cap may be sealed and may be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to the sprayer housing in the first position permitting spraying

Preferably, the sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to the sprayer housing in the first position permitting spraying by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of the compression wire.

Typically, the spring loaded lever assembly includes a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spring and urging the sprayer housing closure away from the sprayer housing Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the spring force of the further spring exceeds the spring force of the compression spring.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly includes push buttons which are arranged to be depressed by engagement with an engagement member when the windshield wiper assembly reaches an extreme position.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the windshield wiper assembly is at at least one extreme position, the engagement of the engagement member with the push buttons applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of the further spring and to force the lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage the spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of the compression spring, thereby enabling the compression spring to seal the sprayer housing closure against sprayer housing. Typically, sufficient liquid pressure is applied to the pressurized fluid chamber and overcomes the spring force of the compression spring and permits spraying even when the sprayer housing is in the second position. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the step for receiving pressurized fluid into the at least one sprayer and spraying the pressurized fluid onto the vehicle windshield

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating assembly, useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly The liquid heating assembly includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures at various heights therealong. There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, which includes providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber and disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures at various heights along the wall portion, in the liquid heating chamber

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into the liquid heating chamber and thence through the apertures into the liquid heating volume Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid exits at the top of the liquid heating chamber via a conduit and passes through a labyrinthine heating unit to an outlet.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into the liquid heating chamber and thence into the liquid heating volume

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly further includes a pump, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of the liquid heating chamber and a second temperature sensor, which is located in a wall of the liquid heating chamber.

Typically, the second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at the second temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly. The liquid heating assembly includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from the liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet.

There is further provided in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly. The method includes providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber, receiving heated liquid from the liquid heating volume into a labyrinthine heating unit, further heating the heated liquid and providing the further heated liquid from the labyrinthine heating unit to an outlet. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into the liquid heating chamber and thence into the liquid heating volume

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly further includes a pump, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve

There is further provided in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly The liquid heating assembly includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture and a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment a method for heating liquid useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly The method includes providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber, receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of a vehicle and pressurizing the liquid with a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in the vehicle Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of the liquid heating chamber

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly further includes a second temperature sensor, which is located in a wall of the liquid heating chamber

Typically, the second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at the second temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly

There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly The liquid heating assembly includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture and a temperature sensor located in a wall of the liquid heating chamber

There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly including providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber, locating a temperature sensor in a wall of the liquid heating chamber and sensing temperature of the liquid via the temperature sensor Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at the temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes electronic heating control circuitry

Typically, the electronic heating control circuitry provides electrical power to at least one of first and second heating elements and a labyrinthine heating

Preferably, the electronic heating control circuitry controls electrical power to at least one of the heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry controls electrical power to at least two of the heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency

Typically, the electronic heating control circuitry also provides electrical power to at least one pump which governs the supply of liquid under pressure to the liquid heating chamber

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry also provides at least one of electrical power and an electrical control signal to windshield wipers for producing reciprocating rotation thereof. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry receives an input from an outside air temperature sensor

Typically, the electronic heating control circuitry controls the operation of a labyrinthine heating unit in response to the outside air temperature sensor. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry receives an input from a dirt sensor for automatically initiating operation of the liquid heating assembly when a sprayable surface is dirty

Preferably, the electronic heating control circuitry includes functionality for inhibiting operation of the liquid heating assembly, when the electric power status of the vehicle does not meet predetermined criteria.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry receives inputs from at least one of a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, the electronic heating control circuitry receives inputs from a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating also includes a circulation pump operative for circulating heated liquid from the liquid heating volume through circulation conduits to heat at least one of liquid sprayers, windshield wiper blades and heated liquid supply conduits. Typically, the circulation pump is operated by the electronic heating control circuitry automatically in response to ambient outside temperatures

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly further includes at least one operator control for providing at least one operating input to the electronic heating control circuitry

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the operator control communicates with the electronic heating control circuitry at least partially via existing wiring in a vehicle

Typically, the operator control causes application of signal modulation to electrical power lines interconnecting a vehicle battery with the electronic heating control circuitry and wherein the electronic heating control circuitry includes functionality for decoding such signal modulation and employing it for controlling functions of the liquid heating assembly.

Preferably, the liquid heating assembly includes standby mode functionality

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the standby mode functionality is actuated at least one of automatically and by a vehicle operator using a standby mode actuation switch

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of liquid inlet apertures are located at various azimuthal locations along the cylindrical wall portion.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the cylindrical wall portion also includes a slot.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the functional step of responding to a heated liquid spray demand signal, typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching

Typically, the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol and includes the additional functional steps of measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically varying between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value Preferably, the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol, which includes the following functional step of responding to a heated liquid spray demand signal, typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first and a second heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps of measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.

Preferably, the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional step of responding to a heated liquid spray demand signal, typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first and a second heating element and a labyrinthine heating unit substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching .

Preferably, the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber, causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.

Typically, the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional steps: responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal, typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching and responsive to an immediate spray demand signal, provided by a vehicle operator actuating electronic heating control circuitry, providing a supply of pressurized liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the outlet, possibly even before commencement of operation of the at least first heating element.

Typically, the liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a labyrinthine heating unit is actuated prior to heated liquid spray demand signal

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the labyrinthine heating unit is actuated upon ignition of a vehicle when the ambient outside temperature is below a threshold Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the peak threshold temperature vanes in accordance with the boiling point of the spray liquid, thereby to provide efficient heating of the spray liquid without unnecessarily heating the liquid beyond its boiling point

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic heating control circuitry is operative to monitor the temperature of the spray liquid within the liquid heating, once a relatively stable temperature is reached during continuous operation of at least one heating element, indicating that the approximate boiling temperature has been reached to note that stable temperature and to set the peak temperature threshold to be below the sensed stable temperature, whereby the peak temperature threshold is a function of the composition of the spray liquid

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the standby mode functionality includes the following functional steps upon vehicle ignition, the electronic heating control circuitry checks at least one of the following vehicle characteristics vehicle battery voltage, vehicle battery charging current and vehicle engine rotation speed and compares them with predetermined minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds and if the minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are met, a "GO" authorization is provided Typically, the liquid heating assembly is operated in a standby mode as follows if an outside temperature sensor is not available, the electronic heating control circuitry operates a labyrinthine heating unit and also operates at least one heating element in order to maintain the spray liquid in the liquid heating chamber at at least a first predetermined standby liquid temperature, if an outside temperature sensor is available, and the outside temperature measured thereby is greater than a first outside temperature threshold only the labyrinthine heating unit is operated, if the outside temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor is less than the first outside temperature threshold, but greater than a second outside temperature threshold, the labyrinthine heating unit is operated and at least one of the heating elements is additionally operated in order to maintain the liquid in the liquid heating chamber at at least a second predetermined standby liquid temperature and if the outside temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor is less than the second temperature threshold, the labyrinthine heating unit is operated and at least one of the heating elements is also operated in order to maintain the spray liquid at a third standby liquid temperature, greater than the first and second predetermined standby liquid temperatures

Typically, the minimum vehicle characteπstic thresholds are approximately as follows vehicle battery voltage 12 5 Volts, vehicle battery charging current 15 Ampere and vehicle engine rotation speed 1000 RPM

There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid circulation system including a liquid heating assembly and a heated liquid circulation assembly for supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating assembly for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, a windshield sprayer and a liquid supply conduit for supplying liquid to the windshield sprayer

There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid circulation method including heating a liquid and supplying the heated liquid for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, a windshield sprayer and a liquid supply conduit for supplying liquid to the windshield sprayer

There is provided in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly, which includes a liquid heating assembly, at least one sprayer, a heated liquid supply assembly including at least one heated liquid supply conduit for supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating assembly to the at least one sprayer for spraying thereof, a heated liquid circulation assembly for supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating assembly for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, the at least one sprayer and to the at least one heated liquid supply conduit for heating thereof

There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid wiper and sprayer method The method includes heating a liquid, supplying heated liquid to at least one sprayer for spraying thereof, via at least one heated liquid supply conduit and circulating the heated liquid in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, the at least one sprayer and the at least one heated liquid supply conduit

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a windshield wiper assembly and a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, the at least one sprayer being mounted on the windshield wiper assembly

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper assembly includes a base, which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis

Typically, the base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer includes a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid wiper and sprayer also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly includes a base mounted housing, cooperating with the base and arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto

Typically, the driven linear motion of the housing relative to the base is provided by a cam drive assembly

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a support arm, fixed to the housing for linear and rotational motion therewith Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer includes at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with the housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly includes an upstanding pin fixed to the base for rotary motion together therewith, the upstanding pin shdably engaging a base mounted housing slot formed in a bottom surface of the base mounted housing

Typically, the upstanding pin also slidingly engages an anchor element slot formed in an anchor element, which anchor element is linearly slidable relative to the base mounted housing and to the base along an axis generally parallel to the anchor element slot

Preferably, at least one compression wire is coupled to the anchor element The one compression wire extends through at least one sleeve to the windshield sprayer assembly and controls the positioning of the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer assembly includes a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between the sprayer housing and the sprayer housing closure, the pressurized fluid chamber receiving pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe

Typically, the sprayer housing closure includes a cap which is selectably sealed against a corresponding sealing surface of the sprayer housing

Preferably, the cap is selectably sealed by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to the sprayer housing in the first position permitting spraying Typically, the sprayer housing closure is normally positioned by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of a compression wire.

Typically, the spring loaded lever assembly includes a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spring and urging the sprayer housing closure away from the sprayer housing

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the spring force of the further spring exceeds the spring force of the compression spring Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation, the compression spring is enabled to seal the sprayer housing closure against sprayer housing.

Typically, the engagement of the upstanding pin at a radial outward end of the anchor element slot applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of the further spring and to force the lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage the spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of the compression spring.

Preferably, when the base mounted housing is at the extreme inward radial orientation, both the anchor element and the base mounted housing are in their extreme retracted positions and a first separation is defined between an outward facing surface of the anchor element and an inner facing surface of the outer facing wall of the base mounted housing

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from the liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet Typically, the liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into the liquid heating chamber and thence into the liquid heating volume Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in the vehicle, which pressurizes the liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the also includes a pump, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve.

Typically, the liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle. Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of the liquid heating chamber.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the liquid heating assembly also includes a second temperature sensor which is located in a wall of the liquid heating chamber.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at the second temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly.

Typically, heated liquid from the liquid heating assembly is circulated alongside the heated liquid supply conduit and through the at least one sprayer by a circulating pump cooperating with a pair of circulation conduits, which are joined at the at least one sprayer to define a continuous circulation path. Preferably, the circulation conduits and the liquid supply conduit are defined in a unitary conduit.

Typically, the circulation conduits generally surround the heated liquid supply conduit for efficient heat transfer therewith.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer is formed with an internal liquid circulation path to which the circulation conduits are coupled. The liquid circulation path surrounds a heated spray liquid pathway which couples the heated liquid supply conduit to a spray head. Typically, upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, the circulating pump is immediately actuated to begin circulating liquid from the liquid heating assembly, thus monotonically heating both the at least one sprayer and liquid in the heated liquid supply conduit, such that the liquid in the heated liquid supply conduit, when sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the sprayer includes a sealed volume which receives spray liquid under pressure from the supply conduit at an inlet and is provided with a plurality of spray outlets for spraying the liquid under pressure onto a vehicle windshield and an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element, disposed within the sealed volume and coupled to the heated liquid circulation assembly.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield wiper assembly includes a wiper blade formed with an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element coupled to the heated liquid circulation assembly.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid wiper and sprayer method also includes receiving pressurized fluid into the sprayer and spraying the pressurized fluid onto the vehicle windshield. There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a windshield sprayer controlling system, which includes a windshield wiper assembly, including a windshield wiper support arm and a windshield wiper, a windshield wiper driver assembly, which operates to move the windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield and at least one windshield sprayer mounted on the windshield wiper assembly. The support arm controls the windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of the wiper assembly relative to the windshield.

There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a windshield sprayer controlling method. The method includes providing a windshield wiper assembly including a windshield wiper support arm and a windshield wiper with at least one windshield sprayer mounted thereon, moving the windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield and controlling the at least one windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of the wiper assembly relative to the windshield

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer controlling system also includes at least one second windshield sprayer mounted on the windshield wiper assembly, the support arm controlling the second windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of the wiper assembly relative to the windshield

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer controlling system according also includes at least one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid to the at least one windshield sprayer

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer controlling system also includes one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid the windshield sprayer

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the windshield sprayer controlling system further includes one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid to at least one windshield sprayer and to at least one second windshield sprayer

Typically, the support arm also includes a control mechanism

Preferably, the control mechanism is located near an end of the support arm

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the control mechanism is loosely pivotably mounted onto an end portion of the support arm generally along a first axis and includes a wiper blade which may be slidably and removably mounted within a track support element The track support element is integrally formed with a pair of side attachment walls which are formed with aligned apertures through which extends an axle which extends generally along the first axis This allows the windshield wiper assembly to pivot about the first axis in a conventional manner, wherein the loose mounting of the windshield wiper assembly onto the end portion also allows pivoting of the track support element relative to the end portion about a pivot axis, which intersects the first axis, wherein the pivoting about the pivot axis is employed to direct liquid to one or more of the sprayers in accordance with the direction of movement of the windshield wiper assembly at any given instant Typically, the end portion of the support arm, which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the surface of the windshield.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the end portion is formed with at least one engagement surface which can be brought into liquid flow interrupting operative engagement with one of two liquid conduits, which receive pressurized liquid via the supply conduit, thereby interrupting liquid flow therethrough

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray system for vehicles, which includes a windshield washing subsystem The windshield washing subsystem includes a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly including a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on the windshield wiper assembly. The windshield sprayer assembly includes at least one sprayer and the sprayer includes a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying. The windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly which operates in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the housing closure relative to the housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly The heated liquid spray system further includes a liquid heating assembly subsystem, which includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber and a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and includes a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture.

There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray method for vehicles. The method includes providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to the sprayer housing, the sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly, providing a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber and supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the sprayer There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray system for vehicles, which includes a windshield washing subsystem. The windshield washing subsystem includes a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly including a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on the windshield wiper assembly. The windshield sprayer assembly includes at least one sprayer, including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying. The windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to the motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the housing closure relative to the housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly The heated liquid spray system also includes a liquid heating assembly subsystem and the liquid heating assembly subsystem includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber and a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture.

There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray method for vehicles. The method includes providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to the sprayer housing, the sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving the windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly, providing a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber and supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber to the sprayer

There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray system for vehicles, which includes a windshield washing subsystem The windshield washing subsystem includes a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, which includes a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move the windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on the windshield wiper assembly, the windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer. The sprayer includes a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to the sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying. The windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to the motion of the windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning the housing closure relative to the housing in either of the first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly The heated liquid spray system also includes a liquid heating assembly subsystem. The liquid heating subsystem includes a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in the liquid heating chamber and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from the liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet. There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a heated liquid spray method for vehicles. The method includes providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to the sprayer housing, the sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving the windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, selectably positioning the sprayer housing closure relative to the sprayer housing in either of the first and second positions in response to the linear motion of the windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly, providing a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in the liquid heating chamber, receiving heated liquid from the liquid heating volume into a labyrinthine heating unit, further heating the heated liquid and providing the further heated liquid from the labyrinthine heating unit to the sprayer

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly also includes a heated liquid circulation assembly subsystem for supplying heated liquid from the liquid heating chamber for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, the at least one sprayer and the at least one heated liquid supply conduit, for heating thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which Figs 1 A, IB and IC are simplified illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a first operative orientation, Fig. 1A being a partially cut-away pictorial illustration and Figs. IB and IC being sectional illustrations taken along lines IB - IB and IC - IC in Fig. 1 A respectively; Figs 2A, 2B and 2C are simplified illustrations of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 1A - IC in a second operative orientation, Fig. 2 A being a partially cut-away pictorial illustration and Figs 2B and 2C being sectional illustrations taken along lines IIB - IIB and IIC - IIC in Fig. 2A, respectively;

Figs 3A, 3B and 3C are simplified illustrations of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs. 1A - I C in a third operative orientation, Fig. 3A being a partially cut-away pictorial illustration and Figs. 3B and 3C being sectional illustrations taken along lines MB - IIIB and IIIC - IIIC in Fig 3 A, respectively;

Fig 4A is a simplified illustration of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 1 A - 3C in various operative orientations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig 4B is a simplified illustration of a variation of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 1A - 3C in various operative orientations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figs 5 A and 5B are simplified illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a first operative orientation, Fig. 5 A being a partially cut-away pictorial illustration and Fig. 5B being a sectional illustration taken along lines VB - VB in Fig. 5A;

Figs 6A and 6B are simplified illustrations of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs. 5 A and 5B in a second operative orientation, Fig. 6A being a partially cut-away pictorial illustration and Fig. 6B being a sectional illustration taken along lines VIB - VIB in Fig 6A,

Fig 7A is a simplified illustration of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 5 A and 6B in various operative orientations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig 7B is a simplified illustration of a variation of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 5 A and 6B in various operative orientations in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a simplified sectional illustration of a liquid heating assembly useful with the windshield wiper and sprayer assemblies of Figs. 1A - 7B, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figs 9A and 9B are simplified illustrations of two alternative embodiments of a cylindrical wall portion of a liquid heating volume defining subassembly employed in the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8,

Figs 10 A, 10B, IOC, 10D, 10E and 10F are simplified timing diagrams illustrating various modes of operation of the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8,

Fig 1 1 is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figs 12A and 12B are sectional illustrations taken along respective lines XII A - XII A and XIIB - XIIB in Fig 11 ,

Fig 13 is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Fig 14 is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figs 15 A and 15B are sectional illustrations taken along respective lines XV A - XVA and XVB - XVB in Fig 14,

Figs 16A and 16B, 17A and 17B and 18A and 18B are illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly having a wiping direction responsive spray functionality constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Fig 19 is a simplified flow chart illustration of standby operation of the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs 1A, IB and IC, 2A, 2B and 2C and 3A,

3B and 3C, which are simplified illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in closed and open operative oπentations, Figs 1A, 2 A and 3 A being partially cut-away pictorial illustrations and Figs IB, 2B and 3B and IC, 2C and 3C being sectional illustrations taken along lines IB - IB and IC - IC, IIB - IIB and IIC - IIC and IIIB - IIIB and IIIC - IIIC, respectively

For the purpose of this patent application the term "windshield" is given a broader meaning than usual and refers to any window, mirror or headlight surface of a vehicle

As seen in Figs 1A - IC, 2 A - 2C and 3 A - 3C, the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly compπses a base 100 which is fixed to a shaft 102 which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 104 Shaft 102 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle

Cooperating with base 100 and arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto, as indicated by arrows 106, is a housing 108 The linear motion of base mounted housing 108 relative to base 100 preferably has a maximum amplitude of approximately 70 mm This linear motion is preferably provided by a cam drive assembly (not shown) Suitable drive assemblies of this type are commercially available on windshield wiper assemblies installed as original equipment on Mercedes-Benz automobiles, such as Model No 220C

Fixed to base mounted housing 108 for linear and rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 110 including a support arm 1 12 mounted onto housing 108 Assembly 110 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 1 14 and a pair of heated liquid spray assemblies 1 16, all of which undergo linear and rotational motion together with housing 108 Spray assemblies 1 16 receive pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits 1 18

Also fixed to base 100 for rotary motion together therewith is an upstanding pin 120, which slidably engages a base mounted housing slot 122 formed in a bottom surface 124 of base mounted housing 108 In the illustrated embodiment, base mounted housing slot 122 is at least approximately 70 mm in length Pin 120 also slidingly engages an anchor element slot 126 in an anchor element 128 Anchor element 128 is preferably linearly slidable relative to base mounted housing 108 and to base 100 along an axis 130 parallel to arrows 106 and parallel to base mounted housing slot 122

Coupled to anchor element 128 are a pair of compression wires 132 which extend through respective coaxial sleeves 134 to respective normally open spray assemblies 1 16 and are operative for controlling the closing and opening of the spray assemblies

Referring particularly to Figs IC, 2C and C, it is seen that spray assemblies 1 16 each comprise a sprayer housing 136 and a cap portion 138 which is selectably closed by the action of compression wires 132

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs IC, 2C and 3C, it is seen that a pressurized fluid chamber 140 is defined between the sprayer housing 136 and the cap 138 and receives pressurized fluid to be sprayed from the fluid conduit 1 18 via an inlet pipe 142 The cap 138 may be sealed, preferably by means of an O-πng 144, and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface 146 of sprayer housing 136 by a spring loaded shaft assembly 150, which includes a compression spring 152 The sealing of the cap 138 typically prevents evaporation of the liquid, penetration of dirt into the liquid spray assemblies 1 16 and return of the liquid from the resevoir 337, as descπbed hereinbelow with respect to Fig 8 As noted above, each spray assembly 116 is normally open This normally open state is the result of the action of the spring loaded lever assembly 160, attached to an end of each compression wire 132 Spring loaded lever assembly 160 preferably comprises a compression spπng 162 which normally urges a lever arm 164 to engage spπng loaded shaft assembly 150, thereby overcoming the spring force of spπng 152 and urging the cap 138 away from sprayer housing 136 In the illustrated embodiment, the spring force of compression spring 162 exceeds that of compression spring 152

Figs 1A - IC show base mounted housing 108 and windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 110 at extreme inward radial oπentations In this orientation, the engagement of pin 120 at the radial outward end 154 of anchor element slot 126 in anchor element 128 applies a compressive force to compression wires 132 sufficient to overcome the spring force of compression spring 162 and to force lever arm 164 to an orientation wherein it does not engage spring loaded shaft assembly 150 and does not overcome the spring force of spπng 152 Spring 152 thus seals cap 138 against sprayer housing 136, as shown in Fig IC

In this operative orientation, as seen in Fig IB, both anchor element 128 and base mounted housing 108 are in their extreme retracted positions and a separation "a" is defined between the outward facing surface 166 of anchor element 128 and the inner facing surface 168 of the outer facing wall 170 of base mounted housing 108

Upon initial radial outward movement of housing 108, support arm 112 and spray assemblies 1 16, inasmuch as anchor element 128 is slidable relative to the base mounted housing 108, it need not and does not move radially outwardly together with housing 108 and thus the separation "a" in Fig IB increases to "b", as shown in

Fig 2B

As seen in Figs 2 A, 2B and 2C, pin 120 remains in engagement with the radial outward end of slot 154 in anchor element 128, while base mounted housing 108 and the spray assemblies 1 16 move radially outwardly This reduces or eliminates the compressive force to compression wires 132 and enables compression spring 162 to extend and to force lever arm 164 to an orientation wherein it engages spring loaded shaft assembly 150, thereby overcoming the spring force of spring 152 and urging the cap 138 away from sprayer housing 136 as shown in Fig 2C, thereby allowing pressurized liquid to escape from pressurized fluid chamber 140 via conduits 172 and to produce a liquid spray 174

Typically the amount of radial travel of housing 108 between the orientations of Figs 1 A - IC and Figs 2 A - 2C relative to base 100 is approximately 5 mm In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of lever arm 164 is such that the resulting closed to open travel of cap portion 138 relative to housing portion 136 is also approximately 5 mm

Upon further radial outward movement of housing 108, support arm 112 and spray assemblies 1 16, notwithstanding that anchor element 128 is slidable relative to the housing 108, it moves radially outwardly together with base mounted housing 108 As seen in Figs 3 A, B and 3C, pin 120 remains in engagement with slot 126 in anchor element 128, but its position along that slot changes to the extent of the further radial outward movement, as base mounted housing 108 and the spray assemblies 1 16 move radially outwardly The engagement of pin 120 with anchor element slot 126 thus may be appreciated to provide a lost motion mechanism, whereby tensioning of compression wires 132 is avoided, while maintaining the distance "b" between the outward facing surface 166 and the inner facing surface 168. During this further radial outward movement of base mounted housing 108, compression wires 132 remain generally unstressed and compression spring 162 remains extended and continues to force lever arm 164 to an orientation wherein it engages spring loaded shaft assembly 150, thereby overcoming the spring force of spring 152 and urging the cap 138 away from sprayer housing 136 as shown in Fig 3C, thereby allowing pressuπzed liquid to escape from pressurized fluid chamber 140 via conduits 172 and to produce a liquid spray 174

Typically the amount of radial travel of housing 108 relative to base 100, between the orientations of Figs 2A - 2C and Figs 3 A - 3C, is approximately 65 mm In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of lever arm 164 is such that no further travel of cap portion 138 relative to housing portion 136 takes place

It is a particular feature of the invention that even when the spray assembly 1 16 is in its closed position, sufficient liquid pressure applied to chamber 140 may overcome the spring force of spring 152 and permit spraying It is appreciated that the spray assemblies 116 may be heated by an electrical heating element 180 which may be coupled by an electrical conductor 182 to a source of electrical power (not shown) It is appreciated that the heating of the spray assembly 1 16 may also allow for the melting of ice, which may form around the spray assembly 1 16 It is also apprecaited that other forms of heating the spray assembly 116 may be used

Reference is now made to Fig 4A, which is a simplified illustration of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 1A - 3C in various operative orientations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig 4A, the orientations indicated by A correspond to the orientations shown in Figs 1 A - I C, the orientations indicated by B correspond to the orientations shown in Figs 2A - 2C and the range of orientations indicated by C correspond to the oπentations shown in Fig 3C

Reference is now made to Fig 4B, which is a simplified illustration of a variation of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 1A - 3C in vaπous operative orientations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention The embodiment of Fig 4B differs from that of Fig 4A in that the location of rotation axis 104 (Fig 1A) is slightly shifted to the side of the windshield, as compared to its location in the embodiment of Fig 4A The pattern of radial outward travel of housing 108 (Fig 1 A) produced by the cam drive assembly (not shown) is accordingly somewhat different In Fig 4B, the orientation indicated by A corresponds to the orientations shown in Figs 1 A - I C, the orientations indicated by B correspond to the orientations shown in Figs 2A - 2C and the range of orientations indicated by C correspond to the orientations shown in Fig 3C

Reference is now made to Figs 5A and 5B and 6A and 6B, which are simplified illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in respective closed and open operative orientation, Figs 5A and 6A being partially cutaway pictorial illustration and Figs 5B and 6B being sectional illustrations taken along lines 5B-5B and 6B-6B respectively As seen in Figs 5 A - 6B, the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base 200 which is fixed to a shaft 202 which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 204 Shaft 202 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle Cooperating with base 200 and arranged for rotation together therewith about rotation axis 204, is a housing 208 having a cover 209

Fixed to base mounted housing 208 for rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 210 including a support arm 212 mounted onto base mounted housing 208 Assembly 210 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 214 and a pair of heated liquid spray assemblies 216, all of which undergo rotational motion together with base mounted housing 208 Spray assemblies 216 receive pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits 218

A pair of compression wires 232 extend through respective coaxial sleeves 234 from respective push buttons 235 mounted onto the base mounted housing 208 to spray assemblies 216 As will be explained hereinbelow, with particularly reference to Figs 7 A and 7B, push buttons 235 are arranged to be depressed by engagement with an engagement member 236 when the windshield wiper assembly 214 reaches an extreme clockwise position, in the sense of Figs 7A and 7B, thereby sealing the spray assemblies 216

Referring particularly to Figs 5B and 6B, it is seen that spray assemblies 216 each comprise a sprayer housing 237 and a cap portion 238 which is selectably closed by the action of compression wires 232

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs 5B and 6B, it is seen that a pressurized fluid chamber 240 is defined between the sprayer housing 237 and the cap 238 and receives pressurized fluid to be sprayed from the fluid conduits 218 via respective inlet pipes 242 The cap 238 may be sealed, preferably by means of an O-πng 244, and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface 246 of sprayer housing 237 by a spring loaded shaft assembly 250, which includes a compression spπng 252

As noted above, the spray assemblies 216 are normally open This normally open state is the result of the action of a spπng loaded lever assembly 260, attached to an end of each compression wire 232 Spring loaded lever assembly 260 preferably comprises a compression spring 262 which normally urges a lever arm 264 to engage the spring loaded shaft assembly 250, thereby overcoming the spring force of spring 252 and urging the cap 238 away from sprayer housing 237 In the illustrated embodiment, the spπng force of compression spring 262 exceeds that of compression spring 252

Figs 5A and 5B show base mounted housing 208 and windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 210 at extreme inward radial orientations In this oπentation, the depression of push buttons 235 applies a compressive force to compression wires 232 sufficient to overcome the spring force of compression spπng 262 and to force lever arm 264 to an oπentation wherein it does not engage spπng loaded shaft assembly 250 and does not overcome the spring force of spring 252 Spring 252 thus seals cap 238 against sprayer housing 237, as shown in Fig 5B

Termination of depression of push buttons 235, resulting from counterclockwise movement of the windshield wiper from its extreme clockwise orientation releases the compressive force earlier applied to wires 232 and thus enables compression spring 262 to extend and to force lever arm 264 to an orientation wherein it does not engage spring loaded shaft assembly 250 and does not overcome the spπng force of spring 252 and urging the cap 238 away from sprayer housing 237, as shown in Fig 6B, thereby allowing pressurized liquid to escape from pressurized fluid chamber 240 via conduits 272 and to produce a liquid spray 274

In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of lever arm 264 is such that the resulting closed to open travel of cap portion 238 relative to sprayer housing 237 is approximately 5 mm

During further rotational movement of housing 208, compression wires 232 remain generally unstressed and compression spring 262 remains extended and continues to force lever arm 264 to an orientation wherein it continues to engage spπng loaded shaft assembly 250 thereby overcoming the spring force of spπng 252 Spring 252 continues to space cap 238 from sprayer housing 237, as shown in Fig 6B, thereby allowing pressurized liquid to escape from pressurized fluid chamber 240 via conduits 272 and to produce a liquid spray 274

It is a particular feature of the invention that even when the spray assembly 216 is in its closed position, sufficient liquid pressure applied to chamber 240 may overcome the spπng force of spring 252 and permit spraying

Reference is now made to Fig 7A, which is a simplified illustration of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Figs 5A - 6B in various operative oπentations in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention As seen in Fig 7A, the orientation indicated by A correspond to the orientation shown in Figs 5 A and 5B, the oπentations indicated by B correspond to the orientation shown in

Reference is now made to Fig 7B, which is a simplified illustration of a variation of the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly of Fig 7A in which the extreme clockwise orientation of the windshield wiper, wherein the spray assemblies are sealed lies below the windshield As seen in Fig 7B, the orientation indicated by A correspond to the orientation shown in Figs 5A and 5B, the orientations indicated by B correspond to the orientation shown in Figs 6A and 6B

Reference is now made to Fig 8, which is a simplified sectional illustration of a liquid heating assembly useful with the windshield wiper and sprayer assemblies of Figs 1 - 7B, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention It is appreciated that the embodiment of Fig 8 is not limited in its application to use with any given windshield wiper or sprayer assembly

Turning to Fig 8, it is seen that the liquid heating assembly comprises a chassis 300, preferably formed of a plastic material, which also serves as a multi- chamber housing and defines a liquid heating chamber 302 and a circuitry chamber 304. Liquid heating chamber 302 typically is sealed by a removably threaded base plate 306.

Disposed within liquid heating chamber 302, in sealing engagement with chassis 300, typically by means of a sealing ring 310, is a liquid heating volume defining subassembly 312 Subassembly 3 12 preferably includes a base portion 314 and a generally cylindrical wall portion 316 which is provided with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures 3 18 at various heights and azimuthal locations therealong Base portion 3 14 and generally cylindrical wall portion 3 16 preferably define a liquid heating volume 320, in which there are preferably disposed first and second heating elements 322 and 324 Liquid to be heated is typically received under pressure at an inlet 326 and passes through a conduit 328 into liquid heating chamber 302 and thence through apertures 3 18 into the liquid heating volume 320. Heated liquid typically exits at the top of the liquid heating chamber 320 via a conduit 330, also typically defined by chassis 300, and passes through a labyrinthine heating unit 332 to an outlet 334 There exist a number of arrangements for providing pressurized liquid to be heated to inlet 326 In one such arrangement, an optional pump 335, which is not part of the original equipment in the vehicle, pressurizes liquid received via a conduit 336 from a liquid reservoir 337, which typically is part of the original equipment of the vehicle Liquid from reservoir 337 may reach conduit 336 via a pump 338, which forms part of the original equipment of the vehicle, if that pump is a centrifugal pump. Alternatively, liquid from the reservoir 337 may pass through a one-way valve 339 directly to conduit 336

It is appreciated that the provision of pump 335 together with the liquid heating assembly is particularly useful in retrofit situations, where modification of the operation and control of pump 338 would be inconvenient or impossible. Pump 335 may also be of value in non-retrofit installations in order to overcome the overall flow resistance of the system. A liquid temperature sensor 340 preferably is located near the top of the liquid heating chamber 302 adjacent an inlet to conduit 330 Another temperature sensor 342 is preferably located in a wall 344 of the liquid heating chamber 302 Temperature sensor 342 preferably operates a circuit breaker switch 346, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at sensor 342 for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery 348 to the liquid heating assembly 300

Temperature sensors 340 and 342 provide electrical outputs to electronic heating control circuitry 350, typically located in circuitry chamber 304 Electronic heating control circuitry 350 controls the electrical power, typically via circuit breaker switch 346, to first and second heating elements 322 and 324 and to labyrinthine heating unit 332 and preferably also controls the electrical power to pump 335 and/or to pump 338 which govern the supply of liquid under pressure at inlet 326 Electronic heating control circuitry 350 may also control the electrical power or provide an electrical control signal to windshield wipers (not shown) for producing reciprocating rotation thereof

Preferably, there is provided an outside air temperature sensor 352 which provides an electric output to electronic heating control circuitry 350, enabling electronic heating control circuitry 350 to automatically control the operation of various components, including inter a a labyrinthine heating unit 332

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a windshield dirt sensor 354 may be provided for automatically initiating operation of the liquid heating assembly when the windshield is dirty

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic heating control circuitry 350 includes functionality for inhibiting operation of the liquid heating assembly, when the electric power status of the vehicle does not meet predetermined criteria For this purpose, a battery voltage sensor 356, a battery charging current sensor 358 and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor 360 preferably provide outputs to electronic heating control circuitry 350 Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a circulation pump 362 is preferably provided for circulating heated liquid from liquid heating volume 320 through conduits 364 and 366 to heat external components of the system such as liquid sprayers and windshield wiper blades, as described hereinbelow with reference to Figs 1 1 - 14, as well to heat heated liquid supply conduits, such as a conduit 368 coupled to outlet 334

Circulation pump 362 may be operated by electronic heating control circuitry 350 automatically in response to ambient outside temperatures, sensed by sensor 352, which fall below a predetermined threshold or on the basis of any other suitable criteria

Initiation of operation of the liquid heating assembly may be provided by means of a suitable operator controlled switch 370 which provides an output to electronic heating control circuitry 350 Alternatively, an operator controlled switch 372 may cause application of signal modulation to electrical power lines interconnecting battery 348 with electronic heating control circuitry 350 In such a case, electronic heating control circuitry 350 includes functionality for decoding such signal modulation and employing it for controlling functions of the liquid heating assembly, such as initiation of operation thereof

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8 may be operated in a standby mode, as described more fully hereinbelow with reference to Fig 19 The standby mode may be actuated automatically as described hereinbelow and/or may be actuated by a vehicle operator using a standby mode actuation switch 373

Reference is now made to Figs 9A and 9B, which are simplified illustrations of two alternative embodiments of a cylindrical wall portion of a liquid heating volume defining subassembly employed in the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8 Fig 9A illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention wherein liquid inlet apertures 374, 376 and 378 are located at various heights and azimuthal locations along a cylindrical wall portion 380 Fig 9B illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein a generally vertical slot 382 may be provided in addition to one or more apertures 384 and 386 in a cylindrical wall portion 388 Reference is now made to Figs 10 A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F, which are simplified timing diagrams illustrating various modes of operation of the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8 Turning to Fig 10 A, it is seen that responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal 390 (Trace A), typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, such as switch 370 or 372, associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350, heating element 322 is operated, as shown in Trace B The duration of operation of heating element 322 is preferably approximately 3 minutes In this mode of operation, heating element 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 are not operated, as indicated in Traces C and D respectively.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operation of heating element 322 is substantially continuous, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching

Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber 302 as measured by sensor 340. It is seen that this temperature reaches a peak threshold value 392 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value 392 and a somewhat lower threshold value 394 This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F

Preferably, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 392 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 394. In this embodiment, where labyrinthine heating unit 332 is not operated, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G) is generally the same as that measured by sensor 340. As seen in trace G, the amplitude of variation of the temperature at outlet 334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the heat retaining capacity of the labyrinthine heating unit 332, even when not operated. Turning to Fig. 10B, which shows an alternative mode of operation providing a higher frequency of liquid spraying, it is seen that responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal 396 (Trace A), typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing one or more push buttons, such as switches 370 and 372, associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350, heating elements 322 and 324 are operated, as shown in Traces B and C, preferably for a duration of approximately 3 minutes In this mode of operation, labyrinthine heating unit 332 is not operated, as indicated in Trace D In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operation of both of heating elements 322 and 324 is substantially continuous, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching. Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber

302 as measured by sensor 340. It is seen that this temperature reaches a peak threshold value 398 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value 398 and a somewhat lower threshold value 400. This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn correspond to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F.

Preferably, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 398 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 400. In this embodiment, where labyrinthine heating unit 332 is not operated, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G) is generally the same as that measured by sensor 340. As seen in trace G, the amplitude of variation of the temperature at outlet 334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the heat retaining capacity of the labyrinthine heating unit 332, when not operated.

Comparing Figs. 10B and 10A, it is seen that by operating two heating elements, namely heating elements 322 and 324 in the embodiment of Fig. 10B rather than only one heating element 322 as in the embodiment of Fig. 10 A, the liquid in liquid heating chamber 302 is heated more quickly, and thus both the frequency of spraying and the amount of liquid sprayed during the typical 3 minute cycle duration increases. It is noted that in this embodiment, as compared with that of Fig. 10A, the heating time of the liquid as measured by sensor 340 is shortened, while the cooling time of the liquid during which operation of pump 335 and/or pump 338 takes place is somewhat lengthened.

Turning to Fig. 10C, which shows a further alternative mode of operation providing generally the same frequency of liquid spraying as in the embodiment of Fig. 10B, it is seen that responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal 402 (Trace A), typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing one or more push buttons associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350, heating elements 322 and 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 are operated, as shown in Traces B, C and D Actuation of the apparatus in the mode of operation shown in Fig IOC may be in response to any suitable operator input or may be predetermined

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operation of both of heating elements 322 and 324 and of labyrinthine heating unit 332 is substantially continuous during each operating cycle, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching The duration of operation of heating elements 322 and 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 is preferably about 3 minutes for each operating cycle Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber

302 as measured by sensor 340 It is seen that this temperature reaches a peak threshold value 404 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value 406 This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn correspond to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F Preferably, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 404 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 406 In this embodiment, where labyrinthine heating unit 332 is operated, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G), indicated by reference numeral 408, is generally higher than that measured by sensor 340 As seen in trace G, the amplitude of vaπation of the temperature at outlet 334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the operation of the labyrinthine heating unit 332

Comparing Figs 10C and 10B, it is seen that by operating the labyrinthine heating unit 332 in the embodiment of Fig 10C in addition to the heating units 322 and 324 as in the embodiment of Fig 10B, the liquid at outlet 334 is heated to a temperature peak 408 higher than that measured by sensor 340 This supplemental heating does not affect the frequency of spraying or the amount of liquid sprayed per

Turning to Fig 10D, which shows a further alternative mode of operation providing generally the functionality of liquid spraying as in the embodiment of Fig 10C, it is seen that an immediate spray demand signal, here designated by reference numeral 410, is provided in addition to the heated liquid spray demand signal (Trace A), typically by a vehicle operator pushing an additional push button associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350 or executing any other suitable driver initiated actuation. In response to the immediate spray demand signal 410, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is operated to provide a supply of pressurized liquid from liquid heating chamber 302 to outlet 334 even before commencement of operation of heating elements 322 and 324.

At any time relative to immediate spray demand signal 410, a heated liquid spray demand signal, here designated by reference numeral 412 (Trace A) may also be provided by an operator pushing one or more push buttons associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350, causing heating elements 322 and 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 to be operated, as shown in Traces B, C and D.

As in the embodiment of Fig. 10C, the operation of both of heating elements 322 and 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 is substantially continuous, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching. Typically the duration of operation of heating elements 322 and 324 and of labyrinthine heating unit 332 is approximately 3 minutes per operating cycle. Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber

302 as measured by sensor 340. It is seen that when the heating elements 322 and 324 are operated, this temperature reaches peak threshold value 414 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value 416. This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn correspond to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F.

Preferably, following provision of the heated liquid spray demand signal 412, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 414 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 416. Pump 335 and/or pump 338 is also actuated in response to signal 410, as noted above. In this embodiment, during operation of labyrinthine heating unit 332, the temperature 418 of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G) is higher than that measured by sensor 340 As seen in trace G, the amplitude of variation of the temperature at outlet

334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the operation of the labyrinthine heating unit 332

Comparing Figs 10D and IOC, it is seen that operation of pump 335 and/or pump 338 in response to immediate spray demand signal 410, does not interfere with the operation of the apparatus as described hereinabove with reference to Figs 10A - 10C Comparing Figs 10D and 10B, it is seen that by operating the labyrinthine heating unit 332 in the embodiment of Fig. 10D in addition to the heating units 322 and 324 as in the embodiment of Fig. 10B, the liquid at outlet 334 is heated to a temperature peak 418 higher than that measured by sensor 340. This supplemental heating does not affect the frequency of spraying or the amount of liquid sprayed per unit time

Turning to Fig 10E, which shows a further alternative mode of operation providing generally the functionality of liquid spraying as in the embodiment of Fig 10D, it is seen that an immediate spray demand signal, here designated by reference numeral 420, is provided in addition to the heated liquid spray demand signal 422 (Trace A), typically by a vehicle operator pushing an additional push button, such as push buttons 370 and 372, associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350 or executing any other suitable driver initiated actuation.

Prior to heated liquid spray demand signal 422, and preferably upon ignition of a vehicle when the ambient outside temperature measured by sensor 352 is below a certain predetermined threshold, the labyrinthine heating unit 332 may be actuated, as shown in Trace D

In response to the immediate spray demand signal 420, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is operated to provide a supply of pressurized liquid from liquid heating chamber 302 to outlet 334 even before operation of heating elements 322 and 324, as shown by Trace F

Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber 302 as measured by sensor 340 It is seen that when the heating elements 322 and 324 are operated, this temperature is raised from an ambient temperature 423 and reaches a peak threshold value 424 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value 426 This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn correspond to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F

Preferably, following provision of the heated liquid spray demand signal 422, pump 33 ^ and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 424 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 426 Pump 335 and/or pump 338 is also actuated in response to signal 420, as noted above

In this embodiment, during operation of labyrinthine heating unit 332, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G) is higher than that measured by sensor 340 Due to operation of labyrinthine heating unit 332 from the outset, the base temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 is an elevated temperature indicated by reference numeral 425, higher than ambient temperature 423, prior to immediate spray demand signal 420 During operation of pump 335 and/or pump 338, in response to immediate spray demand signal 420, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 drops slightly as unheated liquid is supplied to labyrinthine heating unit 332

As in the embodiments of Figs 10C and 10D, the operation of both of heating elements 322 and 324 and labyrinthine heating unit 332 is substantially continuous, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching Preferably the duration of continuous operation of heating elements 322 and 324 is approximately 3 minutes for each operating cycle During the operational cycle responsive to heated liquid spray demand signal 422, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 reaches a temperature 428 and the amplitude of variation of the temperature at outlet 334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the operation of the labyπnthine heating unit 332

Comparing Figs 10E and 10C, it is seen that operation of pump 335 and/or pump 338 in response to immediate spray demand signal 410, does not interfere with the operation of the apparatus as described hereinabove with reference to Figs 10A - 10C Comparing Figs. 10E and 10B, it is seen that by operating the labyrinthine heating unit 332 in the embodiment of Fig. 10E in addition to the heating units 322 and 324 as in the embodiment of Fig. 10B, the liquid at outlet 334 is heated to a temperature peak 428 higher than that measured by sensor 340. This supplemental heating does not affect the frequency of spraying or the amount of liquid sprayed per unit time.

Fig. 10F shows a further alternative mode of operation of the apparatus of Fig. 8, wherein the temperature thresholds applied to the temperature sensed by sensor 340 are varied in accordance with the boiling point of the spray liquid. This mode provides efficient heating of the spray liquid without unnecessarily heating the liquid beyond its boiling point.

It is appreciated that the boiling point of the spray liquid is a function of the concentration of antifreeze and other additives therein. In this embodiment, electronic heating control circuitry 350 is operative to monitor the temperature sensed by sensor 340. Once a relatively stable temperature 444 is reached during continuous operation of one or both of heating elements 322 and 324, indicating that the boiling temperature has been reached, that stable temperature 444 is noted by circuitry 350, which sets a peak temperature threshold value 445 to be preferably a few degrees Celsius below the sensed stable temperature, which is designated by reference numeral 444. In this manner energy and liquid heating of the spray liquid is realized.

It is appreciated that in the illustrated mode of operation, the labyrinthine heating unit 332 is not operated, as shown in Trace D. However, it is envisgaged that in this mode of operation the labyrinthine heating unit 332 may be operated.

Turning to Fig. 10F, it is seen that an immediate spray demand signal, here designated by reference numeral 440, may be provided in addition to a heated liquid spray demand signal 442 (Trace A), typically by a vehicle operator pushing an additional push button, such as push buttons 370 and 372, associated with electronic heating control circuitry 350 or executing any other suitable driver initiated actuation.

In response to the immediate spray demand signal 440, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is operated to provide a supply of pressurized liquid from liquid heating chamber 302 to outlet 334 even before operation of heating elements 322 and 324. Trace E shows the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber 302 as measured by sensor 340 It is seen that when the heating elements 322 and 324 are operated, this temperature begins from an ambient temperature 443 and initially reaches stable temperature 444 and thereafter is limited to a peak threshold value 445 and then periodically varies between the peak threshold value 445 and a somewhat lower threshold value 446 This variation in temperature corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn correspond to supply of unheated liquid to the liquid heating chamber 302, as shown in Trace F

Preferably, following provision of the heated liquid spray demand signal 442, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor

340 reaches the peak threshold value 445 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 446 Pump 335 and/or pump

338 is also actuated in response to signal 440, as noted above

Preferably, pump 335 and/or pump 338 is actuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 reaches the peak threshold value 445 and is deactuated when the temperature measured by sensor 340 falls to the lower threshold value 446 In this embodiment, where labyrinthine heating unit 332 is not operated, the temperature of the liquid at outlet 334 (Trace G) is generally the same as that measured by sensor 340 As seen in trace G, the amplitude of variation of the temperature at outlet 334 is typically less than that measured by sensor 340, due to the heat retaining capacity of the labyrinthine heating unit 332, when not operated

As in the mode of operation of Fig 10B, the operation of both of heating elements 322 and 324 is substantially continuous, as distinct from intermittent, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching The duration of operation of heating elements 322 and 324 is preferably approximately 3 minutes for each operating cycle thereof

Comparing Figs 10F and 10E, it is seen that operation of the apparatus of Fig 8 in a variable peak temperature threshold mode in response to the sensed boiling point of the spray liquid which may vary over time does not interfere with the operation of the apparatus as described hereinabove with reference to Figs 10A - 10E

Comparing Figs 10F and 10C, it is seen that operation of pump 335 and/or pump 338 in response to immediate spray demand signal 440, does not interfere with the operation of the apparatus as described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 10A

- I OC.

It is appreciated that operation of the apparatus of Fig. 8 in a variable peak temperature threshold mode causes the peak temperature 445 to be a function of the composition of the liquid. Peak temperature 445 may thus be greater or less than peak temperature 398 in Fig. 10B.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 1 , which is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and Figs. 12A and 12B, which are sectional illustrations taken along respective lines XIIA -

XII A and XIIB - XIIB in Fig. 1 1.

As seen in Figs. 1 1, 12A and 12B, the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base 500 which is fixed to a shaft 502 which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 504. Shaft 502 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle.

Attached to base 500 for reciprocating rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 510 including a support arm 512 mounted onto base 500. Assembly 510 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 514 and at least one heated liquid spray assembly 516, which undergoes reciprocating rotational motion together with base 500. Spray assembly 516 receives pressurized fluid for spraying via a fluid conduit 518 from a liquid heating assembly 520, which may be identical to the liquid heating assembly shown in Fig. 8.

Optionally, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1A - 7B, base 500 may have associated therewith a housing (not shown) arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto. This linear motion is preferably provided by a cam drive assembly (not shown).

Suitable drive assemblies of this type are commercially available on windshield wiper assemblies installed as original equipment on Mercedes-Benz automobiles, such as

Model No. 220C. In the illustrated embodiment, heated liquid from liquid heating assembly 520 is circulated alongside fluid conduit 518 and through heated liquid spray assembly 516, preferably by a pump 522 cooperating with a pair of conduits 524 and 526, which are joined at the liquid spray assembly 516 to define a continuous circulation path

It is a particular feature of the present invention that conduits 524 and

526 may be defined in a unitary conduit element 528, a preferred cross-section of which is shown in Fig 12 A, wherein conduits 524 and 526 preferably generally surround conduit 518 for efficient heat transfer therewith External thermal insulation 527 is preferably provided

As seen in Fig 12B, liquid spray assembly 516 is preferably formed with an internal liquid circulation path 529 to which conduits 524 and 526 are coupled Liquid circulation path 529 surrounds a heated spray liquid pathway 530 which couples conduit 518 to a spray head 532

In practice, upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, pump 522 preferably is immediately actuated to begin circulating liquid from the liquid heater assembly 520, thus monotonically heating both the liquid spray assembly 516 and the liquid in conduit 518, such that the liquid in conduit 518, when sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient This is particularly useful when relatively long conduits 518 are present, such as in systems providing heated liquid sprays for rear windows and headlights

Reference is now made to Fig 13, which is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention

As seen in Fig 13, the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly compπses a base 550 which is fixed to a shaft 552, arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 554 Shaft 552 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle

Attached to base 550 for rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 560 including a support arm 562, mounted onto base 550 Assembly 560 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 564 and at least one heated liquid spray assembly 566, which undergoes rotational motion together with base 550 Spray assembly 566 receives pressurized fluid for spraying via a fluid conduit 568 from a liquid heating assembly 570, which may be identical to the liquid heating assembly shown in Fig 8 Optionally, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1A - 7B, base 550 may have associated therewith a housing (not shown) arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto. This linear motion is preferably provided by a cam drive assembly (not shown). Suitable drive assemblies of this type are commercially available on windshield wiper assemblies installed as original equipment on Mercedes-Benz automobiles, such as Model No. 220C.

In the illustrated embodiment, heated liquid from liquid heating assembly 570 is circulated alongside fluid conduit 568 and through heated liquid spray assembly 566, preferably by a pump 572 cooperating with a pair of conduits 574 and 576, which are joined at the liquid spray assembly 566 to define a continuous circulation path.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that conduits 574 and 576 may be defined in a unitary conduit element 578, wherein conduits 574 and 576 preferably generally surround conduit 568 for efficient heat transfer therewith and including external thermal insulation (not shown).

In this embodiment, liquid spray assembly 566 preferably comprises a sealed volume 580 which receives spray liquid under pressure from conduit 568 at an inlet 582 and is provided with a plurality of spray outlets 584 for spraying the liquid under pressure onto a vehicle windshield. An internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element 586 is preferably disposed within sealed volume 580. Conduits 574 and 576 are coupled to element 586.

In practice, upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, pump 572 preferably is immediately actuated to begin circulating liquid from the liquid heater assembly 570, thus monotonically heating both the liquid spray assembly 566 and the liquid in conduit 568, such that the liquid in conduit 568, when sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient. This is particularly useful when relatively long conduits 568 are present, such as in systems providing heated liquid sprays for rear windows and headlights.

Reference is now made to Fig. 14, which is a simplified partially pictorial illustration of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and Figs 15A and 15B, which are sectional illustrations taken along respective lines XVA -

As seen in Figs 14, 15A and 15B, the windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base 600 which is fixed to a shaft 602 which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 604 Shaft 602 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle

Attached to base 600 for reciprocating rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 610 including a support arm 612 mounted onto base 600 Assembly 610 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 614 and at least one heated liquid spray assembly 616, which undergoes reciprocating rotational motion together with base 600 Spray assembly 616 receives pressurized fluid for spraying via a fluid conduit 618 from a liquid heating assembly 620, which may be identical to the liquid heating assembly shown in Fig 8 Optionally, as in the embodiment of Figs 1 - 7B, base 600 may have associated therewith a housing (not shown) arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto This linear motion is preferably provided by a cam drive assembly (not shown) Suitable drive assemblies of this type are commercially available on windshield wiper assemblies installed as original equipment on Mercedes-Benz automobiles, such as Model No 220C

In the illustrated embodiment, heated liquid from liquid heating assembly 620 is circulated alongside fluid conduit 618 and through a pair of joined conduits 622 and 624 in a windshield wiper blade 626, shown in Fig 15 A, preferably by a pump 628 cooperating with a pair of conduits 630 and 632, which are coupled to conduits 622 and 624 to define a continuous circulation path

It is a particular feature of the present invention that conduits 630 and 632 may be defined in a unitary conduit element 634, a preferred cross-section of which is shown in Fig 15B, wherein conduits 630 and 632 preferably generally surround conduit 618 for efficient heat transfer therewith External thermal insulation 636 is preferably provided

Liquid spray assembly 616 is preferably formed with a sealed volume which receives spray liquid under pressure from conduit 618 and is provided with a plurality of spray outlets 638 for spraying the liquid under pressure onto a vehicle windshield

In practice, upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, pump 628 preferably is immediately actuated to begin circulating liquid from the liquid heater assembly 620, thus monotonically heating both the wiper blade 626 and the liquid in conduit 618, such that the liquid in conduit 618, which sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient This is particularly useful when relatively long conduits 618 are present, such as in systems providing heated liquid sprays for rear windows and headlights Reference is now made to Figs 16A and 16B, 17A and 17B and 18A and

18B, which are illustrations of a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly having a wiping direction responsive spray functionality constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figs 16B, 17B and 18B are taken in the direction of lines XVIB, XVIIB and XVIIIB, respectively Turning to Figs 16A and 16B, there is seen a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising a base 700 which is fixed to a shaft 702 which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis 704 along a windshield 706 between extreme positions 708 and 709 Shaft 702 is preferably driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly (not shown), forming part of a conventional motor vehicle Attached to base 700 for rotational motion therewith is a windshield wiper and heated liquid sprayer assembly 710 including a support arm 712 mounted onto base 700 Assembly 710 preferably includes a windshield wiper assembly 714 and a pair of liquid sprayers 716 and 717, which undergo rotational motion together with base 700 Spray assembly 716 receives pressurized liquid for spraying via a fluid conduit 718 from any suitable source of liquid and preferably from a liquid heating assembly (not shown), which may be identical to the liquid heating assembly shown in

As seen in Figs 16A and 16B, the support arm 712 is preferably twisted adjacent a distal end thereof, as indicated by reference numeral 720 so as to present an end portion 722, which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the surface of windshield 706 Loosely pivotably mounted onto end portion 722, generally along an axis 724 is windshield wiper assembly 714, preferably including a conventional wiper blade 726 which may be slidably and removably mounted within a track support element 728

Track support element 728 is preferably integrally formed with a pair of side attachment walls 730 which are formed with aligned apertures 732 through which extends an axle 734 which extends generally along axis 724. This arrangement allows the windshield wiper assembly 714 to be pivoted about axis 724 in a conventional manner

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the loose mounting of windshield wiper assembly 714 onto end portion 722 also allows pivoting of track support element 728 relative to the end portion 722 about a pivot axis 736, which preferably intersects axis 724 The extent of this pivoting is generally represented by arrows 738 The pivoting about axis 736, represented by arrows 738, is employed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, to direct liquid to one or both of sprayers 716 and 717 in accordance with the direction of movement of the windshield wiper assembly 714 at any given instant.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, formed onto end portion 722 is at least one engagement surface 740 which can be brought into liquid flow interrupting operative engagement with one of two liquid conduits 742 and 744, which receive pressurized liquid via conduit 718, thereby interrupting liquid flow therethrough

Preferably the end portion 722 and side attachment walls 730 are protected from the elements by a cover 748

As seen in Figs 16A and 16B, when the windshield wiper assembly 714 moves in a first direction relative to support arm 712, indicated by reference numeral 750, the resulting friction causes the windshield wiper assembly to pivot about axis 736 in a direction designated by reference numeral 752, causing engagement surface 740 to engage liquid conduit 742, thus generally preventing liquid flow therethrough and thus directing all of the pressurized liquid through conduit 744 to sprayer 716.

As seen in Figs. 17A and 17B, when the windshield wiper assembly 714 moves in a second direction relative to support arm 712, indicated by reference numeral 753, the resulting friction causes the windshield wiper assembly to pivot about axis 736 in an opposite direction, designated by reference numeral 754, causing engagement surface 740 to engage liquid conduit 744, thus generally preventing liquid flow therethrough and thus directing all of the pressurized liquid through conduit 742 to sprayer 717

As seen in Fig 18A and 18B when the windshield wiper assembly is at an extreme location, such as either of locations 708 and 709, the windshield wiper assembly 714 lies at an intermediate location designated by reference numeral 758, causing engagement surface 740 to prevent liquid flow through neither of conduits 742 and 744

Reference is now made to Fig 19, which is a simplified flow chart illustration of standby operation of the liquid heating assembly of Fig 8 As seen in Fig. 19, the electronic heating control circuitry 350 preferably operates in a standby mode in response to the status of the vehicle, as indicated by sensors 356, 358 and 360 and in response to the outside temperature, as indicated by sensor 352 Alternatively or additionally, standby mode operation of electronic heating control circuitry 350 may be provided by actuation of switch 373 by a vehicle operator.

Preferably, upon vehicle ignition, electronic heating control circuitry 350 checks at least one and preferably all of the following vehicle characteristics: vehicle battery voltage, as measured by sensor 356; vehicle battery charging current, as measured by sensor 358 and vehicle engine rotation speed, as measured by sensor 360. Preferable minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are as follows: vehicle battery voltage' 12 5 Volts, vehicle battery charging current' 15 Ampere vehicle engine rotation speed 1000 RPM

If the minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are met, a "GO" authorization is provided and the liquid heating assembly is operated in a standby mode as follows.

If an outside temperature sensor, such as sensor 352 is not available, preferably electronic heating control circuitry 350 operates labyrinthine heating unit 332 and also operates at least one of heating elements 322 and 324 in order to maintain the liquid in liquid heating chamber 302 at typically +10 degrees C. If an outside temperature sensor, such as sensor 352, is available, and the outside temperature measured thereby is greater than a first temperature threshold, typically +15 degrees C, preferably only labyrinthine heating unit 332 is operated.

If, the outside temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor 352 is less than the first temperature threshold, but greater than a second temperature threshold, typically -5 degrees C, preferably the labyrinthine heating unit 332 is operated and at least one of heating elements 322 and 324 are additionally operated in order to maintain the liquid in liquid heating chamber 302 at typically +5 degrees C.

If, the outside temperature measured by the outside temperature sensor 352 is less than the second temperature threshold, preferably the labyrinthine heating unit 332 is operated and at least one of heating elements 322 and 324 are also operated in order to maintain the liquid in liquid heating chamber 302 at typically +20 degrees C.

It is noted that preferably, when the liquid heating assembly of Fig. 8 is operated by electronic temperature control circuitry 350 in the standby mode, as described hereinabove, manual operations, such as an immediate spray demand and initiation of the normal operation of the liquid heating assembly may be initiated by a vehicle operator.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.

Claims (318)

1. C L A I M S

   1 A windshield washing system comprising a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer comprising a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, and a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly
2. 2 A windshield washing system according to claim 1 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis
3. 3 A windshield washing system according to claim 2 and wherein said base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle
4. 4 A windshield washing system according to claim 2 or claim 3 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base mounted housing, cooperating with said base and arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto
5. 5 A windshield washing system according to claim 4 and wherein said driven linear motion of said base mounted housing relative to said base is provided by a cam drive assembly
6. 6 A windshield washing system according to claim 4 or claim 5 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also comprises a support arm, fixed to said base mounted housing for linear and rotational motion therewith.
7. 7 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 4 to 6 and wherein said at least one sprayer comprises at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with said base mounted housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits
8. 8 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 4 to 7 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly comprises an upstanding pin fixed to said base for rotary motion together therewith, said upstanding pin slidably engaging a base mounted housing slot formed in a bottom surface of said base mounted housing.
9. 9 A windshield washing system according to claim 8 and wherein said upstanding pin also slidingly engages an anchor element slot formed in an anchor element, which anchor element is linearly slidable relative to said base mounted housing and to said base along an axis generally parallel to said anchor element slot.
10. 10 A windshield washing system according to claim 9 and wherein at least one compression wire is coupled to said anchor element, said at least one compression wire extending through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly and being operative for controlling the positioning of said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing.
11. 1 1 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 1 to 10 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly comprises a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, said pressurized fluid chamber receiving pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet
12. 12 A windshield washing system according to claim 11 and wherein said sprayer housing closure comprises a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing
13. 13 A windshield washing system according to claim 12 and wherein said cap is arranged to be sealed and to be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring
14. 14 A windshield washing system according to claim 12 or claim 13 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
15. 15 A windshield washing system according to claim 14 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of a compression wire
16. 16 A windshield washing system according to claim 15 and wherein said spring loaded lever assembly comprises a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spπng and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing
17. 17 A windshield washing system according to claim 16 and wherein the spring force of said further spring exceeds the spring force of said compression spring
18. 18 A windshield washing system according to either of claims 16 and 17 and wherein when said base mounted housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation, the engagement of said upstanding pin at a radial outward end of said anchor element slot applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of said further spring and to force said lever arm to an oπentation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of said compression spπng, thereby enabling said compression spring to seal said sprayer housing closure against said sprayer housing
19. 19 A windshield washing system according to claim 18 and wherein when said base mounted housing is at said extreme inward radial orientation, both said anchor element and said base mounted housing are in their extreme retracted positions and a first separation is defined between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing
20. 20 A windshield washing system according to claim 19 and wherein when said base mounted housing moves radially outward from said extreme inward radial orientation, said anchor element is shdable relative to said base mounted housing and a second separation, greater than said first separation, is defined between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing
21. 21 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 9 to 20 and wherein said anchor element is shdable relative to said base mounted housing
22. 22 A windshield washing system according to claim 21 and wherein said anchor element moves radially outwardly together with said base mounted housing
23. 23 A windshield washing system according to claim 22 and wherein said pin engages said anchor element slot to provide a lost motion mechanism, whereby tensioning of said compression wires is avoided
24. 24 A windshield washing system according to claim 22 and wherein said lost motion mechanism produces a liquid spray by allowing said pressurized fluid to escape from said pressurized fluid chamber
25. 25 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 4 to 24 and wherein said base mounted housing travels radially relative to said base
26. 26 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 13 to 25 and wherein sufficient liquid pressure applied to said pressurized fluid chamber may overcome the spπng force of said compression spπng and permit spraying even when the sprayer housing is in said second position
27. 27 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 1 to 26 and wherein said at least one sprayer includes an electrical heating element for heating thereof
28. 28 A windshield washing system according to claim 27 and wherein said electrical heating element is coupled to a source of electrical power by an electrical conductor
29. 29 A windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer comprising a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, and a heater heating said sprayer housing
30. 30 A windshield sprayer assembly according to claim 29 and wherein said heater comprises an electric heater
31. 31 A windshield sprayer assembly according to claim 29 and wherein said heater comprises a thermal heat exchange heater
32. 32 A windshield sprayer assembly according to any of claims 29 to 31 and wherein said heater also heats said sprayer housing closure
33. 33 A windshield sprayer assembly according to any of claims 29 to 32 and wherein said heater is positioned near an end of said sprayer housing that is in contact with said sprayer housing closure when said sprayer housing closure is in said second position
34. 34 A windshield washing system comprising a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer comprising a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, and a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said rotational motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly
35. 35 A windshield washing system according to claim 34 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly compπses a base which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis
36. 36 A windshield washing system according to claim 35 and wherein said base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle
37. 37 A windshield washing system according to claim 35 or claim 36 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base mounted housing, cooperating with said base and arranged for rotational motion therewith
38. 38 A windshield washing system according to claim 35 or claim 36 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly is responsive to the rotational position of said base for governing the relative position of said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure
39. 39 A windshield washing system according to claim 37 or claim 38 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also comprises a support arm, fixed to said base mounted housing for rotational motion therewith.
40. 40 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 37 to 39 and wherein said at least one sprayer comprises at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes rotational motion together with said base mounted housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits
41. 41 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 37 to 40 and wherein at least one compression wire is coupled to at least one engagement element, said at least one compression wire extending through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly and being operative for controlling the positioning of said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing.
42. 42 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 34 to 41 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly comprises a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, said pressurized fluid chamber receiving pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe
43. 43 A windshield washing system according to claim 42 and wherein said sprayer housing closure comprises a cap which is arranged to be selectably sealed and against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing.
44. 44 A windshield washing system according to claim 43 and wherein said cap may be sealed and may be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring
45. 45 A windshield washing system according to claim 43 or claim 44 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying.
46. 46 A windshield washing system according to claim 45 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of said compression wire
47. 47 A windshield washing system according to claim 46 and wherein said spring loaded lever assembly comprises a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spring and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing
48. 48 A windshield washing system according to claim 47 and wherein the spring force of said further spring exceeds the spring force of said compression spring.
49. 49. A windshield washing system according to any of claims 34 to 48 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly comprises push buttons which are arranged to be depressed by engagement with an engagement member when said windshield wiper assembly reaches an extreme position.
50. 50 A windshield washing system according to claim 49 and wherein when said windshield wiper assembly is at at least one extreme position, the engagement of said engagement member with said push buttons applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of said further spring and to force said lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spπng force of said compression spring, thereby enabling said compression spring to seal said sprayer housing closure against sprayer housing
51. 51 A windshield washing system according to any of claims 44 to 50 and wherein sufficient liquid pressure applied to said pressuπzed fluid chamber is operative to overcome the spring force of said compression spring and permit spraying even when the sprayer housing is in said second position
52. 52 A liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, said liquid heating assembly comprising a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, and a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures at vaπous heights therealong
53. 53 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 52 and wherein liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber and thence through said apertures into said liquid heating volume
54. 54 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 52 or claim 53 and wherein heated liquid exits at the top of the said liquid heating chamber via a conduit and passes through a labyrinthine heating unit to an outlet
55. 55 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 54 and wherein liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber and thence into said liquid heating volume
56. 56 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 55 and also comprising a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of said vehicle
57. 57 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 56 and also comprising a pump, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve
58. 58 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 57 and wherein said liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle
59. 59 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 58 and also comprising a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of said liquid heating chamber
60. 60 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 59 and also comprising a second temperature sensor which is located in a wall of said liquid heating chamber
61. 61 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 60 and wherein said second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly
62. 62 A liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, said liquid heating assembly comprising a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture, and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from said liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet
63. 63 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 62 and wherein liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber and thence into said the liquid heating volume
64. 64 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 62 to 63 and also compπsing a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of said vehicle
65. 65 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 62 to 64 and also comprising a pump, which pressuπzes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve
66. 66 A liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, said liquid heating assembly comprising a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture, and a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in a vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle
67. 67 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 62 to 66 and wherein said liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle
68. 68 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 62 to 67 and also comprising a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of said liquid heating chamber
69. 69 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 62 to 68 and also compπsing a second temperature sensor which is located in a wall of said liquid heating chamber.
70. 70. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 69 and wherein said second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at said second temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly.
71. 71. A liquid heating assembly useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly, said liquid heating assembly comprising: a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture; and a temperature sensor located in a wall of said liquid heating chamber.
72. 72. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 71 and wherein said temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at said temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly.
73. 73. A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 72 and also comprising electronic heating control circuitry.
74. 74. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 73 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry provides electrical power to at least one of first and second heating elements and a labyrinthine heating unit.
75. 75. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 74 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry controls electrical power to at least one of said heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency.
76. 76 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 74 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry controls electrical power to at least two of said heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency
77. 77 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 74 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry also provides electrical power to at least one pump which governs the supply of liquid under pressure to said liquid heating chamber
78. 78 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 77 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry also provides at least one of electrical power and an electrical control signal to windshield wipers for producing reciprocating rotation thereof
79. 79 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 78 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry receives an input from an outside air temperature sensor
80. 80 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 79 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry controls the operation of a labyrinthine heating unit in response to said outside air temperature sensor.
81. 81 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 80 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry receives an input from a dirt sensor for automatically initiating operation of the liquid heating assembly when a sprayable surface is dirty.
82. 82 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 81 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry includes functionality for inhibiting operation of the liquid heating assembly, when the electric power status of the vehicle does not meet predetermined criteria
83. 83 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 82 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry receives inputs from at least one of a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor
84. 84 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 82 and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry receives inputs from a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor
85. 85 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 84 and also comprising a circulation pump operative for circulating heated liquid from said liquid heating volume through circulation conduits to heat at least one of liquid sprayers, windshield wiper blades and heated liquid supply conduits
86. 86 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 85 and wherein said circulation pump is operated by said electronic heating control circuitry automatically in response to ambient outside temperatures
87. 87 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 86 and also comprising at least one operator control for providing at least one operating input to said electronic heating control circuitry
88. 88 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 87 and wherein said at least one operator control communicates with said electronic heating control circuitry at least partially via existing wiring in a vehicle.
89. 89 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 88 and wherein said at least one operator control causes application of signal modulation to electrical power lines interconnecting a vehicle battery with said electronic heating control circuitry and wherein said electronic heating control circuitry includes functionality for decoding such signal modulation and employing it for controlling functions of the liquid heating assembly
90. 90 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 89 and including standby mode functionality
91. 91 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 90 and wherein said standby mode functionality is actuated at least one of automatically and by a vehicle operator using a standby mode actuation switch
92. 92 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 61 and 73 to 91 and wherein said plurality of liquid inlet apertures are located at various azimuthal locations along said cylindrical wall portion.
93. 93 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 52 to 92 and wherein said cylindrical wall portion also includes a slot.
94. 94 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 93 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional step responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal, associated with said electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching.
95. 95 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 94 and wherein said heated liquid spray demand signal is provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button.
96. 96 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 94 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value
97. 97 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 96 and wherein the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
98. 98 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 93 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional step' responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal, associated with said electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first and a second heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching.
99. 99 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 98 and wherein said heated liquid spray demand signal is provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button.
100. 100. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 98 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps. measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.
101. 101 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 100 and wherein the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
102. 102 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 93 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional step responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with said electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first and a second heating element and a labyrinthine heating unit substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching
103. 103 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 102 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value
104. 104 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 103 and wherein the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
105. 105 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 73 to 93 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following functional steps' responsive to a heated liquid spray demand signal typically provided by a vehicle operator pushing a push button, associated with said electronic heating control circuitry, operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching; and responsive to an immediate spray demand signal, provided by a vehicle operator actuating electronic heating control circuitry, providing a supply of pressurized liquid from said liquid heating chamber to said outlet, possibly even before commencement of operation of said at least first heating element
106. 106 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 105 and wherein said liquid heating assembly operates in accordance with an operating protocol including the following additional functional steps measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; and causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.
107. 107 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 106 and wherein the functional step of causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value and then periodically to vary between the peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value, corresponds to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
108. 108 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 105 to 107 and wherein a labyrinthine heating unit is actuated prior to heated liquid spray demand signal.
109. 109 A liquid heating assembly according to any of claims 105 to 108 and wherein a labyrinthine heating unit is actuated upon ignition of a vehicle when the ambient outside temperature is below a threshold.
110. 1 10 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 96 or claim 97 and wherein said peak threshold temperature varies in accordance with the boiling point of the spray liquid, thereby to provide efficient heating of the spray liquid without unnecessarily heating the liquid beyond its boiling point
111. 1 1 1. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 110 and wherein electronic heating control circuitry is operative: to monitor the temperature of the spray liquid within said liquid heating, once a relatively stable temperature is reached during continuous operation of at least one heating element, indicating that the approximate boiling temperature has been reached to note that stable temperature; and to set said peak temperature threshold to be below the sensed stable temperature, whereby said peak temperature threshold is a function of the composition of the spray liquid.
112. 1 12. A liquid heating assembly according to claim 110 and wherein said standby mode functionality includes the following functional steps: upon vehicle ignition, said electronic heating control circuitry checks at least one of the following vehicle characteristics: vehicle battery voltage; vehicle battery charging current and vehicle engine rotation speed and compares them with predetermined minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds; and if said minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are met, a "GO" authorization is provided and said liquid heating assembly is operated in a standby mode as follows: if an outside temperature sensor is not available, said electronic heating control circuitry operates a labyrinthine heating unit and also operates at least one heating element in order to maintain the spray liquid in said liquid heating chamber at at least a first predetermined standby liquid temperature; if an outside temperature sensor is available, and the outside temperature measured thereby is greater than a first outside temperature threshold only said labyrinthine heating unit is operated; if the outside temperature measured by said outside temperature sensor is less than the said first outside temperature threshold, but greater than a second outside temperature threshold, said labyrinthine heating unit is operated and at least one of said heating elements is additionally operated in order to maintain the liquid in said liquid heating chamber at at least a second predetermined standby liquid temperature; and if the outside temperature measured by said outside temperature sensor is less than said second temperature threshold, said labyrinthine heating unit is operated and at least one of said heating elements is also operated in order to maintain the spray liquid at a third standby liquid temperature, greater than said first and second predetermined standby liquid temperatures.
113. 1 13 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 1 12 and wherein said minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are approximately as follows vehicle battery voltage 12 5 Volts, vehicle battery charging current 15 Ampere, and vehicle engine rotation speed 1000 RPM
114. 1 14 A heated liquid circulation system comprising: a liquid heating assembly; and a heated liquid circulation assembly for supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating assembly for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, a windshield sprayer and a liquid supply conduit for supplying liquid to said windshield sprayer.
115. 1 15 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly comprising: a liquid heating assembly; at least one sprayer, a heated liquid supply assembly including at least one heated liquid supply conduit for supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating assembly to said at least one sprayer for spraying thereof, and a heated liquid circulation assembly for supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating assembly for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, said at least one sprayer and to said at least one heated liquid supply conduit for heating thereof.
116. 1 16 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 115 and also comprising' a windshield wiper assembly; and a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, said at least one sprayer being mounted on said windshield wiper assembly.
117. 1 17 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 115 or claim 1 16 and wherein said windshield wiper assembly comprises a base which is arranged for rotation about a rotation axis
118. 1 18 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 117 and wherein said base is driven for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly, forming part of a conventional motor vehicle.
119. 1 19 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 15 to 118 and wherein said at least one sprayer comprises a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying.
120. 120 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 15 to 1 19 and also comprising a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly
121. 121 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 117 to 120 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprises a base mounted housing, cooperating with said base and arranged for driven linear motion relative thereto
122. 122 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 121 and wherein said driven linear motion of said base mounted housing relative to said base is provided by a cam drive assembly
123. 123 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 121 to

     122 and wherein said windshield wiper and sprayer assembly also comprises a support arm, fixed to said base mounted housing for linear and rotational motion therewith.
124. 124 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 121 to

     123 and wherein said at least one sprayer comprises at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with said base mounted housing and which receives pressurized fluid for spraying via fluid conduits.
125. 125 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 121 to

     124 and wherein said windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly comprises an upstanding pin fixed to said base for rotary motion together therewith, said upstanding pin slidably engaging a base mounted housing slot formed in a bottom surface of said base mounted housing.
126. 126 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 125 and wherein said upstanding pin also slidingly engages an anchor element slot formed in an anchor element, which anchor element is linearly slidable relative to said base mounted housing and to said base along an axis generally parallel to said anchor element slot
127. 127 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 126 and wherein at least one compression wire is coupled to said anchor element, said at least one compression wire extending through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly and being operative for controlling the positioning of said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing.
128. 128 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 19 to 127 and wherein said at least one sprayer assembly comprises a pressurized fluid chamber, which is defined between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, said pressurized fluid chamber receiving pressurized fluid to be sprayed from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe
129. 129 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 119 to 128 and wherein said sprayer housing closure comprises a cap which is selectably sealed against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing
130. 130 A windshield washing system according to claim 129 and wherein said cap is selectably sealed by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring
131. 13 1 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 129 or claim 130 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
132. 132 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 131 and wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
133. 133 A heating liquid wiper and sprayer according to claim 132 wherein said sprayer housing closure is normally positioned by operation of a spring loaded lever assembly, attached to an end of a compression wire
134. 134 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 132 and wherein said spring loaded lever assembly comprises a compression spring which normally urges a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, thereby overcoming the spring force of a further spring and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing.
135. 135 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 134 and wherein the spring force of said further spring exceeds the spring force of said compression spring.
136. 1 6 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 134 or claim 135 and wherein when said housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation, said compression spring is enabled to seal said sprayer housing closure against sprayer housing
137. 137 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 136 and wherein the engagement of said upstanding pin at a radial outward end of said anchor element slot applies a compressive force to a compression wire, which compressive force is sufficient to overcome the spring force of said further spring and to force said lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of said compression spring.
138. 138 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 136 or claim 137 and wherein when said base mounted housing is at said extreme inward radial orientation, both said anchor element and said base mounted housing are in their extreme retracted positions and a first separation is defined between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing.
139. 139 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 115 to 138 and wherein said liquid heating assembly comprises a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture; and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from said liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet.
140. 140 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 139 and wherein liquid to be heated is received under pressure at an inlet and passes through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber and thence into said the liquid heating volume.
141. 141 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 139 or claim 140 and wherein said liquid heating assembly also comprises a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in the vehicle, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of the vehicle
142. 142 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 139 to

     141 and wherein said liquid heating assembly also comprises a pump, which pressurizes liquid received via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve
143. 143 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 15 to

     142 and wherein said liquid heating assembly is arranged for retrofit installation into an existing motor vehicle
144. 144 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 15 to 143 and also comprising a first liquid temperature sensor located near the top of said liquid heating chamber
145. 145 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 115 to 144 and wherein said liquid heating assembly also comprises a second temperature sensor which is located in a wall of said liquid heating chamber
146. 146 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 145 and wherein said second temperature sensor operates a circuit breaker switch, which is responsive to exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold at said second temperature sensor for automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating assembly
147. 147 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 115 to 146 and wherein heated liquid from said liquid heating assembly is circulated alongside said heated liquid supply conduit and through said at least one sprayer by a circulating pump cooperating with a pair of circulation conduits, which are joined at said at least one sprayer to define a continuous circulation path
148. 148 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 147 and wherein said circulation conduits and said liquid supply conduit are defined in a unitary conduit.
149. 149 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 148 and wherein said circulation conduits generally surround said heated liquid supply conduit for efficient heat transfer therewith.
150. 150 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 147 to 149 and wherein said at least one sprayer is formed with an internal liquid circulation path to which said circulation conduits are coupled, said liquid circulation path surrounding a heated spray liquid pathway which couples said heated liquid supply conduit to a spray head
151. 151 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 147 to

     150 and wherein upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, said circulating pump is immediately actuated to begin circulating liquid from the liquid heating assembly, thus monotonically heating both said at least one sprayer and liquid in said heated liquid supply conduit, such that the liquid in said heated liquid supply conduit, when sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient
152. 152 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 1 15 to

     151 and wherein said at least one sprayer comprises a sealed volume which receives spray liquid under pressure from said supply conduit at an inlet and is provided with a plurality of spray outlets for spraying the liquid under pressure onto a vehicle windshield; and an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element, disposed within said sealed volume and coupled to said heated liquid circulation assembly.
153. 153 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 116 to

     152 and wherein said windshield wiper assembly comprises a wiper blade formed with an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element coupled to said heated liquid circulation assembly.
154. 154 A windshield sprayer controlling system comprising, a windshield wiper assembly comprising. a windshield wiper support arm; and a windshield wiper; a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield; and at least one windshield sprayer mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said support arm controlling said at least one windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of said wiper assembly relative to said windshield.
155. 155 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 154 and also comprising at least one second windshield sprayer mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said support arm controlling said at least one second windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of said wiper assembly relative to said windshield.
156. 156 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 154 or claim 155 and also comprising at least one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid to said at least one windshield sprayer
157. 157 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 154 and also comprising one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid to said at least one windshield sprayer
158. 158 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 155 and also comprising one liquid supply conduit supplying liquid to said at least one windshield sprayer and to said at least one second windshield sprayer.
159. 159 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to any of claims 154 to 158 and wherein said support arm also comprises a control mechanism.
160. 160 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 159 and wherein said control mechanism is located near an end of said support arm.
161. 161 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to any of claims 159 to 160 and wherein said control mechanism is loosely pivotably mounted onto an end portion of said support arm generally along a first axis and including a wiper blade which may be slidably and removably mounted within a track support element, said track support element being integrally formed with a pair of side attachment walls which are formed with aligned apertures through which extends an axle which extends generally along said first axis, thus allowing the windshield wiper assembly to pivot about said first axis in a conventional manner, wherein said loose mounting of said windshield wiper assembly onto said end portion also allows pivoting of said track support element relative to said end portion about a pivot axis, which intersects said first axis, wherein said pivoting about said pivot axis is employed to direct liquid to one or more of said at least one sprayers in accordance with the direction of movement of said windshield wiper assembly at any given instant.
162. 162 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to claim 161 and wherein said end portion of said support arm which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the surface of said windshield
163. 163 A windshield sprayer controlling system according to any of claims 154 to 156 and wherein said end portion is formed with at least one engagement surface which can be brought into liquid flow interrupting operative engagement with one of two liquid conduits, which receive pressurized liquid via said supply conduit, thereby interrupting liquid flow therethrough
164. 164 A heated liquid spray system for vehicles comprising: a windshield washing subsystem comprising: a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising, a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer comprising a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, and a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said housing closure relative to said housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly, and a liquid heating assembly subsystem comprising a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, and a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture
165. 165 A heated liquid spray system for vehicles compπsing a windshield washing subsystem comprising a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly compπsing a windshield wiper assembly, a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer compπsing a sprayer housing, and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, and a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said housing closure relative to said housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly; and a liquid heating assembly subsystem comprising: a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; and a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber and including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion which is provided with at least one liquid inlet aperture.
166. 166. A heated liquid spray system for vehicles comprising: a windshield washing subsystem comprising: a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising: a windshield wiper assembly; a windshield wiper driver assembly operative to move said windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield; a windshield sprayer assembly mounted on said windshield wiper assembly, said windshield sprayer assembly comprising at least one sprayer comprising: a sprayer housing; and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; and a windshield sprayer assembly positioning assembly operative in response to said motion of said windshield wiper assembly for selectably positioning said housing closure relative to said housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly; and a liquid heating assembly subsystem comprising: a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; a liquid heating volume defining subassembly disposed in said liquid heating chamber; and a labyrinthine heating unit receiving heated liquid from said liquid heating volume and providing further heated liquid to an outlet.
167. 167. A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to any of claims 164 to 166 and also comprising: a heated liquid circulation assembly subsystem for supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating chamber for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, said at least one sprayer and said at least one heated liquid supply conduit, for heating thereof.
168. 168. A method for windshield washing comprising: providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to said sprayer housing, said sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield; and selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly.
169. 169. A method for windshield washing according to claim 168 and also comprising: providing a base for said windshield wiper assembly; and rotating said base about a rotation axis.
170. 170. A method for windshield washing according to claim 169 and wherein said rotating comprises driving said base by reciprocating rotational motion of a conventional wiper drive assembly.
171. 171. A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 169 to 170 and also comprising providing a base mounted housing cooperating with said base for driven linear motion relative thereto.
172. 172 A method for windshield washing according to claim 171 and wherein said driven linear motion is provided by a cam drive assembly
173. 173 A method for windshield washing according to claim 171 or claim 172 and also comprising fixing a support arm to said base mounted housing for linear and rotational motion therewith
174. 174 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 171 to 173 and wherein said providing at least one sprayer comprises providing at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with said base mounted housing
175. 175 A method for windshield spraying according to claim 174 and also comprising receiving pressurized fluid into said at least one sprayer, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield
176. 176 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 171 to 175 and also comprising fixing an upstanding pin to said base, moving said upstanding pin and said base in rotary motion together; forming a base mounted housing slot in a bottom surface of said base mounted housing, and slidably engaging said upstanding pin in said base mounted housing slot
177. 177 A method for windshield washing according to claim 176 and also comprising' forming an anchor element slot in an anchor element, said anchor element being linearly slidable relative to said base mounted housing and to said base along an axis parallel to said anchor element slot; and slidably engaging said upstanding pin in said anchor element slot.
178. 178 A method for windshield washing according to claim 177 and also comprising: coupling at least one compression wire to said anchor element; extending said at least one compression wire through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly, and controlling the positioning of said housing closure relative to said sprayer housing utilizing said at least one compression wire
179. 179 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 168 to 178 and also comprising providing a pressurized fluid chamber between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, receiving pressurized fluid into said pressuπzed fluid chamber from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield
180. 180 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 168 to 179 and wherein said providing a sprayer housing closure comprises providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing
181. 181 A method for windshield washing according to claim 180 and wherein said providing a cap comprises providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spπng
182. 182 A method for windshield washing according to claim 180 or claim 181 and also comprising normally positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
183. 183 A method for windshield washing according to claim 182 and also compπsing attaching a spring loaded lever assembly to an end of a compression wire, and operating said spring loaded lever assembly to normally position said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
184. 184 A method for windshield washing according to claim 183 and wherein said operating comprises operating a compression spring, normally urging a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, overcoming the spring force of a further spring, and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing
185. 185 A method for windshield washing according to claim 184 and also comprising exceeding the spring force of said compression spring by the spring force of said further spring
186. 186 A method for windshield washing according to claim 184 or claim 185 and also comprising engaging said upstanding pin at a radial outward end of said anchor element slot, applying a compressive force to a compression wire, overcoming the spring force of said further spring by said compressive force; forcing said lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of said compression spring, and enabling said compression spring to seal said sprayer housing closure against said sprayer housing, when said base mounted housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation
187. 187 A method for windshield washing according to claim 186 and also comprising defining a first separation between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing when said base mounted housing is at said extreme inward radial orientation
188. 188 A method for windshield washing according to claim 187 and also comprising: defining a second separation, greater than said first separation, between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing, when said base mounted housing moves radially outward from said extreme inward radial orientation
189. 189 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 177 to 188 and wherein said anchor element is slidable relative to said base mounted housing
190. 190 A method for windshield washing according to claim 189 and also comprising moving said anchor element radially outwardly together with said base mounted housing
191. 191 A method for windshield washing according to claim 190 and also comprising engaging said anchor element slot with said pin to provide lost motion, whereby tensioning of said compression wires is avoided
192. 192 A method for windshield washing according to claim 190 and also comprising producing a liquid spray by allowing said pressurized fluid to escape from said pressurized fluid chamber
193. 193 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 181 to 192 and also comprising applying liquid pressure to said pressurized fluid chamber; overcoming the spring force of said compression spring; and permitting spraying, even when the sprayer housing is in said second position.
194. 194 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 168 to 193 and also comprising heating said at least one sprayer by an electrical heating element
195. 195 A method for windshield washing according to claim 194 and also comprising coupling said electrical heating element to a source of electrical power by an electrical conductor
196. 196 A method for windshield spraying comprising. providing at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure arranged for selectable positioning relative to said sprayer housing and for assuming a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; and heating said sprayer housing.
197. 197 A method for windshield spraying according to claim 196 and wherein said heating comprises electrically heating.
198. 198 A method for windshield spraying according to claim 196 and wherein said heating comprises circulating a heated liquid in thermal heat exchange engagement with said sprayer housing.
199. 199 A method for windshield spraying according to any of claims 196 to 198 and also comprising heating said sprayer housing closure
200. 200 A method for windshield spraying according to any of claims 196 to 199 and wherein said heating comprises heating an end of said sprayer housing that is in contact with said sprayer housing closure when said sprayer housing closure is in said second position
201. 201 A method for windshield washing comprising: providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing, said sprayer housing closure having a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, and selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in accordance with the rotational position of said windshield wiper assembly.
202. 202 A method for windshield washing according to claim 201 and also comprising providing a base for said windshield wiper assembly, and rotating said base about a rotation axis
203. 203 A method for windshield washing according to claim 202 and wherein said rotating comprises driving said base by reciprocating rotational motion of a conventional wiper drive assembly
204. 204 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 202 to 203 and also comprising arranging a base mounted housing cooperating with said base and arranged for rotational motion therewith
205. 205 A method for windshield washing according to claim 204 and also comprising fixing a support arm to said base mounted housing for rotational motion therewith
206. 206 A method for windshield washing according to claim 204 or claim 205 and wherein said providing at least one sprayer comprises providing at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes rotational motion together with said base mounted housing
207. 207 A method for windshield washing according to claim 206 and also comprising: receiving pressurized fluid into said at least one sprayer, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield.
208. 208 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 204 to 207 and also comprising coupling at least one compression wire to at least one engagement element; extending said at least one compression wire through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly, and controlling the positioning of said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing utilizing said at least one compression wire
209. 209 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 201 to 208 and also compπsing providing a pressurized fluid chamber between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, receiving pressurized fluid into said pressurized fluid chamber from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield.
210. 210 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 201 to 209 and wherein said providing said sprayer housing closure comprises providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing
211. 21 1 A method for windshield washing according to claim 210 and wherein said providing a cap comprises providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring
212. 212 A method for windshield washing according to claim 210 or claim 211 and also comprising normally positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying.
213. 213 A method for windshield washing according to claim 212 and wherein said normally positioning also comprises. attaching a spring loaded lever assembly to an end of a compression wire, and operating said spring loaded lever assembly to normally position said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
214. 214 A method for windshield washing according to claim 213 and wherein said operating comprises operating a compression spring; normally urging a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, overcoming the spring force of a further spring, and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing.
215. 215 A method for windshield washing according to claim 214 and also comprising exceeding the spring force of said compression spring by the spring force of said further spring
216. 216 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 201 to 215 and also comprising' arranging push buttons on said windshield wiper assembly; and depressing said push buttons by engagement of said push buttons with an engagement member, when said windshield wiper assembly reaches an extreme position
217. 21 7 A method for windshield washing system according to claim 216 and also comprising engaging said push buttons with said engagement member; applying a compressive force to a compression wire; overcoming the spring force of said further spring by said compressive force; forcing said lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of said compression spring; and enabling said compression spring to seal said sprayer housing closure against said sprayer housing, when said windshield wiper assembly is at at least one extreme position
218. 218 A method for windshield washing according to any of claims 21 1 to 217 and also comprising' applying liquid pressure to said pressurized fluid chamber; overcoming the spring force of said compression spring; and permitting spraying, even when the sprayer housing is in said second position
219. 219 A method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, and disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, with a plurality of liquid inlet apertures at various heights along said wall portion, in said liquid heating chamber
220. 220 A method for heating liquid according to claim 219 and also comprising receiving liquid to be heated under pressure, passing said liquid through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber, and passing said liquid through said apertures into said heating volume
221. 221 A method for heating hquid according to claim 219 or claim 220 and also comprising removing heated liquid at the top of said liquid heating chamber via a conduit, and passing said heated liquid through a labyrinthine heating unit to an outlet
222. 222 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 221 and also comprising receiving liquid to be heated under pressure, passing said liquid through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber, and passing said liquid into said liquid heating volume
223. 223 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 222 and also comprising receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of a vehicle, and pressurizing said liquid with a pump, which is not part of the original equipment of said vehicle
224. 224 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 223 and also comprising receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve, and pressurizing said liquid with a pump
225. 225 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 220 to 224 and also compπsing locating a first liquid temperature sensor near the top of said liquid heating chamber, and sensing temperature of said liquid via said first liquid temperature sensor
226. 226 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 220 to 225 and also comprising locating a second temperature sensor in a wall of said liquid heating chamber, and sensing temperature of said liquid via said second temperature sensor
227. 227 A method for heating liquid according to claim 226 and also comprising operating a circuit breaker switch, and automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to said liquid heating chamber, when said second temperature sensor senses exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold
228. 228 A method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber, receiving heated liquid from said liquid heating volume into a labyrinthine heating unit, further heating said heated liquid; and providing said further heated liquid from said labyrinthine heating unit to an outlet.
229. 229. A method for heating liquid according to claim 228 and also comprising: receiving liquid to be heated under pressure; passing said liquid through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber; and passing said liquid into said liquid heating volume.
230. 230. A method for heating liquid according to claim 228 or claim 229 and also comprising: receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of a vehicle; and pressurizing said liquid with a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in said vehicle.
231. 23 1. A method for heating liquid according to claim 228 or claim 229 and also comprising: receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve; and pressurizing said liquid with a pump.
232. 232. A method for heating liquid useful with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly: providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber; receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of a vehicle; and pressurizing said liquid with a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in said vehicle.
233. 233 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 228 to 23 1 and also comprising locating a first liquid temperature sensor near the top of said liquid heating chamber and sensing temperature of said liquid via said first liquid temperature sensor
234. 234 A method for heating liquid accordmg to any of claims 228 to 233 and also comprising locating a second temperature sensor in a wall of said liquid heating chamber, and sensing temperature of said liquid via said second temperature sensor
235. 235 A method for heating liquid according to claim 234 and also comprising operating a circuit breaker switch, and automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating chamber, when said second temperature sensor senses exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold
236. 236 A method for heating liquid for use with a windshield wiper and sprayer assembly comprising providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber, locating a temperature sensor in a wall of said liquid heating chamber, and sensing temperature of said liquid via said temperature sensor
237. 237 A method for heating liquid according to claim 236 and also compπsing operating a circuit breaker switch, and automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to the liquid heating chamber, in response to said temperature sensed by said temperature sensor, when said temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold
238. 238 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 237 and also compπsing controlling said heating electronically using electronic heating control circuitry
239. 239 A method for heating liquid according to claim 238 and wherein said controlling also comprises providing electrical power to at least one of first and second heating elements and a labyrinthine heating unit
240. 240 A method for heating liquid according to claim 239 and wherein said controlling compπses controlling electrical power to at least one of said heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency
241. 241 A liquid heating assembly according to claim 239 and wherein said controlling comprises controlling electrical power to at least two of said heating elements, thereby controlling spraying frequency
242. 242 A method for heating liquid according to claim 239 and wherein said controlling also comprises providing electrical power to at least one pump which governs the supply of liquid under pressure to said liquid heating chamber
243. 243 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 242 and wherein said controlling also comprises producing reciprocating rotation of windshield wipers by providing at least one of electπcal power and an electrical control signal thereto
244. 244 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 243 and wherein said controlling also compπses receiving an input from an outside air temperature sensor
245. 245 A method for heating liquid according to claim 244 and wherein said controlling also compπses controlling the operation of a labyπnthine heating unit in response to said input received from said outside air temperature sensor
246. 246 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 245 and also comprising receiving an input from a dirt sensor, and automatically initiating said liquid heating chamber, when a sprayable surface is dirty
247. 247 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 246 and also comprising inhibiting operation of said liquid heating chamber, when the electric power status of the vehicle does not meet predetermined criteria
248. 248 A method for heating liquid according to claim 247 and also comprising receiving inputs from at least one of a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor
249. 249 A method for heating liquid according to claim 247 and also comprising receiving inputs from a battery voltage sensor, a battery charging current sensor and a vehicle engine rotation speed sensor
250. 250 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 249 and also comprising circulating heated liquid from said liquid heating volume through circulation conduits to heat at least one of liquid sprayers, windshield wiper blades and heated liquid supply conduits
251. 251 A method for heating liquid according to claim 250 and wherein said circulating heated liquid compπses automatically circulating heated liquid in response to ambient outside temperatures
252. 252 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 251 and wherein said controlling also comprises inputting at least one operator control for providing at least one operating input to said electronic heating control circuitry.
253. 253 A method for heating liquid according to claim 252 and wherein said inputting comprises communicating said at least one input at least partially via existing wiring in a vehicle
254. 254 A method for heating liquid according to claim 253 and wherein said controlling also comprises applying a modulated signal applied to electrical power lines interconnecting a vehicle battery with said electronic heating control circuitry; decoding said modulated signal by said electronic heating control circuitry; and employing said decoded signal for controlling functions of the liquid heating assembly
255. 255 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 254 and also comprising enabling a standby mode.
256. 256 A method for heating liquid according to claim 255 and wherein said enabling comprises actuating said standby mode by at least one of automatic actuation and by a vehicle operator using a standby mode actuation switch
257. 257 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 219 to 227 and 238 to 256 and also comprising locating said plurality of liquid inlet apertures at various azimuthal locations along said cylindrical wall portion.
258. 258 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 257 and also comprising' operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously in response to a heated liquid spray demand signal, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching.
259. 259 A method for heating liquid according to claim 258 and also comprising: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber, causing said temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value, and periodically varying said temperature between said peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value
260. 260 A method for heating liquid according to claim 259 and also comprising coordinating said periodically varying to correspond to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
261. 261 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 257 and also comprising operating at least a first and a second heating element substantially continuously, in response to a heated liquid spray demand signal, thereby avoiding possible electπcal interference resulting from high current switching
262. 262 A method for heating liquid according to claim 261 and also compπsing measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber, causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value, and periodically varying said temperature between said peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value
263. 263 A method for heating liquid according to claim 262 and also comprising coordinating said periodically varying to correspond to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
264. 264 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 257 and also comprising operating at least a first and a second heating element and a labyrinthine heating unit substantially continuously, in response to a heated liquid spray demand signal, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching.
265. 265. A method for heating liquid according to claim 264 and also comprising: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value; and periodically varying said temperature between said peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.
266. 266. A method for heating liquid according to claim 265 and also comprising: coordinating said periodically varying to correspond to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber.
267. 267. A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 238 to 257 and also comprising: operating at least a first heating element substantially continuously, in response to a heated liquid spray demand signal, thereby avoiding possible electrical interference resulting from high current switching; and supplying pressurized liquid from said liquid heating chamber to said outlet, in response to an immediate spray demand signal.
268. 268. A method for heating liquid according to claim 267 and wherein said supplying comprises supplying pressurized liquid before commencement of operation of said at least first heating element.
269. 269. A method for heating liquid according to claim 267 or claim 268 and also comprising: measuring the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber; causing the temperature at the outlet of the liquid heating chamber to reach a peak threshold value; and periodically varying said temperature between said peak threshold value and a somewhat lower threshold value.
270. 270 A method for heating liquid according to claim 269 and also comprising. coordinating said periodically varying to correspond to cycles of spraying heated liquid onto a vehicle windshield, which in turn corresponds to supplying of unheated liquid to said liquid heating chamber
271. 271 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 267 to 270 and also comprising actuating a labyrinthine heating unit prior to receiving said heated liquid spray demand signal
272. 272 A method for heating liquid according to any of claims 267 to 271 and also comprising actuating a labyrinthine heating unit upon ignition of a vehicle when the ambient outside temperature is below a threshold.
273. 273. A method for heating liquid according to claim 259 or claim 260 and also comprising' efficiently heating the spray liquid without unnecessarily heating the liquid beyond its boiling point by varying said peak threshold temperature in accordance with the boiling point of the spray liquid
274. 274 A method for heating liquid according to claim 273 and also comprising: monitoring the temperature of the spray liquid; reaching a relatively stable temperature once during continuous operation of at least one heating element, indicating that the approximate boiling temperature has been reached; noting said stable temperature; and setting said peak temperature threshold to be below said stable temperature.
275. 275 A method for heating liquid according to claim 273 and also comprising: checking, upon vehicle ignition, at least one of the following vehicle characteristics vehicle battery voltage, vehicle battery charging current and vehicle engine rotation speed, comparing said at least one vehicle characteristic with predetermined minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds, and authorizing operation of said liquid heating assembly in a standby mode, if said minimum vehicle characteπstic thresholds are met, as follows if an outside temperature sensor is not available, said electronic heating control circuitry operates a labyrinthine heating unit and also operates at least one heating element in order to maintain the spray liquid in said liquid heating chamber at at least a first predetermined standby liquid temperature, if an outside temperature sensor is available, and the outside temperature measured thereby is greater than a first outside temperature threshold only said labyrinthine heating unit is operated, if the outside temperature measured by said outside temperature sensor is less than the said first outside temperature threshold, but greater than a second outside temperature threshold, said labyrinthine heating unit is operated and at least one of said heating elements is additionally operated in order to maintain the liquid in said liquid heating chamber at at least a second predetermined standby liquid temperature, and if the outside temperature measured by said outside temperature sensor is less than said second temperature threshold, said labyπnthine heating unit is operated and at least one of said heating elements is also operated in order to maintain the spray liquid at a third standby liquid temperature, greater than said first and second predetermined standby liquid temperatures
276. 276 A method for heating liquid according to claim 275 and wherein said minimum vehicle characteristic thresholds are approximately as follows vehicle battery voltage 12 5 Volts, vehicle battery charging current 15 Ampere, and vehicle engine rotation speed 1000 RPM
277. 277 A heated liquid circulation method compπsing heating a liquid, and supplying said heated liquid for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, a windshield sprayer and a liquid supply conduit for supplying liquid to said windshield sprayer
278. 278 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method comprising heating a liquid, supplying heated liquid to at least one sprayer for spraying thereof, via at least one heated liquid supply conduit, and circulating said heated liquid in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, said at least one sprayer and said at least one heated liquid supply conduit
279. 279 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 278 and also comprising: mounting said at least one sprayer on a windshield wiper assembly; and moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield.
280. 280 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 278 or claims 279 and also comprising. providing a base for said windshield wiper assembly, and rotating said base about a rotation axis
281. 281 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 280 and also comprising driving said base for reciprocating rotational motion by a conventional wiper drive assembly
282. 282. A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 281 and also comprising: selectably positioning a sprayer housing closure relative to a sprayer housing to assume a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying
283. 283 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 282 and also compπsing selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly
284. 284 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 280 to 283 and also comprising providing a base mounted housing cooperating with said base for driven linear motion relative thereto
285. 285 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 284 and also compπsing driving said linear motion by a cam drive assembly
286. 286 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 284 to 285 and also compπsing fixing a support arm to said base mounted housing for linear and rotational motion therewith
287. 287 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 284 to 286 and wherein said providing at least one sprayer compπses providing at least one heated liquid sprayer, which undergoes linear and rotational motion together with said base mounted housing
288. 288 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 287 and also comprising receiving pressurized fluid into said at least one sprayer, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield
289. 289 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 284 to 288 and also comprising fixing an upstanding pin to said base, moving said upstanding pin and said base in rotary motion together, formm Όs a base mounted housinε slot in a bottom surface of said base mounted housing, and slidably engaging said upstanding pin in said base mounted housing slot
290. 290 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 289 and also comprising forming an anchor element slot in an anchor element, said anchor element being linearly shdable relative to said base mounted housing and to said base along an axis generally parallel to said anchor element slot, and slidably engaging said upstanding pin in said anchor element slot
291. 291 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 290 and also comprising coupling at least one compression wire to said anchor element, extending said at least one compression wire through at least one sleeve to said windshield sprayer assembly, and controlling the positioning of said housing closure relative to said sprayer housing utilizing said at least one compression wire
292. 292 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 282 to 291 and also comprising providing a pressurized fluid chamber between said sprayer housing and said sprayer housing closure, receiving pressuπzed fluid into said pressurized fluid chamber from a fluid conduit via an inlet pipe, and spraying said pressurized fluid onto said vehicle windshield
293. 293 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 282 to 292 and wherein said providing a sprayer housing closure compnses providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight against a corresponding sealing surface of said sprayer housing
294. 294 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 293 and wherein said providing a cap comprises providing a cap which may be sealed and may be held tight by a spring loaded shaft assembly, which includes a compression spring.
295. 295 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 293 or claim 294 and also comprising normally positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying
296. 296 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 295 and also comprising attaching a spring loaded lever assembly to an end of a compression wire, and operating said spring loaded lever assembly to normally position said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in said first position permitting spraying.
297. 297 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 296 and wherein said operating comprises' operating a compression spring; normally urging a lever arm forward in engagement with a spring loaded shaft assembly, overcoming the spring force of a further spring; and urging said sprayer housing closure away from said sprayer housing.
298. 298 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 297 and also comprising exceeding the spring force of said compression spring by the spring force of said further spring.
299. 299 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer assembly according to claim 297 or claim 298 and also comprising. engaging said upstanding pin at a radial outward end of said anchor element slot; applying a compressive force to a compression wire; overcoming the spring force of said further spring by said compressive force, forcing said lever arm to an orientation wherein it does not engage said spring loaded shaft assembly and does not overcome the spring force of said compression spring; and enabling said compression spring to seal said sprayer housing closure against said sprayer housing, when said base mounted housing is at an extreme inward radial orientation
300. 300 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 299 and also comprising defining a first separation between an outward facing surface of said anchor element and an inner facing surface of said outer facing wall of said base mounted housing when said base mounted housing is at said extreme inward radial orientation
301. 301 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 300 and also comprising. providing a housing defining a liquid heating chamber; and disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, with at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber, and receiving heated liquid into a labyrinthine heating unit; and providing further heated liquid to an outlet.
302. 302 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 301 and also comprising receiving liquid to be heated under pressure; passing said liquid through a conduit into said liquid heating chamber; and passing said liquid into said liquid heating volume.
303. 303 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 301 or claim 302 and also comprising: receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir, which is part of the original equipment of a vehicle; and pressurizing said liquid with a pump, which is not part of the original equipment in said vehicle
304. 304 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 301 to 303 and also comprising receiving liquid via a conduit from a liquid reservoir via a one-way valve; and pressurizing said liquid with a pump
305. 305 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 304 and also comprising locating a first liquid temperature sensor near the top of said liquid heating chamber, and sensing temperature of said liquid via said first liquid temperature sensor.
306. 306 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 305 and also comprising: locating a second temperature sensor in a wall of said liquid heating chamber; and sensing temperature of said liquid via said second temperature sensor.
307. 307 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 306 and also comprising: operating a circuit breaker switch; and automatically interrupting the supply of electrical power from a vehicle battery to said liquid heating chamber, when said second temperature sensor senses exceedance of a predetermined temperature threshold.
308. 308 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 307 and also comprising. circulating heated liquid alongside said heated liquid supply conduit and through said at least one sprayer by a circulating pump cooperating with a pair of circulation conduits, which are joined at said at least one sprayer to define a continuous circulation path
309. 309 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to claim 308 and also comprising generally surrounding said heated liquid supply conduit with said circulation conduits
310. 3 10 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 308 to 309 and also comprising forming said at least one sprayer with an internal liquid circulation path; and coupling said circulation conduits to said internal liquid circulation path, said liquid circulation path surrounding a heated spray liquid pathway which couples said heated liquid supply conduit to a spray head
311. 3 1 1 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 308 to 310 and also comprising. immediately actuating said circulating pump to begin circulating liquid, upon initiation of a heated spray operation by a vehicle operator, thus monotonically heating both said at least one sprayer and liquid in said heated liquid supply conduit, such that the liquid in said heated liquid supply conduit, when sprayed, is heated to a temperature above the ambient.
312. 3 12. A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 278 to 31 1 and also comprising. receiving spray liquid under pressure from said supply conduit at an inlet into a sealed volume, spraying the liquid under pressure through a plurality of spray outlets onto a vehicle windshield, and disposing an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element within said sealed volume and coupled to said heated liquid circulation assembly.
313. 313 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 279 to 312 and also comprising forming a wiper blade with an internal heat exchanging liquid circulation pathway element coupled to said heated liquid circulation assembly.
314. 314 A windshield sprayer controlling method comprising providing a windshield wiper assembly including a windshield wiper support arm and a windshield wiper with at least one windshield sprayer mounted thereon, moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational motion along a vehicle windshield, and controlling said at least one windshield sprayer in accordance with the direction of movement of said wiper assembly relative to said windshield
315. 3 15 A windshield sprayer controlling method according to claim 314 and also comprising supplying liquid to said at least one windshield sprayer via at least one liquid supply conduit
316. 3 16 A heated liquid spray method for vehicles comprising providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to said sprayer housing, said sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying, moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield, selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly, providing a liquid heating chamber, disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber, and supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating chamber to said at least one sprayer
317. 3 17. A heated liquid spray method for vehicles comprising: providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to said sprayer housing, said sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; moving said windshield wiper assembly in at least rotational motion along a vehicle windshield; selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly; providing a liquid heating chamber; disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber; and supplying heated liquid from said liquid heating chamber to said at least one sprayer.
318. 318. A heated liquid spray method for vehicles comprising: providing a windshield wiper assembly having mounted thereon a windshield sprayer assembly including at least one sprayer including a sprayer housing and a sprayer housing closure movable relative to said sprayer housing, said sprayer housing closure providing a first position permitting spraying and a second position not permitting spraying; moving said windshield wiper assembly in rotational and linear motion along a vehicle windshield; selectably positioning said sprayer housing closure relative to said sprayer housing in either of said first and second positions in response to said linear motion of said windshield wiper assembly in accordance with the rotational position of the windshield wiper assembly; providing a liquid heating chamber; disposing a liquid heating volume defining subassembly, including a base portion and a generally cylindrical wall portion, including at least one liquid inlet aperture, in said liquid heating chamber; receiving heated liquid from said liquid heating volume into a labyrinthine heating unit; further heating said heated liquid, and providing said further heated liquid from said labyrinthine heating unit to said at least one sprayer

     3 19 A heated liquid wiper and sprayer method according to any of claims 316 to 318 and also comprising. heating a liquid, supplying said heated liquid for circulation in thermal heat exchange engagement with at least one of a windshield wiper, a windshield sprayer and a liquid supply conduit for supplying liquid to said windshield sprayer