Robert Kearns, American engineer, invented the windscreen wiper (b. 1927)

Robert William Kearns (March 10, 1927 – February 9, 2005) was a brilliant American engineer, educator, and inventor whose groundbreaking work revolutionized automotive safety and convenience. Kearns is primarily celebrated as the visionary behind the modern intermittent windshield wiper system, a ubiquitous feature found on the vast majority of automobiles manufactured from 1969 onwards to the present day. This innovative technology addressed a critical shortcoming of traditional continuous wipers, which often either moved too quickly, blurring vision in light rain or mist, or too slowly, failing to clear heavy downpours effectively. Kearns’s genius lay in recognizing the need for a variable delay system that mimicked the natural blinking of an eye, providing optimal visibility without unnecessary distraction.

His pioneering journey culminated in the filing of his initial patent for this indispensable invention on December 1, 1964. While earlier attempts by other inventors to create a similar mechanism had met with limited success and failed to achieve widespread manufacturing adoption, Kearns's design stood out due to its practical application and electronic control, which allowed for adjustable intervals between wipes.

The Battle for His Invention: Licensing Attempts and Patent Infringement

Following the successful patenting of his intermittent windshield wiper mechanism – a system undeniably superior for navigating light rain, drizzle, or mist – Robert Kearns embarked on a mission to bring his innovation to the masses. He proactively approached the then-dominant "Big Three" American automakers: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation, seeking to license his patented technology. Kearns envisioned a partnership that would integrate his safety-enhancing system into their vehicles, offering significant improvements in driver comfort and visibility.

Despite demonstrating the functionality and clear benefits of his invention, each of these automotive giants rejected his licensing proposals. This rejection, however, was swiftly followed by a troubling development. Starting in 1969, Ford Motor Company began to introduce electronic intermittent wipers across its Mercury line, and subsequently in other models, with General Motors and Chrysler soon following suit. Alarmingly, these new systems appeared to be directly based on Kearns's patented design, incorporating the very principles he had presented to them. This blatant disregard for his intellectual property ignited a decades-long legal battle that would define much of his life.

Landmark Patent Infringement Lawsuits

Driven by a profound sense of injustice and a staunch belief in the integrity of intellectual property rights, Kearns initiated landmark patent infringement cases against the automotive behemoths. His legal battles became some of the most recognized and significant in U.S. patent law history, highlighting the struggles of individual inventors against corporate giants.

These protracted legal struggles, stretching over more than a decade for each case, took an immense personal toll on Kearns and his family, underscoring the formidable challenges faced by those who seek to defend their innovations.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Robert Kearns's extraordinary battle to protect his intellectual property resonated deeply with the public and media. His compelling story of resilience against corporate power was famously chronicled in a 1993 The New Yorker magazine article titled "The Last Drop" by John Seabrook. This influential piece subsequently served as the foundational material for the critically acclaimed 2008 biographical feature film, Flash of Genius, which brought Kearns’s struggle to an even wider audience. In the film, actor Greg Kinnear delivered a powerful portrayal of Kearns, capturing the inventor's tenacity and the profound personal sacrifices he made.

While his professional life was marked by triumph and vindication, his personal life bore the heavy costs of his unwavering commitment. Kearns had six children with his wife, Phyllis. Tragically, their marriage eventually dissolved, reportedly due to the immense stress and financial strain inflicted by the protracted legal battles, which consumed decades of his life. Robert William Kearns passed away on February 9, 2005, at the age of 77, succumbing to brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy not only of a brilliant invention but also of a fierce defense of inventor rights against powerful corporate entities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Kearns and Intermittent Wipers

Who invented the intermittent windshield wiper?
The modern and most common intermittent windshield wiper system was invented by American engineer and inventor Robert William Kearns.
When was the intermittent wiper invented?
Robert Kearns filed his first patent for the intermittent windshield wiper system on December 1, 1964.
Which car companies did Robert Kearns sue?
Robert Kearns famously sued Ford Motor Company (case active 1978–1990) and Chrysler Corporation (case active 1982–1992) for patent infringement related to his intermittent windshield wiper invention.
What was the outcome of Kearns's lawsuits against Ford and Chrysler?
Kearns won his case against Ford, being awarded over $10 million in damages. He also secured a settlement of over $18 million from Chrysler.
Is there a movie about Robert Kearns?
Yes, his life and legal battles were dramatized in the 2008 biographical feature film Flash of Genius, starring Greg Kinnear as Robert Kearns.
Why are intermittent wipers significant?
Intermittent wipers significantly improved driving safety and comfort by allowing drivers to adjust the wiper speed to various rain conditions, from light mist to heavy downpours, without blurring their vision or requiring constant manual adjustment. This reduced driver fatigue and enhanced visibility.