Robert Kearns
Engineer, inventor of windscreen wiper
Born
1927
98 years ago
Died
February 9th, 2005
20 years ago — 78 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An American engineer invented the intermittent windscreen wiper, a device that allows windshield wipers to pause between wipes. This invention made driving in rain safer and more convenient. Kearns demonstrated the prototype in the early 1960s and patented the invention in 1964. His prolonged legal battles against major automotive companies for patent infringement garnered national attention and highlighted issues of intellectual property rights. Kearns's story was later depicted in the 2008 film 'Flash of Genius.'
Invented the intermittent windscreen wiper
Engaged in high-profile legal battles with auto manufacturers
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