Detroit Basement, 1963: The Wiper Invention That Beat the Big Three
About this episode
A fascinating dive into the history of automotive innovation, focusing on the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper in 1963. The guest shares personal stories about growing up in Detroit and his father's pivotal role in developing this technology that transformed vehicle functionality. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the automotive industry at the time and how this invention became a standard feature in cars, showcasing the impact of small innovations on everyday life.
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Think windshield wipers are boring? Think again. In this 60‑second bonus clip, Tim Kearns reveals how his father, engineering professor Dr. Robert Kearns, dreamed up the intermittent windshield wiper in a Detroit basement, sued the auto giants that copied it, and won one of the largest individual patent settlements in automotive history—later immortalized in the film Flash of Genius. Hear Tim set the record straight on the garage‑born innovation that now clears rain on every modern car and the uphill legal battle that rewrote IP law for tinkerers everywhere.
If you geek out on home‑grown car tech, classic‑Detroit lore, or courtroom showdowns against Ford and Chrysler, hit play and add a new slice of automotive history to your trivia toolbox. Follow To All the Cars I’ve Loved Before for weekly nostalgia‑fuelled stories and share your own car memories at CarsLoved.com
Tim's favorite episode is "Classic Cars & Automotive Adventures: From Trabant to Tucker"
https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/a2d0f95592fd0bb64329a53b015f8bfe
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vacuum carburation
"...they were having a hard time with vacuum carburation, so they wanted to make some electronic components..."
Vacuum carburation is a way to mix fuel and air in an engine using the vacuum created when the engine pulls air in. It's an older technology that has mostly been replaced by more modern systems.
Vacuum carburation is a method of mixing air and fuel in an engine using a vacuum created by the engine's intake. This system was common in older vehicles before electronic fuel injection became prevalent.
intermittent windshield wiper electronic control
"...he developed the intermittent windshield wiper electronic control."
Intermittent windshield wiper electronic control lets the windshield wipers pause for a moment between wipes, instead of wiping all the time. This is useful when it's drizzling or misty outside.
The intermittent windshield wiper electronic control allows the wipers to operate at variable speeds, rather than continuously. This feature improves visibility during light rain or mist by allowing the driver to adjust the wiper frequency.
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