Robert William Kearns (March 10, 1927 – February 9, 2005) was an American engineer, educator and inventor who invented the most common intermittent windshield wiper systems used on most automobiles from 1969 to the present. His first patent for the invention was filed on December 1, 1964, after a few previous designs by other inventors had failed to gain any traction in manufacturing.
Kearns won one of the best known patent infringement cases against Ford Motor Company (1978–1990) and a case against Chrysler Corporation (1982–1992). Having invented and patented the intermittent windshield wiper mechanism, which was useful in light rain or mist, he tried to interest the "Big Three" auto makers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) in licensing the technology. Each rejected his proposal, yet began to install electronic intermittent wipers based on Kearns's design in their cars, beginning in 1969, when Ford rolled out the feature to its Mercury line.
Kearns's legal battle against Ford to protect his invention and patent was the subject of a 1993 article in The New Yorker magazine, which became the basis for a full-length biographical feature film titled Flash of Genius in 2008. Kearns was played by actor Greg Kinnear. Kearns had six children with his wife Phyllis, although they separated, supposedly as a result of the stress from the legal battle. He died of brain cancer at the age of 77.
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Some of their strengths
Robert Kearns has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intuitive, Imaginative, Charming, Energetic, Intelligent, Passionate, and Bold.
Soulful and Understanding
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Robert Kearns is someone who is a soulful, understanding, and conscious person, who combines smarts with a deep talent for creativity and imagination. A person who really cares about helping others make the most of what they have.
Soulful and Intuitive
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Robert Kearns well know them as someone who can be graceful, romantic, and reserved, like gentle rain.
Imaginative and Sentimental
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Robert Kearns as someone who is imaginative, sentimental, and in touch with emotions.
A person who has extremely good memory and analytical skills, likes to make sure that everyone gets along, enjoys all kinds of situations and people, has a talent for travel and languages, and who makes lifelong friends.
Social and Intuitive
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Robert Kearns is someone who values forming deep friendships and relationships, and who has strong intuition and reasoning skills .
They are also someone who is confident and creative, and who has a love for starting new projects, inventing new things, and giving back to the community.
Creative and Imaginative
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Robert Kearns tends to be someone who is sensitive, imaginative, creative, and somewhat of a dreamer. Who is intuitive and compassionate, and who has a friendly, easygoing, calming and relaxing effect on people and for whom friends and family mean the world.
Some of Robert Kearns's challenges
While Robert Kearns has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Robert Kearns can be Indecisive, Unrealistic, Hypocritical, Self-centered, Arrogant, Status-seeking, and Irritable.
Indecisive and Unrealistic
One of Robert Kearns's key challenges is that they are someone who can come across as indecisive and unrealistic.
Robert Kearns must also exercise caution as they can have a hard time reconciling wants and needs.
Irritable and Moody
Robert Kearns is someone who can be irritable and moody, have a tendency to experience self-doubt, be too secretive, can take too many risks, and who can have an extreme approach to managing personal finances.
Lethargic and Unrealistic
Finally, Robert Kearns also can be too soft, lazy and lethargic, and who can have difficulty finding others who share a similarly dreamy outlook on life.
