Robert Kearns Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

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Robert Kearns (Robert William Kearns)

Last Updated: 20 Mar, 2023 | Views: 574

Age: 77

Profession: Inventor

Other Profession(s): Engineer

Famous For: Inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper

Higher Education: B.Sc, MSc, PHD

Robert Kearns Religion, Birthday, Age

Date of Birth

10 Mar, 1927 (77 Years 10 Months 30 Days)

Birth Country

United States

Birth State/Province

Indiana

Birth District

Gary

Birth Sign

Pisces

Religion

Catholicism

Nationalities

American

Died on

09 Feb, 2005

Cause of Death

Alzheimer's Disease

Robert Kearns Early life, Education, Career, Awards, Achievements, Controversy, Unknown Facts

About (Profile/Biography):

Robert William Kearns, a well-known American engineer, was born in Indiana, U.S. The intermittent windscreen wiper systems have been a standard feature on most cars since Robert William Kearns created 1969. On December 1st, 1964, he applied for his first patent for the idea.

Kearns was successful against Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation, two of the most well-known examples of patent infringement. He also attempted to convince the "Big Three" vehicle manufacturers to license the invention. They all turned down his advice, but beginning in 1969, they all gave their cars intermittent electronic wipers based on Kearns' concept.

Career:

At the beginning of the 1970s, Kearns worked as an engineer for the US National Bureau of Standards.

Then, in 1976, Dennis Kearns, the father's oldest son, bought a Mercedes-Benz intermittent wiper control box.

From 1977 on, Kearns used the term "litigant" to describe his line of work. He brought legal action against Ford.

The legal action against Ford Motor Company began in 1978 and was resolved in 1990. Kearns sought damages of $395 million.

Kearns obtained a $30 million judgment against Chrysler in 1992.

Robert Kearns passed away from brain cancer in 2005.

Greg Kinnear played the role of Kearns in the 2008 movie "Flash of Genius," distributed by Universal Pictures.

Achievements and Awards:

An article from The New Yorker published in 1993 about Kearns' legal battle with Ford to defend his innovation and patent inspired the 2008 biographical feature film Flash of Genius.

Unknown Facts:

Kearns worked in the US Army's tool manufacturing and intelligence-related areas.

During World War II, Kearns worked for the Office of Strategic Services, the predecessor to the American CIA.