Patent ID: 8141794
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: B05B,B60S,F24H

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface comprising: a) an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; b) a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port for storing fluid which enters a reservoir interior from the inlet port, said reservoir including an expandable portion that expands when fluid in the reservoir freezes to prevent damage to the reservoir; c) an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of fluid; d) a heating element for heating fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet; e) a voltage source coupled to the heating element for energizing the heating element; f) a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of either the heating element or fluid within the reservoir; and g) a control circuit coupled to said temperature sensor for controlling heating of the fluid exiting from the outlet port by selectively energizing and de-energizing at least a portion of the heating element with voltage from the voltage source based on input from the temperature sensor while preventing the fluid from reaching a boiling point of the fluid.