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 in licensing the technology. Each rejected his proposal, yet began to install electronic intermittent wipers based on Kearns design in their cars, beginning in 1969.\n', '

Kearns served in the US Army in intelligence related groups and tool manufacturing. He was a member of the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the U.S. CIA, during World War II.\n', '

He earned a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy, a masters degree in engineering mechanics from Wayne State University and a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University.\n', '

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