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Cancer Lagna

Kearns Robert

Remembering (Feb 9, 2005)

March 10, 1927 · Gary, Indiana
14views
Moon Sign
Gemini
Sun Sign
Aquarius
Ascendant
Cancer
Nakshatra
Mrigashira
Birth Star
Founder/ originatorEntrepreneurEngineerLawExtemely RichMultiple MarriagesPersonality Number 4Life Path 5
Biography

Who is Kearns Robert?

American inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper systems used on most automobiles from 1969 to the present. His first patent for the invention was filed on 1 December 1964. 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. They all rejected his proposal, yet began to install intermittent wipers in their cars, beginning in 1969. After winning a $10.1 million judgment from Ford, Kearns mostly acted as his own attorney in the subsequent suit against Chrysler, even questioning witnesses on the stand. The Chrysler verdict was decided in 1992, and was a victory for Kearns. Chrysler was ordered to pay Kearns US$18.7 million with interest. Chrysler appealed the court decision, but the Federal Circuit let the judgment stand. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case. By 1995, after spending over US$ 10 million in legal fees, Kearns received approximately US$ 30 million in compensation for Chryslers patent infringement. On 9 February 2005, Kearns died of brain cancer complicated by Alzheimers disease in Baltimore, Maryland. The story of his invention and the lawsuit against Ford forms the basis of the 2008 film, Flash of Genius. Link to Wikipedia biography
Latest Info

Latest Updates

Update at: Sep 6, 2026

Robert Kearns

Born on March 10, 1927, in Gary, Indiana, United States

Biography

Robert Kearns was an American engineer and inventor, best known for his invention of the intermittent windshield wiper system. His invention revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing a feature that allowed windshield wipers to operate at varying speeds. Kearns' life and struggles for patent rights gained significant attention, particularly due to his legal battles with major automobile manufacturers.

Legal Battles

Kearns' most notable legal battle was against Ford Motor Company and Chrysler. He argued that these companies used his patented technology without permission. The legal proceedings were extensive, but Kearns eventually won settlements that recognized his contributions and rights to the intermittent wiper technology.

Media and Cultural Impact

Robert Kearns' story was dramatized in the 2008 film "Flash of Genius," which highlighted his dedication to protecting his invention and the personal sacrifices he made during his legal battles. This film brought renewed attention to his life and the challenges inventors often face in protecting their intellectual property.

Social Media and Online Presence

As Robert Kearns passed away in 2005, he does not have a personal social media presence. However, his legacy continues to be discussed in online forums and social media platforms, particularly in discussions about intellectual property rights and innovation. Enthusiasts and legal experts often reference his case as a landmark in patent law.

Recent Projects and Legacy

While Robert Kearns himself did not have recent projects due to his passing, his legacy persists in the ongoing discussions about innovation, patent rights, and the rights of inventors. The principles he fought for continue to influence legal standards and practices in patent law today.

Conclusion

Robert Kearns' life exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of inventors striving to protect their innovations. His story serves as an inspiration and a cautionary tale about the importance of intellectual property rights. His contributions to automotive technology have left a lasting impact, and his legal battles have paved the way for stronger patent protections.

Which planetary combinations are in Kearns Robert's birth chart?

1 FOUND

Kearns Robert's chart shows 1 challenging combination.

Planetary Combinations

Which dasha periods did Kearns Robert live through?

VIMSHOTTARI

Vimshottari dasha periods recorded for Kearns Robert, in order.

PREVIOUSJun 30, 2026 - Aug 26, 2026
Venus / Ketu / Jupiter

What do Kearns Robert's numerology numbers say?

Kearns Robert's core numbers are Personality 4, Life Path 5, Destiny 4, Soul Urge 9, Kabbalah Number 11, Birth 1.

Personality
4

Chaldean Personality 4 appears practical, reliable, and disciplined. Others often see consistency, structure, and hard work.

Life Path
5

Chaldean Life Path 5 is Mercury-driven—change, movement, and adaptability. It indicates growth through travel, variety, communication, and flexibility.

Destiny
4

Chaldean Destiny 4 indicates practical building through discipline and systems. It supports operations, engineering, execution, and stable long-term progress.

Soul Urge
9

Chaldean Soul 9 desires purpose and compassion. It seeks to serve, forgive, and complete cycles with wisdom.

Kabbalah Number
11

Kabbalah Number 11 reflects a heightened spiritual code of intuition and illumination. It supports inspired guidance when grounded and balanced.

Birth
1

Birth Number 1 in Vedic Astrology: discover personality traits, career strengths, challenges, and remedies to harmonize destiny for a confident, purpose-driven life.

Life Events & Planetary Transits

Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.

1964
Career
Contracts, agreements 1 December 1964 (Filed patent)
2005
Death
Death by Disease 9 February 2005 (Brain cancer, age 77)
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.

What does Robert Kearns's Pisces sun sign reveal about the man behind the intermittent wiper?

Robert Kearns, born on March 10, 1927, carries the Pisces sun sign, which speaks to a deeply imaginative, intuitive, and idealistic nature. Pisces individuals are driven by a vision others often cannot see, which perfectly mirrors Kearns's relentless pursuit of recognition for his invention. His Piscean sensitivity also fueled his emotional investment in his legal battles, making his cause deeply personal rather than purely financial.

Which astrological yogas in Robert Kearns's birth chart explain his remarkable rise to public recognition?

Robert Kearns's chart carries the influence of a Gemini Moon, which sharpens intellectual curiosity and inventive thinking, while his Aquarius Vedic sun sign aligns with innovation and unconventional breakthroughs. The presence of Grahan Dosha through a Moon-Rahu conjunction adds intensity and an obsessive drive that, though challenging, pushed Kearns to fight giant automakers for decades, ultimately bringing him worldwide fame as a pioneering inventor-entrepreneur.

How does astrology account for Robert Kearns's career as an engineer and founder of a landmark invention?

Robert Kearns's Vedic sun in Aquarius, the sign of technology and humanitarian causes, directly supports his identity as an engineer and inventor. His Gemini Moon fuels analytical dexterity and problem-solving. With a Destiny Number of 4, Kearns was karmically oriented toward building something tangible and enduring. These placements together explain why his 1964 intermittent wiper patent became the foundation of a career defined by creation, legal tenacity, and entrepreneurial legacy.

Is Robert Kearns the kind of person who never backs down, and what does his birth chart say about his core personality?

Robert Kearns's birth chart paints a portrait of extraordinary persistence. His Cancer ascendant made him fiercely protective of what he created, while the Moon-Rahu Grahan Dosha added an almost obsessive intensity to his convictions. The Gemini Moon gave him sharp communication and a restless mind. His Soul Number 9 reflects a deep sense of justice and sacrifice, explaining why he spent years in courtrooms fighting for recognition rather than simply accepting financial settlements.

How does Robert Kearns's Cancer ascendant shape the public image and personal life of this American inventor?

Robert Kearns's Cancer lagna, or rising sign, is one of the most emotionally driven ascendants in astrology, making him appear nurturing yet fiercely defensive of personal boundaries. Cancer risings build strong emotional identities around their creations and family, which explains Kearns's near-paternal attachment to his wiper invention. This ascendant also contributes to health vulnerabilities and sensitivity to stress, themes that ran consistently through his life alongside his legal and personal struggles.

What does numerology tell us about the strengths and driving forces behind Robert Kearns's life?

Robert Kearns carries a Life Path Number 5, which in numerology represents freedom, bold action, and a refusal to accept limitations, fitting perfectly for a man who challenged billion-dollar corporations. His Destiny Number 4 grounds him in discipline, structure, and the need to build lasting systems, as seen in his methodical patent work. The Soul Number 9 reveals an inner humanitarian drive and a longing for justice, the quiet fire that sustained his decades-long legal crusade.

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