Method and device for cleaning a sloping or vertical surface on an optical element
US4187868A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1978 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B3/12
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for cleaning a surface of an optical element, such as germanium or silicon, of a larger arrangement, such as an infra-red camera. Cleaning liquid is applied to the surface and vibrated at a frequency to facilitate cleaning, such as 20-50 kHz. The invention is readily utilized in situations where the optical element frequently becomes dirtied such as in military equipment. A liquid container for the cleaning liquid has an outlet adjacent the surface to be cleaned. A vibrating device is also provided and may be directly on the surface or on a member adjacent thereto. The liquid is applied to the surface and the vibrator is actuated to vibrate the liquid to facilitate cleaning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.