Patent · US Expired

Optical apparatus having moving means for protecting an optical element for use in automatic vehicle

US4804836A · kind A · utility

17Cited by
2References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 25, 1988
Grant dateFeb 14, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B2027/0169
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The optical apparatus for an automotive vehicle comprises a pivotal casing for accommodating optical elements; a half mirror for partially reflecting light introduced into the apparatus from the outside; a photosensor for detecting light reflected from the half mirror; a controller for generating an actuator signal when the photosensor detects intense light; and a motor or solenoid for moving the pivotal casing in response to the actuator signal to dislocate the optical path of the optical apparatus from the normal optical position to a protective position from intense sunlight. Further, when an ignition switch is connected in series to the controller, it is possible to protect the optical device from external light even when the vehicle is kept parked.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.