Optical scanner including a thermostatically controlled heater module or hermatic seal to prevent internal condensation
US6612493B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10881
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for preventing condensation from forming on the internal components of an optical scanner, allowing the scanner to be moved between hot and cold environments without sacrificing scanning performance or damaging the scanner. The optical scanner can be a laser scanner or a solid state imager. One method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of a scanner is to control the internal temperature of the scanner. This is accomplished by installing a thermostatically controlled heater module on the inside of the scanner and warming up the scanner's internal air when the air temperature falls below a predetermined point. Another method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of the scanner is to hermetically seal the scanning enclosure and fill with inert gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.