Optical path protection device and method for a railroad track inspection system
US8345099B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 1, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V10/147
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A railroad track inspection system and method for facilitating inspection of a rail component while traveling on the railroad track. The railroad track inspection system includes an optical path protection device for a protective window for optical sensors of an optical inspection system when it becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, mud, grease, and other contaminants that block or obscure an optical path of the sensors. The optical path protection device eliminates the need for a human operator to perform the periodic cleaning of the protective window by using a clear film with an automated advancement mechanism for providing clean film, as needed, for keeping the optical path of the optical sensors unobstructed and clear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.