Air purge collar
US8931908B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2224
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An air purge apparatus and method is presented to protect an imaging system from contamination by particulate matter and other substances in the ambient environment. The apparatus is adapted to be placed adjacent to a viewing window, lens or optics of an imaging system and to provide a protective flow of air. The apparatus includes a curved surface to direct air from a first plenum toward an imaging path in front of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes one or more openings nearer the lens to direct air from a second plenum into the imaging path. The air from the first plenum entrains air from the second plenum and ambient air to create a fluid stream away from the viewing window, lens, or optics and may form a fluid barrier to reduce contamination of a volume of air in the imaging path of the imaging sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.