Optical surface clearing arrangement
First Claim
4-1. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the optical surface is at least one of a window, a camera lens, a transparent camera lens cover, and a mirror.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle side-view mirror water removal arrangement is easily retrofitted to vehicles having an existing source of compressed air and a side-view mirror with a reflective surface. The arrangement includes a valve having an input port connected to the existing source of compressed air and an output port, the valve being movable between open and closed positions to control the flow of compressed air from the existing source of compressed air to the output port of the valve. A conduit'"'"'s proximal end is connected to the output port of the valve with its distal end located at the side-view mirror for conducting the compressed air from the output port of the valve to the side-view mirror. A fastener fastens the distal end of the conduit to the side-view mirror so that the compressed air flows down the reflective surface of the side-view mirror, a nozzle at the distal end being provided to spread the compressed air substantially over an entire width of the side-view mirror to clear any water adhering to the reflective surface of the mirror.
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Citations
20 Claims
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4-1. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the optical surface is at least one of a window, a camera lens, a transparent camera lens cover, and a mirror.
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12. A kit for retrofitting a vehicle with an arrangement of clearing an optical surface on a vehicle of moisture, the kit comprising:
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a valve having an input port connected to a source of compressed air and an output port, the valve being movable between open and closed positions to control the flow of compressed air from the source of compressed air to the output port of the valve;
conducting means for conducting the compressed air from the valve to the optical surface;
a nozzle to be positioned on the optical surface for spreading the compressed air substantially downward and onto the optical surface;
a fastener arrangement for fastening the nozzle onto the optical surface; and
a switching mechanism for opening and closing the valve to provide a blast of compressed air over the optical surface to remove any obstructive moisture adhering to the optical surface. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A device for clearing a remotely located optical surface having a edge, the device comprising;
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an air source for providing a blast of pressurized air;
a nozzle positioned on the optical surface for spreading the blast of pressurized air onto the optical surface in a substantially downward direction; and
control means for triggering the air source to provide the blast of pressurized air to the nozzle;
wherein the blast of pressurized air is spread substantially downward by the nozzle onto the optical surface to move any obstructive moisture toward the edge of the optical surface.
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- 18. A device according to claim 18, wherein the nozzle is attached to the optical surface.
Specification