Snowplow laser guidance system
First Claim
1. A snowplow laser guidance system, comprising:
- a laser light source;
a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted; and
a pressurized gas conduit with an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A snowplow laser guidance system is disclosed. The system can include, for example, a laser light source, a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted, and a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. This can be useful to remove accumulated material, such as snow, ice, water, and dirt. The gas can be, for example, pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source of a snowplow vehicle. Release of pressurized gas across the face of the laser exit window can occur at a programmed frequency and/or in response to an operator signal, such as a signal from a switch on a control panel. The system also can include a heater connected to the laser exit window for defrosting.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A snowplow laser guidance system, comprising:
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a laser light source; a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted; and a pressurized gas conduit with an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A snowplow laser guidance system, comprising:
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a laser light source; a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted; and a heater connected to the laser exit window. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A snowplow laser guidance system, comprising:
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laser means for generating a laser to visually indicate a position of an edge of a snowplow blade; and material-removal means for removing accumulated material from an exit window of the laser means. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A method for guiding a snowplow, comprising:
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directing a laser beam onto a surface to generate a visible indicator of a future position of an edge of a snowplow blade; and guiding a snowplow vehicle based on a location of the visible indicator. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification