Apparatus and method for laser scanner cleaning and protection

a technology of laser scanners and apparatuses, applied in lighting and heating apparatus, instruments, heating types, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the sensitivity of the device, triggering the detection of a device fault, and reducing the cost of the device, so as to reduce the surface contamination of the viewing window

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a technology of laser scanners and apparatuses, applied in lighting and heating apparatus, instruments, heating types, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the sensitivity of the device, triggering the detection of a device fault, and reducing the cost of the device, so as to reduce the surface contamination of the viewing window

US20060068696A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-30SCI TECH INC

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[0025]FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary optoelectronic presence sensing system 10 that is configured according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 comprises an optoelectronic presence sensing unit or device 12 and an associated air guard unit 14 that is integrated with or affixed to a housing 16 of the presence sensing device 12.

[0026] In operation, the air guard 14 prevents the deposition of airborne contaminants (dust, oil, etc.) on an exterior surface of a viewing window 18 of the presence sensing device 12 by creating a laminar air flow in front of window 18 and / or cleans the exterior of window 18 by directing one or more streams of air at the window 18. By preventing contamination of window18 and / or by at least partially removing surface contaminants from window 18, air guard 14 improves the operation of presence sensing device 10. That is, use of air guard 18 can reduce the frequency at which maintenance personal mus...

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Abstract

An air guard directs air toward a viewing window of an optoelectronic presence sensing device to reduce surface contamination thereon. The air guard may include a control valve, and possibly control circuits, to enable selective activation of the air guard. In one embodiment, the air guard includes one or more slits configured to vent pressurized air in a generally laminar (curtain like) flow in front of the window to prevent the deposition of airborne contaminants thereon. Alternatively, or additionally, the air guard may include one or more nozzles configured to vent pressurized air in directed air streams toward the window to remove surface contaminants thereon, and may include a control valve enabling selective operation in preventive, cleaning, or standby modes. Mode control may be effected by an external control system, by the presence sensing device, or by the air guard itself, which may include a timer or other control circuit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to optoelectronic presence sensing devices, and particularly relates to the use of forced air systems to facilitate the maintenance and operation of such devices. [0002] Optoelectronic presence sensing devices find wide use in a variety of industrial applications. For example, one prevalent use arises in the context of “machine guarding,” wherein the object detection functionality of such presence sensing systems provides a triggering mechanism for shutting down hazardous machines before personnel get too close. Because of the safety-critical nature of this type of application, the installation, testing, and ongoing maintenance of such presence sensing systems represent vital functions. [0003] Other critical uses of such presence sensing systems include vehicle navigation and / or collision avoidance systems. For example, a shop floor forklift or other utility vehicle may be configured with one or more optical ...

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Application Information

Patent Timeline

30 Mar 2006

Publication

US20060068696A1

IPC: F24F9/00

CPC: G08B29/22; G08B13/18

Inventors: ASHFORD, JAMES A.; LAZZARA, JOSEPH J.