Abstract: A temperature monitoring system includes an access port configured to mount to an inspection window of a process heater that includes heating tubulars mounted in an inner volume of the process heater, the access port including at least one visual access portion configured to provide visual access to at least a portion of the heating tubulars; a flange assembly including a bore that extends from a first side configured to mount to the access port to a second side; and a thermal imaging system configured to mount to the second side of the flange assembly, the thermal imaging system including at least one thermal image capture device including a field of view through the bore of the flange of assembly and the at least one visual access portion and into the inner volume of the process heater to capture at least one image of radiation emitted from the heating tubulars.

Abstract: A heating device for a lens barrel of an automotive camera assembly includes a heating element adapted to apply heat along the circumference of the lens barrel, and a tension socket and/or a tension ring adapted to press a ring-shaped part of the heating element against the lens barrel circumference. A camera system, an external rear view device, and a motor vehicle, each with at least one such heating device are also described.

Abstract: Protection system for an optical sensor in a motor vehicle and for detecting an environment of the motor vehicle is provided, wherein the protection system comprises at least one cover for the optical sensor, which can be brought into a cover position in which the optical sensor is protected from environmental influences by the at least one cover. The protection system comprises a storage device for a plurality of covers, from which at least one cover can be moved into the cover position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle camera system (2), comprising a camera (8) comprising a camera lens (80), a movable shutter (10) for protecting the camera lens when the camera is not used, and an integrated lens cleaning mechanism, comprising at least one cleaning liquid nozzle (12) that is part of the shutter (10). The integrated lens cleaning mechanism further includes a collector (14) for collecting used cleaning liquid dripping off the camera lens (80).

Abstract: A cleaning device for an imaging unit includes a housing that holds an imaging section, a protection cover provided in the visual field of the imaging section, a vibrator section that vibrates the protection cover, and a cleaning nozzle that discharges a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid discharged by the discharge section reaches a surface of side of the protection cover that is opposite to the side thereof adjacent to or in a vicinity of the imaging section. According to the vibrator section vibrating the protection cover, a portion of surface of the protection cover exhibits an amount of displacement larger than that of a portion of surface of the protection cover that the discharged cleaning liquid has reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for self cleaning of a photo eye sensor in a machine includes at least one air nozzle disposed in air discharge communication with a surface to be cleaned of the photo eye sensor. The air nozzle is in air flow communication with air exhaust from an air cylinder of a component of the machine. Related, corresponding, or associated methods for self cleaning a photo eye sensor in a machine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a mirror assembly having an image viewing surface which resists fogging caused by condensation of water vapor on the viewing surface and a fogless mirror system comprising such a mirror assembly and an attachment system as well as methods and uses for such mirror assembly and fogless mirror system.

Abstract: A laser machining head includes a protection window disposed inclined with respect to an optical axis of a laser beam, an inflow port disposed downstream of the protection window and configured to allow a gas to flow in, and a flow dividing projection configured to divide the gas into a first laminar flow flowing along parallel to a surface of the protection window and a second laminar flow flowing toward a workpiece. The flow dividing projection is disposed in a position opposing to the inflow port with the optical axis of the laser beam as the center.

Abstract: Bladeless dust removal systems incorporate a bladeless fan system to remove dust particles from compact devices when in operation. Tubular elements are configured in the bladeless fan system to direct air flow in a direction. As the air flows, induction and entrainment occur to increase air flow inside the compact device. An exhaust opening can be implemented, which allows air containing dust particles to exit from the compact device when the bladeless fans system is in operation.

Abstract: A device for protection of an optical sensor includes at least one nozzle for projection of air in front of the optical sensor, the projection nozzle being arranged on a side of the optical sensor and linked to an air discharge pump via a discharge conduit such that the air projected by the air projection nozzle is flush with the optical sensor, and at least one suction conduit arranged on the opposite side of the optical sensor to the projection nozzle. The suction conduit is linked to the discharge conduit of the pump, downstream of the pump, such that the suction in the suction conduit is achieved by a Venturi effect.

Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor arm extensible from a pillar of a vehicle, a sensor and a sensor window each attached to the sensor arm, a blower positioned between the sensor window and the pillar, and a duct extending from the blower to direct airflow from the blower across the sensor window.

Abstract: Dental mirrors which are self-cleaning are described. The dental mirror may include an interchangeable tip with a cleaning nozzle configured to direct a fluid such as water and/or air across a surface of a mirror. The dental mirror may also include a valve which can be rotated to adjust a flow of fluid to the cleaning nozzle.

Abstract: A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes a driver side rearview mirror element, a passenger side rearview mirror element, and a camera at or near the rear portion of the vehicle. The rearview mirror elements provide respective regulation required fields of view rearward and sideward of the vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. A driver side display and a passenger side display are configured to be disposed at an interior of the vehicle so as to display images representative of captured image data for viewing by the driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle. The displayed images provide a desired wider sideward and rearward field of view beyond the regulation required fields of view of the mirror elements, such that the side mirror assemblies need not include a larger reflective element.

Abstract: A portable light includes an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, a light head coupled to an end of the elongate body, and a handle movable along the elongate body between a first position and a second position. The portable light further includes a collar coupled to the handle for movement with the handle between the first position and the second position, and a plurality of legs pivotably coupled to the collar. The plurality of legs is collapsed against the elongate body when the handle and the collar are in the first position and is expanded apart from the elongate body when the handle and the collar are in the second position. The portable light further includes a biasing member positioned between the collar and the handle to bias the collar away from the handle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a rear view device with no wing mirrors is disclosed. The rear view device includes at least one camera, by which at least one part of a rear space/traffic situation can be recorded, and at least one screen, on which the image section recorded by the at least one camera can be displayed. The at least one screen is arranged on a console of a side door protruding towards the vehicle interior, where this console engages at least partially with a recess of the dashboard when the side door is closed.

Abstract: A dental instrument system has an optical component with a mirror for the dental practitioner to view a patient's mouth. A light source and an airflow source have a plurality of output levels that are controlled by a user input on the handle, such as a single button. The output levels of the light and airflow are controlled by a single or double click, wherein a single click increases the output level of the airflow and a double click increases the output level of the light, for example. The light source illuminates the mirror and the airflow source produces airflow over the mirror to remove debris and bodily fluid. A clearing flow of air may be initiated by holding the single button down on the handle and release of the button may return the airflow to the previous level.

Abstract: A pneumatic system of an agricultural implement includes a radial fan coupled with a plenum. The plenum contains outlets which distribute the airflow into a plurality of product distribution lines for application to a field. An airflow deflector plate has a back face fixed on a sidewall of a region interconnecting the fan outlet and plenum inlet to modify the airflow pattern and obtain an airflow that is at a uniform pressure and flow rate for each product distribution line. The deflector plate is tapered with a narrow edge pointed upstream and includes front face having at least one generally rectangular groove with a bottom surface extending generally parallel to the deflector back face.

Abstract: An external camera device for a motor vehicle prevents condensation on the camera optics by thermally coupling the optics to an air stream from the vehicle's ventilation system. The camera optics are disposed adjacent to an optical window in a camera holder that is attached to an outer surface of the motor vehicle. A flow channel guides the air stream through the camera holder. An inlet of the flow channel is connected to the ventilation system, and the flow channel is thermally coupled to the camera optics. The device is mounted onto the vehicle through a mounting surface of the camera holder. The inlet of the flow channel passes through the mounting surface. The outlet of the flow channel can either pass through the mounting surface or exit adjacent to the optical window, in which case a fluid-guide element guides the air stream from the outlet towards the optical window.

Abstract: A device for forming an immersion film between a front lens of a microscope objective and a preparation on an inverted microscope. The device includes a protection device for preventing fluid leakage from the immersion film region, and an apparatus for supplying the immersion fluid (auto-immersion) to the immersion film region. The protection device is arranged statically in the main part of the microscope stand and the means for supplying immersion fluid to the immersion film region is connected to the protection device by means of an Aquastop system.

Abstract: A device for measuring a vehicle has at least one image capturing device, that includes at least one camera having at least one light incidence region configured to allow light from an object to be captured by the camera to strike the camera through the at least one light incidence region. The device also has a device for keeping the light incidence region clean and/or for cleaning the same, that features at least one deflecting element that is movable over the light incidence region in a way that allows it to prevent the deposition of dust and dirt on the light incidence region and/or to remove dust and/or dirt from the at least one light incidence region.

Abstract: A periscope includes an object window 4, a first reflector 5, a second reflector 6; and an intermediate port between the first reflector 5 and the second reflector 6. The first reflector 5 is arranged to reflect light from the object window 4 towards the second reflector 6 through the intermediate port. The second reflector 6 is selectively movable between a first position of use in which the second reflector 6 reflects light from the first reflector 5 towards a viewing position and a second position of use in which the second reflector 6 closes the intermediate port.

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism for clearing debris and vapors from the region around the optical axis of a vision system that employs a directed airflow in the region. The airflow is guided by an air knife that surrounds a viewing gap placed in front of the camera optics. The air knife delivers airflow in a manner that takes advantage of the Coanda effect to generate an airflow that prevents infiltration of debris and contaminants into the optical path. Illustratively, the air knife defines a geometry that effectively multiplies the delivered airflow approximately fifty times (twenty-five times on each of two air-knife sides) that of the supplied compressed air. This provides an extremely strong air curtain along the scan direction that essentially blocks infiltration of environmental contamination to the optics of the camera.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame and an optical device mounted on the vehicle frame. A first temperature sensor senses ambient air temperature surrounding the vehicle frame, a second temperature sensor senses a temperature of a lens of the optical device, and a humidity sensor senses moisture content of air proximal to the lens. An exhaust directs gas at the lens in response to the sensed ambient air temperature, the sensed lens temperature, and the sensed moisture content.

Abstract: A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems can improve the stability of a flow of liquid sample delivered to an ion source. In accordance with various aspects, the methods and systems can remove bubbles (e.g., cavitation bubbles or otherwise) present in the liquid sample prior to its injection into an ionization chamber.

Abstract: Low drag low noise devices are described herein that use passive jet flow control to reduce the drag and noise created by devices (e.g., motor vehicle side view mirrors) while the devices travel through fluid. The low drag low noise devices described herein comprise a lengthwise axis, an outer body, and an inner body. The outer body and the inner body cooperatively define a channel through which fluid can pass during use.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for the protection of optical components used during laser bond inspection. In one embodiment, an optic surface wetting enhancement is provided on a protective optic to assist in forming a substantially flat film of transparent liquid from transparent liquid applied to a surface of a protective optic. A flat film of transparent liquid on a surface of a protective optic may be used to retain debris and effluent backscatter produced during a laser bond inspection process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mirror comprising a squeegee and a slot for receiving the squeegee blade is used in steamy environments. The mirror may include a reservoir to be filled with hot water to prevent the mirror from fogging.

Abstract: A collector mirror assembly includes a collector mirror that includes a reflective surface and a hole having an edge. The hole extends through the reflective surface. The assembly also includes a tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The tubular body is constructed and arranged to guide a gas flow in a direction substantially transverse to the reflective surface. The outer surface of the tubular body and the edge of the hole form an opening arranged to guide a further gas flow that diverges with respect the gas flow substantially transverse to the reflective surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic contains a main component, Mn as a first auxiliary component, and a second auxiliary component containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, B, and Si. The main component contains a perovskite metal oxide having the following general formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3(0.100?x?0.145,0.010?y?0.039)??(1) The amount b (mol) of Mn per mole of the metal oxide is in the range of 0.0048?b?0.0400, the second auxiliary component content on a metal basis is 0.001 parts by weight or more and 4.000 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, and the value a of the general formula (1) is in the range of 0.9925+b?a?1.0025+b.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a part of a vehicle, the liquid removal device including an intake (11) for receiving matter containing gaseous component and non-gaseous components, a separator (14) for separating the gaseous and non gaseous components of matter entering the inlet (11), and an outlet (9, 10) for directing a gaseous component of the matter leaving the separator (14) towards the part of the vehicle from which liquid is to be removed, so as to remove liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A dust remover according to the present disclosure forms an air flow in a space formed between a charge-coupled device and a shutter unit, and removes dust on a surface of the charge-coupled device, the dust remover comprising an air injector having a plurality of air injecting holes; an air discharger which is installed on a surface facing the air injector, and has at least one air discharging hole which is smaller than the air injecting hole; and an exhausting dust collecting filter which is installed in the air discharger, and collects dust in the air being discharged.

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.

Abstract: A vibratory assembly having a housing. A transducer is operably coupled with the housing and has a substantially cylindrical shape. An isolator is at least partially disposed between the housing and the transducer. A lens cover is operably coupled with the transducer. A power source includes contacts operably coupled with the transducer. The power source supplies power to the transducer at various frequencies swept around a resonance harmonic to account for mass changes resulting from debris accumulation on the lens cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for protecting a reflective optic and/or any other surface in a plasma-based illumination system from debris by actively flowing gas against the debris flow direction. According to various embodiments, a vacuum chamber is configured to contain a target material, wherein a laser or discharge produced plasma is generated in response to an excitation of the target material. One or more outlets within the chamber are configured to receive gas flowing from a fluidically coupled gas source and further configured to actively flow the gas towards a source of debris and away from the reflective optic or any other protected surface at a controlled flow rate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mirror comprising a squeegee and a slot for receiving the squeegee blade is used in steamy environments. The mirror may include a reservoir to be filled with hot water to prevent the mirror from fogging.

Abstract: A cleaning module for cleaning an optical element or a sensing element of a projector is provided. The cleaning module includes a casing, an airflow-guiding device, and a nozzle. The airflow-guiding device is disposed within the casing. The nozzle is connected with the casing and in communication with an outlet of the airflow-guiding device. An opening of the nozzle faces the optical element or the sensing element, so that an airflow guided by the airflow-guiding device is directed to the optical element or the sensing element to remove dust from the optical element or the sensing element. Moreover, when a systematic fan of the projector is disabled, the airflow-guiding device is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior imaging apparatus includes a photo-receiving element, a transparent member that is disposed on a front face of the photo-receiving element and introduces light into it, and a movable body movable between a covering position for covering part or all of a front face of the transparent member with the movable body being spaced apart from the transparent member, and an evacuated position evacuating from the front face of the transparent member with respect to the covering position. The movable body has a higher surface wettability in a portion opposing to the transparent member at the covering position than the one of the front face of the transparent member. The movable body evacuates water adhered to the surface of the transparent member in a moving direction of the movable body during the movement of the movable body from the covering position to the evacuated position.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: In EUV lithography apparatuses (10), it is proposed, in order to lengthen the lifetime of contamination-sensitive components, to arrange them in a protection module. The protection module comprises a housing (23-29) having at least one opening (37-47), in which at least one component (13a, 13b, 15, 16, 18, 19) is arranged and at which one or more gas feeds (30-36) are provided in order to introduce a gas flow into the housing (23-29), which emerges through the at least one opening (37-47). In order to effectively prevent contaminating substances from penetrating into the protection module, a light source (48-56) is arranged at the at least one opening (37-47), which light source illuminates the opening (37-47) with one or more wavelengths by which the contaminating substances can be dissociated before they penetrate through the opening (37-47).

Abstract: An apparatus for contaminant control, having: a first optical assembly including: a first light homogenizer tunnel with: a first end connected to an extreme ultra-violet light source, a second end in communication with a destination chamber, a first enclosed space, and, a first gas input arranged to introduce a first gas such that the first gas flows in a first direction toward the first end and in a second direction toward the second end. The apparatus alternately having: a second optical assembly including: a second light homogenizer tunnel with: a third end connected to an extreme ultra-violet light source, a fourth end in communication with a destination chamber, a second enclosed space, a diffusion barrier tube including: a fifth end facing the fourth end and a sixth end in communication with a destination chamber, and a second gas input between the second light homogenizer tunnel and the diffusion tube.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (100) includes an outer shell (1) having a spherical inner surface, a camera body (2) configured to be movable inside the outer shell (1) and to shoot an image of an object outside the outer shell (1) through the outer shell (1), first to third drivers (26A-26C) attached to the camera body (2) and configured to drive the camera body (2) with the first to third drivers (26A-26C) contacting an inner surface of the outer shell (1), and a cleaner (7) configured to clean up a foreign substance on the inner surface of the outer shell (1).

Abstract: An illumination system for illumining an anechoic chamber includes a light gathering device mounted on an outer surface of the anechoic chamber for gathering daylight, a light guiding post mounted to the anechoic chamber, and a diffusion device received in the anechoic chamber. The light guiding post is connected between the light gathering device and the diffusion device. The light guiding post includes two shields mounted in the light guiding post, which are respectively adjacent to the light gathering device and the diffusion device, to protect the anechoic chamber from electrostatic or magnetic interference.

Abstract: An access probe for remote-sensing access through a viewing port, viewing volume, and access port into a vessel. The physical boundary around the viewing volume is partially formed by a porous sleeve lying between the viewing volume and a fluid conduit. In a first mode of operation, a fluid supplied to the fluid conduit encounters the porous sleeve and flows through the porous material to maintain the viewing volume free of ash or other matter. When additional fluid force is needed to clear the viewing volume, the pressure of the fluid flow is increased sufficiently to slidably translate the porous sleeve, greatly increasing flow into the viewing volume. The porous sleeve is returned to position by an actuating spring. The access probe thereby provides for alternate modes of operation based on the pressure of an actuating fluid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed in which a cleaner is added to immersion liquid for use during exposure of a substrate. The cleaner may be a combination of a soap and a solvent. The cleaner maybe present at a concentration of less than 300 ppb.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking mechanical component parts, such as tools in machine tools, uses optical devices for emitting and receiving a light beam, for example a laser beam, and sensors for detecting the interruption of such light beam. A protection device for at least one of the optical devices includes pneumatic conduits and a nozzle outputting an air stream from a plurality of holes located around the central conduit through which the light beam passes, so generating a tubular shield which embraces the light beam. The protection device further includes a shutter which can be displaced from a rest position, wherein the central conduit is closed and the inside of the protection device is pressurized, to a working position, wherein the nozzle delivers the air stream in the form of a tubular shield. Passing from the rest position to the working position, the shutter assumes an intermediate transit position in which an air blast is outputted through the central conduit for a short time interval.

Abstract: An optical system has a housing with a mount and an opening to a receiving region, the receiving region being located within the housing and including the mount. At least one optical element is inserted into and removed from the receiving region through the opening, and at least one gas supply device provides a flow of gas in the receiving region. Alternatively or in addition, the optical system has a gas lock that receives the optical element. The opening interconnects the gas lock and the receiving region of the housing, and accommodates passage of the optical element between the gas lock and the receiving region.

Abstract: An optical arrangement, e.g. a projection exposure apparatus (1) for EUV lithography, includes: a housing (2) enclosing an interior space (15); at least one, preferably reflective optical element (4-10, 12, 14.1-14.6) arranged in the housing (2); at least one vacuum generating unit (3) for the interior space (15) of the housing (2); and at least one vacuum housing (18, 18.1-18.10) arranged in the interior space (15) and enclosing at least the optical surface (17, 17.1, 17.2) of the optical element (4-10, 12, 14.1-14.5). A contamination reduction unit is associated with the vacuum housing (18.1-18.10) and reduces the partial pressure of contaminating substances, in particular of water and/or hydrocarbons, at least in close proximity to the optical surface (17, 17.1, 17.2) in relation to the partial pressure of the contaminating substances in the interior space (15).

Abstract: A lens unit or the like with improved ability to capture proper images by reducing the likelihood that water droplets will adhere to the lens surface and change the refractive index. A surface of a lens portion (1) is imparted with a water-repellent property and a surface of a non-lens portion (2), surrounding the lens portion (1), is imparted with a hydrophilic property. As a result, if droplets on the surface of the lens portion (1) contact the non-lens portion (2), the droplets are guided from the water-repellent surface of the lens portion (1) to the hydrophilic surface of the non-lens portion (2) thereby reducing the number of droplets residing on the lens portion (1).