Patent ID: 7044610
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: B08B,B23K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for preventing the contamination of an optical element in an imaging head for imaging a media that produces imaging debris, the apparatus comprising: an imaging head comprising an exposed optical element and a source of an imaging beam directed through the optical element to image a media, the imaging beam creating imaging debris upon interaction with the media; a pressurized fluid source; an orifice for directing fluid from the fluid source across the front surface of the optical element; a flow collimating element, interposed in a path of the fluid for producing a substantially non-turbulent fluid flow in front of the optical element; a vacuum sink connected to a source of vacuum, the vacuum sink operative to remove the imaging debris from the imaging area in combination with the substantially non-turbulent fluid flow; and, a fluid jet directed towards the surface of the media, the jet for directing the imaging debris towards the vacuum sink.