Patent ID: 8022842
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
1. An optical element, comprising: a transparent body comprising a first end, a second end and an optical channel, an electromagnetic radiation source associated with the first end of the transparent body and configured to generate electromagnetic radiation, an electromagnetic radiation detector associated with the first end of the transparent body, a signal generator configured to generate variable signals dependent on electromagnetic radiation received by the electromagnetic radiation detector, and a reflective surface associated with the second end of the transparent body and comprising multiple convex elements extending from the transparent body, at least one of the convex elements defining an angle at which electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source is refracted when the convex element is in contact with ice or water and reflected toward the electromagnetic radiation detector when the convex element is not in contact with ice or water, whereby the optical element enables detection of ice or water on the surface of an aircraft.