Patent ID: 6607606
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: B08B,G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for shielding the field of view of an optical device from obstruction by unwanted contaminants, the apparatus comprising:a transparent shield positioned to protect the optical device from contaminants; a wiper positioned to be in contact with said shield but said wiper positioned not to obstruct the field of view; a rotation mechanism for causing rotation of said shield; a controller for activating and deactivating said rotation mechanism; and a video screen for viewing through the field of view and a screen based human interface linked to said controller, the screen based human interface for operating said controller to thereby activate and deactivate said rotation mechanism; whereby contaminants that may be deposited upon said shield may be wiped from said shield by said wiper and whereby said wiper does not obstruct the field of view.