Patent attributes
A self-centering wiper system for an optical device having an optical device body defined by an outer surface with an annular-shaped cross-section disposed along an axis includes an annular-shaped bellows. The bellows is configured to fit externally and concentrically with respect to the outer surface of the optical device body. The bellows has at least one bladder configured to accept a pressurized fluid to thereby extend the annular-shaped bellows along the axis. The wiper system also includes an annular-shaped wiper element fixed to the annular-shaped bellows and configured to wipe contaminants off the outer surface of the optical device body as the at least one bladder accepts the pressurized fluid and the annular-shaped bellows expands along the axis. An optical device having such a self-centering wiper system is also disclosed.
