Automatic headlight-washing system

Claim 2

Cleaning apparatus for a lens disposed to pass light from an energized light source, comprising a light sensor for sensing the intensity of light being passed by the lens from the energized light source; washer means for washing the lens; and means connected to the light sensor to automatically actuate the washer means whenever the light intensity of the energized source is reduced to a predetermined level.

Claim 3

The combination as defined in claim 1, including timer means connected to the sensor for automatically energizing the washer means for a predetermined time interval after the light intensity is reduced to said predetermined level.

Claim 4

The combination as defined in claim 1, in which the light sensor includes a photocell receiver, and an elongated element of light-transmitting material having one end adjacent the lens to receive light being passed therethrough, and its other end disposed adjacent the photocell receiver to transmit light being received by said one end.

Claim 5

The combination as defined in claim 1, in which the washer means includes a source of a liquid solvent, nozzle means connected to the solvent source and mounted adjacent the lens, and means for pumping the solvent from its source to the nozzle means.

Claim 6

An automatic washing system for a forward facing vehicular exterior lamp comprising: a fluid source, fluid conduit means on the vehicle for discharging fluid from the source onto the surface of the lamp, photosensitive means on the vehicle for monitoring the intensity of light produced by the lamp and for producing an electrical signal quantity related to said intensity, and actuator means on the vehicle operatively connected to the photosensitive means and the conduit means for causing fluid to flow from the source through the conduit means whenever the electrical signal quantity indicates that the light intensity is less than a predetermined value.

Claim 7

An automatic washing system for a forward facing vehicular exterior lamp comprising: a fluid source, fluid conduit means on the vehicle for discharging fluid from the source onto the surface of the lamp, photosensitive means on the vehicle for monitoring the intensity of light produced by the lamp and for producing an electrical signal quantity related to said intensity, and actuator means on the vehicle operatively connected to the photosensitive means and the conduit means for causing fluid to flow from the source through the conduit means whenever the electrical signal quantity indicates that the light intensity is less than a predetermined value.

Claim 8

Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the fluid conduit means includes a nozzle having a portion directed toward the lamp.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the actuator means includes a pump connected between the source and the conduit means.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein the photosensitive means includes a light-transmitting optical element having an input end and an output end, the element being disposed on the vehicle with the input end adjacent the lamp to receive light therefrom.