Weld Camera, LLC

Arc Machines, Inc.

Gary James Thompson

A liquid photochromic filter for attenuating an image is disclosed. The liquid photochromic filter includes a photochromic dye in a liquid solution that is contained in a cavity defined by a housing with two optical windows. The liquid photochromic filter may be used in imaging system for sensing light in an area of high optical contrast. In some implementations, the imaging system is for monitoring a welding operation, whereby the liquid photochromic filter is used to reduce the intensity of the light observed from the welding arc.

Liquid photochromic filter

An imaging system for sensing light in an area of high optical contrast is disclosed. In some implementations, the imaging system is for monitoring a welding operation, whereby a photochromic filter is used to reduce the intensity of the light observed from the welding arc. The imaging system includes a light source whereby light from the light source activates the photochromic filter. Thus, the opacity of the photochromic filter depends on the intensity of the light from the light source.

Photochromic filter-based imaging system

A configuration or system of lenses for use in an arc welding environment variably filters light so that the dramatic contrasts of light present in the welding area are reduced for better remote viewing. A photochromic lens forms a negative image of the welding area. The negative image of the photochromic lens serves as a variable density optical filter to reduce the brightness of the image incident upon the photochromic lens. A first lens initially gathers and focusses the light upon the photochromic lens. Subsequent lenses further prepare the image for camera reception by eliminating ultraviolet (UV) light, by eliminating light at spectral lines, and/or by enhancing the depth of field of the image.

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Saugus, CA, United States of America

Gary James Thompson