In some embodiments, a LIDAR system may include at least one processor configured to control at least one light source for projecting light toward a field of view and receive from at least one first sensor first signals associated with light projected by the at least one light source and reflected from an object in the field of view, wherein the light impinging on the at least one first sensor is in a form of a light spot having an outer boundary. The processor may further be configured to receive from at least one second sensor second signals associated with light noise, wherein the at least one second sensor is located outside the outer boundary; determine, based on the second signals received from the at least one second sensor, an indicator of a magnitude of the light noise; and determine, based on the indicator the first signals received from the at least one first sensor and, a distance to the object.

A mirror cleaning system, an improved mirror for a vehicle having the system installed thereto, and a method of cleaning the improved mirror using the system. The system includes a housing attachable to a vehicle side mirror, a heating element operably connected to a power source, a wiper, and a spray nozzle fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid source. The system is designed to de-ice and de-frost the improved mirror, spray cleaning fluid thereon, and wipe debris and fluids to improve driver visibility.

The invention relates to a motor vehicle deicing fluid comprising: at least one alkali metal salt, the weight percentage of all of the at least one alkali metal salt, in the fluid, being between 0.0001% and 50%, and at least water, the weight percentage of water in the fluid being between 0.0001% and 99.9999%.

A signal generator has a generator output. The signal generator is configured to generate first and second signals at the generator output. The first signal has a first frequency, and the second signal has a second frequency. Switching circuitry has a circuitry input and a circuitry output. The circuitry input is coupled to the generator output. The circuitry output is adapted to be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled with a surface. The switching circuitry is configured to: provide the first signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the first frequency to reduce a fluid droplet on the surface from a first size to a second size; and provide the second signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the second frequency to reduce the fluid droplet from the second size to a third size.

A signal generator has a generator output. The signal generator is configured to generate first and second signals at the generator output. The first signal has a first frequency, and the second signal has a second frequency. Switching circuitry has a circuitry input and a circuitry output. The circuitry input is coupled to the generator output. The circuitry output is adapted to be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer mechanically coupled with a surface. The switching circuitry is configured to: provide the first signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the first frequency to reduce a fluid droplet on the surface from a first size to a second size; and provide the second signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the second frequency to reduce the fluid droplet from the second size to a third size.

An apparatus for directing air flow from a defrost vent in a vehicle toward the base of the windshield to de-ice the windshield wiper. A deflector plate is pivotally attached to one end of a jointed arm. The other end of the jointed arm is releasably attachable to the inside of the windshield above the defroster vent. The angles of the jointed arm and the deflector plate are adjusted to direct warm air from the defrost vent directly toward the windshield wiper. A commercial version of the apparatus has a length-adjustable arm to accommodate larger windshields in commercial vehicles.

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

Systems and methods for self-cleaning a surface of an object where an electrodynamic shield is mounted to a surface of the object. The electrodynamic shield includes one or more sets of electrodes atop a substrate, at least one or more sets of electrodes being covered in a protective film. A coating is applied to the top surface of the protection film. A signal pulse generator is connected to the one or more sets of electrodes. The signal pulse generator generates a pulse signal that causes the one or more sets of electrodes to generate an electric field. The pulse signal comprises a plurality of different pulse signals which have phase differences between consecutive signals, and the electric field causes a particle atop the coating to experience an electrostatic force and be repelled away from the coating. These pulse signals (including shapes, amplitudes, shifts, and frequencies) can be tuned to increase efficiency of removal depending on dust type and relative humidity.

A system for automatically controlling a defog/defrost function of a vehicle climate control system includes a controller configured to calculate an ambient dew point temperature value from a plurality of inputs received from a sensor array. The controller is further configured to set a condensation indicator if a calculated difference between a window exterior surface temperature value input received from the sensor array and the calculated ambient dew point temperature value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. The controller actuates the vehicle climate control system defog/defrost function and/or a window wiper system in response to the set condensation indicator.

A bushing includes cylindrical body depending from preferably annular polygonal flange, bore extending through flange and body, and at least one overload indicator. Overload indicator may be frangible such as frangible tab at distal end of indicator tab depending from body or frangible coupons extending between forward and aft sections of polygonal flange. Frangible tab and coupons may include distinctive mark discernible or visible under visible or ultraviolet light. Bushing may be used in unison ring of high pressure compressor assembly to connect lever arms, coupled to variable vanes, to unison ring. Pins disposed in bore of bushing couple arm to unison ring. Forward and aft overhangs may depend from forward and aft sections of polygonal flange and overhang forward and aft annular sides of unison ring.