Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1994-02-28
1996-08-27
Westin, Edward P.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
25055931, 250223B, 222641, G01V 820, G01S 7481, G01S 1702, B67D 300
Patent
active
055503691
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus is provided to detect the position of an object, such as a container, in a target window using the concept of triangulation of light radiation. A transmitter emits a pulse of light in response to a periodic clock pulse which is at least partially reflected off the container positioned in the target window and into a receiver, forming an optical triangle. The target window has the volumetric shape of two intersecting cones and therefore provides three axes detection. The signal produced by the receiver in response to receiving a light input is filtered to remove weak signals and checked to ensure that the light indicative signal is synchronous with the periodic clock pulse to eliminate errant light sources. The presence of a synchronous signal indicates the presence of an object in the target window wherein subsequent action may be taken, such as dispensing beverage and/or ice into a container within the target window.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3045445 (1962-07-01), MacLeod
patent: 3367128 (1968-02-01), Hosoda
patent: 3727056 (1973-04-01), Enemark
patent: 3731496 (1973-05-01), Frazier
patent: 3842263 (1974-10-01), Kornrumpf et al.
patent: 4202387 (1980-05-01), Upton
patent: 4282430 (1981-08-01), Hatten et al.
patent: 4306147 (1981-12-01), Fukuyama et al.
patent: 4437499 (1984-03-01), Devale
patent: 4747516 (1988-05-01), Baker
patent: 4822996 (1989-04-01), Lind
patent: 4973834 (1990-11-01), Kim
patent: 5002102 (1991-03-01), Hosel
patent: 5059812 (1991-10-01), Huber
patent: 5159834 (1992-11-01), Eisele
patent: 5164606 (1992-11-01), Secord
patent: 5245177 (1993-09-01), Schiller
patent: 5250801 (1993-10-01), Grozinger et al.
Feinwerktechnik und Messtechnik, vol. 97, No. 6, 1 Jun. 1989 Munchen, DE, pp. 162-264.
Skell Daniel G.
Skell Eric D.
Electro-Pro, Inc.
Lee John R.
Westin Edward P.
LandOfFree
Triangulation position detection method and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Triangulation position detection method and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Triangulation position detection method and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1057666