US3610941A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotatable grooved light-conducting rod for program control
Assignee: PEABODY ENGINEERING CORP OF CA
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Filing: 1970-06-29
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Granted: 1971-10-05
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Expires: 1990-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A program control system comprising a glass or plexiglas rod illuminated at one end and having circumferential grooves which appear luminous due to the light rays within the rod. A selected portion of each groove is blackened or otherwise rendered opaque so that a selected area only remains luminous. A photoelectric cell is actuated by the luminous portion of each groove in sequence as the rod rotates and is connected to actuate a selected function in the program.
Inventors
- 👤 Erich West
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:37
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/12; G05B19/124; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S385/00; Y10S385/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A program control apparatus comprising a rod composed of a material which transmits light longitudinally by internal reflection and appears dark along its longitudinal surface except in areas where the longitudinal surface is grooved, means mounting said rod for rotation, a light source disposed to supply light to said rod at one end thereof, said rod having a series of axially spaced circumferential grooves each of which is adapted to appear luminous over a predetermined area, a photoelectic cell registering with each of said grooves to be energized by the luminous area thereof in a predetermined sequence as the rod rotates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A program control apparatus comprising a rod composed of a material which transmits light longitudinally by internal reflection and appears dark along its longitudinal surface except in areas where the longitudinal surface is grooved, means mounting said rod for rotation, a light source disposed to supply light to said rod at one end thereof, said rod having a series of axially spaced circumferential grooves each of which is adapted to appear luminous over a predetermined area, a photoelectic cell registering with each of said grooves to be energized by the luminous area thereof in a predetermined sequence as the rod rotates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said grooves are annular and are covered in part by an opaque substance so that the remaining portion only of said groove appears luminous.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod is provided with an end recess and a light source is disposed in said recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which the luminous portions of successive grooves are displaced peripherally around said rod whereby said cells are successively energized as said rod is rotated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which a variable speed motor is connected to rotate said rod.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which certain of said cells are connected to control the speed of said motor whereby the speed of rotation is automatically varied in different positions of said rod.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-04 | 1975-04-05 | 1975-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-04 | 1979-04-05 | 1979-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-04 | 1983-04-05 | 1983-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |