US3692985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical counting method and apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-09
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Granted: 1972-09-19
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Expires: 1990-11-09
Abstract
Abstract The rapid and accurate counting of articles positioned in closely spaced relationship on a support is disclosed. The technique is implemented with the use of a movable detector head employing a linear array of optical fibers, the detector head being designed to provide a low friction sliding contact with the articles to be counted.
Inventors
- 👤 Gabor U Kalman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:37
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for optically counting articles in an array, the articles to be counted and the interstices therebetween having different degrees of reflectivity, the apparatus comprising: a light source; detector head means having a trailing edge; a plurality of optical fibers supported by said detector head for directing light from said light source onto the surface of the articles to be counted, said light directing optical fibers having radiating ends arrayed in a line adjacent said detector head trailing edge; light responsive signal generating means for providing an electrical signal commensurate with the intensity of the light applied thereto; a second plurality of optical fibers supported by said detector head for delivering light reflected from the surface of the articles to said signal generating means, said light directing and light delivering optical fibers being alternately arranged along said line; and means responsive to signals produced by said generating means for providing an indication of the number of articles crossed by said line during relative movement between said head and the articles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for optically counting articles in an array, the articles to be counted and the interstices therebetween having different degrees of reflectivity, the apparatus comprising: a light source; detector head means having a trailing edge; a plurality of optical fibers supported by said detector head for directing light from said light source onto the surface of the articles to be counted, said light directing optical fibers having radiating ends arrayed in a line adjacent said detector head trailing edge; light responsive signal generating means for providing an electrical signal commensurate with the intensity of the light applied thereto; a second plurality of optical fibers supported by said detector head for delivering light reflected from the surface of the articles to said signal generating means, said light directing and light delivering optical fibers being alternately arranged along said line; and means responsive to signals produced by said generating means for providing an indication of the number of articles crossed by said line during relative movement between said head and the articles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detector head means comprises: a body having a groove in said trailing edge; and means mounting the linear array defined by said ends of said optical fibers in said groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said detector head body has a surface for contacting the articles to be counted, said surface being comprised of a material having a low coefficient of friction, said contacting surface extending toward said trailing edge and having said groove therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said low friction material comprises a carbide base material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said signal generating means comprises: a photodetector; signal shaping means responsive to electrical signals provided by said photodetector for generating a pulse train, commensurate with articles being counted; and digital counter means responsive to said pulse train.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal generating means comprises: a photodetector; signal shaping means responsive to electrical signals provided by said photodetector for generating a pulse train, commensurate with interstices between articles being counted; and digital counter means responsive to said pulse train.
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) | 1975-09-19 | 1976-03-20 | 1976-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-19 | 1980-03-20 | 1980-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-19 | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |