US3777167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detecting systems
Assignee: Decca Ltd
•
Filing: 1971-11-29
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1991-11-29
Abstract
Abstract A detecting system for detecting the ends of hot steel billets. At least two and preferably three photoelectric detectors have adjacent fields of view. An electric circuit is arranged to signal when the output of one detector, the middle of the three, exceeds half the output of either of the other detectors. Other logical functions are provided to sense the beginning and end of a billet reliably.
Inventors
- 👤 R Shepherd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:46
CPC Classifications
B; B21; B21C; B21C51/00; B21B; B21B37/00; B21B38/00; G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/02; G01B11/028; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A detecting system comprising first, second and third detectors having respective adjacent laterally spaced fields of view, the field of view of the second detector being between the fields of view of the first and third detectors, and an electrical circuit for signalling when the output of the second detector exceeds a predetermined fraction of the output of one or othEr of the first and third detectors, the electrical circuit comprising a first comparator for comparing the output of the second detector with the output of either one of the first and third detectors, a second comparator for comparing the output of either one of the first and third detectors with a predetermined threshold, means for inhibiting signalling unless the output of the said one or other detectors exceeds said predetermined threshold, and means for selecting the output of one of the said first and third detectors for feeding to the comparators.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A detecting system comprising first, second and third detectors having respective adjacent laterally spaced fields of view, the field of view of the second detector being between the fields of view of the first and third detectors, and an electrical circuit for signalling when the output of the second detector exceeds a predetermined fraction of the output of one or othEr of the first and third detectors, the electrical circuit comprising a first comparator for comparing the output of the second detector with the output of either one of the first and third detectors, a second comparator for comparing the output of either one of the first and third detectors with a predetermined threshold, means for inhibiting signalling unless the output of the said one or other detectors exceeds said predetermined threshold, and means for selecting the output of one of the said first and third detectors for feeding to the comparators.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A detecting system according to claim 1 in which the fields of view are narrower in the plane in which they are spaced than in an orthogonal plane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A detecting system according to claim 1, in which the predetermined fraction is one half.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
87 words
A detecting system according to claim 3 in which the electrical circuit is arranged to stop signalling when the output of the first or third detector, of which the output is compared with the output of the second detector, is less than a threshold; and either the output of the other one of the first and third detectors is less than a threshold, or half the output of the said other one of the first and third detectors is greater than the output of the second detector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A detecting system according to claim 1 in which adjustable amplifiers are provided for amplifying the outputs of the detectors before those outputs are compared.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A detecting system according to claim 1 in which the detectors are disposed in a movable housing which has sights for aiming the fields of view.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |