Abstract Opto-electronic single point control is a unique concept which uses the combined principles of light reflection and light refraction to activate or deactivate an all solid state switching circuit. When 120 volts AC is supplied to the control circuitry, the light source is activated and projects a beam of light through a solid quartz or plastic probe. When the device is used to sense liquids, the probe end used for sensing is fashioned in a cone shape. The light transmitted through the probe is internally reflected back through the probe when it is in a gaseous atmosphere. When the end of the probe is subjected to liquid, the light which is transmitted down the probe is refracted out of the probe and into the liquid. Both the internal reflection and the refraction of the light is registered by a light sensitive component which is an integral part of the control circuitry. The presence and absence of light determines the condition of the control circuitry. It will either switch the control circuitry from an off (deactivated) position to an on (activated) position, or vice versa. The activated or deactivated condition of the control circuitry is determined by which model is used. For liquids, the model 100A is a normally open device that is activated when in contact with liquid. The 100B model is a normally closed device that is deactivated when in contact with liquid. When the device is used as a solid sensor, the probe end is changed from a cone shape to a flat end. Light transmitted through the probe is projected out through the flat end. When the light strikes a solid (non-liquid object), the light is reflected back into the probe and energizes the light sensor. The light sensor in turn activates or deactivates the control circuitry. Activation or deactivation of the control circuitry is again dependent upon the model being used. The 100A solid sensor is a normally closed device which is deactivated when in proximity of a solid. The 100B solid sensor is a normally open device, activated when in proximity of a solid.
A device for sensing the presence of materials comprising: a housing having a probe cavity; an elongate light transmitting probe having a first end releasably secured in the probe cavity and an opposite end extending outside the housing; a light source in the housing adjacent the first end of the probe; a light sensor in the housing adjacent the first end of the probe, the sensor being oriented to sense light from the light source reflected by the said opposite end of the probe; and locking means releasably securing the probe in the probe cavity of the housing, and adapted to being unlocked whereby the probe may be removed and replaced.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
111 words
A device for sensing the presence of materials comprising: a housing having a probe cavity; an elongate light transmitting probe having a first end releasably secured in the probe cavity and an opposite end extending outside the housing; a light source in the housing adjacent the first end of the probe; a light sensor in the housing adjacent the first end of the probe, the sensor being oriented to sense light from the light source reflected by the said opposite end of the probe; and locking means releasably securing the probe in the probe cavity of the housing, and adapted to being unlocked whereby the probe may be removed and replaced.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising: electronic circuit means mounted in the housing for switching in response to varied responses by the light sensor; and sealing means sealing the light source, light sensor and electronic circuit means inside the housing and sealing them off from the probe cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
117 words
A liquid level sensing device comprising: a housing; a light conducting probe having a first end removably secured in the housing and its opposite end extending outside the housing, said opposite end being conical in shape; a light source in said housing adjacent the first end of the probe; a photoelectric sensor in said housing adjacent the first end of the probe; electronic circuitry in said housing for performing switching in response to the sensor; releasable locking means for retaining the probe in the housing, and adapted to being released to permit removal of the probe from the housing; and sealing means effecting a seal of the light source, photoelectric sensor and electronic circuitry in said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
117 words
A liquid level sensing device comprising: a housing; a light conducting probe having a first end removably secured in the housing and its opposite end extending outside the housing, said opposite end being conical in shape; a light source in said housing adjacent the first end of the probe; a photoelectric sensor in said housing adjacent the first end of the probe; electronic circuitry in said housing for performing switching in response to the sensor; releasable locking means for retaining the probe in the housing, and adapted to being released to permit removal of the probe from the housing; and sealing means effecting a seal of the light source, photoelectric sensor and electronic circuitry in said housing.