Patent EP0740926A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4100405A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photo-electric scanner for line following devices
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1977-01-03
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Granted: 1978-07-11
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Expires: 1997-01-03
Abstract
Abstract A scanning mechanism for tracing an outline and transmitting signals to a control mechanism of, for example, a cutting machine includes a photo-electric cell which is movable in an elliptical orbit by an electro-magnetic drive. The cell is mounted within a housing which mounts optical means for casting an image of the object to be scanned on to the cell.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Kondrollochis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:22
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q35/00; B23Q35/04; B23Q35/24; B23Q35/38; B23Q35/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A scanning mechanism comprising: a housing; a support member carrying a photo-electric cell mounted within said housing and movable to allow said cell to move in an elliptical orbit; electro-magnetic means mounted within said housing; magnetic means secured to said support and positioned within a moving field producible by said electro-magnetic means, such that on energisation of said electro-magnetic means by a power supply said moving field thereby causes movement of said magnetic means and said cell in said elliptical orbit; and optical means mounted in a wall of said housing to direct an image of an object located outside said housing onto said cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A scanning mechanism comprising: a housing; a support member carrying a photo-electric cell mounted within said housing and movable to allow said cell to move in an elliptical orbit; electro-magnetic means mounted within said housing; magnetic means secured to said support and positioned within a moving field producible by said electro-magnetic means, such that on energisation of said electro-magnetic means by a power supply said moving field thereby causes movement of said magnetic means and said cell in said elliptical orbit; and optical means mounted in a wall of said housing to direct an image of an object located outside said housing onto said cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic means comprises an electro-magnet capable of producing a constant field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said electro-magnetic means comprises a plurality of electro-magnets equally spaced around said magnetic means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said support member is resiliently carried by said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said support member comprises a straight rod having said cell at one end thereof and said magnetic means at the other end thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said rod is carried intermediate its ends by a flat spiral spring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said rod is carried by a longitudinal spring attached to the end of said rod carrying said magnetic means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A scanning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein in the absence of a field produced by said electro-magnetic means said cell lies in the optical axis of said optical means.
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) | 1981-07-10 | 1982-01-09 | 1982-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-10 | 1986-01-09 | 1986-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-10 | 1990-01-09 | 1990-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |