US4638157A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detecting apparatus utilizing light beams
Assignee: Kubota Corp
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Filing: 1984-10-12
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Granted: 1987-01-20
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Expires: 2004-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A detecting apparatus utilizing light comprising a light beam emitter for emitting beams of light having a predetermined light path toward a plurality of retroreflectors adapted to reflect light in a direction from which the light strikes thereupon, and a receiver to receive the beams of light reflected by the retroreflectors, the light beam emitter including a light source and a mirror for detecting the beams of light received from the light source toward the retroreflectors, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a drive to rotate the mirror about an axis normal to an optical axis of the beams of light extending from the light source to the mirror and also normal to directions in which the beams of light proceed from the mirror to the retroreflectors, and that slits are defined at outlets from which the beams of light proceed toward the retroreflectors, the slits having a shape to permit the beams of light to diffuse vertically.
Inventors
- 👤 Hiroshi Tatsumi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 20:50
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/02; G05D1/021; G05D1/0231; G05D1/0244
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for detecting an object by utilizing a light beam comprising a light beam source for emitting a light beam, a light beam receiving means, reflecting means for reflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam source and directing said light beam along a light path onto a retroreflector means provided on said object to be detected for reflecting an incident light beam in a predetermined direction, drive means for rotating said reflecting means on an axis (X) normal to an optical axis (Y) of said light beam emitted from the light beam source, and slits (6) provided in light beam exit portions to determine a scanning angle by said light beam reflected by the reflecting means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for detecting an object by utilizing a light beam comprising a light beam source for emitting a light beam, a light beam receiving means, reflecting means for reflecting the light beam emitted from the light beam source and directing said light beam along a light path onto a retroreflector means provided on said object to be detected for reflecting an incident light beam in a predetermined direction, drive means for rotating said reflecting means on an axis (X) normal to an optical axis (Y) of said light beam emitted from the light beam source, and slits (6) provided in light beam exit portions to determine a scanning angle by said light beam reflected by the reflecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein oscillating means is provided to oscillate a frame including said reflecting means and said slit, on the optical axid (Y) of the light beam emitted from the light beam source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the reflecting means comprises a plane mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mirror includes a transparent bisected cylindrical member bisected along its axis to form divided faces and a light reflecting member inserted between said divided faces of said cylindrical member in a plane along its axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a 50% partially reflective mirror provided between said light beam source and said reflecting means to permit only a light beam reflected by said retroreflector means and reflected by said reflecting means to proceed to said light beam receiving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of said slits comprises a vertical gap between two pieces of a bisected convex lens disposed opposite a laser beam transmitting face opposed to one of said retroreflectors, said light receiving means being located at a focal point of said convex lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of said slits comprises a central vertical portion of a cylindrical lens disposed upright opposite a laser beam transmitting face opposed to one of said retroreflectors, said light receiving means being located at a focal point of said cylindrical lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said slits comprise gaps between a pair of reflecting mirrors mounted above and across said reflecting means, respectively, said light receiving means being located at focal points of convex lenses mounted between said reflecting mirrors and said receiving means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said slits comprise gaps between a pair of reflecting mirrors mounted above and across said reflecting means, respectively, said light receiving means being located at focal points of convex lenses mounted between said reflecting mirrors and said receiving means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said light beam source is a laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3708668A
Cited
US4146327A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-07-21 | 1991-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-19 | 1994-07-21 | 1995-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-19 | 1998-07-21 | 1999-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |