US4649270A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photo-electric object detector having removable field stop means
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1984-12-10
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Granted: 1987-03-10
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Expires: 2004-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A pulsed LED photoelectric control apparatus operates in both the proximity mode and the retro-reflective mode. Field stop elements are manually inserted for operation in the retro-reflective mode and are quickly and readily removed for operation in the proximity mode in order to enable the same photo-electric control apparatus to be utilized in both modes.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis Goldenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V8/00; G01V8/10; G01V8/12; G01V8/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
Method of eliminating duplication of photo-electric control apparatus for functioning in a retro-reflective mode wherein detected light is reflected off of a retro-reflector and a proximity mode wherein detected light is reflected off of an object comprising the steps of: a. providing a photoelectric control device having a light beam transmission means, including a light generator, for projecting a light beam on said retro-reflector, light detector means for producing a signal upon the reception of said light beam reflected off of said retro-reflector together with a readily removable field stop means positioned in front of said light detector for detecting light only from a narrow field of view including said retro-reflector; b. manually positioning said field stop means in front of said detector for operation in said retro-reflector mode; and c. manually removing said field stop means for operation in said proximity mode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
Method of eliminating duplication of photo-electric control apparatus for functioning in a retro-reflective mode wherein detected light is reflected off of a retro-reflector and a proximity mode wherein detected light is reflected off of an object comprising the steps of: a. providing a photoelectric control device having a light beam transmission means, including a light generator, for projecting a light beam on said retro-reflector, light detector means for producing a signal upon the reception of said light beam reflected off of said retro-reflector together with a readily removable field stop means positioned in front of said light detector for detecting light only from a narrow field of view including said retro-reflector; b. manually positioning said field stop means in front of said detector for operation in said retro-reflector mode; and c. manually removing said field stop means for operation in said proximity mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said field stop means is an elongated element having a longitudinal axis and a light transmitting aperture formed therein along said longitudinal axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said removable field stop means is a plate having a pinhole formed therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
120 words
Photo-electric control apparatus for eliminating duplication of elements and for functioning in both a retro-reflective mode wherein light is reflected off of a retro-reflector and detected, and in a proximity mode wherein light is reflected off of an object comprising: a. light beam transmission means including a light generator for projecting a substantially collimated light beam on said retro-reflector; b. a photodetector for producing a signal upon the reception of said beam; and manually removable field stop means, having a light transmitting aperture of a particular size positioned in front of said photodetector for detecting light only from a narrow field of view including said retro-reflector when in retro-reflective mode and field stop means removed when in the proximity mode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
Photo-electric control apparatus for eliminating duplication of elements and for functioning in both a retro-reflective mode wherein light is reflected off of a retro-reflector and detected, and in a proximity mode wherein light is reflected off of an object comprising: a. light beam transmission means including a light generator for projecting a substantially collimated light beam on said retro-reflector; b. a photodetector for producing a signal upon the reception of said beam; and manually removable field stop means, having a light transmitting aperture of a particular size positioned in front of said photodetector for detecting light only from a narrow field of view including said retro-reflector when in retro-reflective mode and field stop means removed when in the proximity mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said field stop means is an elongated element having a light transmitting aperture formed therein along the length thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said removable field stop means is a plate having a pinhole formed therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said elongated element is cylindrical, has a longitudinal axis and has said light transmitting aperture formed therein concentric with said longitudinal axis.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said photodetector has an area larger than the size of said aperture to minimize alignment problems and produce a substantial electrical signal in said proximity mode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said photodetector has an area larger than the size of said aperture to minimize alignment problems and produce a substantial electrical signal in said proximity mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said photodetector has an area larger than the size of said aperture to minimize alignment problems and produce a substantial electrical signal in said proximity mode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said photodector has an area larger than the size of said aperture to minimize alignment problems and produce a substantial electrical signal in said proximity mode.
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) | 1990-03-09 | 1990-09-08 | 1991-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-09 | 1994-09-08 | 1995-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-09 | 1998-09-08 | 1999-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |