US4804860A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Robot cell safety system
Assignee: Acuity CiMatrix Inc
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Filing: 1986-09-29
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Granted: 1989-02-14
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Expires: 2006-09-29
Abstract
Abstract Arrangements for detecting the presence of an opaque object in an area, such as a person in a robotic work cell. Multiple light sources, light reflecting surfaces, light boxes with hole patterns or fiber optic light sources are spaced around the perimeter of the area and imaged by a camera. The change of the camera signal from its normal condition is used to interrupt power to safeguard personnel and/or machinery.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Ross
- 👤 Howard Stern
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 01:29
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16P; F16P3/00; F16P3/12; F16P3/14; F16P3/144; B; B25; B25J; B25J19/00; B25J19/02; B25J19/021; B25J19/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
An arrangement for detecting the presence of an opaque object within a predetermined area and effecting a power interruption comprising: at least one light source means mounted on a structure; camera means for imaging said light source and converting said image to a video signal; recording means for recording a normal signal pattern of said video signal generated by said camera means; detecting means for detecting when said pattern is indicative of a significant loss of light received from said at least one light source; and control means for interrupting a flow of power upon detecting when said pattern is indicative of a significant loss of light received from said at least one light source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
An arrangement for detecting the presence of an opaque object within a predetermined area and effecting a power interruption comprising: at least one light source means mounted on a structure; camera means for imaging said light source and converting said image to a video signal; recording means for recording a normal signal pattern of said video signal generated by said camera means; detecting means for detecting when said pattern is indicative of a significant loss of light received from said at least one light source; and control means for interrupting a flow of power upon detecting when said pattern is indicative of a significant loss of light received from said at least one light source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source means comprises a reflective surface illuminated by a light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An arrangement as defined in claim 2, including additional control means to vary reflectance or illumination.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
An arrangement as defined in claim 9, wherein said light source means comprises means having at least one light source and having at least one hole to provide a light pattern for imaging.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source means comprises at least one light source; a fiber optic bundle for collecting light from said light source; an opposite end of each fiber of said fiber optic bundle being placed to provide a light pattern for imaging.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said light source means comprises a plurality of light sources.
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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) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-08-15 | 1993-02-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-02-14 | 1996-08-15 | 1997-02-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-02-14 | 2000-08-15 | 2001-02-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |