US6580848B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interface for light barrier arrangements
Assignee: Leuze Lumiflex GmbH and Co KG
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Filing: 2001-09-17
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Granted: 2003-06-17
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Expires: 2021-09-17
Abstract
Abstract An interface for light barrier arrangements operates with an optoelectronic data exchange that can be activated by means of a magnetically acutated switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Hartl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 01:22
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V8/00; G01V8/10; H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/94; H03K17/941; H03K2217/00; H03K2217/94; H03K2217/9401; H03K2217/94021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mountable in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, wherein the first communication device comprises a first light transmitting element and a first light receiving element for respectively transmitting and receiving at least one of configuration data and diagnostic data, and an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, wherein the second communication device of the external interface element comprises a light deflection device, a second light receiving element assigned to the first light transmitting element and a second light transmitting element assigned to the first light receiving element, and wherein the second light receiving element and the second light transmitting element are connected to one another via the light deflection device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mountable in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, wherein the first communication device comprises a first light transmitting element and a first light receiving element for respectively transmitting and receiving at least one of configuration data and diagnostic data, and an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, wherein the second communication device of the external interface element comprises a light deflection device, a second light receiving element assigned to the first light transmitting element and a second light transmitting element assigned to the first light receiving element, and wherein the second light receiving element and the second light transmitting element are connected to one another via the light deflection device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The interface of claim 1 , wherein the first communication device comprises a microprocessor control to which the first light transmitting element, the first light receiving element and the switch are connected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The interface of claim 2 , wherein the microprocessor control comprises two separate controllers that are respectively assigned to the first light transmitting element and to the first light receiving element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The interface of claim 3 , wherein the switch is connected to the controllers via assigned control lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The interface of claim 1 , wherein the external interface element comprises a connection for connecting at least one of the second light receiving element and the second light transmitting element to a computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The interface of claim 1 , wherein the light deflection device comprises an optical waveguide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The interface of claim 1 , wherein the switch responds to a magnetic field.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The interface of claim 1 , wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of a Reed contact, a photoresistance cell controlled by a magnetic field, a Hall generator and an electromagnetic sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The interface of claim 8 , wherein the switch is an integrated circuit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The interface of claim 2 , wherein a series of light transmitting elements and light receiving elements for monitoring a hazardous area are connected to the microprocessor control.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mountable in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, and an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, wherein the external interface element is fixed on the interface component of the light barrier arrangement solely by magnetic forces of the magnet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
89 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mountable in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, and an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, wherein the external interface element is fixed on the interface component of the light barrier arrangement solely by magnetic forces of the magnet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The interference of claim 11 , wherein the interface component and the external interface element are sized and shaped such that the external interface element is automatically aligned with the interface component by magnetic forces when the external interface element is attached to the interface component.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interface of claim 11 , wherein the first communication device comprises a first light transmitting element and a first light receiving element for respectively transmitting and receiving at least one of configuration data and diagnostic data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The interface of claim 13 , wherein the second communication device of the external interface element comprises a second light receiving element assigned to the first light transmitting element and a second light transmitting element assigned to the first light receiving element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
The interface of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the light barrier arrangement and the external interface element is sized and shaped such that the magnet triggers the switch only if the first and second light transmitting elements and first and second light receiving elements are properly aligned relative to one another.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
The interface of claim 14 , wherein the second communication device of the external interface element further comprises a light deflection device and the second light receiving element and the second light transmitting element are connected to one another via the light deflection device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
85 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mounted in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, and an adjusting laser capable of being switched on for a predetermined duration by the magnet for actuating the switch.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
85 words
An interface for a light barrier arrangement comprising: an interface component mounted in the light barrier arrangement, the interface component comprising a first optoelectronic communication device and a magnetically actuated switch for switching the first communication device into a predetermined operating mode, an external interface element comprising a magnet for actuating the switch and a second optoelectronic communication device assigned to the first communication device, and an adjusting laser capable of being switched on for a predetermined duration by the magnet for actuating the switch.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The interface of claim 17 , wherein the first communication device comprises a first light transmitting element and a first light receiving element for respectively transmitting and receiving at least one of configuration data and diagnostic data.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
42 words
The interface of claim 18 , wherein the second communication device of the external interface element comprises a second light receiving element assigned to the first light transmitting element and a second light transmitting element assigned to the first light receiving element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The interface of claim 19 , wherein the second communication device of the external interface element further comprises a light deflection device and the light receiving element and the second light transmitting element are connected to one another via the light deflection device.
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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) | 2006-06-16 | 2006-12-16 | 2007-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-16 | 2010-12-16 | 2011-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-16 | 2014-12-16 | 2015-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |