Process controller with an integrated optical detector

US10712757B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY · US

Inventors

• William Bohlinger · Winona, US
• John Bergen · San Jose, US
• Stanton Hopkins-Breitlow · Winona, US
• James Hentges · Fountain City, US
• Jason Houzenga · Onalaska, US
• Gil Ramos · Richmond, US
• Kurt W. Peterson · La Crosse, US
• Larry Walters · Chesterfield, US
• Daryl G. James · Burnaby, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2017
• Grant date: Jul 14, 2020
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05D23/27
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A process controller is provided and includes at least one optical sensor. The optical sensor includes an optical source is configured to emit an electronic signal toward an object. The process controller further includes a control unit in communication with the at least one optical sensor, wherein the control unit controls a controlled device based on the electronic signal received by the at least one optical sensor. In another form, the optical sensor further includes an optical detector configured to receive the return electronic signal reflected by the object. A system for process control in an elevated radio frequency (RF) environment is also provided and includes a process controller having at least one optical sensor and a control unit in communication with the optical sensor. The optical sensor is disposed within the elevated RF environment and includes an optical detector.