System for detecting position of gauge pointer
US4300548A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1979 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S116/05
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system is disclosed for detecting the position of the pointer of a gauge. The system includes a stationary light source which is positioned adjacent the pointer. A lens receives the light from the light source and redirects the light in at least one elongated light beam directed toward the pointer. In the preferred embodiment, the light source is located along the pointer's axis of rotation and the lens bends the light rays 90.degree. to form at least one arcuate light beam. A plurality of elongated light beams can be used and variations of different shapes of light beams can readily be used by so designing the lens means. A light sensitive detector is positionable in the gauge itself and is movable along a guided path on the opposite side of the pointer than is the light source. The guided path generally follows the particular shape of light beams that is directed toward the needle. The function of the light detector is to sense, and provide some signal when the pointer passes across the sensor, thereby substantially reducing the amount of light directed toward the sensor. In this manner the detector signals the position of the pointer. The sensor may be moved within limits to a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.