Patent · US Expired

Robotic sensor

US4651074A · kind A · utility

15Cited by
10References
7Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 4, 1984
Grant dateMar 17, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 4, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01L1/247
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A robotic sensor incorporates an array of closely spaced force sensors which are carried on a mounting plate. The front surface of this mounting plate is brought into contact with the object under inspection. A plurality of optical fibers are attached to the rear one end; the opposite ends of the fibers are connected to optical detectors. Actuation of any of the force end of the force sensor to impinge on and reduce the light flow through a corresponding optical fiber. Analysis of the data indicating which of the optical fibers and their light output reduced will result in an analysis of the dimensions and orientation of the object.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.