Hinged metal detection cover for a receptacle
US5576621A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65F2210/1525
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A metal detector especially adapted to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized deposit of metal objects into receptacles includes a housing provided with a central opening surrounded by a funnel-like surface for directing articles into a receptacle such as a medical waste disposal bag, a trash can, or a laundry hamper. For use in the medical field to prevent the inadvertent disposal of surgical instruments, the metal detector housing may be pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism to a medical waste bag disposal bag holding cart to allow convenient removal and replacement of disposal bags. Battery powered detection circuitry includes a detector coil surrounding the central opening and operative to trigger visual and audible alarms for signalling the passage of a metal article through the housing opening if the output voltage in the detector circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The detection circuitry includes an auto calibration feature which compares the output voltage of the detection coil with a reference voltage and integrates the results of the comparison over time to stabilize the sensitivity of the metal detector, while ignoring transient voltage fluctuations. A …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.