Triangulation position-detection and integrated dispensing valve
US5744793A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/88
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided to detect the position of an object, such as a container, in a target window using the concept of triangulation of energy radiation. A transmitter emits a pulse of energy in response to a periodic clock pulse which is at least partially reflected off the container positioned in the target window and into a receiver, forming an optical triangle. The signal produced by the receiver is checked to ensure that the energy indicative signal is synchronous with the periodic clock pulse to eliminate errant energy sources. The presence of a synchronous signal indicates the presence of an object in the target window wherein subsequent action may be taken, such as dispensing beverage and/or ice into a container within the target window. The invention is incorporated into a dispensing valve and may have the transmitter and receiver mounted vertically or horizontally. The invention is disclosed in an integrated, modular dispensing valve assembly incorporating all the components to accommodate easy retrofitting, and replacement of existing manually operated dispensing valves. The invention also includes the option of adding additional transmitter and receiver pa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.