Linear optical sensor for a closure
US6473170B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/9054
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a closure on a container and determining whether the closure is properly seated includes at least two fiber optic heads positioned opposite one another on either side of a conveyor belt or other package transport mechanism. The optic heads face one another through the path of travel of a package. The optic fibers of the receiving head are arranged in a rectangular shape, narrow in the horizontal direction and long in the vertical direction. The optic heads are connected to an optical sensor with an analog output. As a package with a closure travels down the transport mechanism, the package closure interrupts portions of the light beam directed at the receiving head. The optical sensor generates an analog trace signal as the closure moves down the conveyor. A processor samples the analog signal and determines the presence and/or position of the closure therefrom.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.