Optical level detector for a beverage machine
US8338811B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8158
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A level detection device for detecting an upper surface of a liquid at a reference level. The device includes a reservoir having a bottom wall and one or more side walls that delimit a cavity for containing the liquid; a light emitter for emitting a light beam towards this cavity; at least one reflection surface for reflecting the light beam; and a light detector for detecting the emitted light beam upon reflection. The emitter and detector are so arranged that, when the surface of the liquid passes the reference level, a state of detection of the light beam by the detector is changed. The emitter, detector and reflection surface(s) are so located and oriented relative to the cavity that the emitted light beam is: detectable by the detector upon travelling through the liquid in the cavity; and refractable at the surface of the liquid towards or away from the detector so that the state of detection is a function of such refraction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.