초록 ▼

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

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 pairs to provide a level control to disable dispensing once the dispensed product reaches a given level in the container.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An automatic dispenser control which detects when a container is in a desired position and activates a dispenser comprising:a clock producing constant periodic clock pulses;a transmitter having an input and an output, said input receiving the periodic clock pulses and the output em

[ We claim:] [1.] An automatic dispenser control which detects when a container is in a desired position and activates a dispenser comprising:a clock producing constant periodic clock pulses;a transmitter having an input and an output, said input receiving the periodic clock pulses and the output emitting pulses of energy responsive thereto along an axis of projection;a receiver having an energy sensing input receiving the energy pulses along an axis of reflection, said receiver having an output providing an energy indicative signal;the transmitter and receiver being orientated in a common plane and having said axes of projection and reflection extending out of said common plane and converging to a target intercept point associated with the desired position;a synchronous checker producing a signal only when an energy indicative signal resulting from a given emitted energy pulse occurs substantially synchronously with the periodic clock pulse causing the given emitted energy pulse from the transmitter; andwherein the production of the signal indicates the container is in position and activates the dispenser, and the absence of the signal indicates the container is no longer in position and deactivates the dispenser.