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.] A dispenser control comprising:a first transmitter and receiver pair arranged such that a projection from the transmitter converges with a line of reception from the receiver within a target window to detect a container within the target window;a second transmitter and receiver pai

[ We claim:] [1.] A dispenser control comprising:a first transmitter and receiver pair arranged such that a projection from the transmitter converges with a line of reception from the receiver within a target window to detect a container within the target window;a second transmitter and receiver pair arranged such that a projection from the transmitter converges with a line of reception from the receiver within a target window to detect a presence of a dispensed product within the container; anda control connected to each of the transmitter and receiver pairs, to sequentially enable the transmitter and receiver pairs and capable of activating a dispenser in response to the detection of a container by the first transmitter and receiver pair and deactivating the dispenser in response to the detection of dispensed product by the second transmitter and receiver pair.