초록 ▼

A proximity detection apparatus for detecting objects within a predetermined space. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, and a power supply that provides electrical potential to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processor. The processor produces transmitted data burst

A proximity detection apparatus for detecting objects within a predetermined space. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, and a power supply that provides electrical potential to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processor. The processor produces transmitted data bursts to the transmitter, the transmitter emits optical data bursts toward the predetermined space where, if the object is present, the optical data bursts reflect off of the object as return optical bursts. The receiver detects the return optical bursts and transmits received data bursts to the processor. The processor compares the received data bursts against the transmitted data bursts to verify that the object is present in the predetermined space. The processor produces an output signal to control equipment based the object being present or absent from the predetermined space. A dispensing system embodiment may include a portion control device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.]1. A proximity detection apparatus, comprising:(a) a transmitter having an axis of projection oriented toward a predetermined space;(b) a receiver having an axis of reception oriented to intersect said axis of projection in said predetermined space; and(c) a processo

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.]1. A proximity detection apparatus, comprising:(a) a transmitter having an axis of projection oriented toward a predetermined space;(b) a receiver having an axis of reception oriented to intersect said axis of projection in said predetermined space; and(c) a processor electrically connected to said transmitter and to said receiver, wherein said processor electrically produces transmitted data bursts to said transmitter, said transmitter receives said transmitted data bursts and emits corresponding optical bursts toward said predetermined space, wherein said receiver detects return optical bursts and electrically transmits corresponding received data bursts to said processor, and wherein said processor compares said transmitted data bursts to said received data bursts to verify whether an object is in said predetermined space.