Apparatus and method for detecting a dispensing event in a bulk product dispensing system
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsKevin Cartwright, Ian Taylor, Timothy Robert Lowe, Hugh Connell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting a dispensing event in a bulk product dispensing system includes: a sensor arrangement for detecting flow of product through a detection zone, the sensor arrangement comprising a transmitter module a receiver module, wherein, in use, the flow of product through the detection zone causes a transmission beam between the transmitter module and receiver module to be altered; and at least one retainer for retaining the sensor arrangement about the detection zone. A bulk product dispensing system and method are also provided.
Claims18
An apparatus for detecting a dispensing event in a bulk product dispensing system, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor arrangement for detecting flow of product through a detection zone, the sensor arrangement comprising a transmitter module and a receiver module, wherein, in use, the flow of product through the detection zone causes a transmission beam between the transmitter module and receiver module to be altered;
- and
- at least one retainer for retaining the sensor arrangement about the detection zone;
- wherein the transmitter module is disposed on a first side of the detection zone and the receiver module is disposed on a second side of the detection zone opposing the transmitter module;
- wherein the at least one retainer comprises a detector frame surrounding the detection zone and wherein:
- the transmitter module is disposed on a first inner surface of the detector frame facing the detection zone, and
- the receiver module is disposed on a second inner surface of the detector frame opposing the first inner surface and facing the detection zone.
An apparatus for detecting a dispensing event in a bulk product dispensing system, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor arrangement for detecting flow of product through a detection zone, the sensor arrangement comprising a transmitter module and a receiver module, wherein, in use, the flow of product through the detection zone causes a transmission beam between the transmitter module and receiver module to be altered;
- and
- at least one retainer for retaining the sensor arrangement about the detection zone;
- a fixture extending from the at least one retainer, wherein the fixture comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the apparatus to a surface, a first flexible arm portion attached to the at least one retainer and a second rigid arm portion connecting the first flexible arm portion to the mounting mechanism;
- wherein the first flexible arm portion comprises an concertinaed surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.