US 2004/0000904 A1 · Apparatus for detecting metal objects being put into a trash can

Abstract

A detector for finding metal objects being disposed in garbage includes a driving coil, a receiving coil, and a voltage detector. The driving coil encircles an opening formed in a ring-like lid for the trashcan. The controller connects to the driving coil and oscillates a driving current in the driving coil. A receiving coil is disposed parallel to the driving coil and has an current induced therein from the driving current in the driving coil. The voltage detector connects to the coil and detects changes in voltage of the inducted current when a metal object passes through the driving coil and the receiving coil. The coils can be constructed from a flat ribbon coil containing a plurality of parallel wires. The flat ribbon coil can be supported under a trashcan lid by a support.

Claims15

Dependent claims

Apparatus for detecting metal objects being put into a trash can, comprising:

a generally planar ring having an outer surface, an inner surface, a periphery, an outer cross-dimension “D” across the periphery, an opening, an inner cross-dimension “d” across the opening, and an axis, the ring being adapted in use to sit atop the trash can;
an antenna support element, in the form of a ring, disposed about the opening in the ring, and secured to the inner surface of the ring.
wherein:
the antenna support element comprises an insulating material, and
the antenna support element encircles the opening and has a diameter “x”, which is slightly greater than the diameter “d” of the opening.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for detecting metal objects being put into a trash can

Life of this patent

Apparatus for detecting metal objects being put into a trash can

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15