Bin level detection with light intensity sensing
AssigneeFellowes, Inc.
InventorsTai Hoon Kim Matlin, Michael D. Jensen, Jakub M. Krynski
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Abstract
An assembly has a bin level detection system having at least one sensor positioned to receive radiation reflected off any material deposited in a bin and to determine an intensity of the reflected radiation. The intensity corresponds to an amount or level of shredded material deposited in the bin. The system may detect radiation from one or more emitters, or, alternatively, detect ambient light entering the bin via a window. A level indicator system may also be provided to indicate the amount of material deposited in the bin, including if the bin is full. The assembly may comprise a shredder and a shredder housing.
Claims14
A method for operating an assembly, the assembly comprising a bin for receiving material and a bin level detection system comprising at least one sensor positioned to receive radiation reflected off any material deposited in the bin, the method comprising:
- detecting the reflected radiation with the sensor, and
- determining an intensity of the reflected radiation,
- wherein the intensity detected by the sensor corresponds to an amount of shredded material deposited in the bin.
A shredder comprising:
- a shredder housing having a shredder mechanism mounted therein, the shredder housing comprising an input opening for receiving materials to be shredded and an output opening for depositing shredded material therefrom, and
- a bin level detection system comprising:
- at least one sensor positioned to emit and detect radiation reflected off any shredded materials accumulated below the output opening and determine an intensity of the reflected radiation, the intensity corresponding to an amount of shredded material disposed below the output opening, and
- a level indicator system provided on the shredder housing to indicate to a user of the shredder the amount of shredded material disposed below the output opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.