US 4,618,845 AGranted

Multi-modal proximity sensor system

OwnerWilliam J. Elksinventor

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A multi-modal proximity sensor system includes one or more individual sensor units which are two-stage dual ring contact units but are flexible enough to be made as a single stage unit by omitting a single ring contact and a connector resistor. When used in either mode, a probe when deflected by proximity to an object will set off a buzzer alarm as well as a light alarm upon touching a ring contact. In the preferred embodiment (i.e., the two-stage embodiment), as soon as the probe deflects beyond a first predetermined level, a first stage alarm is generated, and as the probe is deflected past a second level, a second stage alarm is generated, which constitutes an increase in volume of the audible signal, and brighter light in the visual signal. In addition, overall sensitivity is easily adjustable by the axial adjustment of the probe within the body of the indicator unit relative to the contact rings.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A two-step proximity indicator comprising:

(a) an elongated, electrically conductive normally substantially straight probe;
(b) a probe mounting means fixing a fixed end of said probe with an extending portion of said probe extending to terminate in a distal end;
(c) said probe mounting means also mounting a primary and a secondary contact ring, said rings being axially spaced along the extending portion of said probe, such that upon increasing the deflection of said probe from straight, it contacts first said primary ring, and subsequently said secondary ring;
and,
(d) an electrical alarm wired into a circuit which includes said rings and said probe such that said circuit is open until said probe touches either of said contact rings, closing said circuit to actuate said alarm, said circuit including a means therein producing a different signal from said alarm depending on which contact ring has been contacted by said probe;
(e) said means to produce a different signal comprising a resistor wired between said primary contact and the rest of the circuit such that upon contacting said primary ring, a diminished current flows in said circuit, because of said resistor, producing a diminished signal;
and,
(f) said resistor is omissible or removable with said primary ring without destroying the integrity of the circuit through said secondary contact ring.

5 more elements

A two-step proximity indicator comprising:

(a) an elongated, electrically conductive normally substantially straight probe;
(b) a probe mounting means fixing a fixed end of said probe with an extending portion of said probe extending to terminate in a distal end;
(c) said probe mounting means also mounting a primary and a secondary contact ring, said rings being axially spaced along the extending portion of said probe, such that upon increasing the deflection of said probe from straight, it contacts first said primary ring, and subsequently said secondary ring;
and,
(d) an electrical alarm wired into a circuit which includes said rings and said probe such that said circuit is open until said probe touches either of said contact rings, closing said circuit to actuate said alarm, said circuit including a means therein producing a different signal from said alarm depending on which contact ring has been contacted by said probe;
(e) said means to produce a different signal comprising a resistor wired between said primary contact and the rest of the circuit such that upon contacting said primary ring, a diminished current flows in said circuit, because of said resistor, producing a diminished signal;
(f) said probe mounting means comprising an insulative plug having a base portion fixing the fixed end of said probe therein, and a forwardly extending collar releasably mounting said primary contact ring and in encircling relation to said probe, such that said primary ring can be omitted or removed to make said indicator a one-stage system having only the secondary contact ring in the circuit.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.