Optical data system having flash/receiver head for energizing/receiving information from a battery operated transmitter
AssigneeGTE Valenite Corporation
InventorRichard O. Juengel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission circuitry in response to a flash of infrared radiation. In another embodiment, the probe is turned on by touching the probe against a reference surface. In both embodiments, a timer is provided to automatically disconnect the batteries after a predetermined time period. In such manner battery life is prolonged.
Claims21
An apparatus for use in an inspection system comprising:
- a probe for sensing information about a workpiece, said probe including a battery power source and a transmitter means for wirelessly transmitting signals;
- means for moving the probe until it contacts a reference surface;
- circuit means responsive to the probe contact with the reference surface for coupling power from the battery power source to the transmitter means, said transmitter means generating a first signal upon being connected to the battery power source;
- remote receiver means for receiving said first signal from said transmitting means, said remote receiver means initiating a probe work sequence where the probe contacts the workpiece at preselected locations;
- said transmitter means generating a second signal in response to probe contact with the workpiece;
- and
- wherein when said probe initially contacts said reference surface the battery power source is connected to said transmitter means which thereafter transmits information about the inspected workpiece back to the remote receiver.
An apparatus for use in a machine tool system, said apparatus comprising:
- first means including a probe for sensing information about a workpiece, said first means further including a transmission circuit including an optical source for transmitting information relating to the workpiece and a power source selectively connectable to said circuit;
- second means positioned remotely from said first means for accepting the transmitted information, said second means including a housing having a window and a photodetector positioned within said housing adjacent said window;
- and
- reference surface means positioned proximate said workpiece, said power source connected to said circuit means upon contact of said probe with said referenced surface;
- wherein said optical source emits an optical signal to said photodetector upon connection of the power source and said second means initiates an inspection sequence on said workpiece upon receipt of the optical signal by said photodetector wherein said probe contacts said workpiece and said optical source emits an optical signal shifted in frequency upon contact of said probe with said workpiece.
A method of conserving battery power in a probe of a machine tool system, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) moving the probe to contact a reference surface;
- b) connecting the battery power to a probe transmission circuit upon contacting of the probe to the reference surface;
- c) transmitting an optical signal from an optical source on the probe in response to probe contact with the reference surface;
- d) positioning a photodetector remote from said probe for receiving the optical signal from the optical source;
- e) initiating a work sequence on a workpiece upon receipt by the photodetector of the optical signal from the transmission circuit;
- and
- f) transmitting further optical signals in response to probe contact with the workpiece during the work sequence.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.