Sensor with led current control for use in machines for washing articles

A sensor, comprising:

• a light source disposed to transmit a beam of light in a direction along a first line through a detection zone;
• a first light sensor disposed to receive light transmitted along said first line, said first light sensor providing a first signal representative of the intensity of light impinging on said first light sensor;
• a second light sensor disposed to receive light scattered along a second line, said second light sensor providing a second signal representative of the intensity of light impinging on said second light sensor, said second line extending at an angle from said first line;
• and
• a regulator for continuously controlling the intensity of said light source as a function of the highest one of said first and second signals, said regulator comprises an amplifier, said highest one of said first and second signals being connected in signal communication with an input of said amplifier, another input of said amplifier being connected in signal communication with a reference voltage.

A sensor, comprising:

• a light source disposed to transmit a beam of light in a direction along a first line through a detection zone;
• a first light sensor disposed to receive light transmitted along said first line, said first light sensor providing a first signal representative of the intensity of light impinging on said first light sensor;
• a second light sensor disposed to receive light scattered along a second line, said second light sensor providing a second signal representative of the intensity of light impinging on said second light sensor, said second line extending at an angle from said first line;
• and
• a regulator for controlling the intensity of light emanating from said light source as a function of a highest one of said first and second signals, said sensor being a turbidity sensor said regulator comprising an amplifier, said highest one of said first and second signals being connected in signal communication with an inverting input of said amplifier, a noninverting input of said amplifier being connected in signal communication with a reference voltage.