US 5,576,621 A · Hinged metal detection cover for a receptacle

Abstract

A metal detector especially adapted to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized deposit of metal objects into receptacles includes a housing provided with a central opening surrounded by a funnel-like surface for directing articles into a receptacle such as a medical waste disposal bag, a trash can, or a laundry hamper. For use in the medical field to prevent the inadvertent disposal of surgical instruments, the metal detector housing may be pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism to a medical waste bag disposal bag holding cart to allow convenient removal and replacement of disposal bags. Battery powered detection circuitry includes a detector coil surrounding the central opening and operative to trigger visual and audible alarms for signalling the passage of a metal article through the housing opening if the output voltage in the detector circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The detection circuitry includes an auto calibration feature which compares the output voltage of the detection coil with a reference voltage and integrates the results of the comparison over time to stabilize the sensitivity of the metal detector, while ignoring transient voltage fluctuations. A bar graph signal strength display in conjunction with a peak hold circuit allows an operator to evaluate the size of a metal article triggering an alarm.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A metal detector, comprising:

a housing provided with an aperture adapted for the passage of articles therethrough, said housing having a substantially rectangular shape and including a downwardly depending peripheral skirt portion adapted to at least partially overlie a receptacle for receiving articles inserted through said aperture;
means in said housing for detecting the passage of metal articles through said aperture in said housing;
and
a hinge on said housing for mounting said housing to said receptacle for movement between an open position allowing access to the receptacle and a closed position for substantially blocking access to the receptacle, except through said aperture in said housing.

1 more element

A metal detector, comprising;

a housing provided with an aperture adapted for the passage of articles therethrough, said aperture disposed substantially centrally in said housing and further comprising a downwardly and inwardly and inclined funnel-like surface of said housing surrounding said aperture, said housing having a substantially rectangular shape and including a downwardly depending peripheral skirt portion adapted to at least partially overlie a receptacle for receiving inserted through said aperture;
said housing including an upwardly inclined control console including a visual display for indicating the size of metal objects inserted through said aperture in said housing;
means in said housing for detecting the passage of metal articles through said aperture in said housing:
and
a hinge on said housing for mounting said housing to said receptacle for movement between an open position allowing access to the receptacle and a closed position for substantially blocking access to the receptacle, except through said aperture in said housing.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hinged metal detection cover for a receptacle

Life of this patent

Hinged metal detection cover for a receptacle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14