Modular articulated light curtain

A light curtain coupleable to electronics providing operating power and drive signals and providing analysis of signals output by the light curtain, the light curtain comprising:

• a light emitting system defining a locus;
• said light emitting system including:
• a first module having a first rounded distal end, a second rounded distal end, and a length therebetween, and including on a surface of said first module an array of light emitters spaced-apart from each other with a pitch P1;
• said first distal end including a first electrical connector providing first connections, said second distal end including a second electrical connector providing second connections, and further including at least one lead electrically coupling at least some said first connections on said first electrical connector to said light units to at least some said second connections on said second electrical connector;
• a second module having a first rounded distal end, a second rounded distal end, and a length therebetween, and including on a surface of said second module an array of light emitters spaced-apart from each other with a pitch P1;
• said first distal end including a first electrical connector providing first connections, said second distal end including a second electrical connector providing second connections, and further including at least one lead electrically coupling at least some said first connections on said first electrical connector to said light emitters to at least some said second connections on said second electrical connector;
• a coupler disposed to receive and retain said first rounded distal end of said first module and said first rounded distal end of said second module, said coupler including a first electrical connector to make electrical connection with said first electrical connector on said first module, and including a second electrical connector to make electrical connection with said first electrical connector on said second module, said coupler maintaining said pitch P1 between adjacent ends of said first and second module;
• a light detecting system, spaced-apart from said light emitting system, also defining said locus;
• and
• means for coupling electrical signals to and from said light emitting system and said light detecting system.

A modular coupler for use in implementing a modular articulated light curtain, comprising:

• a module having a first rounded distal end having curved radius R, a second rounded distal end having curved radius R, and a length L therebetween;
• a plurality equal to a number n of light units disposed on a first surface of said module a common distance P1 apart from each other, said light units selected from a group consisting of (a) light emitters, and (b) light detectors;
• said first surface of said module at said first rounded distal end defining a curved ledge with radius R≦P1/2 overhanging an edge of a second surface of said module, said second surface of said module defining a base having radius R≦P1/2 extending beyond a second rounded distal end of said first surface;
• a first electrical connector, providing first connections, disposed beneath said curved ledge at said first rounded distal end;
• a second electrical connector, providing second connections, disposed on said base extending from said second surface;
• and
• means for electrically coupling at least some said first connections on said first electrical connector to said light units to at least some said second connections on said second electrical connector.

A modular articulated light curtain coupleable to electronics providing operating power and drive signals and providing analysis of signals output by the light curtain, comprising:

• a light emitting system defining a locus;
• said light emitting system including:
• first and second modules each having a first rounded distal end having curved radius R, a second rounded distal end having curved radius R, and a length L therebetween;
• a plurality equal to a number n of light emitters disposed on a first surface of each said module a common distance P1 apart from each other;
• said first surface of each said module at said first rounded distal end defining a curved ledge with radius R≦P1/2 overhanging an edge of a second surface of said module, said second surface of said module defining a base having radius R≦P1/2 extending beyond a second rounded distal end of said first surface;
• a first electrical connector, providing first connections, disposed beneath said curved ledge at said first rounded distal end;
• second electrical connector, providing second connections, disposed on said base extending from said second surface;
• each of said first and second modules including electrical connection between the first and second connectors on a module and including electrical connection to said light emitters;
• wherein a distal end of each of said modules is connectable-together using mating said electrical connectors to maintain said distance P1 from module to module, while allowing a desired angle between connected-together said modules to be achieved;
• a light detecting system, spaced-apart from said light emitting system, also defining said locus;
• and
• means for coupling electrical signals to and from said light emitting system and said light detecting system.