Three-dimensional protective interlock apparatus
First Claim
1. In a control system for providing a protective interlock, the combination comprising:
- a plurality of light sources and a plurality of photosensitive devices for defining a set of light beams,means mounting said light sources and said photosensitive devices in spaced relationship with apparatus to be interlocked with a plurality of said light beams defining a protective three-dimensional volume,means responsive to interruption of at least two of said beams for inhibiting operation of said apparatus to be interlocked.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A photoelectric touch input panel has a plurality of crossed light beams which are broken by an object, the position coordinates of which are identified as outputs. Two spaced apart beam surfaces are provided, and the interrelationship between the beams in the two planes is employed to distinguish between interrupting objects on the basis of their size, attitude, and velocity characteristics. The number of beams broken in any beam plane is counted to determine the relative size of the object, or to determine the center line of the interrupting object. The beams in any beam plane are selected in accordance with the relative significance of the various beams, and interrupted beams are pulsed more rapidly than non-interrupted beams. The light-emitting devices of the various beam planes are constructed as an integral unit. The control system of the touch input panel is adapted for use in monitoring the size, shape, and activity of objects within a space defined by plural beam planes, independently of the touch input level.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. In a control system for providing a protective interlock, the combination comprising:
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a plurality of light sources and a plurality of photosensitive devices for defining a set of light beams, means mounting said light sources and said photosensitive devices in spaced relationship with apparatus to be interlocked with a plurality of said light beams defining a protective three-dimensional volume, means responsive to interruption of at least two of said beams for inhibiting operation of said apparatus to be interlocked. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification