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Liquid drop image sensor

  • US 4,936,828 A
  • Filed: 09/08/1988
  • Issued: 06/26/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for measuring the volume of a drop of fluid comprises:

  • means for providing a falling drop of fluid;

    a single light beam emitter;

    a single array of linearly aligned light sensors positioned from said light emitter to receive light energy therefrom and form a gap therebetween;

    means for sequentially activating said light emitter as said drop passes through said gap to cast a shadow of said drop on said array to generate a series of signals, each of said signals representing a separate cross-sectional width of said drop;

    a collimating lens positioned between said emitter and said array to direct collimated light across said gap;

    an aperture positioned between said emitter and said lens to limit the divergence of said light beam; and

    means to use said signals for calculating the fluid volume of said drop.

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