Fiberoptic fluid level sensing mechanism

Abstract

A fiberoptic fluid level sensing mechanism is provided which is operable for performing fluid level sensing as applied particularly to a mixing and dispensing device. The mechanism embodies light projecting means supported in the device so as to be positionable in juxtaposed relation to an external light source and operable to project the light rays received from the light source towards the exposed end of the fiberoptic rod. Photoelectric means is supported in juxtaposed relation to the opposite end of the shaft, and more particularly the other end of the fiberoptic bundle. In accord with the mode of operation of the mechanism, light rays from the external light source are projected through the light projecting means into the interior of the mixing chamber wherein they are operable to light the latter. As the opaque material in the chamber is dispensed, the level thereof decreases until the exposed end of the fiberoptic bundle is rendered visible. Thereupon, the light rays being projected into the mixing chamber strike the exposed end of the fiberoptic bundle and are transmitted thereby the length of the bundle whereupon they are received by the photoelectric means wherein they are operable to activate the latter to cause a control function to be initiated thereby such as for example, stopping further operation of the device until the supply of dispensible material in the mixing chamber has been replenished.