The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 11, 1989
Filed:
Aug. 25, 1987
John L Beiswenger, Salem, WI (US);
Oak Industries Inc., Rancho Bernardo, CA (US);
Abstract
A control system comprises a liquid crystal display panel; a light source; and a light detector. Light from the source is directed through at least a portion of the liquid crystal display panel to the light detector. A control circuit is provided for holding the liquid crystal display in generally opaque condition while preferably sequentially momentarily clarifying segments of the portion, whereby momentary, sequential, transversely spaced light beams are generated between the light source and the light detector. A timer and logic circuit is provided for correlating signals received from the light detector with generated, individual, spaced light beams that create the signals. Accordingly, occlusion of at least one of the individual light beams with an opaque member causes a specific characteristic response by the timer and logic circuit. In other words, when one of the individual light beams is occluded, the timer and logic circuit emits a characteristic signal which might activate a relay, send an instruction to a microprocessor, or cause some other action.