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:
Jun. 14, 1994
Filed:
May. 26, 1993
Terrance R Kinney, South Bend, IN (US);
Control Development, Inc., South Bend, IN (US);
Abstract
An optical sensor unit is provided which is capable of being manufactured as a small sensor package as a result of a novel housing used to align a sensing element with respect to an incoming optical signal, such as a beam of light generated by an LED or laser. An arcuate internal passage within the housing defines a reflective optical waveguide which is capable of redirecting the light as it travels through the housing, such that mirrors, prisms and collimating lenses are not required. Furthermore, the optical waveguide is an improvement over the use of optical fibers which are bent to form a waveguide, in that losses and mechanical failures associated with sharp bends in optical fibers are avoided.