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:
Nov. 19, 1996
Filed:
Mar. 10, 1994
Philip E Clements, Littleton, CO (US);
Denver Dynamics, Inc., Englewood, CO (US);
Abstract
A metal detector especially adapted to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized deposit of metal objects into receptacles includes a housing provided with a central opening surrounded by a funnel-like surface for directing articles into a receptacle such as a medical waste disposal bag, a trash can, or a laundry hamper. For use in the medical field to prevent the inadvertent disposal of surgical instruments, the metal detector housing may be pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism to a medical waste bag disposal bag holding cart to allow convenient removal and replacement of disposal bags. Battery powered detection circuitry includes a detector coil surrounding the central opening and operative to trigger visual and audible alarms for signalling the passage of a metal article through the housing opening if the output voltage in the detector circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The detection circuitry includes an auto calibration feature which compares the output voltage of the detection coil with a reference voltage and integrates the results of the comparison over time to stabilize the sensitivity of the metal detector, while ignoring transient voltage fluctuations. A bar graph signal strength display in conjunction with a peak hold circuit allows an operator to evaluate the size of a metal article triggering an alarm.