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:
May. 07, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 12, 1998
Jeff W. Frank, Mayville, WI (US);
TAB Products Co, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
An infrared receiver mount is disclosed that is capable of directional reception with discrete positions and is applicable for use in a mobile carriage system. An infrared receiver is mounted within a conical section of an outer cover which directs the infrared receiver to receive infrared transmission from a first given angle of reception. The outer cover contains a plurality of grooves, which are engageable with a plurality of tabs located on a base plate to prevent rotation of the infrared receiver. The tab and groove system provides a discrete number of directions for the infrared receiver to receive infrared transmission from a second angle of reception. While this second angle of reception is adjustable, the first angle of reception is predetermined. In one application, the infrared receiver is mounted to the lower portion of a carriage in order to receive light beams from an infrared transmitter. By disengaging the tabs from the grooves, the infrared receiver is rotatable to vary the second angle of reception. This locking mechanism can then be locked into one of a distinct number of directions. The locking mechanism provides more precise placement of the infrared receivers in an optimal receiving orientation and prevents unintentional movement of the infrared receiver from its desired reception position.