US3610941A - Rotatable grooved light-conducting rod for program control - Google Patents

Rotatable grooved light-conducting rod for program control Download PDF

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Publication number
US3610941A
US3610941A US50741A US3610941DA US3610941A US 3610941 A US3610941 A US 3610941A US 50741 A US50741 A US 50741A US 3610941D A US3610941D A US 3610941DA US 3610941 A US3610941 A US 3610941A
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United States
Prior art keywords
rod
luminous
set forth
grooves
program control
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Expired - Lifetime
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US50741A
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Erich West
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PEABODY ENGINEERING CORP OF CA
PEABODY ENGINEERING CORP OF CANADA Ltd
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PEABODY ENGINEERING CORP OF CA
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/12—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using record carriers
    • G05B19/124—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using record carriers using tapes, cards or discs with optically sensed marks or codes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S385/00—Optical waveguides
    • Y10S385/901—Illuminating or display apparatus

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • This invention relates to a program device which is adapted to control a series of programmed functions in a timed sequence.
  • An object is to provide a device of the above type in which the timing of the steps and the sequence can be readily adjusted.
  • Another object is to provide such a device which is capable of operating for long periods of time without service or adjustment.
  • Another object is to provide a device of the above type which are applicable to various uses and for controlling various types of apparatus.
  • the invention utilizes a rod of glass or plexiglas of the type which conducts light internally by internal reflection from one end to the other and appears dark on its cylindrical surface except where the otherwise smooth surface is interrupted by a scratch or groove.
  • the rod is mounted for rotation by a motor at a controlled speed and is provided with a series of circumferential grooves a selected area of which is rendered opaque.
  • a photoelectric cell registers with each groove and is energized when registering with the nonopaque portion of the respective grooves as the rod rotates. Thus each cell is energized in a predetermined controlled sequence and may be connected to control a program function.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying the invention with parts broken away for clarity and FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken along the line 22 of HO. 1.
  • the invention is shown as embodied in a rod of a glass having the property above described which is mounted at one end of a shaft 11, journaled in a bracket 12 and driven by a motor 13 through a gear reduction device 14.
  • the motor 13 is preferably of the .direct current type having a speed which varies according to the voltage of the driving circuit so that the speed of themotor and the rod 10 can be varied over a comparatively wide range.
  • the rod 10 is mounted in rollers 15 carried on a bracket 16 and is formed with an end recess 17 adapted to receive a light source 18 which is also mounted in the bracket 16.
  • the rod 10 is provided with a series of circumferential grooves 20 at least some of which are rendered opaque over a portion 21 of their areas leaving portions 22 which are illuminated by the light source 18.
  • a series of photoelectric cells 25 are mounted in transverse slots 26 in a base member 27 which also supports the brackets 12 and 16.
  • the cells 25 register with the respective grooves 20 in the rod 10 and are centered with respect to the rod by ad justment in the slots 26.
  • the cells 25 are energized in a controlled sequence by the luminous portions 22 of the respective grooves 20 as the rod rotates.
  • Each of the cells 25 may be connected through suitable relays which may be of the transistor type to control a program function.
  • the motor 13 may be of the direct current type and is indicatedas supplied with voltages V V and V: by lines 30, 31
  • relays 33, 34 and 35 may be connected to be actuated by certain of said cells 25 when energized by luminous portions 22 of said groove 20 so that the speed of the motor is varied in the different positions of the rod as it rotates.
  • the motor may be connected to produce one complete revolution of the rod 10 or to stop and reset the rod when interrupted or to operate in sequential steps according to the particular use to which the device is applied.
  • a program control apparatus comprising a rod composed of a material which transmits light longitudinally by internal reflection and appears dark along its longitudinal surface except in areas where the longitudinal surface is grooved, means mounting said rod for rotation, a light source disposed to supply light to said rod at one end thereof, said rod having a series of axially spaced circumferential grooves each of which is adapted to appear luminous over a predetermined area, a photoelectic cell registering with each of said grooves to be energized by the luminous area thereof in a predetermined sequence as the rod rotates.

Abstract

A program control system comprising a glass or plexiglas rod illuminated at one end and having circumferential grooves which appear luminous due to the light rays within the rod. A selected portion of each groove is blackened or otherwise rendered opaque so that a selected area only remains luminous. A photoelectric cell is actuated by the luminous portion of each groove in sequence as the rod rotates and is connected to actuate a selected function in the program.

Description

9 ime I XR 396101941 l Inventor Erich West [561 References Cited Mississauga Canada UNITED STATES PATENTS 1. N 0 741 Q; i 29 1970 2,506,672 5/1950 Kell et al 350/96X 3,060,319 10/1962 Greunke 250/227 x Patented Oct. 5, 1971 Assignee Pea body Engineering Corporation f 3,237,012 2/1966 Treffe1sen 250/231 X 3,457,424 7/1969 Jordan et a1. 250/227 Canada Ltd. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada OTHER REFERENCES ROTATABLE GROOVED LlGHT-CONDlllCTlNG ROD FOR PROGRAM CONTROL 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.
US. Cl 250/227, 250/219 DD, 350/96 Int. CL G02b 5/14 Field of Search 250/219 DD, 227, 231 SE; 350/96 R Litz: IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, V01. 1', No. 1; pp. 27, 28;.lune, 1958. 250/219 Primary Examiner-Walter Stolwein AttorneyNathaniel L. Leek ABSTRACT: A program control system comprising a glass or plexiglas rod illuminated at one end and having circumferential grooves which appear luminous due to the light rays within the rod. A selected portion of each groove is blackened or otherwise rendered opaque so that a selected area only remains luminous. A photoelectric cell is actuated by the luminous portion of each groove in sequence as the rod rotates and is connected to actuate a selected function in the pro gram.
PATENTED 0m 5 |97| FIG.
FIG.
' INVENTOR. ERICH WEST ft. m
ATTORNEY ROTATABLE GROOVED LIGHT-CONDUCTING ROD I FOR PROGRAM CONTROL This invention relates to a program device which is adapted to control a series of programmed functions in a timed sequence.
An object is to provide a device of the above type in which the timing of the steps and the sequence can be readily adjusted.
Another object is to provide such a device which is capable of operating for long periods of time without service or adjustment.
Another object is to provide a device of the above type which are applicable to various uses and for controlling various types of apparatus.
Various other objects and advantages will be apparent as the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed.
In one embodiment the invention utilizes a rod of glass or plexiglas of the type which conducts light internally by internal reflection from one end to the other and appears dark on its cylindrical surface except where the otherwise smooth surface is interrupted by a scratch or groove. The rod is mounted for rotation by a motor at a controlled speed and is provided with a series of circumferential grooves a selected area of which is rendered opaque. A photoelectric cell registers with each groove and is energized when registering with the nonopaque portion of the respective grooves as the rod rotates. Thus each cell is energized in a predetermined controlled sequence and may be connected to control a program function..
The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which a specific example has been set forth for purposes of illustration. in the drawing:
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying the invention with parts broken away for clarity and FIG. 2 is a transverse section taken along the line 22 of HO. 1.
Referring to the drawing more in detail the invention is shown as embodied in a rod of a glass having the property above described which is mounted at one end of a shaft 11, journaled in a bracket 12 and driven by a motor 13 through a gear reduction device 14. The motor 13 is preferably of the .direct current type having a speed which varies according to the voltage of the driving circuit so that the speed of themotor and the rod 10 can be varied over a comparatively wide range. At its free end the rod 10 is mounted in rollers 15 carried on a bracket 16 and is formed with an end recess 17 adapted to receive a light source 18 which is also mounted in the bracket 16.
The rod 10 is provided with a series of circumferential grooves 20 at least some of which are rendered opaque over a portion 21 of their areas leaving portions 22 which are illuminated by the light source 18.
A series of photoelectric cells 25 are mounted in transverse slots 26 in a base member 27 which also supports the brackets 12 and 16. The cells 25 register with the respective grooves 20 in the rod 10 and are centered with respect to the rod by ad justment in the slots 26. The cells 25 are energized in a controlled sequence by the luminous portions 22 of the respective grooves 20 as the rod rotates.
Each of the cells 25 may be connected through suitable relays which may be of the transistor type to control a program function.
The motor 13 may be of the direct current type and is indicatedas supplied with voltages V V and V: by lines 30, 31
and 32 through relays 33, 34 and 35 respectively, these relays may be connected to be actuated by certain of said cells 25 when energized by luminous portions 22 of said groove 20 so that the speed of the motor is varied in the different positions of the rod as it rotates.
The motor may be connected to produce one complete revolution of the rod 10 or to stop and reset the rod when interrupted or to operate in sequential steps according to the particular use to which the device is applied.
What is claimed is:
1. A program control apparatus comprising a rod composed of a material which transmits light longitudinally by internal reflection and appears dark along its longitudinal surface except in areas where the longitudinal surface is grooved, means mounting said rod for rotation, a light source disposed to supply light to said rod at one end thereof, said rod having a series of axially spaced circumferential grooves each of which is adapted to appear luminous over a predetermined area, a photoelectic cell registering with each of said grooves to be energized by the luminous area thereof in a predetermined sequence as the rod rotates.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said grooves are annular and are covered in part by an opaque substance so that the remaining portion only of said groove appears luminous.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod is pro vided with an end recess and a light source is disposed in said recess.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which the luminous portions of successive grooves are displaced peripherally around said rod whereby said cells are successively energized as said rod is rotated.
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which a variable speed motor is connected to rotate said rod.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which certain of said cells are connected to control the speed of said motor whereby the speed of rotation is automatically varied in different positions of said rod.

Claims (6)

1. A program control apparatus comprising a rod composed of a material which transmits light longitudinally by internal reflection and appears dark along its longitudinal surface except in areas where the longitudinal surface is grooved, means mounting said rod for rotation, a light source disposed to supply light to said rod at one end thereof, said rod having a series of axially spaced circumferential grooves each of which is adapted to appear luminous over a predetermined area, a photoelectic cell registering with each of said grooves to be energized by the luminous area thereof in a predetermined sequence as the rod rotates.
2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said grooves are annular and are covered in part by an opaque substance so that the remaining portion only of said groove appears luminous.
3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rod is provided with an end recess and a light source is disposed in said recess.
4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which the luminous portions of successive grooves are displaced peripherally around said rod whereby said cells are successively energized as said rod is rotated.
5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which a variable speed motor is connected to rotate said rod.
6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which certain of said cells are connected to control the speed of said motor whereby the speed of rotation is automatically varied in different positions of said rod.
US50741A 1970-06-29 1970-06-29 Rotatable grooved light-conducting rod for program control Expired - Lifetime US3610941A (en)

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3731107A (en) * 1971-12-15 1973-05-01 United Aircraft Corp Optical shaft encoder
US3859823A (en) * 1972-03-13 1975-01-14 United Merchants & Mfg Control system for high pile circular knitting machines
FR2293734A1 (en) * 1974-12-07 1976-07-02 Kuze Yoshikazu PHOTO-SEQUENCE PROGRAMMING DEVICE
DE2646047A1 (en) * 1976-10-09 1978-06-01 Licentia Gmbh Contactless rotary switch using optical or magnetic elements - consists of flat disc with central lamp and radial light conductor
US4185274A (en) * 1978-07-12 1980-01-22 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy High-speed electrooptical A/D converter
EP0210884A1 (en) * 1985-06-25 1987-02-04 Esswein S.A. Programming unit for a washing machine
US4678279A (en) * 1982-05-11 1987-07-07 Kei Mori Method of producing a photoradiator device
US5347123A (en) * 1993-05-06 1994-09-13 Motorola, Inc. Optical control switch device having a plurality of light receptors
US6134092A (en) * 1998-04-08 2000-10-17 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Illumination device for non-emissive displays
US6473554B1 (en) 1996-12-12 2002-10-29 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Lighting apparatus having low profile
US20070284993A1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2007-12-13 Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Side Illumination Lens and Luminescent Device Using the Same

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2506672A (en) * 1945-10-31 1950-05-09 Rca Corp Signal transmission system
US3060319A (en) * 1960-12-08 1962-10-23 United Aircraft Corp Optical synchronizer
US3237012A (en) * 1962-05-21 1966-02-22 Sperry Rand Corp Photosensitive digitally encoded indicator for use with mechanical movements
US3457424A (en) * 1965-07-15 1969-07-22 Gary B Jordan Perforated record system using light transmitting block

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2506672A (en) * 1945-10-31 1950-05-09 Rca Corp Signal transmission system
US3060319A (en) * 1960-12-08 1962-10-23 United Aircraft Corp Optical synchronizer
US3237012A (en) * 1962-05-21 1966-02-22 Sperry Rand Corp Photosensitive digitally encoded indicator for use with mechanical movements
US3457424A (en) * 1965-07-15 1969-07-22 Gary B Jordan Perforated record system using light transmitting block

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Litz: IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 1; No. 1; pp. 27, 28; June, 1958. 250/219 *

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3731107A (en) * 1971-12-15 1973-05-01 United Aircraft Corp Optical shaft encoder
US3859823A (en) * 1972-03-13 1975-01-14 United Merchants & Mfg Control system for high pile circular knitting machines
FR2293734A1 (en) * 1974-12-07 1976-07-02 Kuze Yoshikazu PHOTO-SEQUENCE PROGRAMMING DEVICE
DE2646047A1 (en) * 1976-10-09 1978-06-01 Licentia Gmbh Contactless rotary switch using optical or magnetic elements - consists of flat disc with central lamp and radial light conductor
US4185274A (en) * 1978-07-12 1980-01-22 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy High-speed electrooptical A/D converter
US4678279A (en) * 1982-05-11 1987-07-07 Kei Mori Method of producing a photoradiator device
EP0210884A1 (en) * 1985-06-25 1987-02-04 Esswein S.A. Programming unit for a washing machine
US5347123A (en) * 1993-05-06 1994-09-13 Motorola, Inc. Optical control switch device having a plurality of light receptors
US6473554B1 (en) 1996-12-12 2002-10-29 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Lighting apparatus having low profile
US6647199B1 (en) 1996-12-12 2003-11-11 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Lighting apparatus having low profile
US6134092A (en) * 1998-04-08 2000-10-17 Teledyne Lighting And Display Products, Inc. Illumination device for non-emissive displays
US20070284993A1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2007-12-13 Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Side Illumination Lens and Luminescent Device Using the Same
US7748873B2 (en) 2004-10-07 2010-07-06 Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Side illumination lens and luminescent device using the same
US20100220485A1 (en) * 2004-10-07 2010-09-02 Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Side illumination lens and luminescent device using the same
US7901113B2 (en) 2004-10-07 2011-03-08 Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Side illumination lens and luminescent device using the same

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