Abstract: An optoelectronic tilt detector (10 and 35) having a cavity (17) is provided. The cavity (17) has a sidewall (18), a tapered floor (19), and a tapered ceiling (20). The tapered floor (19) and the tapered ceiling (20) have a first passage (23) and a second passage (24) through which radiation such as light may pass. Housed within the cavity (17) is an opaque sphere (14). The opaque sphere (14) moves within the container (17) in accordance with the tilt of the cavity (17) to uncover either the first passage (23) or the second passage (24). The opaque sphere (14) may operate in conjunction with a light emitting device (12) and a light detector (13) to allow radiation to travel from the light emitting device (12) to the light detector (13) when the cavity (17) is tilted, thereby providing a measure of tilt.

Abstract: A reprographic media detector having a source of electromagnetic radiation (12) aimed at a reflector (17) is provided. A first detector (13) is positioned near the paper path for detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected from the reflector and a first portion of the paper path. A second detector (14) is positioned near the paper path for detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected from the reflector and a second portion of the paper path. Outputs of the first detector (13) and the second detector (14) are differentially amplified to produce an output signal indicating when an edge of a media sheet is illuminated by the source of electromagnetic radiation (12).

Abstract: A detector for sensing speed/direction of movement of apparatus including a reticle with alternate transparent and opaque portions coupled to the apparatus and having a light source mounted on one side and two spaced apart light sensors on the other side, which sensors produce alternate output signals with movement of the reticle. The sensor output signals are differentially compared to produce a digital output signal with a constant duty cycle. A second pair of light sensors is utilized to produce quadrature digital signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coupling an electrical signal to an optical fiber (14). The method includes encapsulating an electrical connector (21), an optical semiconductor device (18,36), and a fiber optic cable (14) all in one body (23,38,41,42). The semiconductor device (18,36) is electrically coupled to the electrical connector (21), and is also aligned to the fiber optic cable (14). The components are encapsulated in one single body (23,38,41,42). The single body (23,38,41,42) permanently maintains the alignment. The electrical connector (21) portion of the body (23,38,41,42) provides an easy means to couple the fiber optical cable (14) to electrical signals.