Abstract: An electrically operated fast-food service window with a plurality of upwardly focused infrared emitter/receivers mounted on the fast-food service window in a manner such that the emitter/receivers emit infrared beams at an angle slightly askew of an imaginary vertical plane. The sensors are used to reliably detect an employee in the immediate proximity of the fast-food service window as the employee bends over the horizontal service shelf adjacent to and attached to the fast-food service window as the employee begins to reach towards a customer. The sensors, although focused towards the interior of a building, do in not detect employees or traffic in the immediate vicinity of the fast-food service window thereby virtually eliminating the unintentional opening of the window. The uniquely oriented sensors are connected to an electric motor operator which opens the window as an employee prepares to deliver merchandise or other items to a customer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 9, 1998
Date of Patent:
April 25, 2006
Assignee:
Quikserv Corp.
Inventors:
Jason T. Epps, Dan L. Terry, Jackson G. Weaver