Abstract: This invention provides an optical micro-switch, and a method of mass-producing such optical micro-switches. The optical micro-switch comprises a first housing half containing electronic circuitry which generates light and a second housing half containing electronic circuitry which senses light, the electronic circuitry is separated by a plunger with an aperture and a slide with two apertures. The plunger and slide are positioned in the light transmission path between the light-emitting circuitry and the light-sensing circuitry. The optical micro-switch has an input prong, output prong, and a ground prong. The slide can be moved into either of two different positions which configures the switch as a normally open switch or a normally closed switch. In mass-producing these optical micro-switches, a continuous tape lead frame is provided. This continuous tape lead frame contains duplicate sets of frame portions for the first housing half and a second housing half of each optical micro-switch produced.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical micro-switch, and a method of mass-producing such optical micro-switches. The optical micro-switch comprises a first housing half containing electronic circuitry which generates light and a second housing half containing electronic circuitry which senses light, the electronic circuitry is separated by a plunger with an aperture and a slide with two apertures. The plunger and slide are positioned in the light transmission path between the light-emitting circuitry and the light sensing circuitry. The optical micro-switch has an input prong, output prong, and a ground prong. The slide can be moved into either of two different positions which configures the switch as a normally open switch or a normally closed switch. In mass-producing these optical micro-switches, a continuous tape lead frame is provided. This continuous tape lead frame contains duplicate sets of frame portions for the first housing half and a second housing half of each optical micro-switch produced.

Abstract: A device for use to detect air in a fluid line between a medication infusion reservoir such as an IV bottle or bag and an IV injection set or a medication infusion pump is disclosed which utilizes a detector apparatus which clamps onto a segment of tubing. The detector uses a light source to generate light which is directed into the tubing, and two light detecting devices, one of which is used to determine whether or not the tubing is properly installed in the detector, and the other of which is used to detect the presence of air in the segment of tubing. The detector works equally well with transparent, translucent, or opaque fluids and includes means for ensuring that the detection system is functioning normally.

Abstract: An assembly of electrical components having electrical leads extending from a housing having channels for the leads extending through the end of the housing. The lead channels are of a depth about equal to the diameter of the leads with beveled bottom surface portions to engage the leads. A cover for the housing has protrusions on the inner face of the housing overlying each of the lead channels and the beveled portions and each dimensioned to interfere with the leads in the channels when the cover is secured to the housing.

Abstract: An optical transceiver for transmitting optical data to an optics communication channel and receiving optical data from the optics communication channel is disclosed. The transceiver includes a light sensor, a light emitter, and an interface between the optical transceiver and the optics communication channel. The light sensor is substantially optically isolated from the light emitter. Electrical data is transmitted responsive to the light sensor, and sufficient electric current is supplied to the light emitter responsive to received electrical data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an encoder assembly employing a single radiant energy source mounted oppositely disposed from two sensors. A shutter having two distinct leading edges is mounted for movement between the source and the sensors. One edge is aligned to interrupt the optical path between the source and one sensor and the other edge is aligned to interrupt the path between the source and the other sensor. The housing for mounting the sensors includes narrow optical apertures to provide sharp signal cut-off and widened slots below the apertures to prevent wicking of potting material into the optical apertures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-switch employing a light source and a photo-responsive device disposed in optically interconnected cavities in a common housing. The optical path interconnecting the two cavities is controlled by an opaque reciprocal plunger having a plurality of apertures therethrough which may be placed in register with the optical path by movement of the plunger. The switch may be converted from a normally open to a normally closed switch, or vice versa, by rotation of the plunger to alternately select the aperture in the plunger which may be placed in register with the optical path.