Abstract: A single-wire safety system architecture is provided that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels. The safety system comprises a safety relay acting as a communications master device and one or more compatible safety input devices connected in series with the safety relay via a single-wire communication circuit. The safety input device farthest from the safety relay on the safety circuit modulates a safety signal with a recognizable pulse pattern that traverses the single-wire safety circuit to the safety relay via the intermediate safety devices. The safety relay maintains safety mode as long as the pulse pattern is received and recognized. In addition to conveying the safety signal, the architecture allows bi-directional communication of initialization, configuration, and diagnostic messages over the single-wire safety channel.

Abstract: A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source is included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit radiation at a sufficient intensity to saturate each of the photosensitive devices. Each of the photosensitive devices generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of light detected at that device. A logic circuit uses the signals corresponding to the intensity of light to identify whether each of the photosensitive devices is performing at an acceptable level.

Abstract: A control assembly includes a locking device having at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the locking device configurable to change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation. The locking device has a non-contact sensor and a microcontroller. An independent communicator is configured to communicate configuration data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation using configuration data received from the independent communicator.

Abstract: A system for improving a sensing ability of an interlock switch system may include an interlock switch and a target component. The interlock switch may include a first antenna coil that may receive one or more signals from one or more antenna coils within a sensing range of the first antenna coil. The target component may include an actuator that may interface with the interlock switch. The target component may also include at least two antenna coils. Each of the at least two antenna coils may then include an electronic identification (ID) associated with the target component.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Abstract: A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source and a reference target are included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is mounted proximate to the photosensitive devices and the reference target is positioned opposite from the test light source. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit light at a known wavelength. The light is reflected from the reference target back to at least a portion of the photosensitive devices. A logic circuit uses the reflected light which is received at the portion of the photosensitive devices to determine the distance between the light source and the reference target. This calculated distance is compared against the known distance to verify correct operation of the optical sensor.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Abstract: A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided for a dual-channel inductive proximity sensor. The sensor can include a sensing element which includes a core having a first cavity and a second cavity, a first coil accommodated within the first cavity of the core, and a second coil housed within the second cavity of the core. Each coil can be independently driven by oscillators to generate respective magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can be monitored to determine whether detection of a target object occurs.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Abstract: A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source is included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit radiation at a sufficient intensity to saturate each of the photosensitive devices. Each of the photosensitive devices generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of light detected at that device. A logic circuit uses the signals corresponding to the intensity of light to identify whether each of the photosensitive devices is performing at an acceptable level.

Abstract: A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source and a reference target are included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is mounted proximate to the photosensitive devices and the reference target is positioned opposite from the test light source. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit light at a known wavelength. The light is reflected from the reference target back to at least a portion of the photosensitive devices. A logic circuit uses the reflected light which is received at the portion of the photosensitive devices to determine the distance between the light source and the reference target. This calculated distance is compared against the known distance to verify correct operation of the optical sensor.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided for a dual-channel inductive proximity sensor. The sensor can include a sensing element which includes a core having a first cavity and a second cavity, a first coil accommodated within the first cavity of the core, and a second coil housed within the second cavity of the core. Each coil can be independently driven by oscillators to generate respective magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can be monitored to determine whether detection of a target object occurs.

Abstract: A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: A portable fluid dispenser apparatus for dispensing fluids on the ground. The apparatus has a lightweight rigid frame structure interconnecting a forward wheel with to a rear connected pressurized fluid container. A fluid conveying tube provides a fluid communication conduit between the fluid container and the top of the ground engaging front wheel. The tube's front end is opened and located above the wheel to dispense the pressurized fluid under and adjacent to the path to be immediately followed by the movable forward wheel. In this manner the deposited formed fluid path is substantially the same width as the width of the wheel. One use of the invention is to form a chemically deposited formed weed killer edge around the perimeter of a grassy or garden area similar to that formed by an electric or mechanical edger. Other fluids used in ground control such as fertilizers and pesticides, may also be used with this invention whenever a narrow wheel defined fluid deposition path is desired.