Abstract: An optical transducer includes a light source, a fluorescent-doped fiber optic spaced from the light source for receiving radiant energy from the light source, and a light blocking member interposed between the fiber optic and the light collector. A photosensor is positioned adjacent each end of the fiber optic. The light blocking member extends between the light source and at least a portion of the fiber optic for blocking at least a portion of the radiant energy from the fiber optic. The light blocking member is movable with respect to the fiber optic in response to an applied force on the light blocking member for varying the position of the radiant energy incident on the fiber optic to thereby vary the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the fiber optic ends. With this arrangement, the amount of radiant energy received by the fluorescent-doped fiber optic and detected by the photosensor is indicative of the applied force.

Abstract: The optical fuse of the present invention comprises: at least one light heatable portion for receiving an incident beam, and at least one thermally sensitive degradable portion with transparency and reflectivity, positioned in contact with the light heatable portion. The light heatable portion contains a light heatable material which generates heat depending on a specified light intensity of the incident beam. The thermally sensitive degradable portion contains a thermally sensitive degradable material which loses or reduces its transparency and reflectivity, depending on the heat generated by the light heatable portion when the light intensity of the incident beam exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A light valve has a pair of rotating vanes for controlling the cross section of a light beam passing between the vanes. The vanes rotate on corresponding shafts, each controlled by its own integral motor. Separate feedback control systems produce electrical control signals to each motor for rotating each shaft independently of the other to control the desired phase angles of the vanes. Error signals fed to variable gain amplifiers control the positions of the vanes. Whenever new commands are input to the variable gain amplifiers, amplifier gain is temporarily switched to a high gain mode, and after the phase angle of the shaft has stabilized, the amplifier gain is switched back to a low gain mode. The vanes are aligned on a common plane, and the vanes both rotate in an angular direction of rotation toward or away from the axis to reduce or enlarge the light opening between the vanes.

Abstract: An optical switch of the multiple push button type for producing a plurality of control signals includes a housing and at least two sliders disposed within the housing. The sliders move between an initial position and at least two other positions. A pair of stationary light shields are disposed between said sliders in spaced apart relation, each of the shields having a plurality of apertures. Light emitting means are disposed between the stationary light shields. Separate light responsive means are disposed adjacent to each of the sliders. A pair of moveable light shields, each disposed between one of the stationary light shields and one of the light responsive means, each has a plurality of apertures and each is movable in response to movement of a separate one of the sliders. Circuitry responds to output of the light responsive means to produce the foregoing control signals, such output being dependent upon the position of the sliders.

Abstract: In a photointerrupter comprising a light emitting diode and a photo transistor which are opposed to each other, the photo transistor has an emitter which is grounded through a resistor while the light emitting diode has a cathode which is connected to an input terminal of a one IC chip for controlling a flexible disk drive. The one IC chip incorporates a constant current source which is connected to the input terminal through an npn-type bipolar transistor. The one IC chip incorporates a logic circuit having an output terminal which is connected to a base of the npn-type bipolar transistor.

Abstract: A light-controlled safety switch for an automated press includes an optical transmitter and receiver affixed to the press frame just above the press ram that redirects the light beam from vertical to horizontal. A light beam is directed downward from the transmitter to a 45-degree reflective surface on the ram. A cross-hole, perpendicular to the centerline of the ram, and a second 45-degree opposite-facing reflector opposite to the first reflective surface returns the light beam to the receiver. Thus, an optical path is achieved from the transmitter to the first reflector, through the ram, to the second reflector and then back up to the receiver. The opposing 45-degree reflectors are preferably provided by a 45-degree dished collar with a light-reflective interfacing surface fitted about the ram.

Abstract: A switch structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or of contamination resulting from beverage, or continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The switch structure has an actuatable member having an manipulable portion and a tube extending from the manipulable portion in the direction to be pushed. A protuberance is installed in a core of the tube and arranged to guide the motion of the actuatable member in response to the application of a pushing force to the manipulable portion thereof. A switch is provided for producing a variation in an electrical condition in response to the actuatable member being pushed. A support element has a recess for accommodating therein the actuatable member, there remaining a space surrounding the periphery of the actuatable member sufficient to accommodate contaminants.

Abstract: An article comprising a light-actuated photonic switch is disclosed. The light-actuated photonic switch advantageously includes a photogenerator that powers a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switch having very low voltage requirements. The MEMS switch is operable to move a reflector into or out of a path of an optical signal travelling between two waveguides. Since the MEMS switch has such low voltage requirements, a long wave photogenerator, which generates relatively low voltages, can be used. As long wavelength light experiences relatively little attenuation in optical fiber, active lightwave circuits incorporating the present light-actuated photonic switch can have very long fiber runs to remote nodes.

Abstract: A plurality of light-receiving devices dispersed over the area of an IC chip operate in response to the opening of an IC device such that switching transistors are turned on or off to prohibit the normal operation of logic circuits or logic elements, thereby securing protection against normal reading of the internal data of the opened IC device, particularly against the analysis of the IC's internal logic with an electron beam tester.

Abstract: A push button structure that is particularly suited for gaming equipment is tolerant of the spillage of food or beverage, or of continued operation thereof by individuals with soiled hands. The push button structure has an actuatable member having an outwardly extending flange and a manipulable portion. A retaining member is provided with an opening through which is exposed the manipulable portion of the actuatable member. A protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the retaining member or on the outer surface of the outwardly extending flange of the actuatable member to prevent the surfaces from communicating with each another over a large contact area. The reduction in the contact area reduces the strength of adhesion therebetween resulting from the contaminants.

Abstract: A non-mechanical switch for actuating a light beam scanning device disposed within a device housing. The device housing has a first area for emitting a scanning light beam from the device. The switch is formed of a light source and a light detector disposed within the device housing, the light source emits light through a second area on the device housing. The light detector is adapted to receive light emitted from the light source and reflected back through the second area toward the light detector by an object disposed outside of the device housing. The light detector has an output signal that is coupled by electronic circuitry to a light beam scanner within the light beam scanning device. The electronic circuitry is adapted to selectively actuate the light beam scanning device in response to the output signal from the light detector. The first area on the device housing for emitting the scanning light beam from the device is separate from the second area on the device housing.

Abstract: An illumination optical apparatus includes a light source emitting an illumination light beam, the illumination light beam being directed along a predetermined optical path, a variable optical filter disposed on the predetermined optical path of the illumination light beam for controlling the intensity of the illumination light beam, a transmissivity of the variable optical filter with respect to the illumination light beam being continuously variable, and an optical integrator receiving the illumination light beam that has passed through the variable optical filter to form a plurality of images of the light source.

Abstract: An optical switch assembly for a two-way radio has electrical and mechanical subassemblies. The electrical portion consists an IR emitter (12) and a pair of IR receivers (14,16) strategically positioned upon a printed circuit board (10). The mechanical portion consists of a rotatable interposer mechanism (20) interconnected to a knob (35) on the radio via a shaft (28). The interposer has inner (22) and outer (24) concentric cylindrical walls. The outer wall controls the light transmitted between the emitter and one of the receivers (16), ultimately controlling the On-Off state of the radio. The inner wall has an integrated gray-scale graphic which controls the transmission of light between the emitter and the other IR receiver (14), ultimately controlling the audio output of the radio.

Abstract: A device for sensing a sudden stop of a machine is disclosed. A spring-biased weight wheel is selectively moved in response to a predetermined extent of inertia force. A beam shutter is connected to the weight wheel and is selectively inserted into an optical sensor, thus intercepting a light beam of the sensor and allowing the sensor to generate a sudden stop signal. The spring force for the weight wheel is adjustable by controlling the position of a movable support plate and so the sensitivity of the device is controllable. The device is only started in response to the predetermined extent of inertial force, thus being almost completely prevented from being unexpectedly started by normal operational vibrations or rotating motions of the machine.

Abstract: A "no touch", two state switch is controlled by light emitted thereby which is reflected back to the switch to actuate or deactuate the switch when reflected by a hand or other object spaced from but adjacent to the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an early warning braking system whereby drivers are provided with the greatest opportunity to avoid a collision. This is accomplished by monitoring a drivers foot motions. When the braking process occurs, the drivers foot breaks an optical circuit, before engagement with the brake pedal, thereby illuminating the brake lights a moment in time before they would be normally illuminated. At 60 miles per hour this cold give a driver an additional 88 extra feet of braking distance.

Abstract: A selector assembly for use in avionic multifunctional displays to perform quadrature and push button functions is described herein. The selector assembly utilizes two sensors and a cylindrical band with an encoder pattern having three distinct zones to sense either direction of rotation (quadrature) of a knob or its push motion. The pattern can include regions that are absorptive and reflective to infrared (IR) energy. The selector assembly uses the two sensors to sense a pattern rotation or a push motion of the pattern, thereby reducing the number of mechanical and sensing components and simplifying the wiring associated with the assembly. The encoder pattern is molded either directly on the inside of the knob or on a label that is adhered to the interior surface of the knob. The physical components and the sensors of the encoder mechanism are also placed within the knob of the selector assembly, thereby optimizing the useable glass surface area available for avionic displays.

Abstract: A detecting mechanism has a sensor for detecting different levels of transmissivity to provide an output signal representative of the transmissivity level detected. The detecting mechanism is provided with circuitry for changing its sensitivity.

Abstract: A linear operating mechanism for a slotted optical switch 10 which produces a guaranteed OFF-point for a consistent linear displacement of a switch operator 58 with respect to a reference surface 66 of the device enclosure 62. The guaranteed OFF-point is consistently repeatable from one device to another. The device enclosure 62 defines an integrally formed support for receiving an emitter 14 and a receiver 18 of the slotted optical switch 10. The enclosure 62 further defines a fixed Off-plane 114 immediately adjacent the receiver 18 and precisely located with respect to a reference surface 66 on an outside surface of the enclosure 62. The switch operator 58 is received within the optical switch slot and has a distal end 86 extending outside the enclosure 62 a precise distance with respect to the reference surface 66 when the operator is in a normally biased first position.

Abstract: A non-contact type position transducer has a light emitting block for splitting a light beam into two light sub-beams and a light detecting block for receiving one of the light sub-beams and another light sub-beam radiated from another light emitting block, and the light emitting blocks and the light detecting blocks shared between a plurality of non-contact type position transducers make the arrangement of non-contact type position transducers simple.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing translational and rotational control signals comprises a base; a handle; and a suspension system operable to resiliently couple the handle to the base such that the handle may be freely moved in translational and rotational directions relative to the base and to move the handle to a neutral position when no forces are applied to the handle. The suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members each having an orientation axis, the suspension members being disposed such that respective pairs of the orientation axes are orthogonal to each other; and a plurality of sensors, each sensor having a pair of sensor components, at least two sensors being coupled to each of the suspension members and operable to sense translational and rotational movement of the respective suspension member along its orientation axis, the sensors producing output signals indicative of the translational and rotational movement of the handle with respect to the base.

Abstract: A controller has a light source, such as a light emitting diode ("LED") and a photosensitive element, such as a photodiode mounted on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board ("PCB"). The controller also includes a flexible element having a first shape (e.g. a substantially flat shape) and located adjacent to the substrate opposite to the light source and the photosensitive element. The flexible element transfers a first portion of light from the light source to the photosensitive element. On application of a force to the flexible element (e.g. by touching the flexible element), the flexible element deforms elastically from the first shape into a second shape. In the second shape, the flexible element transfers a second portion of light to the photosensitive element. On cessation of application of the first force, the flexible element reverts back to the first shape, and so transfers the first portion of light to the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A position transducer determines a current key position through variation of light intensity interrupted by a shutter plate attached to a key, and a semi-column shaped convex lens elongates the light beam radiated from an optical fiber in a direction parallel to the trajectory of the key so that the light beam fully covers the motion of the shutter plate.

Abstract: A chemical sensor (11) including a light source (12) for producing a light flux bundle (16), an optical detector (14) for receiving a transmitted light flux bundle (24), and an absorber/expander sensor element (18) supported by a holder or support (20). Absorber/expander sensor element (18) is positioned in the space between light source (12) and optical detector (14). The absorber/expander material of sensor element (18) changes its size by either expanding or contracting in the presence of a particular chemical component. An edge (22) of sensor element (18) acts like a shutter and moves in and out of the path of travel of light flux (16), as the sensor element changes in size, which affects the intensity of light reaching and detected by optical detector (14).

Abstract: A photoelectric switch having a rectifier for converting a received AC voltage to a DC voltage, a transparent cover having a user friendly finger rest surface, means for generating a pulsed infrared beam across the finger rest surface, means responsive to the breaking of the pulsed infrared beam by an operator placing at least one finger on the finger rest surface to actuate a relay to generate an output signal, and means for disabling the actuation of the relay in response to the operator removing his finger from the finger rest surface restoring the continuity of the pulsed infrared beam. The photoelectric switch includes fault protection circuits which disable the relay when the AC voltage is below a predetermined voltage, when the ambient infrared background illumination exceeds a predetermined value, or when the means for generating a pulsed infrared beam fails to generate the beam.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method, apparatus and equipment for detecting the hit location of a projectile passing through a target plane. A light source generates at least two zones of light which subtend between them a specified angle. The light zones sweep the target plane, illuminating a projectile crossing the target plane and casting a shadow of the projectile onto a screen, preferably a difuse, ground-glass screen.

Abstract: A portable, hand held light source unit is employed to check operation of fire detectors, such as hydrogen fire detectors. The unit emits radiation in a narrow band of wavelengths which are generated by the type of fire to be tested, but not by other light sources such as the sun or incandescent lamps. The unit can test fire detectors at different distances, and of different sensitivities. The intensity of the radiation emitted by the unit is adjustable for this purpose by means of a rotatable disk having a plurality of different sized apertures for selective placement between the light source and an output lens. The disk can also be rotated to a calibration position which causes a microprocessor circuit in the unit to initiate a calibration procedure. During this procedure, the lamp intensity is measured by a photodetector contained within the unit, and the microprocessor adjusts the lamp current to insure that its intensity remains within a preset range of values.

Abstract: Duplicated optical detectors detect the removal of a printed circuit board and are also used as indicators to indicate conditions on the printed circuit board. The detectors comprise a controller, two pairs of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and two light pipes mounted through and secured to a latch handle attached to the printed circuit board. Each light pipe extends over a pair of LEDs in the closed position of the latch handle. One LED of each pair is utilized as a transmitter, and the other LED of the pair is utilized as a light sensor. In the closed position of the latch handle, light is communicated from the transmitter via the light pipe to the light sensor and through the latch handle to the back of the printed circuit board. For purposes of detecting the removal of the board, as the board is being removed, the latch handle pivots away from the board moving the light pipes from the closed position that is over the LEDs.

Abstract: A light sensor comprises two light sensitive areas that are shaped to physically compensate for the decrease in light intensity resulting from movement of a movable object in which an aperture is formed. Movement of the aperture causes the light passing through the aperture to have a decreased circumscribed angle that results in a decrease of light intensity impinging on a light sensitive component. In order to avoid the nonlinearity that can result from the decrease in light intensity as a function of the physical position of a movable object being sensed, the light sensitive areas are tapered by selecting the width of the light sensitive area as a function of the distance from a reference line. The light sensitive areas are tapered by arranging the edges of the areas so that the minimum width of each of two light sensitive areas are abutting each other at the reference line and the edges of both light sensitive areas are tapered outward away from each other at positions farther from the reference line.

Abstract: An electro-optical input device for computers or electronic games which uses electro-optical elements to sense input from a user. A user actuation element, such as a directional control pad or a joystick is pivotally disposed on a printed circuit board. Two photoemitters are mounted on the printed circuit board, at or near the circumference of the footprint described by the user actuation element. The photoemitters are positioned 90.degree. apart, one along the North-South axis of flit of the actuation element, and one along the East-West axis. At least one photodetector is mounted to the base at or near the pivot point of the actuation element so that it can receive light from both of the photoemitters. A skirt or flange depends annularly from the actuation element, at or near its periphery, positioned between the photodetector and the photoemitters.

Abstract: A switching device for programmable control of electrical and electronic apparatus includes a support plate and a slide switch which is moved along a forked guide track defined on the support plate. The support plate is formed of magnetically conducting material or a magnetic plate is disposed below the support plate. The actuating slide is provided with magnets which cooperate with the magnetically conductive support. Several switching elements disposed along the track, which switching elements, upon being actuated by the actuating member, effect control processes of the electrical or electronic apparatus. The switches may be interrupted conductor tracks, capacitive sensors, proximity switches, light gates, and the like. A symbol plate is disposed above the support plate and the slide is moved along through-openings in the symbol plate which define the switching options. The operator follows the guide of the labels disposed on the symbol plate.

Abstract: An optical rotation encoder for an X-Y direction input device includes a light source for emitting therefrom a light, a pair of substantially vertically aligned light responsive elements for receiving the light, and a circular code wheel mounted between the light source and the light responsive elements, provided thereon plural equiangularly distributed apertures every adjacent two of which have a shielding sectorial area and having a first desired distance with respect to the light source and a second desired distance with respect to the light responsive elements for obtaining an X-Y displacement of the input device by plural pulses resulting from the light which is to be received by the light responsive elements and passes through the apertures to be intermittently projected on the light responsive elements when the circular code wheel is in a rotating motion, wherein the light source is a point light source and either the aperture or shielding sectorial area has a width smaller than a combined width of the

Abstract: An electronic controller having a joystick member, the controller utilizing one or more electrical output circuits characterized by parameters which vary in accordance with the displacement of the joystick member from a "neutral" position in X-axis and Y-axis directions, to control positions on opposite sides of the "neutral" position. The joystick member has a light-reflecting area which traverses a predetermined field of travel as the member is moved between its various positions. A light emitter-sensor circuit including a light source and a light sensor is disposed in the field of travel of the light-reflecting-area of the joystick member. The emitter-sensor circuit generates an electrical signal from a reflected beam of light which is emitted from the light source and is reflected from the reflecting area of the joystick member and onto the light sensor, only when the joystick member is at, or very close to its "neutral" position.

Abstract: A reflective shadow sensor is disclosed for use in detecting the position of a moving object by directing a flow of light towards that object and detecting the amount of light reflected by a surface of the moving object.

Abstract: A rotary control device is provided comprising a light receptor (52), a plurality of light sources (54) radially spaced from the light receptor (52), a light director (14) having means for directing light from the light source (54) to the receptor (52) and means for rotating the director (14) thereby selectively directing light from the light sources (54) to the light receptor (52). In another aspect of the invention, the optical rotary device further comprises an isolator (56) made of opaque material which surrounds four sides of the light receptor (52) and four sides of the light sources (54). In a further aspect of the invention the light director includes a reflector (46) for directing the light from the light sources (54) to the light receptor (52).

Abstract: A sideswipe contact system for an add in PC card consisting of an apparatus for identifying the card as having a sideswipe connector and apparatus on a header for causing the header connectors to be electrically isolated from an inserted PC card unless the PC card is equipped with the sideswipe connectors. The header assembly includes a frame mechanically shaped to receive the card frame in an inserting relationship. A plurality of connector assemblies are movably mounted to the header frame. Each of the connector assemblies consists of an insulating standoff having substantially the same specified shape as the first cavity and fitting therein and a second electrical conductor adjacent to and smaller than the standoff. The plurality of connector assemblies are movable from a first position when the PC card is not inserted in the header frame to a second position when the card is fully inserted into the header.

Abstract: This invention involves a novel egg-shaped hollow dual-compound conical light-ray concentrator with mirror-like inner walls (preferably tandem substantially inverted paraboloidal and ellipsoidal conical sections) for receiving light through one aperture end, as from an integrating sphere, and concentrating and collecting the rays within said walls and directing them to a detector at an opposite aperture end. This construction attains both high collection efficiency and hemispherical angular response.

Abstract: A device for electro-optical point and line scanning of contone and line originals. A contone scanning unit for scanning a contone original and a line scanning unit for scanning a line original are provided. A mechanical switch-over unit comprising a mirror is arranged within a beam path of a scanning beam preceding the contone scanning unit and the line scanning unit. The mechanical switch-over unit selectively occludes either the contone scanning unit or the line scanning unit from the scanning beam for selectively scanning the contone original or a line original.

Abstract: An optical mouse comprises an illumination system for converging light emitted from a light emitting element to a light pattern of a mouse pad, an image forming system for forming an image of the light pattern on the side of a light receiving element and an aspherical lens having a positive refractive index and formed with an aspherical surface in at least one surface thereof. The aspherical surface is used for the illumination system and/or the image forming system. In a preferred form, the aspherical lens is a single lens made of a synthetic resin for constituting the image forming system and satisfying the following optical conditions:2<.vertline..beta..vertline.<150.2<r.sub.1 .multidot.(n-1)/f-3<K.sub.2 <00.012<NA<0.18where .beta.=a magnificationr.sub.1 : a radius of curvature of a surface of the lens on the mouse pad side;n: the refractive index of lens material in wave length: 950 nm);f: a focal distanceK.sub.2 : a cone coefficient; andNA: the number of apertures.

Abstract: A solid state machine controller for actuating a machine. The machine controller requires near simultaneous interruption of two photo-optic beams by fingers from both operator hands to actuate the machine. The beams are part of switches located at opposite ends of a tubular enclosure. The photo-optic beams are located in annular openings surrounded by embossed rings to prevent beam generator and receiver soiling as well as accidental machine actuation.

Abstract: A programmable cable adaptor in accordance with the present invention includes a housing containing an internal circuit board having a plurality of conductive traces, an input connector with multiple pins or pin-receiving sockets, and an output connector with multiple pins or pin-receiving sockets. On the circuit board, there is a card edge receptacle with key-contacting pins electrically connected to the conductive traces which in turn electrically couple the receptacle pins to the input connector and/or the output connector. The key-contacting pins of the card edge receptacle are arrayed along at least one side of an elongated aperture adapted to receive an adaptor programming key generally referred to as a card edge key The "key" is typically a small printed circuit board with conductive tabs on at least one side thereof with each tab being electrically connected to at least one other tab on the key with conductive traces.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a touch activated switch. The switch comprises a light source for generating a light ray. Further, the switch comprises a first lens for collimating the light source's light ray. The first lens, as a result, generates a collimated light ray in a first direction. In a second direction, the first lens forms a first and a second focal point, such that the light source is positioned at the first focal point. Moreover, the switch comprises a second lens for converging the collimated light ray to a surface. This surface scatters the collimated light ray in the direction of the first lens when the surface is substantially touched. The switch also comprises a detector for detecting the collimated light ray which have been scattered by touching the surface, with the detector being positioned at the second focal point, such that the switch is activated in response to touching the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually inspecting a discrete DIP switch block on a circuit card and analysis of the physical position of each switch. A comparison of reflected light intensities from each of the horizontally oriented switch faces is performed to determine the relative position of the switches. An output is provided based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A fiber optic controller comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys. Each key has a transmitting fiber and a receiving fiber wired therein. Light is provided to the transmitting fiber by a light emitting diode and travels to the key and, thence, to the receiving fiber by way of a reflective surface on the key which reflects the light when the key is in a depressed or "on" position. An electronic controller is controlled by signals from photo transistors which signals are initiated when light is transmitted by the receiving fiber to the photo transistor. The electronic controller, in turn, activates a power circuit which powers various of the operating components of a spa or hot tub.

Abstract: A joy stick mechanism for an ophthalmic apparatus moving an optical device of the ophthalmic apparatus horizontally and vertically, which mechanism is simple in structure but excellent in operational efficiency. Therefore, this mechanism comprises a drive device for moving the optical device vertically, a rotating knob rotatably provided on a shaft which substantially extends through a central portion of the mechanism, a detection device for detecting a direction and an amount of rotation of the rotating knob, and a control device for controlling the drive device on the basis of detection results of the detection device.

Abstract: A power receptacle 10 includes a housing 12 having a cover plate 46 therefore and securable thereto, an associated pair of receptacle contacts 70 mounted within the housing 12, the contacts 70 each having pair of arms 74 having openings 78 therethrough to define a beam receiving passage 80 completely through the receptacle contacts 70, means for directing a beam of light through the beam receiving passage and including at least a light emitting component 58, and means for detecting a beam of light passing through the beam receiving passage at least including a light receiving component 60, at least one of the components 58, 60 being electrically connected ultimately to a microprocessor. Upon entry of complementary blades 84 of a plug of an electrically powered device into the receptacle contacts, the beam receiving passage 80 is blocked, thereby breaking transmission of light between the emitter 58 and receiver 60, which is ultimately detected by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A light valve for attenuating a collimated light beam contains a focusing lens, a light vane and motor control. The focusing lens contains a focal length and lens diameter. The focusing lens focuses a collimated light beam to generate a light cone such that the dimensions of the light cone are based on the diameter and focal length of the focusing lens. The light vane deflects light within the light cone. The motor is controlled to position the light vane to attenuate the light within the light cone by placing the light vane in at least one position ranging from a zero stop attenuation position to a full stop attenuation position. For a single degree of light vane rotation into the light cone, the light beams is attenuated by three percent. In the zero stop position, the light vane is parallel to an edge of the light cone so that no light is attenuation. In the full stop position, the light vane is located thirty degrees, relative to the zero stop position, into the light cone.

Abstract: A rotary control device is provided comprising a light source (22), at least one light receptor (24) radially spaced from the light source (22), a light director (14) having means for directing light from the light source (22) to the receptor (24) and means for rotating the director (14) so that the light director (14) is in a first position when not directing light from the light source (22) to the light receptor (24) and the light director (14) is in a second position when directing light from the light source (22) to the light receptor (24). In another aspect of the invention, the optical rotary device further comprises an isolator (26) made of opaque material which surrounds four sides of the light receptor (24) and four sides of the light source (22). In a further aspect of the invention the light director includes a reflector (46) for directing the light from the light source (22) to the light receptors (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices, particularly to an optical displacement transducer for detecting a light flow received by a light sensor and subsequent determination of the amount of force applied to an object within which the optical displacement transducer is mounted. The transducer utilizes a light source which is mounted within a housing having a translucent face, and a light sensor mounted in a body having a corresponding translucent face. The light flow which travels between the translucent faces is intermittently blocked by a shadow rod moving between the light source and the light sensor in response to an external force applied to the shadow rod.

Abstract: A switch assembly (100) includes a key area (104) and a light reception section (114) for receiving light from input lightpipe (106) and providing some of the light to key area (104). Switch assembly (100) further includes an output lightpipe (122) and an optical conversion section (116) for modifying the light which is received by output lightpipe (122) when key area (104) is activated.