Patent ID: 6611318
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
A laser sensor comprising:a laser diode which defines a light source; a collimating lens mounted adjacent the laser diode for collimating light from the light source into parallel rays; an adjustable mirror for reflecting laser light reflected from an object positioned at a selected convergence distance to a photoreceiver for receiving laser light reflected from the adjustable mirror and producing an output signal indicative of receipt/non-receipt of reflected laser light; a pivot about which the adjustable mirror is pivotable to adjust the convergence distance, light reflected from an object at the convergence distance being reflected onto the photoreceiver and light reflected from objects displaced from the convergence distance being not received by the photodetector; a manually turned screw which directly engages a toothed support for the mirror, such that rotation of the screw translates the teeth and pivots the adjustable mirror about the pivot to set an angle of the mirror to select and fix the selected convergence distance.