Patent ID: 6147753
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: B60S

Abstract:
A liquid drop detector attached on a first side surface of a transparent substrate to detect plural liquid drops present upon a second, opposite side surface thereof, comprising:a case body attached on the first side surface of the transparent substrate;a light emitting device which emits a light;a light receiver which receives the light;a light guide constructed and arranged to guide the light into the transparent substrate, and to guide the light from the transparent substrate to the light receiver,the light receiver, the light guide and the light emitting device each being disposed within the case body,the light guide comprising:a first light guide member, disposed adjacent to the light emitting device,a second light guide member, disposed adjacent to the light receiver,an elongated light guide, having a first end disposed adjacent to the first light guide member and a second end disposed adjacent to the second light guide member,conformable material disposed between the first light guide member and the elongated light guide, between the second light guide member and the elongated light guide and between the elongated light guide and the transparent substrate, the conformable material substantially filling gaps therebetween, and having an index of refraction substantially equal to indices of refraction of the first light guide member, the second light guide member and the elongated light guide.