APPARATUS FOR THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF A HINGED LID OF A RECEPTACLE

摘要

The hinged lid of a receptacle such as a food counter or pet feeder opens automatically when an infra red beam in front of the receptacle is interrupted. Either a narrow infra red beam is emitted parallel with the front of the receptacle or a diffused beam is emitted away from the front of the receptacle and a voltage comparator is used to open the lid when a predetermined amount of infra red is reflected from a person or animal approaching the receptacle corresponding with a chosen proximity and position of the person or animal. Plural receptacles may have a common lid opening mechanism in the form of a constantly rotated shaft which engages a cam associated with each lid when an electromagnetic clutch is actuated by interruption of a beam associated with each receptacle.