Sensor apparatus for detecting a displacement of an object in a visually obscured environment

摘要

A sensor apparatus detects displacement of an object in a visually obscured environment. The sensor apparatus includes a tube having a first open end, a second open end and a hollow interior. The tube is in contact with the object. A pressurized gas port is located on the tube in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the tube. A photo-emitter is located adjacent to the first end of the tube, in an aligned position with the first and second ends of the tube. A photo- receiver is located adjacent to the second end of the tube, in an aligned position with the first and second tube ends and the photo-emitter. Movement of either sensor or the tube disrupts the beam between the emitter and receiver. The sensor apparatus has mounting brackets which permit it to be supplied separately as an improvement to a vial washer.