US3825320A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High-pressure optical bulkhead penetrator
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1973-03-02
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Granted: 1974-07-23
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Expires: 1993-03-02
Abstract
Abstract A fitting including a bushing extending through a high-pressure hull provides a multichannel data capability while possessing resistance to an extreme pressure differential. A cylindrical or tapered plug of glass having a graded refractive index or a cylindrical or tapered bundle of fiber optics is bonded within an accommodatingly shaped bore coaxially disposed in the bushing. Having such a configuration and manner of construction allows the fitting to be of reduced size with respect to contemporary electrical hull-penetrators, yet a much greater data transfer capability is provided and this fitting will stand up under the crushing pressures encountered at extreme ocean depths.
Inventors
No inventors recorded.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:42
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63G; B63G8/00; B63G8/39; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4415; G02B6/4427; G02B6/4428
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In a sealed fitting extending through a structural member separating a high pressure medium from a lower pressure medium, an improvement for ensuring the optical transmission of data therethrough is provided comprising: first optical means connected to one end of said fitting for transferring optical signals representative of data between the high pressure medium and said fitting; second optical means connected to the other end of said fitting for transferring said optical signals between said lower pressure medium and said fitting; means for defining a coaxial bore in said fitting reaching from the first traNsferring means to the second transferring means; means disposed in said coaxial bore for optically coupling said optical signals between said first transferring means and said second transferring means; and a coating of an epoxy adhesive interposed between the coupling means and said coaxial bore and extending the full length of the coupling means for securing and for sealing the coupling means in said coaxial bore to ensure the passive guidance of said optical signals while maintaining the watertight integrity of said fitting.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a sealed fitting extending through a structural member separating a high pressure medium from a lower pressure medium, an improvement for ensuring the optical transmission of data therethrough is provided comprising: first optical means connected to one end of said fitting for transferring optical signals representative of data between the high pressure medium and said fitting; second optical means connected to the other end of said fitting for transferring said optical signals between said lower pressure medium and said fitting; means for defining a coaxial bore in said fitting reaching from the first traNsferring means to the second transferring means; means disposed in said coaxial bore for optically coupling said optical signals between said first transferring means and said second transferring means; and a coating of an epoxy adhesive interposed between the coupling means and said coaxial bore and extending the full length of the coupling means for securing and for sealing the coupling means in said coaxial bore to ensure the passive guidance of said optical signals while maintaining the watertight integrity of said fitting.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fitting according to claim 1 in which said coaxial bore is cylindrically shaped and the coupling means is at least one light transmitting element shaped in a cylindrical configuration having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrically shaped coaxial bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fitting according to claim 1 in which said coupling means is a bundle of fiber optics fused together in a cylindrical shape and the opposite ends of which are polished.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fitting according to claim 2 in which said coupling means is a single cylinder of glass having a graded refractive index from its axis to its periphery for focusing said optical signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fitting according to claim 1 in which said coaxial bore has a conical-frustum configuration oriented to place its wider end facing said high pressure medium and its narrower end facing said lower pressure medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fitting according to claim 5 in which the coupling means is at least one light transmitting element having a tapered cross-sectional configuration with its wider end facing said high pressure medium and its narrower end facing said lower pressure medium to better withstand the pressure differential created across said fitting.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
A fitting according to claim 5 in which the coupling means is a bundle of tapered fiber optics fused together in a tapered cross-sectional configuration with its wider end facing said high pressure medium and its narrower end facing said lower pressure medium to better withstand the pressure differential created across said fitting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A fitting according to claim 6 in which the securing and sealing means has a conical-frustum configuration and a longitudinal cavity shaped to receive the tapered light transmitting element therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fitting according to claim 7 in which the securing and sealing means has a conical-frustum configuration and a longitudinal cavity shaped to receive the tapered bundle of fiber optics therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-22 | 1978-01-21 | 1978-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-22 | 1982-01-21 | 1982-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-22 | 1986-01-21 | 1986-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |