Abstract A fiber optic security seal as disclosed herein. The fibers at one end of a fiber optic bundle preferably comprising randomly distributed fibers are secured relatively stationary to one another. The bundle is passed through receiving means for sealing a container or other such item. The receiving means can comprise metal loops or straps or an orifice such as those through which seals are typically passed. The fibers at each end of the bundle are optically terminated and are fixed relative to one another by a securing means large enough so that it cannot be pulled through the receiving means. One end of the bundle is masked and illuminated so as to produce a particular output light pattern at the other end of the bundle. This output light pattern is recorded. The seal may be checked again and again, as desired, by illuminating the masked end, and checking the light pattern at the other end for compliance with the record.
A security seal installable through a seal receiving means comprising: a fiber optic bundle passable through said seal receiving means; first means for securing all fibers in said bundle in fixed relation to one another at one end of said bundle, said first securing means being of a configuration incapable of being passed through said receiving means; second means for securing all fibers in said bundle in fixed relation to one another aT the other end of said bundle, said second securing means being of a configuration incapable of being passed through said receiving means; said fibers in said bundle being randomly distributed such that the relative position of said fibers is different at each cross-section along the length of said bundle; and means for masking one of said ends so that upon illumination of said one end, a pattern of illuminated fiber ends appears at said other end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A security seal installable through a seal receiving means comprising: a fiber optic bundle passable through said seal receiving means; first means for securing all fibers in said bundle in fixed relation to one another at one end of said bundle, said first securing means being of a configuration incapable of being passed through said receiving means; second means for securing all fibers in said bundle in fixed relation to one another aT the other end of said bundle, said second securing means being of a configuration incapable of being passed through said receiving means; said fibers in said bundle being randomly distributed such that the relative position of said fibers is different at each cross-section along the length of said bundle; and means for masking one of said ends so that upon illumination of said one end, a pattern of illuminated fiber ends appears at said other end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second securing means comprises means for spreading said fibers so as to provide a cross-sectional area for at least one of the ends of the fiber bundle larger than interim cross-sectional areas of said bundle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising means for indexing said masking means to said one end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 1 further comprising means for encoding the positions of the ends of the illuminated fibers at said other end of the bundle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 4 further comprising means for keying said encoding means to said other end of the bundle.