US4537469A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-function composite material utilizing embedded optical fibers
Assignee: Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1984-12-21
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Granted: 1985-08-27
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Expires: 2004-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A composite material having high mechanical strength and optical transmission capabilities may be adapted for use in aircraft structural body elements, lighting displays, and other environments where light transmitting and receiving systems are located in physical proximity with a structural component. The disclosed material eliminates the need for separate retention structures for optical fibers.
Inventors
- 👤 Hartmann J. Kircher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:38
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64C; B64C1/00; B64C1/06; G; G01; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/08; G01M11/083; G01M11/086; G01M11/088; G01M5/00; G01M5/0033; G01M5/0091; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/3608; G02B6/42; G02B6/43; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; B64C2001/0054; B64C2001/0072; G02B6/3628; G02B6/3664; G02B6/3668; G02B6/3672; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A reinforced structural member for detecting fires occurring in the vicinity of the member and comprising: a binder material conforming to a desired shape of the structural member; a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers imbedded in the binder material and rigidly adhering thereto to reinforce the structural member; the fibers including first ends optically exposing the fibers to a flame occurring in the vicinity of the ends; and optical signal receiving means located at opposite ends of the fibers for detecting the occurrence of light travelling along the length of the fibers, produced by a flame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A reinforced structural member for detecting fires occurring in the vicinity of the member and comprising: a binder material conforming to a desired shape of the structural member; a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers imbedded in the binder material and rigidly adhering thereto to reinforce the structural member; the fibers including first ends optically exposing the fibers to a flame occurring in the vicinity of the ends; and optical signal receiving means located at opposite ends of the fibers for detecting the occurrence of light travelling along the length of the fibers, produced by a flame.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
93 words
A system integrated into a structural member for detecting occurrence of a fracture in the member, the system comprising: a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers imbedded in and rigidly adhering to a hard binder material of the structural member; a light source arranged to illuminate first ends of the fibers therealong; and means located at opposite ends of the optical fibers for detecting cessation of light transmission caused by a sufficient fracture in the member, in the vicinity of the rigidly adhering fibers which in turn causes rupture of the fibers.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
93 words
A system integrated into a structural member for detecting occurrence of a fracture in the member, the system comprising: a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers imbedded in and rigidly adhering to a hard binder material of the structural member; a light source arranged to illuminate first ends of the fibers therealong; and means located at opposite ends of the optical fibers for detecting cessation of light transmission caused by a sufficient fracture in the member, in the vicinity of the rigidly adhering fibers which in turn causes rupture of the fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structural member of claim 1 or 2 in which the optical fibers are arranged into at least two layers of parallel optical fibers, said layers forming a mat with optical channels in at least two directions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structural member of claim 1 or 2 in which the optical fibers are interwoven to form a reinforcing cloth.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for detecting fire comprising the steps: imbedding a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers in a rigidly adhering binder material conforming to a particular shape thereby forming a reinforced structural member, first ends of the fibers being optically exposed to a flame occurring in the vicinity of the ends; and positioning opposite ends of the fibers at receiving means for enabling the receiving means to detect the presence of a flame near the first ends.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for detecting fire comprising the steps: imbedding a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers in a rigidly adhering binder material conforming to a particular shape thereby forming a reinforced structural member, first ends of the fibers being optically exposed to a flame occurring in the vicinity of the ends; and positioning opposite ends of the fibers at receiving means for enabling the receiving means to detect the presence of a flame near the first ends.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for detecting fracture in a structural member comprising the steps: imbedding a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers in rigid adherence to the material of a structural member; locating a light source to illuminate first ends of the optical fibers such that light from the source travels therealong; locating a light detector at opposite ends of the optical fibers; whereby sufficient fracture in the material of the member, at the location of the fibers, causes rupture of the rigidly adhering fibers and a commensurate change in the level of detected light at the opposite ends.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for detecting fracture in a structural member comprising the steps: imbedding a plurality of high tensile strength optical fibers in rigid adherence to the material of a structural member; locating a light source to illuminate first ends of the optical fibers such that light from the source travels therealong; locating a light detector at opposite ends of the optical fibers; whereby sufficient fracture in the material of the member, at the location of the fibers, causes rupture of the rigidly adhering fibers and a commensurate change in the level of detected light at the opposite ends.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-26 | 1989-02-25 | 1989-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-26 | 1993-02-25 | 1993-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-26 | 1997-02-25 | 1997-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |