US4603252A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Determination of the integrity of part of structural materials
Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Filing: 1983-11-07
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Granted: 1986-07-29
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Expires: 2003-11-07
Abstract
Abstract Laminated parts of structural material receive as embedment light transmitting fibers, preferably in addition to reinforcing fibers, and light transmission through the light transmitting fibers is monitored for purposes of determining pattern irregularities and formation of cracks.
Inventors
- 👤 Samir Malek
- 👤 Bernd Hofer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/08; G01M11/083; B; B29; B29C; B29C37/00; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/16; G01N; G01N3/00; G01N3/02; G01N3/06; G01N3/068; G01N2203/00; G01N2203/0058; G01N2203/006; G01N2203/0062; G01N2203/0064
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for monitoring the integrity of a laminated part of structural material prior to use comprising the steps of: including a plurality of light conducting fibers in at least one layer in between adjacent laminas of the part and in a regular pattern; and determining the regularity of light transmission of said fibers within the part and as resulting from the pattern, under utilization of intense light, at least after completion of the manufacture of the part, so as to obtain a visible indication of any distortion of that pattern on account of shifting of the fibres relative to each other.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for monitoring the integrity of a laminated part of structural material prior to use comprising the steps of: including a plurality of light conducting fibers in at least one layer in between adjacent laminas of the part and in a regular pattern; and determining the regularity of light transmission of said fibers within the part and as resulting from the pattern, under utilization of intense light, at least after completion of the manufacture of the part, so as to obtain a visible indication of any distortion of that pattern on account of shifting of the fibres relative to each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 1 where the laminas are made of synthetic material, the laminated part being cured subsequent to the embedding of the light conducting fibers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 1 including providing a grid or mesh like pattern for the light conducting fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein reinforcing fibers are placed in between laminas, said light transmitting fibers being included in the arrangement of reinforcing fibers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as in claim 1 and including the step of arranging the fibers within an arrangement of reinforcing fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as in claim 1 and including the step of providing said transmitting fibers, over at least portions of their surface, with a surface roughness for enhancing adhesion to the respective laminas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as in claim 6 and including the step of covering a portion of at least some of the light transmitting fibers with a protective cover.
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) | 1989-07-28 | 1990-01-27 | 1990-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-28 | 1994-01-27 | 1994-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-28 | 1998-01-27 | 1998-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |