US4850669A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Explosion-proof optical fiber connector for a light source
Assignee: Welker Engineering Co
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Filing: 1988-06-27
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Granted: 1989-07-25
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Expires: 2008-06-27
Abstract
Abstract The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert H. Welker
- 👤 Ken Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:17
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; G02B23/00; G02B23/24; G02B23/2476; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/40; G02B6/403; G02B6/42; G02B6/4298
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
An explosion-proof connector for connection of a flexible fiberoptic light guide to an explosion-proof housing comprising: (a) a tube having a longitudinal passageway through the center thereof having first and second ends; (b) a light transmitting rod mounted in said second end of tube, said rod including; (i) a cylindrical light transmitting core: (ii) a circumferential sheath encircling said core, said sheath having a lower refractive index than said core; (c) a ferrule having a longitudinal bore therein for bonding to a fiberoptic light guide in the bore thereof, said ferrule being mounted in said passageway of said tube to position said flexible light guide and said rod in optical alignment; and (d) said ferrule having first and second ends, said second end abutting said rod and forming a shoulder to prevent said rod from being expelled from said tube in the event of an explosion in said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
An explosion-proof connector for connection of a flexible fiberoptic light guide to an explosion-proof housing comprising: (a) a tube having a longitudinal passageway through the center thereof having first and second ends; (b) a light transmitting rod mounted in said second end of tube, said rod including; (i) a cylindrical light transmitting core: (ii) a circumferential sheath encircling said core, said sheath having a lower refractive index than said core; (c) a ferrule having a longitudinal bore therein for bonding to a fiberoptic light guide in the bore thereof, said ferrule being mounted in said passageway of said tube to position said flexible light guide and said rod in optical alignment; and (d) said ferrule having first and second ends, said second end abutting said rod and forming a shoulder to prevent said rod from being expelled from said tube in the event of an explosion in said housing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second end of said passageway of said tube is sized to receive epoxy resin to permanently mount said rod therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fiberoptic light guide comprises a flexible armored sleeve encircling and protecting said light guide and including: (a) a flexible tubular elastomeric hose encircling a fiber bundle within said fiberoptic light guide; and (b) a flexible tubular metallic casing encircling said elastomeric hose, said metallic casing attached to said first end of said longitudinal passageway of said tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first end of said ferrule is sized to receive epoxy resin to permanently bond said ferrule to said metallic casing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said metallic casing is soldered to the first end of said passageway of said tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
151 words
An explosion-proof connector for connection to an explosion-proof housing, comprising: (a) an elongate hollow tube having a passageway between first and second ends of said tube; (b) a solid, light transmitting rod in said tube passageway wherein said rod has (i) a refractive index permitting light entry into and along said rod; (ii) end located rod faces permitting visible light transmission into and out of said rod; and (iii) cladding thereon for keeping light in said rod; (c) a flexible fiber formed of light transmitting material having an end for securing in the passageway of said tube; (d) means for securing said fiber end and end face of said rod in light transmitting, end abutting relationship to enable light transmission along said flexible fiber; (e) shoulder means preventing expulsion of said rod from said tube in the event of an explosion; and (f) means joining said tube to an explosion-proof housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
151 words
An explosion-proof connector for connection to an explosion-proof housing, comprising: (a) an elongate hollow tube having a passageway between first and second ends of said tube; (b) a solid, light transmitting rod in said tube passageway wherein said rod has (i) a refractive index permitting light entry into and along said rod; (ii) end located rod faces permitting visible light transmission into and out of said rod; and (iii) cladding thereon for keeping light in said rod; (c) a flexible fiber formed of light transmitting material having an end for securing in the passageway of said tube; (d) means for securing said fiber end and end face of said rod in light transmitting, end abutting relationship to enable light transmission along said flexible fiber; (e) shoulder means preventing expulsion of said rod from said tube in the event of an explosion; and (f) means joining said tube to an explosion-proof housing.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-24 | 1993-01-23 | 1993-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-01-23 | 1997-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-24 | 2001-01-23 | 2001-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |