US5193129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure sensor utilizing microbending of a fiber optic cable woven through a ladder shaped structure
Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLC
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Filing: 1991-09-27
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Granted: 1993-03-09
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Expires: 2011-09-27
Abstract
Abstract A pressure detector including a fiber optical cable woven through a ladder-like structure which is then encapsulated and surrounded by a cover. Light transmitted through the fiber optic cable is diminished to a value less than a threshold value upon the occurrence of microbending caused by pressure applied at any location along the length thereof. The rungs of the ladder-like structure are sized and spaced to provide a proper locus about which microbending may be produced. In addition, the rungs may be round in cross-section and/or otherwise shaped to enhance the sensitivity of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis A. Kramer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:44
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/3616; G01; G01L; G01L1/00; G01L1/24; G01L1/242; G01L1/243; G01L1/245; G02B6/10; G02B6/14; G02B6/3608
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of parallel axially spaced members having a first portion disposed above an axis defined therethrough and a second portion disposed below said axis; means for retaining said members in parallel axially spaced relation; a light conduit disposed in contact with said parallel axially spaced members so as to alternatively engage first and second portions of sequential parallel axially spaced members; a light source connected to an end of said conduit for directing a known quantity of light into said conduit; a light detector connected to an opposing end of said conduit for detecting the quantity of light transmitted therethrough; said conduit defining an undeformed transmission property characterized by a first transmission loss providing a first magnitude light quantity incident upon said light detector and a deformed transmission property characterized by a second transmission loss providing a second magnitude light quantity; means for comparing the quantity of light transmitted therethrough to a threshold value; and means for indication upon said second quantity becoming less than said threshold value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of parallel axially spaced members having a first portion disposed above an axis defined therethrough and a second portion disposed below said axis; means for retaining said members in parallel axially spaced relation; a light conduit disposed in contact with said parallel axially spaced members so as to alternatively engage first and second portions of sequential parallel axially spaced members; a light source connected to an end of said conduit for directing a known quantity of light into said conduit; a light detector connected to an opposing end of said conduit for detecting the quantity of light transmitted therethrough; said conduit defining an undeformed transmission property characterized by a first transmission loss providing a first magnitude light quantity incident upon said light detector and a deformed transmission property characterized by a second transmission loss providing a second magnitude light quantity; means for comparing the quantity of light transmitted therethrough to a threshold value; and means for indication upon said second quantity becoming less than said threshold value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said light source is an LED.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said light source is a pulsed signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said light detector is a phototransistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said axially spaced members have a circular cross-section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said means for retaining said members in parallel axially spaced relation comprises parallel extending members connecting to opposite ends of said parallel axially spaced members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein said light conduit and said parallel extending members connecting to opposite ends of said parallel axially spaced members are encapsulated and disposed within a cylindrical shaped members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said members are coplanar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said members are sequentially spaced a predetermined distance from one another along parallel axes.
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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) | 1996-03-08 | 1996-09-07 | 1997-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-08 | 2000-09-07 | 2001-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-08 | 2004-09-07 | 2005-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |