Patent US956431A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
USH704H
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Method and apparatus for optical fiber transmission in a utility conduit containing a hostile fluid
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1988-03-10
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Granted: 1989-11-07
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Expires: 2008-03-10
Abstract
Abstract Optical fibers are used in a utility piping system containing oil, water oras by coating the fibers after drawing with an inorganic hermetic coating which is impervious to both moisture and whatever fluid is contained in the system. The hermetic coating permits the fibers to undergo the mechanical stresses encountered during insertion in the piping system without causing degradation of either the mechanical or optical performance of the fibers.
Inventors
- 👤 Sam Di Vita
- 👤 Edmund E. Malecki
- 👤 Loretta J. Kubricky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 01:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4415; G02B6/4427; G02B6/4428; G02B6/4402
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
The method of introducing an optical fiber into a utility conduit containing a hostile fluid comprising the steps of sealing the optical fiber with an inorganic hermetic coating that is impervious to both moisture and said hostile fluid, and inserting the hermetically-sealed optical fiber into the conduit with a hostile fluid-tight connection.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
52 words
The method of introducing an optical fiber into a utility conduit containing a hostile fluid comprising the steps of sealing the optical fiber with an inorganic hermetic coating that is impervious to both moisture and said hostile fluid, and inserting the hermetically-sealed optical fiber into the conduit with a hostile fluid-tight connection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of coating said hermetic coating with an organic coating that does not react chemically with said hostile fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said hostile fluid is oil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said hostile fluid is gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said conduit is a pipe in a potable water supply system, said hostile fluid is potable water, and said organic coating is a coating of Teflon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said conduit is a pipe in a heating oil supply system, and said hostile fluid is heating oil.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said conduit is a pipe in a natural gas supply system, and said hostile fluid is natural gas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
109 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus comprising a length of utility conduit containing a hostile fluid, said conduit having a pair of spaced-apart apertures therein; a length of optical fiber entering said conduit through one of said apertures and exiting said conduit through the other of said apertures so that at least a portion of the length of said optical fiber is disposed within said conduit, said length of optical fiber being sealed with an inorganic hermetic coating that is impervious to both moisture and said hostile fluid; and connector means disposed in each of said apertures for holding said optical fiber in place therein and for fluid from said conduit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
109 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus comprising a length of utility conduit containing a hostile fluid, said conduit having a pair of spaced-apart apertures therein; a length of optical fiber entering said conduit through one of said apertures and exiting said conduit through the other of said apertures so that at least a portion of the length of said optical fiber is disposed within said conduit, said length of optical fiber being sealed with an inorganic hermetic coating that is impervious to both moisture and said hostile fluid; and connector means disposed in each of said apertures for holding said optical fiber in place therein and for fluid from said conduit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said length of optical fiber has an organic coating which surrounds said inorganic hermetic coating, said organic coating being fabricated o a material which does not react chemically with said hostile fluid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said length of utility conduit is a pipe in an oil supply system, and said hostile fluid is oil.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said length of utility conduit is a pipe in a gas supply system, and said hostile fluid is a gas.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
Optical fiber transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said length of utility conduit is a pipe in a potable water supply system, said hostile fluid is potable water, and said organic coating is fabricated of Teflon.
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) | 1992-11-06 | 1993-05-08 | 1993-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-06 | 1997-05-08 | 1997-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-06 | 2001-05-08 | 2001-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |