Exclusive-type Receiver Patents (Class 367/149)
  • Publication number: 20110019179
    Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of fiber-optic sensors comprising at least one measurement optical fiber having an optically pumped doped amplifying medium, the optical characteristics of which are sensitive to a physical quantity, the fiber having at least one Bragg grating. The fiber is designed so as to generate, in the amplifying medium, two optical waves having different optical frequencies that propagate in the same direction after reflection on the Bragg grating and are emitted by the amplifying medium, the two optical frequencies depending on the physical quantity. The two waves may be generated using either a birefringent polarization-maintaining fiber or a DBR (Distributed Bragg Reflector) laser cavity. Notably, this sensor may be used as a hydrophone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Stephanie Molin, Daniel Dolfi, Jean-Pierre Huignard, Martine Doisy, Loic Morvan, Jean-Paul Pocholle
  • Patent number: 7876644
    Abstract: At least two light beams with polarization diversity are generated that each carry a representation of the same information. Separate optic fibers carry each of the at least two beams through a region subject to vibration to a remote location where the information is recovered by an optical receiver based on the separate light beams. Using separate fibers to carry polarization diverse information minimizes polarization noise at the optical receiver due to vibration of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Hall, Paul L. Greene
  • Patent number: 7840105
    Abstract: A fiber optic towed array is provided. The array includes a flexible core upon which is disposed a semi-rigid mandrel. The semi-rigid mandrel has a helical groove formed therein, in which is disposed an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of fiber gratings. The mandrel is in turn covered with a nylon or fiber screen and encased in a layer of open cell foam, which is encased in a protective covering that includes at least one strength member disposed along a longitudinal axis of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sabeus, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lee Goldner, Fred Demetz
  • Publication number: 20100260013
    Abstract: A hydrophone (10) for immersion in a liquid body defining a depth-dependent static pressure and a dynamic pressure. The hydrophone (10) includes a pressure-bearing element (11) for exposure to the liquid body; a motion sensor (13) spaced apart from the pressure bearing element (11); and a dilatant coupling material (14) disposed intermediate the pressure-bearing element (11) and the motion sensor (13) so as to mechanically transmit movements substantially corresponding to the dynamic pressure from the pressure-bearing element (11) to the motion sensor (13). The dilatant coupling material (14) does not transmit movements to the motion sensor (13) that substantially correspond to the depth-dependent static pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: THALES UNDERWATER SYSTEMS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Bedwell
  • Publication number: 20100246329
    Abstract: Improved laser sensors (10) employing doped laser crystals (24) for transducing output proportional to forces impinging upon the sensors. The disclosed sensors are compact, low powered and may be constructed relatively inexpensively from readily available materials. The disclosed sensors eliminate the need for costly, optical power-sapping fiber connections at the laser crystals. According to certain embodiments, the disclosed sensors are configured for local recovery of output signals using conventional digital telemetry. According to other embodiments, the sensors generate output through a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) laser (28), thereby allowing remote recovery without the need for frequency division multiplexing and issues involved with preloading the sensors to produce beat frequencies in unique bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: 3 Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Murray, Gregg Johnson
  • Patent number: 7751657
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inclinometer system capable of detecting the inclination of the ground using a fiber bragg grating sensor to precisely measure the deformation of the ground. The inclinometer system includes at least one measuring unit, and the measuring unit includes a body provided therein with a receiving part, a frame inserted into the body, a weight member inserted in to the frame and having one end hinged to the frame, the weight member rotating in cooperation to inclination of the body, an optical fiber 5 passing through both the body and the frame such that one end of the optical fiber is fixed to the weight member, a fixing member installed into the frame to fix an opposite end of the optical fiber, and a fiber bragg grating (FBG) sensor attached to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Geum Suk Lee
  • Publication number: 20100091613
    Abstract: An ultrasound system that detects a characteristic of an ultrasound wave. The system includes a circuit member defining a sensing portion operable to be exposed to the ultrasound wave. The system also includes a current generating device that generates a current in the sensing portion of the circuit member. Furthermore, the system includes a voltage sensor that detects a voltage across the sensing portion due to the exposure to the ultrasound wave to thereby detect the characteristic of the ultrasound wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Russell S. Witte, Ragnar Olafsson, Sheng-Wen Huang, Timothy L. Hall, Matthew O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7679999
    Abstract: A marine acoustic sensor assembly includes an acoustic panel having a forward surface and an after surface, a laser scanner oriented so as to project a laser beam onto the acoustic panel after surface, and a sensor oriented so as to receive reflections of the laser beam off the acoustic panel and to transmit data from which a position of a sound generating source can be determined, wherein the acoustic panel is provided with an absorber layer extending over the after surface thereof, and the absorber layer is provided with holes extending therethrough, the holes being of a size sufficient to permit passage of the laser beams to the acoustic panel after surface and the reflections to pass to the sensor, whereby to minimize reflections and noise originating from aft of the after surface, while permitting sound incoming from forward of the acoustic panel to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Anthony A. Ruffa
  • Patent number: 7660188
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seismic exploration and imaging system for producing seismic survey reports of subsea geological structures. The exploration system provides a method in which both P-waves and S-waves are detected without the need for placing detection apparatus in contact the seabed. A seismic event is applied (12) to the earth's surface (13), and the detected response including P-waves and S-waves in the earth's. The detecting apparatus comprises a means for monitoring and recording the response to the seismic event in the form of movements of particles at the earth's surface, from a position spaced from the earth's surface. Particles at the surface will respond both to P-wave and S-wave stimulation and so their movements will be representative of the two waves. These movements are detected from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventor: Paul Meldahl
  • Publication number: 20090303837
    Abstract: A towed array is provided with hot-film sensors and anemometer circuitry to calculate the angle of inclination of the towed array in real time during deployment of the towed array in a sea water environment. The hot-film sensors are arranged in pairs along the length of the towed array to increase the sensitivity of the inclination angle determinations and are located flush with an exterior surface of the towed array to minimize interference with the operation of the towed array. The pairs of hot-film sensors determine the local sheer stresses on the towed array, and these measurements are converted to inclination angles using an empirically derived look-up table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: William L. Keith, Kimberly M. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 7613075
    Abstract: An acoustic sensing device includes a housing having an internal cavity filled with a vibration decoupling medium. An acoustic window formed of an acoustically transparent material is mounted in the housing. This mounting can be by antivibration mounts to prevent housing noise from affecting the acoustic window. A scanning laser vibrometer is positioned within the housing and directed to detect vibrations of the acoustic window. Antivibration mounts are joined between said scanning laser vibrometer and said housing. In further embodiments, the scanning laser vibrometer detects vibrations at a plurality of locations on the acoustic window forming a virtual array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Cray, Walter H. Boober, Stephen E. Forsythe, Lee E. Estes, Andrew J. Hull
  • Patent number: 7554885
    Abstract: At least two light beams with polarization diversity are generated that each carry a representation of the same information. Separate optic fibers carry each of the at least two beams through a region subject to vibration to a remote location where the information is recovered by an optical receiver based on the separate light beams. Using separate fibers to carry polarization diverse information minimizes polarization noise at the optical receiver due to vibration of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Hall, Paul L. Greene
  • Patent number: 7551517
    Abstract: A seismic sensor station includes a housing containing a fiber optic hydrophone and a fiber optic accelerometer that can both be made from a single length of optical fiber arranged inside the housing. The fiber optic accelerometer is arranged in a liquid/oil filled compartment of the housing for dampening of mechanical resonances in the accelerometer due to mechanical disturbances and pressure fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Optoplan AS
    Inventors: Arne Berg, Erlend Ronnekleiv, Ole Henrik Waagaard, Jon Thomas Kringlebotn, Hilde Nakstad, Roar Furuhaug
  • Publication number: 20090135673
    Abstract: A hydrophone (10) for immersion in a liquid body defining a pressure is disclosed The hydrophone (10) includes a sensor (11) for providing an electrical signal indicative of the pressure; and a transducer (12) electrically connected to the sensor (11). The transducer (12) acts upon a fibre optic cable (15) so as to convert the electrical signal into a corresponding optical output signal for transmission within the fibre optic cable (15). The liquid body defines a depth-dependent static pressure and a dynamic pressure and the sensor (11) provides an electrical signal having a first component indicative of the static pressure and a second component indicative of the dynamic pressure. A filter (16) is electrically connected to the sensor (11) so as to receive (the electrical signal, filter out the first component, and output to the transducer (12) a uttered electrical signal indicative of substantially only the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: THALES UNDERWATER SYSTEMS PTY LIMITED, THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
    Inventor: Ian Bedwell
  • Patent number: 7466631
    Abstract: An interferometric hydrophone operable for use in surrounding fluid, includes an outer mandrel having an interior open to the surrounding fluid. A sensing optical fiber is wound on the exterior of the outer mandrel. An inner mandrel is positioned in the interior of the outer mandrel. A chamber defined between the inner mandrel and outer mandrel is in communication with the surrounding fluid. The inner mandrel has a sealed gas filled interior. Compression and expansion of the inner mandrel results in compression and expansion of the outer mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gregory H. Ames
  • Patent number: 7463555
    Abstract: A fiber optic acoustic sensor that detects pressure waves from all incident angles features multiple mandrels orthogonally disposed to provide omni-directional sensing capability. The topology of the mandrels prevents frequency response drop-off characteristic of cylindrical sensors at wavelengths smaller than ½ the length of the acoustic cylinder. The larger operating bandwidth and omni-directional sensing capability makes this fiber optic acoustic sensor a suitable choice for a wide range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Bevan, Patrick Welton, Akbar Arab-Sadeghabadi, John Cappi, Liana Dang
  • Publication number: 20080239877
    Abstract: A method of detecting hazardous conditions to aircraft is disclosed. The hazardous conditions produce sound waves in the atmosphere. The method comprises directing a first laser beam from a first laser acoustic sensor to a mating first reflector; directing a second laser beam from a second laser acoustic sensor to a mating second reflector; and directing a third laser beam from a third laser acoustic sensor to a mating third reflector. The method further comprises aligning the first laser acoustic sensor to project a first beam pattern, the second laser acoustic sensor to project a second beam pattern, and the third laser acoustic sensor to project a third beam pattern. The method further comprises measuring an effect of the sound waves on the first beam pattern, the second beam pattern, and the third beam pattern. The effect is an indicator of the hazardous conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Flight Safety Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Frank L. Rees
  • Patent number: 7345952
    Abstract: An optical sensor assembly including a coupler and an optical fibre coil. The coupler is attached to the central member of the cable at a position where outer layers of the cable been removed. A first terminal of the coupler is connected to an optical fibre traveling along the cable in a fibre conduit external to the central strength member. A second terminal of the coupler is connected to a first end of the coil and a third terminal of the coupler is connected to an optical fibre a mirrored end. The coil is supported about a tubular mandrel, which mandrel fits over the cable. The other end of the coil is attached to the fibre in the cable. The mandrel is located about the cable at a position covering the coupler and the part of the cable where the outer layers are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Philip John Nash, Jonathan James Westhall, Geoffrey Alan Cranch, Michael Steven Henshaw, John Anstiss Churchill
  • Patent number: 7295493
    Abstract: An interferometric hydrophone is disclosed that comprises a first mandrel defining an interior that is open to surrounding fluid. A sensing optical fiber is wound upon the first mandrel. A second mandrel is positioned in surrounding relationship with respect to the first mandrel. The first and second mandrels define a first chamber therebetween. A case encloses the first and second mandrels and first chamber. The cylindrical case and the second cylindrical mandrel define a second chamber therebetween, which is sealed and filled with gas or vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gregory H. Ames
  • Patent number: 7281429
    Abstract: An optical hydrophone for measurement of the acoustic pressure distribution in a fluid medium has a light source that illuminates an area of a boundary region between an optically transparent body and the fluid medium. A light receiver measures the intensity of the light reflected from the illuminated area as a measurement of acoustic pressure, due to changes in the index of refraction of the fluid medium that are caused by the acoustic pressure. The illuminated area is smaller than the boundary surface formed between the optically transparent body and the fluid medium, thereby giving the hydrophone a longer service light and a high spatial resolution capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Granz, Ralf Nanke
  • Patent number: 7283426
    Abstract: A method for detecting, tracking and locating submarines (24) utilizes pulsed coherent radiation from a laser (12) that is projected down through a water column, with particles in the water producing speckle from backscatter of the random particle distribution, with correlation of two closely time-spaced particle-based speckle patterns providing an intensity measurement indicative of the presence of a submarine. Subsurface submarine movement provides a subsurface wake which causes movement of particles such that two closely-spaced “snapshots” of the returns from particles in the same water column can detect particle movement due to the wake. The magnitude of the speckle pattern change indicates particle movement. In one embodiment, the return signals are imaged onto an intensified CCD or APA array that capture two successive laser pulses through the utilization of dual pixel registered cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Grasso
  • Patent number: 7260023
    Abstract: A method for generating an acoustic source in a liquid includes transmitting an optical pulse through the liquid so the optical pulse reaches ILIB through pulse compression and ionizes a liquid volume. The pulse compression is achieved through at least one of a) group velocity dispersion induced longitudinal compression of a frequency chirped optical pulse and b) transverse self focusing via a nonlinear optical Kerr effect. The acoustic source can be generated at a controllable remote location many meters from the optical source. The optical source can be a laser or other suitable optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: United Statesof America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Theodore G Jones, Antonio C Ting, Phillip A Sprangle, Leonard Dale Bibee, Joseph R Penano
  • Patent number: 7251196
    Abstract: A passive acoustic sensor that may be employed to detect sounds emanating from under the surface of a body of water. The sensor uses optics to determine vibration on the surface of a water body to detect sound pressure waves from underwater sound sources. The sensor is deployed above the surface and has no direct interaction with anything under the surface that may be emanating sounds. This allows the invention to operate without interfering with potential sound sources as well as allows for numerous deployment methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lynn T. Antonelli, Fletcher A. Blackmon
  • Patent number: 7239577
    Abstract: In one embodiment the invention comprises a particle velocity sensor that includes a housing with a geophone mounted in the housing. A fluid that substantially surrounds the geophone is included within the housing. The particle velocity sensor has an acoustic impedance within the range of about 750,000 Newton seconds per cubic meter (Ns/m3) to about 3,000,000 Newton seconds per cubic meter (Ns/m3). In another embodiment the invention comprises method of geophysical exploration in which a seismic signal is generated in a body of water and detected with a plurality of co-located particle velocity sensors and pressure gradient sensors positioned within a seismic cable. The output signal of either or both of the particle velocity sensors or the pressure gradient sensors is modified to substantially equalize the output signals from the particle velocity sensors and the pressure gradient sensors. The output signals from particle velocity sensors and pressure gradient sensors are then combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn, Audun Sødal, Andre Stenzel
  • Patent number: 7227814
    Abstract: A re-enterable end-to-end hydrophone assembly which is at least partially transparent, so that the routing of the hydrophone fibers is visible during all phases of assembly and operation. The inventive hydrophone assembly includes a cylindrical sensing mandrel with at least one optical fiber wrapped around its outer wall, and an at least partially transparent oil-filled reference housing attached to the sensing mandrel. The reference housing contains an internal support for holding at least one end of the optical fiber, as well as other hydrophone components such as input couplers, output couplers, and the like. The inventive hydrophone assemblies can be easily disassembled, repaired, and reassembled, facilitating recovery and reuse of expensive optical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Frederick, Joseph S. Salinas
  • Patent number: 7206259
    Abstract: An ultrasound sensor consists of an optical fiber having an active portion with high birefringence and two non-active portions located at each end of the active portion. A bragg grating is provided in the fiber. An ultrasound measurement device includes an ultrasound sensor with an excitation source for the fiber and an analysis unit connected to the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Hwa-yaw Tam, Helen L. W. Chan, Bai-ou Guan
  • Patent number: 7184368
    Abstract: The invention relates an optical displacement sensor element comprising two essentially flat surfaces (1,2) being separated by a cavity defined by a spacer (5) and the surfaces (1,2), the distance between the surfaces being variable, wherein a first of said surfaces (1) is positioned on an at least partially transparent carrier (3) and being provided with a reflective pattern, the pattern constituting a pattern being shaped as a diffractive lens, and said second surface (2) being a reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sinvent AS
    Inventors: Ib-Rune Johansen, Olav Solgaard, Odd Løvhaugen, Håkon Sagberg, Henrik Rogne, Dag Wang
  • Patent number: 7149150
    Abstract: A plurality of sensing modules are deployed by positioning thereof in spaced relation to each other on a seafloor surface at a shallow depth to establish a targeted seawater zone within which certain conditions are detected, such as those produced by the presence of a sea vessel such as a submarine within the targeted zone. Data signals are generated within the deployed sensing modules in response to said detection of the submarine for radio frequency transmission above the seawater targeted zone from floating transmitters ejected from the sensing modules positioned on the seafloor surface after detection of the submarine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John F. Scarzello, John J. Holmes, Edward C. O'Keefe, Robert A. Wingo
  • Patent number: 7139223
    Abstract: An elongated optical fiber is vertically positioned within seawater in a deep-depth targeted zone by vertical suspension thereof from a floating buoy. Electrode sensor arrays are positioned in vertically spaced relation to each other on the optical fiber for generating warning signals in response to detection of hostile conditions. The warning signals are converted into signal data collected and transferred to a transmitter in the floating buoy from which the sensor arrays are suspended within the targeted zone positioned on the optical fiber. Such collected data signals are transmitted through an antenna within the floating buoy to locations above the seawater surface for surveillance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John F. Scarzello, John J. Holmes, Edward C. O'Keefe, Robert A Wingo
  • Patent number: 7132952
    Abstract: The combination of a portable article and a security system. The security system has a flexible element/tether with a length. The flexible element/tether is connected between the portable article and a support to confine movement of the portable article within a range dictated by the length of the flexible element/tether. The flexible element/tether has a flexible core and a protective layer over the core. The protective layer is made at least partially from a material that is resistant to being cut to thereby avoid severance of the flexible core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Terrance Surma, Kris Michael Southerland
  • Patent number: 7113447
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for acoustic signals in water has at least one hollow spherically-shaped shell for vibrating in response to acoustic signals impinging from the water. The hollow spherically-shaped shell has one or more portions that are reflective of impinging radiation, and a resilient matrix in contact with the water resiliently supports the responsive hollow shell. A laser Doppler velocimeter transmits radiation onto the reflective portion (portions) and receives reflected radiation from the reflective portion (portions). The reflected radiation generates signals in the laser Doppler velocimeter that are representative of the acoustic signals from the water medium. A computer receives the representative signals from the laser Doppler velocimeter and displays them on an interconnected display to determine direction and range to a target. The acoustic signals can originate from the target or can be reflected portions of acoustic energy transmitted from an acoustic projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Anthony D. Matthews, Victor Johnson
  • Patent number: 7082079
    Abstract: A pressure compensated hydrophone for measuring dynamic pressures is disclosed. The hydrophone includes a compliant hollow mandrel with a single optical fiber coiled around at least a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel further includes at least one pressure relief valve for compensating for changes in hydrostatic pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a micro-hole, which allows hydrostatic pressures or low frequency pressure events to couple into the interior of the mandrel to provide compensation against such pressure. Higher frequencies pressure events of interest do not couple through the micro-hole and therefore only act only on the exterior of the mandrel, allowing for their detection. Because (quasi) hydrostatic events are compensated for, the mandrel may be made particularly compliant, rendering the singular fiber optic coil particularly sensitive to the detection of the higher frequency signals of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Ming Kwong Woo
  • Patent number: 7027695
    Abstract: A fiber transition segment for transitioning an optical fiber from a hydrophone module to the central axis of the module. The segment comprises a conical, elongated element and a cylindrical portion of reduced diameter that protrudes longitudinally from the wide end of the conical element. The cylindrical portion is reciprocally mounted within an interconnect spring at the end of the hydrophone assembly. The fiber transition segment has a helical internal groove for receiving the optical fiber from the interconnect spring. The groove is aligned with and approximately matches the pitch of the groove in the interconnect spring to provide a smooth transition to the fiber transition segment and then to the central axis of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6982925
    Abstract: A method and system for interrogating a seismic sensor in a seismic cable having modular sensing stations spaced along the seismic cable and a connection module head end of the sensor sections, that includes dropping, at the connection modules, a wavelength of light from an input bus telemetry fiber that includes multiple wavelengths of light, distributing the dropped wavelength of light to the seismic sensor, returning the dropped wavelength from the seismic sensor to a return telemetry fiber, remultiplexing the dropped wavelength of light onto the return bus telemetry, and amplifying, in the seismic cable, the returned dropped wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Maas, D. Richard Metzbower, Ian McMillan
  • Patent number: 6937778
    Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensor locations at which sensed signals are produced. A tension element holds locations at a given maximum spacing. The tension element includes an optical fiber. Light propagating on the optical fiber is applied to converters at each location for generating electrical power for the electrically powered portions of the array. The electrically powered portions may be a part of the sensor suite at each location, telemetry equipment, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Winfield, Joseph L. Chovan
  • Patent number: 6904222
    Abstract: An optical fiber splice protection apparatus that allows optical fiber to be spliced and placed in position on a mandrel in cases of assembling a module or repairing optical fiber that has been broken. The present invention comprises a splice protector affixed to a mandrel and a rotation sleeve for winding excess fiber onto the mandrel. The rotation sleeve is located between the splice protector and an adjacent mandrel. The rotation sleeve facilitates winding excess fiber onto the mandrel, and has a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hydrophone assembly with a groove to receive the fiber and maintain the fiber's minimum bend radius. The splice protector and the rotation sleeve are substantially semi-circular in cross-section. A method is also provided for protecting spliced optical fibers using a splice protector and rotation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6882595
    Abstract: A pressure compensated hydrophone for measuring dynamic pressures is disclosed. The hydrophone includes a compliant hollow mandrel with a single optical fiber coiled around at least a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel further includes at least one pressure relief valve for compensating for changes in hydrostatic pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a micro-hole, which allows hydrostatic pressures or low frequency pressure events to couple into the interior of the mandrel to provide compensation against such pressure. Higher frequencies pressure events of interest do not couple through the micro-hole and therefore only act only on the exterior of the mandrel, allowing for their detection. Because (quasi) hydrostatic events are compensated for, the mandrel may be made particularly compliant, rendering the singular fiber optic coil particularly sensitive to the detection of the higher frequency signals of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Ming Kwong Woo
  • Patent number: 6879545
    Abstract: A woven fiber protection cable assembly for use in an optical fiber hydrophone module. The assembly comprises an elastic woven fiber strap with at least one tube attached to one or more sides of the strap in a sinusoidal pattern. The strap at a first end and longitudinal middle portion is substantially aligned with the central axis of the hydrophone module. Two layers of the strap are fastened together in the longitudinal middle portion, and the first end of the strap comprises a loop. The two layers at the second end of the strap are spatially separated and on opposite sides overlap a fiber transition segment, around which one end of the tube is coiled. The elongation of the strap causes the period of the sinusoidal pattern to increase without imparting damaging stress to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6865334
    Abstract: A termination assembly for use in an optical hydrophone module, comprising a module oil seal and an optical fiber seal. The termination assembly is used at the ends of modules and provides a means for filling individual modules with fill fluid. A module oil seal comprises a cylindrical wall defining a cavity, with one end substantially closed and the other end open. An annular face plate on the open end makes a seal dividing a coupling and a clevis. A check valve is mounted to an orifice that passes through the substantially closed end of the module oil seal. Optical fibers pass through the substantially closed end and the optical fiber seal is provided around the optical fiber that passes therethrough. The fiber seal fits snugly in a module oil seal opening. Both components serve to provide a seal that can withstand high pressures and maintain optical fiber integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6853604
    Abstract: A support structure for piezoelectric elements in a marine seismic cable is provided. The support structure comprises upper and lower cylindrical halves, each with channels formed therein. Two axial channels are adapted to retain three piezoelectric elements each. A third axial channel, positioned between the sensor element channels, is adapted to retain a flexible circuit. Transverse channels between the sensor element channels and the circuit channels accommodate extension from the flexible circuit. The piezoelectric elements are mounted within their respective channels with a resilient pad with adhesive on both sides. The piezoelectric elements are graded so that any group of three piezoelectric elements exhibits approximately the same sensitivity as any of the other three groups of piezoelectric elements on the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventors: James Spackman, Mike Maples, Gary Craig, Louis W. Erath, John Luscombe
  • Patent number: 6850461
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for interrogating of optical seismic sensors in a seismic cable. According to various example embodiments of the invention, distribution, return, and amplification of optical signals is performed near sensors for improvement of modularity of construction, signal-to-nose ratios, and simplicity of operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: PGS Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Maas, D. Richard Metzbower, Ian McMillan
  • Publication number: 20040264299
    Abstract: A woven fiber protection cable assembly for use in an optical fiber hydrophone module. The assembly comprises an elastic woven fiber strap with at least one tube attached to one or more sides of the strap in a sinusoidal pattern. The strap at a first end and longitudinal middle portion is substantially aligned with the central axis of the hydrophone module. Two layers of the strap are fastened together in the longitudinal middle portion, and the first end of the strap comprises a loop. The two layers at the second end of the strap are spatially separated and on opposite sides overlap a fiber transition segment, around which one end of the tube is coiled. The elongation of the strap causes the period of the sinusoidal pattern to increase without imparting damaging stress to the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Publication number: 20040264298
    Abstract: A termination assembly for use in an optical hydrophone module, comprising a module oil seal and an optical fiber seal. The termination assembly is used at the ends of modules and provides a means for filling individual modules with fill fluid. A module oil seal comprises a cylindrical wall defining a cavity, with one end substantially closed and the other end open. An annular face plate on the open end makes a seal dividing a coupling and a clevis. A check valve is mounted to an orifice that passes through the substantially closed end of the module oil seal. Optical fibers pass through the substantially closed end and the optical fiber seal is provided around the optical fiber that passes therethrough. The fiber seal fits snugly in a module oil seal opening. Both components serve to provide a seal that can withstand high pressures and maintain optical fiber integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
  • Publication number: 20040252587
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting vibration information by receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from a target object at a photodetector array to provide real-time imaging of the target object. The detected radiation may be visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, and/or of other desired frequency ranges. The detected radiation is AC-coupled to isolate components relating to oscillations of the target object from components relating to ambient radiation, e.g. background sunlight, and is digitized, stored, and subjected to processing such as a Fourier transform to generate outputs representative of frequencies of oscillation, which can be used for analysis of the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Melese, Robert A. Brown, Richard C. Honey, Victor Aguero
  • Patent number: 6825714
    Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating sign uncertainty in a coherent phase generated carrier demodulator in a multi-channel sensor system has a downconverter array arranged to separate the in-phase component I and the quadrature phase component of the sensor output for each channel. A coordinate transformer uses the in-phase component and quadrature phase component to calculate an arctangent for the phase angle for each channel. A digital signal processor adds 180° to each arctangent calculation for which the tangent is a negative number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Louis Greene, William Christopher Knaack, Gregory Alan Gibbons
  • Patent number: 6809991
    Abstract: An excitation signal is selected and transmitted, and a signal is received containing information produced by a remote object in response to the excitation signal. The information is evaluated to attempt to identify the object, the excitation signal is adjusted on the basis of the evaluation, the adjusted excitation signal is transmitted, and a resulting signal is received and evaluated. A variation involves transmitting an excitation signal, transmitting an optical probe signal, receiving an optical signal which is a reflection of the probe signal and which contains information produced by a remote object in response to the excitation signal, and evaluating the information for the purpose of identifying the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: David M. Pepper, Gilmore J. Dunning, David S. Sumida
  • Publication number: 20040184352
    Abstract: A pressure compensated hydrophone for measuring dynamic pressures is disclosed. The hydrophone includes a compliant hollow mandrel with a single optical fiber coiled around at least a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel further includes at least one pressure relief valve for compensating for changes in hydrostatic pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a micro-hole, which allows hydrostatic pressures or low frequency pressure events to couple into the interior of the mandrel to provide compensation against such pressure. Higher frequencies pressure events of interest do not couple through the micro-hole and therefore only act only on the exterior of the mandrel, allowing for their detection. Because (quasi) hydrostatic events are compensated for, the mandrel may be made particularly compliant, rendering the singular fiber optic coil particularly sensitive to the detection of the higher frequency signals of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Ming Kwong Woo
  • Publication number: 20040156267
    Abstract: Provided is a permanent seafloor seismic recording system utilizing Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems seismic sensors. The system includes and expandable backbone, multiple hubs and sensor lines. The sensor lines include multiple sensor modules that include 3-C accelerometers and a hydrophone for providing a 4-C sensor module output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Input/Output, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. O'Brien, Magne Oldervoll, Leon Lovheim, Allen J. Bishop, William P. Campbell, Ronald G. Schmidt, Douglas S. Wheeler, Geoffrey M. Nightingale
  • Publication number: 20040141420
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the operation of downhole equipment, such as electrical submersible pumps, is disclosed. The method and system rely on the use of coiled fiber optic sensors, such as hydrophones, accelerometers, and/or flow meters. These sensors are either coupled to or placed in proximity to the equipment being monitored. As the sensor is perturbed by acoustic pressure disturbances emitted from the equipment, the length of the sensing coil changes, enabling the creation of a pressure versus time signal. This signal is converted into a frequency spectrum indicative of the acoustics emissions of the equipment, which can then be manually or automatedly monitored to see if the equipment is functioning normally or abnormally, and which allows the operator to take necessary corrective actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Bob A. Hardage, John L. Maida, Espen S. Johansen
  • Patent number: 6731570
    Abstract: Detection of remote acoustic signals is achieved using a pulse to pulse coherent laser beam which is projected from a telescope to a remote region that contains acoustic signals from a nearby source. Light from the beam is scanned in the region and a resultant signal collected by a telescope. The signal and a reference are applied to an interferometer and the resultant interference pattern applied to a photoreceiver. An alternating current is produced across the photoreceiver which corresponds to the scattered light from the beam caused by the periodic movement of acoustic signals through a region. The detector can be used to determine the curvature of an acoustic signal wavefront and to detect the location of a source producing the acoustic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: BAE Systems Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Roger M Langdon