Abstract: An optical apparatus for sensing the motion of an object. A light source transmits light through a first and second optical fiber. The first and second optical fiber are positioned on opposite sides of a modulator or code disk to face each other along an optical path. The modulator has alternating reflective regions and transmissive regions which modulate the light propagating along the optical path as the modulator moves across the optical path. The modulated light is received by the first and second and optical fibers and transported to a predetermined location for evaluation.

Abstract: An optical fluid sensing apparatus comprising a sensing tip having a conical configuration with a coating, such as a thin layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), on the outer surface of the tip element itself. At the sensing tip, emitted light is either refracted back into a detector fiber optic cable or is lost, depending upon the relationship between the indices of refraction of the sensing tip and coating to the substance surrounding the sensing tip, i.e. the fluid or air being sensed. In order to obtain the proper relationship between the sensing tip and the fluid, the index of refraction and the bevel angle of the tip element are carefully selected in relation to the indices of refraction of the coating and the fluid to be sensed. As a result, when fluid surrounds the tip light is dispersed into the fluid and lost. When no fluid is present, however, the coating sheds any remaining fluidand the light is internally reflected and refracted back into the detector fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An error detection system is provided for a two-state fiber optic sensor. An amplified photodetector signal is sampled by each of an ON-OFF threshold detector, a disconnect threshold detector and a slope detector. The ON-OFF threshold detector monitors whether the detector signal is above or below an ON-OFF threshold value corresponding to the parameter being sensed and activates an appropriate sensor output. The disconnect threshold detector monitors the constant low level detector signal corresponding to low level light received by the detector even when the thresold detector is in the OFF state, and triggers an error signal should the detector signal fall below a disconnect threshold value. The slope detector monitors the rate of change of the detector signal.