Abstract: A single optical fiber is used for measuring angular or rotational position in a rotary sensor. The optical fiber is used in connection with known analog intensity opto-electronics. The optical fiber is used in connection with a microbending device housed within the sensor. An input shaft of the sensor experiencing rotational motion causing the microbending device to subject the optical fiber to microbending. Microbending can be caused by a crankpin, pins located on the shaft within the housing, a transverse hole located through the shaft, or other loading arrangement. A micrometer lead screw can be used within the housing to convert the rotational motion into linear motion. The converted linear displacement is used to compress the optical fiber. Where the input shaft experiences many rotations or multiple turns the linear displacement can be applied to a spring element for carrying a load or force to a compression device.

Abstract: A fiber optic microbend sensor employs a resilient coil (12) with an optical fiber (10) positioned therein. The coil (12) has a predetermined length and pitch. An optical signal is applied to the optical fiber (10) with the coil (12) interrogating a parameter. Any movement of the coil (12) modulates the optical signal transmitted along the optical fiber (10). Detecting means (32) measures the modulations of the optical signal for characterization of the parameter.

Abstract: A support lug casting for supporting a ferritic tube from an adjacent tube comprising male and female lugs formed on a ring shaped member and engaged around but not welded to each tube. The male lug of one tube engages into the female lug of an adjacent tube. The lugs and rings are made of austenitic material which resist corrosion and heat and which avoids the problem of welding dissimilar materials to each other since no welded connection is established between the austenitic casting and the ferritic tube. The casting is axially fixed on the tube by one or more ferritic stops or weld areas which are at one or both axial ends of each casting.