Abstract: A temperature sensor array comprises an optical fiber (16) on which are a plurality of Bragg gratings (18) on respective spaced apart portions of the fiber. Each portion is in a housing (14) which freely houses the said portion substantially without axial strain on the fiber within the housing and which also isolates the grating from strain imposed on the fiber outside the housing. Thus substantially only changes in temperature affect the Bragg grating of that portion. The array may be used to detect and control the temperature of a tool (12) for forming a composite component amongst other uses.

Abstract: A surface egress and/or ingress housing is provided for an elongate flexible member. A front opening in a front surface of the housing can receive a connector for the elongate flexible member. A base of the housing can be at least partially received under an embedding layer for mounting the housing on the surface. An internal cavity in the housing can communicate with the front opening and with a rear opening in the base. The rear opening and the cavity can be wider than the elongate flexible member to facilitate mounting of the housing.

Abstract: A temperature sensor array comprises an optical fibre (16) on which are a plurality of Bragg gratings (18) on respective spaced apart portions of the fibre. Each portion is in a housing (14) which freely houses the said portion substantially without axial strain on the fibre within the housing and which also isolates the grating from strain imposed on the fibre outside the housing. Thus substantially only changes in temperature affect the Bragg grating of that portion. The array may be used to detect and control the temperature of a tool (12) for forming a composite component amongst other uses.