With Detection Of Fiber Microbend Caused By Parameter Affecting Fiber Patents (Class 250/227.16)
-
Patent number: 11949248Abstract: To improve the optical power supply efficiency, a power-over-fiber system includes a power sourcing equipment including a semiconductor laser that oscillates with electric power to output feed light, a powered device including a photoelectric conversion element that converts the feed light into electric power, a plurality of optical fiber cables that transmit the feed light, a measurer that measures a distance from the power sourcing equipment to the powered device, and a control device that controls the power sourcing equipment to output the feed light after compensating for an amount of attenuation of the feed light according to a transmission distance on the basis of the distance from the power sourcing equipment to the powered device measured by the measurer.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventor: Takahiro Kobayashi
-
Patent number: 11796406Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting composite material damage due to impact by using distributed optical fiber are disclosed. In the apparatus and method for detecting composite material damage due to impact by using distributed optical fiber, the position and level of damage occurring in a composite material due to low-velocity impact can be effectively and economically detected by measuring the residual strain of optical fiber distributed on the surface of the composite material or inside the composite material. In the apparatus and method for detecting composite material damage due to impact by using distributed optical fiber, there is no need to always operate a sensor in real time, so that detection errors due to temporary failures, malfunctions, etc. of the sensor, as well as a problem of constantly supplying power to the sensor, can be essentially removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND SCIENCEInventors: Il-Bum Kwon, Dae-Cheol Seo, Chi Yup Kim
-
Patent number: 11692943Abstract: Measurement apparatus including an optical sensor, which performs repeatedly transmission measurements through moving sheet of paper or board at at least one wavelength band dominantly absorbed by water, at at least one wavelength band dominantly absorbed by cellulose. The apparatus also includes an X-ray sensor, which performs repeatedly transmission measurements through the moving sheet of paper or board with photons of electromagnetic radiation (1 keV to 10 keV). The apparatus comprises a data processing unit, which receives signals with information on intensities of the optical and X-ray radiations passed through the sheet from the optical sensor and the X-ray sensor, and determines, based on the information, all of the following of the moving sheet: the dry stuff content as a function of the cellulose mass per unit area of the sheet, water mass per unit area of the sheet and the ash mass per unit area of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: VALMET AUTOMATION OYInventors: Kari Veikkolainen, Marko Toskala, Markku Mäntylä
-
Patent number: 11662269Abstract: A fiber-optic interconnection stabilization apparatus for a measurement system is provided. The apparatus may comprise a main body comprising an enclosure and two openings. The enclosure may encase a fiber-optic cable within the main body in an organized manner. The two openings may fit connecting ends of the fiber-optic cable such that the connecting ends of may be exposed in order to connect two modular components of a measurement system and form a closed measurement loop. The main body, when in a closed configuration, may stabilizes the fiber-optic cable encased within from external conditions, such as mechanical, thermal, or other environmental conditions that may affect measurements.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Robert Matthew Adams, Joshua Philipson, Elias Debs, Shauna Peach-Donovan, Jeff Graves
-
Patent number: 11607141Abstract: An optical fiber blood pressure continuous detection wristband, comprising: an optical fiber sensing assembly module, the optical fiber sensing assembly module includes a sensing band and an optical fiber configured to extend along the sensing band and form a sensing area to sense a pulse wave; the sensing band includes an inner layer configured to be placed adjacent to the wrist to be detected, and the outer surface of the inner layer is abutted against the optical fiber; an outer layer, the inner surface of the outer layer is provided with a first concave-convex structure with a corrugate shaped, the first concave-convex structure being abutted against the optical fiber; wherein a active space is formed between the sensing band and the inner watchband and configured for the radial artery to beat; a calibration assembly configured to continuously calibrate blood pressure values; and a signal process assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: HUIJIA HEALTH LIFE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Shuchen Yang
-
Patent number: 11467057Abstract: The present application describes a magneto-optical based guided waves system for inspection and monitoring of assets. The system has a magnetostrictive-based wave emitter for signal generation and a network of optical fiber sensors for detection, both mechanically coupled to the asset, a device with embedded software for hardware control and signal processing, and a framework capable of providing visual and analytic insights about the condition of the structure of interest. The enhancement of flaw detection, location and characterization abilities of the system are obtained through the use of high sensitivity and passive fiber optics sensors with very small size, distributed and multi-parameter sensing capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: EQS—ENGENHARIA, QUALIDADE E SEGURANCA, LDA.Inventors: Joao Gil Vieira Teixeira, Gabriel Jose Magalhaes Dinis, Helder Filipe Madureira Araujo, Carlos Avelino De Jesus Gouveia, Eduardo Miguel Lage Dixo De Sousa, Luis Miguel Jardim Noites
-
Patent number: 11385097Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical measurement of vibrations experienced by components may include a light source, a reflector associated with a component to be measured, and an optical sensor. In addition, the systems may include one or more fiber optic cables to transmit emitted light between the light source and the reflector, and to transmit reflected light between the reflector and the optical sensor. The optical measurement systems may enable detection of a large dynamic range of vibrations experienced by components or systems, and may also enable determinations related to high cycle fatigue and other stresses. Further, the optical measurement systems may be integrated into systems having various components to be measured, thereby enabling continuous, in-situ measurement of vibrations and health, as well as continuous monitoring and adjustment of operations of such systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Noah Allstot, Dominic Scott Lebaron, Bradley Leonard, Ryan Jeffrey Aalund
-
Patent number: 11280691Abstract: An apparatus for producing strain in an optical fibre proportional to dynamic pressure fluctuation in the surrounding substance. The apparatus includes a diaphragm having a first face that, in use, is exposed to dynamic pressure fluctuations in the substance, and a second, opposite face, the diaphragm being adapted to flex in response to dynamic pressure fluctuations applied to it. One or more optical fibres are mounted on either the first or the second face of the diaphragm, whereby strain is produced in the fibre when the diaphragm flexes.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Nuron LimitedInventor: Michael Ainger
-
Patent number: 11243364Abstract: A graded index fiber having a refractive index profile that causes a beam to be re-imaged in the graded index fiber with a regular period may include a set of bends that have a bend period matched to or nearly matched to a pitch of the graded index fiber. For example, the set of bends may be formed in the graded index fiber using one or more bending devices that include one or more protrusions that have a periodicity matched to or nearly matched to a pitch of the graded index fiber. A first section of the one or more bending devices may be actuated to move towards a second section of the one or more bending devices such that the one or more protrusions cause the bends to be formed in the graded index fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Lumentum Operations LLCInventors: Martin H. Muendel, Patrick Gregg, Richard D. Faulhaber, James J. Morehead, Alex Hatcher
-
Patent number: 11187840Abstract: An optical fiber apparatus corresponding to an environmental condition and a lamp module with the optical fiber apparatus corresponding to the environmental condition may include an optical fiber, in which the movement of the optical fiber is guided upon a change in the length of the optical fiber by a high temperature or low temperature environmental condition such that the change in the length thereof is absorbed, preventing damage due to the change in the length of the optical fiber to improve durability.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Byoung Suk Ahn, Jung Wook Lim
-
Patent number: 11165802Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to assess network communications by generating one or more thresholds for network traffic parameters based at least in part on a generated baseline for the network traffic parameter in the supervisory control and data acquisition system based on communications within the industrial network. Network communications may be assessed by determining whether the communications in the industrial network fall within the one or more thresholds for the network traffic parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Cody W. Tews, Cassandra Seubert
-
Patent number: 11147960Abstract: A catheter (20), which can be part of an intravascular blood pump, possesses a kink sensor which extends over the total length of the catheter and comprises an optical fiber (28A). The optical fiber is attached to an evaluation device (100) which evaluates a preset light quantity transmitted through the optical fiber as to whether a part of the light quantity is coupled out of the optical fiber along the length of the optical fiber. This is interpreted as a kink event and displayed. The optical fiber preferably utilized for the kink sensor is the optical fiber of an optical pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Abiomed Europe GmbHInventors: Gerd Spanier, Thorsten Siess
-
Patent number: 11124449Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the fabrication and characterization of an optical fiber capable of firing light virtually from any point along its circumferential surface. The optical fiber is preferably prepared by laser micromachining. In preferred embodiments, laser radiation is focused onto a multimode optical fiber axis, forming a conical-shaped cavity (side window) in the fiber core. Because of the total internal reflection when the laser beam reaches the side window-outside medium interface, the beam is reflected to the side of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: University of Houston SystemInventor: Wei-Chuan Shih
-
Patent number: 11111955Abstract: A method for fixing a fiber having a fiber Bragg grating sensor segment onto a component configured to undergo changes in strain and/or temperature. The method providing the steps of stretching at least a section of the fiber including the fiber Bragg grating sensor segment by a defined and calibrated preload into a preloaded condition, fixing the section of the fiber including the fiber Bragg grating sensor segment being in the preloaded condition on a carrier element, and fixing the carrier element onto the component, as well as a bearing device with such a fiber.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Defeng Lang, Ben Koperdraad
-
Patent number: 11015961Abstract: There is disclosed a distributed optical fibre sensing system in which the sensor fibre comprises at least first and second waveguides used for separate sensing operations. The sensor fibre may be, for example, a double clad fibre having a monomode core and a multimode inner cladding.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Inventors: Vincent Handerek, Adrian Steel
-
Patent number: 11015926Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises a transmitter coupled to a propagation channel, and a receiver coupled to the same first end of the propagation channel. The propagation channel of the deformation is a transmission line, where a signal is transmitted by the transmitter and reflected signals are measured by the receiver responsive to the transmitted signals. A bend in the propagation channel results in a change in impedance of the transmission line at a location of the bend, resulting in a reflection of the signal from the location of the bend. The time delay of the reflected signals corresponds to the distance along the length of the channel where a bending of the propagation channel occurs. The amplitude of the reflected signal corresponds to a bend angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III, Brian Michael Scally
-
Patent number: 11000265Abstract: A biopsy needle has a cylindrical shell outer cannula and a stylet consisting of an inner stylet and outer stylet, both of which are inserted into the cylindrical cannula. The outer stylet has a series of strain relieved slits which provide bending over a deflection region in one direction, and the outer stylet is formed from a material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a superelastic phase. The deflection is generated by an SMA wire spanning a deflection extent and attached to the outer stylet on either side of the deflection extent. The inner stylet, when positioned inside the outer stylet, has one or more actuation fibers which couple optical energy into the SMA wire or hollow SMA tube, causing a deflection of the outer stylet over the deflection extent, with the optical energy provided to the actuation fibers for control of the deflection. Additional fibers may be placed in the inner stylet to measure temperature and to measure deflection.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Seok Chang Ryu, Richard J. Black, Behzad Moslehi
-
Patent number: 10729313Abstract: A bend information computation apparatus is to compute bend information representing a direction and a magnitude of bend of a target group including targets disposed at an identical position along a light guide. Each target modulates the intensity of guided light in accordance with the direction and magnitude of bend.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Ken Sato, Yasuo Sasaki, Hiromasa Fujita
-
Patent number: 10677703Abstract: Methods for determining a density of a fluid are provided. The method can include passing the fluid through a conduit, measuring a vibration of the conduit by distributed acoustic sensing via a fiber optic cable coupled to the conduit, and generating a vibrational signal indicative of the measured vibration. At least a portion of the vibration of the conduit can be produced by the fluid passing therethrough. The method can also include measuring a temperature of the conduit and generating a temperature signal indicative of the temperature. The method can further include calculating the density of the fluid passing through the conduit by using the vibrational signal and the temperature signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Li Gao, Christopher L. Stokely
-
Patent number: 10580231Abstract: Vehicles and methods are provided for monitoring the health of a substrate and a protective coating disposed on the substrate. A vehicle includes a substrate, a protective coating, a coating deformation sensor, and a controller. The protective coating is disposed overtop the substrate. The coating deformation sensor is operatively coupled with the protective coating and configured to measure a deformation value of the protective coating. The controller is configured to: determine a deformation recovery rate of the protective coating based on the deformation value; determine whether the deformation recovery rate corresponds with an expected recovery rate of the protective coating; and indicate that the protective coating may be impaired in response to determining that the deformation recovery rate does not correspond with the expected recovery rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Wen-Chiao Lin, Jingyan Wan, Jian Yao, Neeraj S. Shidore, Qiangfeng Xiao, Ming Yang, Paul E. Krajewski
-
Patent number: 10551266Abstract: A device measures a flight parameter of an aircraft which has a radome. Systems measure the deformation of a wall of the radome due to forces exerted by the air on the radome. A computer computes the flight parameter from deformation measurements obtained by the systems. The systems have an optical fiber carried by the radome provided with Bragg gratings. Each fiber has a plurality of Bragg gratings distributed over a length of the fiber so as to distribute the Bragg gratings over the radome when the fiber is installed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS, AIRBUS SASInventors: Christophe Bernus, Jean Redon, Alain Fontaine, Thomas Boisson, Nathalie Esteve, Cécile Poret, Andrei Bulancea
-
Patent number: 10533907Abstract: A system and method of delivering fiber optic communication service is provided. The method includes monitoring a strain signal generated by a strain-sensing optical fiber embedded in a roadway. The method includes comparing the strain signal to a predetermined allowable strain threshold of an optical communication cable associated with the strain-sensing optical fiber. The method includes relieving strain at a position along a length of the optical communications cable when the strain signal is determined to exceed the predetermined allowable strain threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLCInventors: Eric Raymond Logan, Allen Michael Miller
-
Patent number: 10456038Abstract: A cloud-based physiological monitoring system has a sensor in communications with a living being so as to generate a data stream generally responsive to a physiological condition of the living being. A monitor receives the data stream from the sensor and transmits the data stream to a cloud server. The cloud server processes the data stream so as to derive physiological parameters having values responsive to the physiological condition. The cloud server derives a medical index based upon a combination of the physiological parameters. The cloud server communicates the medical index to the monitor, which displays the medical index.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Cercacor Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Marcelo M. Lamego, Abraham Mazda Kiani, Don Sanders, Jeroen Poeze, Massi Joe E. Kiani, Anthony Amir Davia
-
Patent number: 10429210Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises a propagation channel, a transmitter coupled to a first end of the propagation channel, a receiver coupled to a second end of the propagation channel, and a controller. The propagation channel is deformable and the controller instructs the transmitter to transmit a signal, instructs the receiver to capture one or more measurements of the transmitted signal, and determines a bend in the propagation channel based on the one or more measurements. In one embodiment, the transmitter is a light source, the propagation channel is an optical fiber, and the receiver is a photodiode. The propagation channel is made of a material that has a variation in a refractive index responsive to applied mechanical stress. The deformation sensing apparatus may also include a polarizer positioned between the transmitter and the propagation channel and a wave plate positioned between the propagation channel and the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III, Brian Michael Scally
-
Patent number: 10393572Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus and methods for fast quantitative measurement of perturbation of optical fields transmitted, reflected and/or scattered along a length of an optical fiber. The present invention can be used for point sensors as well as distributed sensors or the combination of both. In particular this technique can be applied to distributed sensors while extending dramatically the speed and sensitivity to allow the detection of acoustic perturbations anywhere along a length of an optical fiber while achieving fine spatial resolution. The present invention offers unique advantages in a broad range of acoustic sensing and imaging applications. Typical uses are for monitoring oil and gas wells such as for distributed flow metering and/or imaging, seismic imaging, monitoring long cables and pipelines, imaging within large vessel as well as for security applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Silixa Ltd.Inventors: Mahmoud Farhadiroushan, Tom Richard Parker, Sergey Shatalin
-
Patent number: 10302933Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a flexible insert section inserted into an insertion target and a curved-shape detection sensor which detects a curved shape of the insert section. The curved-shape detection sensor includes at least a core, a cladding, a coating, and a sensing part mechanically attached to the core and detecting the curved shape. The optical fiber is disposed at least in the insert section. The optical fiber includes at least one displacement restraint section which directly or indirectly restrains a displacement of the sensing part relative to the insert section.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Tojo, Hiromasa Fujita, Eiji Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 10209060Abstract: An apparatus, and related method, relates generally to a fiber-optic sensing system. In such a system, fiber-optic sensors are in a rosette or rosette-like pattern. An optical circulator is coupled to receive a light signal from a broadband light source, to provide the light signal to the fiber-optic sensors, and to receive a returned optical signal from the fiber-optic sensors. A spectral engine is coupled to the optical circulator to receive the returned optical signal and configured to provide an output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: iSenseCloud, Inc.Inventor: An-Dien Nguyen
-
Patent number: 10111580Abstract: At least one optical fiber of a fiber sensor has sensing parts whose number is number of the anticipated inflection points+one or more, the anticipated inflection points being inflection points of a shape of a detection target range of a detection target. The number of the anticipated inflection points is decided based on one of a functional limit and a structural limit which limit a degree of freedom in a bending shape of the detection target. A space L1 between the anticipated inflection points is L1=r1·?1, wherein r1 is a curvature radius at a maximum bending of the detection target range of the detection target, ?1 is a central angle of an arc created by the space between the anticipated inflection points at the maximum bending, and ?1??/2.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Tojo, Hiromasa Fujita
-
Patent number: 10113862Abstract: In a strain sensor and a method for manufacturing a strain sensor according to the present invention, a plurality of supports is provided in a base in a state of protruding. An optical fiber is wound around the supports. The optical fiber is provided in a state of having parts directing to different directions each other between the supports. Fixing materials fix the optical fiber to the supports in a state in which tension is applied to fiber parts between the supports.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: CMIWS CO., LTD.Inventor: Masahito Wakahara
-
Patent number: 10082386Abstract: In a strain sensor and a method for manufacturing a strain sensor according to the present invention, a plurality of supports is provided in a base in a state of protruding. An optical fiber is wound around the supports. The optical fiber is provided in a state of having parts directing to different directions each other between the supports. Fixing materials fix the optical fiber to the supports in a state in which tension is applied to fiber parts between the supports.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: CMIWS CO., LTD.Inventor: Masahito Wakahara
-
Patent number: 10082418Abstract: A weight management mat for passively and automatically monitoring weight for one or more individuals in a household. The weight management mat generally includes a housing having an upper mat and a lower mat between which is sealed a pair of perpendicular sensor arrays. Each sensor array includes fiber optic cables laid out in a grid pattern. One or more microbend inducers act to induce detectable microbends in the fiber optic cables when an individual steps on the upper mat. The change in light intensity caused by these microbends is recorded by photodetectors and processed by a microcontroller. The present invention may be utilized to identify each unique individual stepping on the present invention by the pressure map of their feet. Thus, recorded weight measurements may be tracked to aid in weight management.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Inventor: Amit Kumar Gupta
-
Patent number: 9877640Abstract: A scanning endoscope includes: an optical fiber that emits an illuminating light from a distal end; an actuator that causes a distal end of the optical fiber to oscillate; a fixing block that fixes the optical fiber; and a propagation portion that is provided in close contact with an outer circumferential face of a cladding of the optical fiber at a position on the distal end side relative to the fixing block, and on which, among the illuminating light, light that reaches the outer circumferential face of the cladding is incident and is propagated or absorbed inside the propagation portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshinari Okita
-
Patent number: 9804021Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fast quantitative measurement of perturbation of optical fields transmitted, reflected and/or scattered along a length of an optical fibre can be used for point sensors as well as distributed sensors or the combination of both. In particular, this technique can be applied to distributed sensors while extending dramatically the speed and sensitivity to allow the detection of acoustic perturbations anywhere along a length of an optical fibre while achieving fine spatial resolution. Advantages of this technique include a broad range of acoustic sensing and imaging applications. Typical uses are for monitoring oil and gas wells such as for distributed flow metering and/or imaging, seismic imaging, monitoring long cables and pipelines, imaging within large vessel as well as for security applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Silixa Limited.Inventors: Mahmoud Farhadiroushan, Tom Richard Parker, Sergey Shatalin
-
Patent number: 9791302Abstract: An optical fiber sensor for locating an excitation in proximity to an optical fiber assembly comprises: a laser assembly configured to emit N laser beams indexed i with N>1, of respective emission wavelength ?i, an optical fiber assembly comprising N successive sections indexed i, an optical system configured to: inject the laser beams, receive N signal beams indexed i respectively of wavelengths ?i, generate N reference beams indexed i respectively of wavelengths ?i, produce N interference areas indexed i, a holographic detector comprising: a liquid crystal light valve that at least partially covers the interference areas, and is configured to produce N holograms indexed i from, respectively, N interference areas, at least one optical detector configured to detect N output optical signals indexed I, a processing unit adapted to identify the section of the fiber assembly situated in proximity to the excitation to be located.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignees: THALES, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS)Inventors: Umberto Bortolozzo, Jean-Pierre Huignard, Stefania Residori, Stéphanie Molin, Daniel Dolfi
-
Patent number: 9784574Abstract: A flatness-measuring roll for detecting flatness defects of a metal strip extending and moving in a strip-travel direction has a roll body having a cylindrical outer surface and a central axis extending generally perpendicular to the strip-travel direction and about which the body is rotatable. A plurality of measuring bars axially spaced along the body, recessed in the body, and having outer faces flush with the body surface are each at least limitedly radially shiftable relative to the body. The bars are angularly elongated, each extend along a plane substantially perpendicular to the roll axis, and each have a constant width measured parallel to the roll axis over generally all of a respective total angular length. At least two respective force-measuring sensors are braced radially between each of the bars and the roll body.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: BWG BERGWERK- UND WALZWERK-MASCHINEBAU GMBHInventors: Andreas Noe, Marc Werner, Christoph Moos
-
Patent number: 9581559Abstract: A corrosion detection sensor embedded within a concrete structure. The sensor includes a hermetically sealed resonant circuit that is a resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit. The sensor further includes a sacrificial transducer that is inductively or capacitively coupled to the resonant circuit, where the sacrificial transducer is exposed to an environment outside the sensor to monitor corrosion of steel reinforcement in the concrete structure. Additionally, the sensor includes a protective cementitious housing surrounding the resonant circuit and the sacrificial transducer. The sensor further includes a diffusion layer placed over the sacrificial transducer, where the diffusion layer enables a dispersion of a chemical species over the sacrificial transducer. In this manner, a more uniform distribution of the chemical species over the surface of the sacrificial transducer mitigating the localized corrosion is ensured. Furthermore, such a design is less susceptible to false positives.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Dean P. Neikirk, Sharon L. Wood, Praveenkumar Pasupathy, Ali Abu Yosef
-
Patent number: 9547130Abstract: An attenuator device includes a housing that forms a channel configured to receive an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a first fused fiber tap for a first signal direction and a second fused fiber tap for a second signal direction. The attenuator device also includes (a) a first bend control region, in series with the channel and aligned with the first fused fiber tap; (b) a first bend-inducing object that moves to selectively contact the first fused fiber tap in the first bend control region to alter a bend radius at the first fused fiber tap; (c) a second bend control region, in series with the channel and aligned with the second fused fiber tap; and (d) a second bend-inducing object that moves to selectively contact the second fused fiber tap in the second bend control region to alter a bend radius at the second fused fiber tap.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: David Z. Chen, Wenjia Wang
-
Patent number: 9546960Abstract: A system including a light source, sampling tray, and at least three detectors mounted at angles with respect to each other receives light reflected from a sample of cannabis-based matter. Light from the three detectors is fed to a spectrometer which converts the reflected light into a fingerprint corresponding to the concentration of at least one substance in the sample. The fingerprint is processed by a statistical model to determine concentration level of the at least one substance in the sample and the concentration level is then displayed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Lightwave Science, Inc.Inventors: William Bryan Pierce, III, Jason D. Pierce
-
Patent number: 9435702Abstract: Mechanical parameters of an object subjected to a force or condition are measured. A curved portion of a multicore optical fiber is attached to the object, and the multicore optical fiber includes a center core and plural off-center cores. A distributed, optically-based sensing technique is used to obtain information at each of multiple points along the curved portion from multiple ones of the cores of the multicore optical fiber. A curvature associated with the fiber attached to the object is determined using the information obtained from multiple ones of the cores. Strain information is obtained for the center core without having to obtain strain information for the off-center cores. Mechanical parameters are determined based on the strain information obtained for the center core and the curvature information obtained from the multiple ones of the cores.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgial Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Froggatt, Dawn K. Gifford
-
Patent number: 9417215Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring vibrations introduce baseline vibrations into a fiber optic cable with one or more of a designated frequency or a designated amplitude. Changes in the baseline vibrations are monitored using the fiber optic cable. Information about environmental conditions outside of the fiber optic cable and/or moving objects can be determined based at least in part on the changes in the baseline vibrations that are monitored. The information that is determined about the objects, such as vehicles, can be modified based on the changes in the baseline vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Nick David Nagrodsky
-
Patent number: 9366551Abstract: An optical sensor has a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member, a characteristic changing part, a detecting unit, and an optical connecting unit. The optical connecting unit has a light branching unit configured to branch the light emitted from the light source to the characteristic light-guiding member, and branches the light guided by the characteristic light-guiding member to the detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Inventors: Hiromasa Fujita, Eiji Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 9352629Abstract: A spring including a composite structure including reinforcement fibers in a matrix. The composite structure further includes at least one Bragg cell and at least one optical fiber connected to the Bragg cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Christian Chabanon, Anthony Jacques
-
Patent number: 9239429Abstract: A fiber sensor includes a light source, and an optical fiber having flexibility to guide light emitted from the light source. The optical fiber has at least one light characteristics conversion portion. The fiber sensor also includes a light-receiving unit to receive the light guided by the optical fiber, and an identification unit having a unique shape on an outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber as compared with a round shape. The identification unit is formed to have a shape enabling at least one of an installation position and posture of the light characteristics conversion portion provided on the optical fiber to be identified.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Aiko Sakai
-
Patent number: 9200971Abstract: Mechanical parameters of an object subjected to a force or condition are measured. A curved portion of a multicore optical fiber is attached to the object, and the multicore optical fiber includes a center core and plural off-center cores. A distributed, optically-based sensing technique is used to obtain information at each of multiple points along the curved portion from multiple ones of the cores of the multicore optical fiber. A curvature associated with the fiber attached to the object is determined using the information obtained from multiple ones of the cores. Strain information is obtained for the center core without having to obtain strain information for the off-center cores. Mechanical parameters are determined based on the strain information obtained for the center core and the curvature information obtained from the multiple ones of the cores.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Froggatt, Dawn K. Gifford
-
Patent number: 9188522Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simulation of bore hole fractures are disclosed. A device for simulating a fracture in a subterranean formation comprises a housing, a gap in the housing, and one or more shims positioned inside the gap. The shims cover at least a portion of a surface of a wall forming the gap. The device further comprises an inlet for directing a sample fluid into the gap. The sample fluid flows through the gap and flows out of the gap through an outlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Robert J. Murphy, Matthew L. Miller, Sharath Savari
-
Patent number: 9183739Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring with speech warming for smart phones. The Integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring includes a stabilizing device, optical sensing device and communication device. The basic structure involves cable and optical fiber connecting two ends and joined by heat shrink tubes. A measuring segment is located between two heat shrink tubes. The stabilizing device provides a pre-determined tensile strength to the measuring segment. The optical fiber sensing device detects a response via a Fiber Bragg grating in the optical fiber's measuring segment. When the measuring segment receives a response, it changes from first phase to second phase and creates a signal change from the reflected signals. Signal processing device converts the signal changes to physical parameters. The communication device sends warning signals to users.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIESInventor: Zheng-Kuan Lee
-
Patent number: 8964172Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus including a composite panel. The apparatus includes a first composite panel including a first optical fiber embedded therein, the first optical fiber being arranged in a pattern, and a first input port connected to a first end of the first optical fiber, the first input port configured to receive an optical signal from an optical time domain reflectometer. The optical time domain reflectometer is configured to send the optical signal through the first input port and measure a strength of a reflected optical signal that is reflected back from the first optical fiber, wherein the strength indicates a measured optical impedance of the first optical fiber. A measured optical impedance that is substantially the same as a baseline optical impedance for the fiber indicates no damage, while a measured optical impedance that differs from the baseline optical impedance by a predetermined threshold indicates damage.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Arlen E. Breiholz, Peter J. Morgan, Thomas A. Potts
-
Patent number: 8939628Abstract: A driving method of a light source apparatus includes causing a primary light source to emit checking light. The checking light has light intensity sufficient to check a state of the light source apparatus and unharmful to the human body even when the checking light leaks. This emission is based on an output signal from a photodetector having detected a light radiated from a light conversion unit. The method further includes checking a state of the light source apparatus. The checking the state of the light source apparatus is based on an output signal from the photodetector having detected light radiated from the light conversion unit and entering the photodetector based on the checking light.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Nishio
-
Publication number: 20140332675Abstract: An optical sensor has a light source, a characteristic light-guiding member, a characteristic changing part, a detecting unit, and an optical connecting unit. The optical connecting unit has a light branching unit configured to branch the light emitted from the light source to the characteristic light-guiding member, and branches the light guided by the characteristic light-guiding member to the detecting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Hiromasa FUJITA, Eiji YAMAMOTO
-
Patent number: 8755038Abstract: A method includes applying pulsed light to a first end of an optical fiber from an optical fault locator during a first distance test. The method includes determining an estimated distance to a fault based on the pulsed light. The method includes sending information indicative of the estimated distance to a remote device. The method also includes applying first visible light from the optical fault locator to the first end of the optical fiber to facilitate identification of the fault at a first site that is remote from the first end of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Bryan Smith