Photoelectric Patents (Class 73/705)
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Publication number: 20140202253Abstract: An optical sensor is disclosed for measuring pressure and/or temperature. The optical sensor is adapted for use in high temperature environments, such as gas turbines and other engines. The optical sensor comprises an optical assembly having a sensor element, a spacer and a lens arranged along the optical axis. The sensor element is spaced from the lens by the spacer. An optical fibre is coupled to the optical assembly for illuminating the sensor element. The optical assembly is resiliently mounted in a housing such that the optical assembly is insulated from shock to the housing. There is also disclosed a method of assembling the optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: OXSENSIS LTDInventors: Arnold Peter Roscoe Harpin, Stephen James Fasham, Stephen Geoffrey Tyler
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Patent number: 8752434Abstract: A fiber optical system for pressure measurement has a pressure sensor element (4) with at least two parallel partially reflecting surfaces (5, 7), one of which is arranged on a diaphragm (6) movable with respect to another fixed said surface as a consequence of pressure differences across said diaphragm. Said surfaces are arranged so as to cause interference phenomena of light inciding substantially perpendicularly onto and reflected by the two surfaces depending upon the actual 10 distance between these surfaces. The pressure sensor element is made of material being stable at a continuous temperature up to at least 800° C. At least said diaphragm (6) of the sensor element is made of Si C, and at least a part (23) of the optical fiber (3) connecting to said sensor element is made of a material able to withstand a continuous temperature of at least 800° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Simea Optic ABInventor: Håkan Johansson
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Patent number: 8752435Abstract: There is described a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor design where sensitivity around specific biased pressure is optimized. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor which comprises a substrate; and a diaphragm mounted on the substrate. The diaphragm has a center and comprises: a first layer comprising a first material; and a second layer comprising a second material. The second layer forms a dot or a ring. The dot or ring is mounted on the first layer and is centered about the center of the diaphragm. The second material comprises internal pre-stresses to cause the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a dot) or the peripheral area about the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a ring) to camber away from the substrate upon relaxing the internal pre-stresses.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Inventors: Claude Belleville, Sebastien Lalancette, Nicolas Lessard
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Publication number: 20140123764Abstract: A new type of optical pressure sensor with adjustable sensitivity is proposed based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG). In this technique, the pressure changes the length of a metal bellows which is placed behind a spring. The fiber grating is fixed over the bellows between a fixed position and the connection point of bellows and spring. The wavelength change of FBG is caused by the change in the bellows length; however, the spring controls the total length expansion of the bellows. It will bring two benefits: first it is easy to change the pressure sensing range by changing the spring rate; and secondly the spring improves the linearity of the wavelength sift due to the pressure. The FBG is installed outside of the bellows and is not in contact with the material in which the pressure should be measured (gas or liquid) in contrast with other pressure sensors where the FBG is inside the bellows.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Mohammad Abtahi, Pin Long, Nikolay Naydenov
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Patent number: 8718419Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensor is used as a strain sensing element to determine frame foot loading of a generator. Three FBGs may be used in tandem to form a basic Frame Foot Loading Module (FFL Module). Two modules are fixed on each vertical support gusset at the corner of the generator frame, with one module on the front of the gusset and a second module on the back of the gusset. Thus, each gusset may be instrumented with six FBG strain gauges or sensors. The gussets are chosen on each of the four corners of the generator. For two-pole generators the first three gussets at each corner may be used and, for four-pole generators the first four gussets may be used.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Evangelos V. Diatzikis, Jonathan R. Anderson, David A. Reed
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Patent number: 8707790Abstract: Method for optical pressure measurement of a gas in a closed container by directing a radiation of a radiator through the container and measuring the transmitted radiation by a detector, wherein the radiation of the radiator covers at least one first wavelength range in which there is an absorption of the radiation by the gas, the intensity of the transmitted radiation is detected in a second wavelength range by the detector, wherein the second wavelength range overlaps at least partially with the first wavelength range, and an accumulated intensity of the detected radiation in the second wavelength range is assigned to a pressure of the gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Heuft Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Bernd Baumann, Marcus Wolff
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Patent number: 8695430Abstract: Systems and methods that are capable of measuring pressure or temperature based on luminescence are discussed herein. These systems and methods are based on spin-allowed broadband luminescence of sensors with orthorhombic perovskite structures of rare earth aluminates doped with chromium or similar transition metals, such as chromium-doped gadolinium aluminate. Luminescence from these sensors can be measured to determine at least one of temperature or pressure, based on either the intense luminescence of these sensors, even at high temperatures, or low temperature techniques discussed herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Jeffrey I. Eldridge, Matthew D. Chambers
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Patent number: 8680467Abstract: A method of obtaining submicron resolution IR absorption data from a sample surface. A probe microscope probe interacts with the sample surface while a tunable source of IR radiation illuminates the sample-tip interaction region. The source is modulated at a frequency substantially overlapping the resonant frequency of the probe and may be modulated at the contact resonance frequency of the probe when the probe is in contact with the sample surface. The modulation frequency is continually adjusted to account for shifts in the probe resonant frequency due to sample or other variations. A variety of techniques are used to observe such shifts and accomplish the adjustments in a rapid manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Anasys Instruments Corp.Inventors: Craig Prater, Kevin Kjoller
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Publication number: 20140060199Abstract: A holographic pressure sensing apparatus includes a first optical fiber with a diffractive element at its end face, and a light-coupling component for receiving from the first optical fiber end face first and second images respectively formed by interaction with the diffractive element of a first light of a first wavelength and a second light of a second wavelength. Displacement of the light-coupling component, toward or away from the first optical fiber end face, will adjust an overlap of the first and second images, such that a change in a measurement of said overlap will indicate a change of the pressure in the fluid surrounding the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: QOREX LLCInventors: Trevor Wayne MacDougall, Paul Eric Sanders
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Publication number: 20140007694Abstract: A sensor device for use in a medical fluid delivery system, or an infusion pump device, comprises a fluidic chamber with a deformable cover closing at least an area of the chamber and an optical detection system comprising at least one light emitter for emitting one or more incident light beams and a sensor unit for monitoring one or more reflected light beams is presented. In a pressurized state of the fluidic chamber, the deformable cover is deformed such that it forms an inflexion point area within the deformed cover. The one or more incident light beams emitted by the light emitter are directed on the cover such that the one or more incident light beams are reflected essentially in the inflexion point area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AGInventors: Andreas Geipel, Pascal Grossenbacher, Philipp Michel, Ulrich Haueter
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Patent number: 8590385Abstract: The present application provides a fiber optic sensor system. The fiber optic sensor system may include a small diameter bellows, a large diameter bellows, and a fiber optic pressure sensor attached to the small diameter bellows. Contraction of the large diameter bellows under an applied pressure may cause the small diameter bellows to expand such that the fiber optic pressure sensor may measure the applied pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Renato Guida, Hua Xia, Boon K. Lee, Sachin N. Dekate
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Publication number: 20130255390Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: MEDRAD, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Riley, Michael A. Spohn, Gerald W. Callan, Michael J. Swantner, Russell M. Evans, III
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Publication number: 20130220021Abstract: Provided is a modified fluorescent protein which enables the detection of a power applied to a liquid where the fluorescent protein exists. A modified fluorescent protein, wherein a peptide linker is inserted into a position homologous to the position between the 144th and 145th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of a wild type fluorescent protein from jellyfish or a fluorescent protein derived from said wild type fluorescent protein, characterized in that the fluorescence properties of said modified fluorescent protein change depending on a change in a pressure that is applied to a liquid where said modified fluorescent protein exists.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCYInventors: Tomonobu Watanabe, Keiko Yoshizawa
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Publication number: 20130145852Abstract: The present application provides a fiber optic sensor system. The fiber optic sensor system may include a small diameter bellows, a large diameter bellows, and a fiber optic pressure sensor attached to the small diameter bellows. Contraction of the large diameter bellows under an applied pressure may cause the small diameter bellows to expand such that the fiber optic pressure sensor may measure the applied pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Renato Guida, Hua Xia, Boon K. Lee, Sachin N. Dekate
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Publication number: 20130150225Abstract: One embodiment relates to a pressure sensor apparatus, including a housing with a flexible member and an aperture configured to receive a fluid. The pressure sensor apparatus further includes a first member disposed on the flexible member, a second member removeably coupled to the first member configured to move in response to a pressure of the fluid and a sensor configured to detect the movement of the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: Fenwal, Inc.Inventor: Fenwal, Inc.
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Patent number: 8417084Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carrier for an optical fiber having a plurality of optical sensors located thereon. The carrier has a test section comprising a cavity and at least one geometric discontinuity, wherein in response to a pressure applied to the test section, a stress concentration is formed proximate to the geometric discontinuity, and wherein the optical sensor is adhered to at least a part of the geometric discontinuity. The cavity may be filled with a liquid or a gel. A temperature optical sensor may also be provided adjacent to the pressure optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Clark Davis Boyd
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Patent number: 8402834Abstract: A temperature correcting pressure gauge which has a substrate having at least one surface coupled to a source of pressure to be measured, the substrate first surface having a first fiber Bragg grating from a first optical fiber attached in an appropriately sensitive region of the substrate, a fiber Bragg grating from a second optical fiber attached to the opposite surface from the first fiber Bragg grating, the first and second fiber Bragg gratings reflecting or transmitting optical energy of decreasing or increasing wavelength, respectively, in response to an applied pressure. The first and second fiber Bragg gratings have nominal operating wavelength ranges that are adjacent to each other but are exclusive ranges and the fiber Bragg gratings also have closely matched pressure coefficients and temperature coefficients.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Behzad Moslehi, Joannes M. Costa
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Publication number: 20130069603Abstract: A container of an electrochemical double-layer capacitor for holding electrodes and electrolyte includes a housing having a cavity and a cap portion coupled to the housing forming a fluid-tight reservoir with the cavity. The container also includes a plurality of terminals incorporated into one or more of the housing or the cap portion, where the plurality of terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to the electrodes, and a pressure-compliant membrane incorporated into one of the housing or the cap portion. A pressure monitoring system that monitors the pressure inside the container includes a displacement measuring device adapted to measure a deflection of the pressure-compliant membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Robert Wendell Sharps, Todd Marshall Wetherill
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Publication number: 20130055818Abstract: Processes of identifying small pressure irregularities in a system used for continuous plasma deposition are provided. Sensitive light scattering is used to detect the presence of nucleated particles in a detection area that is outside the plasma region of high electric field whereby the presence of the particles indicates a pressure abnormality in the plasma deposition chamber. The pressure of the plasma deposition chamber is then adjusted to reduce or eliminate the presence of particles within the detection area and to optimize deposition of material on a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: United Solar Ovonic LLCInventor: Joachim Doehler
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Publication number: 20130055819Abstract: The disclosed invention describes an unpowered apparatus which can wirelessly sense pressure based on microfluidics for point-of-care glaucoma diagnosis. Moreover, the disclosed invention teaches methods to construct the invention using microfabrication processing. Finally, a detailed and illustrative schematic of the wireless readout system is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventor: John Yan
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Patent number: 8374834Abstract: A statistical methodology is disclosed to provide time-to-event estimates for oilfield equipment. A method according to the present invention extracts unbiased information from equipment performance data and considers parameters interactions without recourse to data thinning. The analysis explicitly accounts for items of equipment that are still operational at the time of analysis. A method according to the present invention may also be utilized to apply survival analysis to any oilfield equipment components where time-to-event information has been recorded. The method of the present invention allows comparative reckoning between different components present in the system comprising several or many individual components and allows analysis of these components either individually or simultaneously, i.e., in the presence of other components.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: William J. Bailey, Benoit Couet, James R. Hogan, Iain S. Weir
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Patent number: 8344314Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed with at least one pressure sensing element, the pressure induced changes in the optical properties of which are evaluated by illumination with at least one light source. The pressure sensor can include at least two semiconductor-based pressure sensing elements located in individual pressure chambers, which sensing elements are located essentially adjacent to each other. The sensing elements can be irradiated with the same light source, wherein the light transmitted through the sensing elements is detected using at least two corresponding detectors, and wherein the differential pressure in the two pressure chambers is evaluated based on the output of these detectors.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Axel Kramer, Frank Kassubek, Klaus Bohnert, Hubert Braendle
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Publication number: 20120318067Abstract: A fluid pressure monitoring apparatus for use in high temperature, harsh environment applications, is described. The apparatus comprises an elongated member, having a free end and a fixed end, and a blind bore extending through the elongated member the bore having an opening through which fluid is provided to the bore when in use. The bore is offset from a central axis of the elongated member such that the elongated member deflects in response to the pressure of the fluid when provided to the bore. The apparatus further comprises a sensing device adapted to sense the change in distance between a first position, and a second position, in response to the deflection of the elongated member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SMART FIBRES LIMITEDInventors: Crispin Doyle, Oleg Bogdanov
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Publication number: 20120266681Abstract: Method for optical pressure measurement of a gas in a closed container by directing a radiation of a radiator through the container and measuring the transmitted radiation by a detector, wherein the radiation of the radiator covers at least one first wavelength range in which there is an absorption of the radiation by the gas, the intensity of the transmitted radiation is detected in a second wavelength range by the detector, wherein the second wavelength range overlaps at least partially with the first wavelength range, and an accumulated intensity of the detected radiation in the second wavelength range is assigned to a pressure of the gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: HOCHSCHULE FUER ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN HAMBURGInventors: Bernd Baumann, Marcus Wolff
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Publication number: 20120255363Abstract: The sensor includes a deformable diaphragm responsive to applied pressure and a rigid beam mounted to move as the diaphragm deforms. The rigid beam includes a mirrored surface for receiving light from and reflecting light into an optical fiber thereby forming a Fabry-Perot cavity to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam. The rigid beam further includes inter-digital fingers extending from the mirrored surface and moving with the rigid beam with respect to fixed inter-digital fingers to create a change in electrical charges in the fingers to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam thereby providing two measures of rigid beam displacement which are measures of pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber is a single mode optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicants: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Muhammad A. Hawwa, Kamal Youcef-Toumi, Hussain Al-Qahtani
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Publication number: 20120227505Abstract: There is described a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor design where sensitivity around specific biased pressure is optimized. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor which comprises a substrate; and a diaphragm mounted on the substrate. The diaphragm has a center and comprises: a first layer comprising a first material; and a second layer comprising a second material. The second layer forms a dot or a ring. The dot or ring is mounted on the first layer and is centered about the center of the diaphragm. The second material comprises internal pre-stresses to cause the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a dot) or the peripheral area about the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a ring) to camber away from the substrate upon relaxing the internal pre-stresses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Opsens inc.Inventors: Claude Belleville, Sébastien Lalancette, Nicolas Lessard
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Publication number: 20120210797Abstract: Ultra-miniature surface-mountable optical pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber. The sensor design utilizes an angled fiber tip which steers the optical axis of the optic fiber by 90°. The optical cavity is formed on the sidewall of the optic fiber. The optical cavity may be covered with a polymer-metal composite diaphragm to operate as a pressure transducer. Alternatively, a polymer-filled cavity may be constructed which does not need a reflective diaphragm. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device optical pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLANDInventors: Miao YU, Hyungdae BAE, Xuming ZHANG
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Patent number: 8240215Abstract: A technique for measuring pressure of a material directs one or more laser beams at the material (e.g., a pressurized fluid) to create a distribution of electromagnetic field intensity which varies over an intensity range and induces dielectric breakdown in the material. An emission pattern of broadband light from the dielectric breakdown is detected, and a value of a characteristic of the emission pattern (e.g., location of a threshold intensity or of a peak intensity) is processed (e.g., by a computer or similar electronic processor) to generate a pressure measurement signal representing a pressure of the material. Processing typically employs a pre-established calibration function which associates a set of stored values of the characteristic with corresponding known pressures of the material, obtained for example by preceding similar measurements of the same material under conditions of known pressures.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: Ray Glynn Holt, Todd William Murray, Jonathan Robert Sukovich
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Patent number: 8205504Abstract: An optical fiber sensing device for detecting physical parameters such as pressures, strains and temperatures comprises a probe housing therein an optical fiber. The distal end of the probe houses a distal portion of the optical fiber having a section provided with a fiber Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is mounted into a holder. The optical fiber is sealably mounted into the probe housing with a first seal overlaid the proximal portion of the optical fiber The seal may extend to about the proximal end of the optical fiber section with the Bragg grating. A second seal is overlaid the distal portion of the optical fiber and extends from the distal end of the probe to about the distal end of the optical fiber section with the Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is communicable with a fiber Bragg grating interrogation system.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: UVic Industry Partnerships Inc.Inventors: Christopher Raymond Dennison, Peter Martin Wild
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Patent number: 8176790Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly comprises a sensor housing having a flexible wall that is configured to deform in response to a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the sensor housing; -a first fiber optical cable section that is bonded to the flexible wall of the sensor housing such that the length of the first fiber optical cable section changes in response to deformation of the wall in response to the said pressure difference; a second fiber optical cable section which is bonded to a thermal reference body, which body is connected to the sensor housing by a strain decoupled connection mechanism, such as a tack weld or flexible glue, and is configured to deform substantially solely in response to thermal deformation, such that the length of the second fiber optical cable section solely changes in response to thermal deformation of the thermal reference body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: William Birch, Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Crispin Thomas Matthew Doyle, Andre Franzen, Kari-Mikko Jääskeläinen, Christopher Barry Staveley
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Publication number: 20120096956Abstract: The present invention provides a microscale pressure sensor that exhibits high sensitivity in a small form factor. The sensor is a bridged device in which a photonic crystal waveguide, surrounded by a photonic crystal slab, is suspended over a dielectric substrate. Under applied pressure, the photonic crystal waveguide is deflected toward the substrate, causing a decrease in optical transmission across the waveguide due to the coupling of the evanescent field of the guided mode to the dielectric substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the waveguide is coupled to a photonic crystal microcavity, which increases evanescent coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIOInventors: Jayshri Sabarinathan, Aref Bakhtazad, Xuan Huo, Jeff Hutter
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Publication number: 20120085175Abstract: A fibre optical system for pressure measurement has a pressure sensor element (4) with at least two parallel partially reflecting surfaces (5, 7), one of which is arranged on a diaphragm (6) movable with respect to another fixed said surface as a consequence of pressure differences across said diaphragm. Said surfaces are arranged so as to cause interference phenomena of light inciding substantially perpendicularly onto and reflected by the two surfaces depending upon the actual 10 distance between these surfaces. The pressure sensor element is made of material being stable at a continuous temperature up to at least 800° C. At least said diaphragm (6) of the sensor element is made of Si C, and at least a part (23) of the optical fibre (3) connecting to said sensor element is made of a material able to withstand a continuous temperature of at least 800° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Hákan Johansson
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Patent number: 8151648Abstract: Ultra-miniature surface-mountable Fabry-Perot pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber which utilizes a 45° angled fiber tip covered with a reflective layer which steers the optical axis of the fiber by 90°. The Fabry-Perot cavity is formed on the sidewall of the fiber and a polymer-metal composite diaphragm is formed on the top of the Fabry-Perot cavity to operate as a pressure transducer. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. The sensor may be used in a wide range of applications, including reliable in vivo low invasive pressure measurements of biological fluids, single sensor systems, as well as integral spatial-division-multiplexing sensor networks. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device Fabry-Perot pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Miao Yu, Hyungdae Bae, Xuming Zhang
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Patent number: 8091429Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting an electric arc in an electrical switchboard, the sensor being in an enclosed case containing a conical opening, the case being placed in the switchboard. A pressure switch in the sensor is attached to the interior of the case and is electrically connected to a circuit board for transmitting a signal when a contact in the pressure switch is closed. When a pressure wave created by the electric arc enters the case through the conical opening it forces a contact on the pressure switch to close thereby completing a circuit with the circuit board which transmits the signal to, for example, a central processor, to turn off the source of electricity thereby quenching the electric arc.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventor: H. Bruce Land, III
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Publication number: 20110311179Abstract: A distributed fiber optic sensor comprises a conduit having a plurality of sealed compartment extending along its length. A sensing optical fiber is disposed in the conduit and extends through the sealed compartment to form a series of separate sensing elements, each of which separately respond to a parameter of interest that is incident along the length of the conduit. The compartmentalized conduit is surrounding by a protective layer that includes ports therethrough to allow transmission of the parameter through the protective layer to the separate sensing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Robert Greenaway
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Patent number: 8074501Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pressure sensor based on light intensity measurements and comprises at least one membrane and two parallel optical fibers. At least one first fiber has a fiber end and a light emission surface for emitting light in the direction of the membrane. At least one second fiber has a fiber end having a light admission surface for receiving the light reflected from the membrane and transmitting that reflected light. The light emission surface and the light admission surface of the two fibers are disposed facing away from each other. This changes the optical path of the light during use such that the light portion received by the at least one second fiber is very sensitive to the position of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Kistler Holding, AGInventors: Adrian Kummer, Marco Gnielka, Axel Bertholds
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Publication number: 20110232388Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring pressure of fluid in a disposable IV set connected to a fluid supply pump is disclosed. At least one sensing arrangement coupled to the fluid supply pump is provided. A chamber having a movable element is provided, the movable element configured to move in response to changes in fluid pressure within the disposable IV set and thereby cause a change in a sensed measurement variable associated with the sensing arrangement without contacting the sensing arrangement. A measuring signal indicative of the sensed measurement variable is generated. The fluid pressure within the disposable IV set is determined based on the measuring signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Robert D. Butterfield
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Publication number: 20110190640Abstract: A pressure sensor (10 for medical applications comprises a silica optical fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) pressure sensor (2) and an in-fiber Bragg grating (FBG, 3). The cavity of the EFPI pressure sensor (2) is formed by the end face of the FBG (3), a glass capillary (5) and a glass diaphragm (6). The glass diaphragm (6) is secured in place by a fusion splice (7) and the glass capillary (5) by a fusion splice (8). As illustrated, incident light is directed into the FBG 3 and there are reflections in the EFPI pressure sensor (2). Applied pressure causes a deflection of the glass diaphragm (6) and hence modulation of the EFPI sensor (2) cavity. The FBG (3) is used as a reference sensor to eliminate temperature cross-sensitivity of the EFPI pressure sensor (2). The EFPI cavity was fabricated using a 200 ?m silica glass fiber, a 133/220 ?m (inner/outer diameter) silica glass capillary and a standard telecommunication FBG.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Kort Bremer, Gabriel Leen, Elfed Lewis, Brian J. Moss, Steffen Lochmann, Ingo Mueller
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INTRAVASCULAR OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM WITH PRESSURE MONITORING INTERFACE AND ACCESSORIES
Publication number: 20110178413Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment the system includes an interferometer including: a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photodetector having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photodetector, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photodetector signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Joseph M. Schmitt, Christopher Petroff -
Patent number: 7966887Abstract: A high-temperature pressure sensor is provided. The sensor includes a quartz substrate with a cavity etched on one side. A reflective coating is deposited on at least a portion of the cavity. The sensor further includes a ferrule section coupled to the quartz substrate with the cavity therebetween. The cavity exists in a vacuum, and cavity gap is formed between the reflective metal coating and a surface of the ferrule. The sensor also includes an optical fiber enclosed by the ferrule section and extending from the cavity gap to an opposing end of the ferrule section and a metal casing surrounding the ferrule section and the quartz substrate with an opening for said optical fiber extending therefrom. The pressure applied to the quartz substrate changes the dimensions of the cavity gap and a reflected signal from the reflective coating is processed as a pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron Jay Knobloch, David William Vernooy, Weizhuo Li, David Mulford Shaddock, Stacey Joy Kennerly
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Patent number: 7963170Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed wherein pressure induced changes in birefringent properties of an optical sensing element are read out by transmission of at least one light beam. The pressure sensor can include at least one single-material transparent body which is subjected to at least two different pressures (p1, p2) in at least two different regions via at least two pressure chambers. The transparent body can transmit by a parallel or minimally divergent light beam without total reflection in the body such that the pressure-induced birefringence and a corresponding differential phase shift between linear polarisation components of the light beam depends on a difference of the different pressures (p1, p2).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: ABB Research LtdInventors: Axel Kramer, Frank Kassubek, Klaus Bohnert, Hubert Braendle
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Publication number: 20110137240Abstract: A holographic occlusion detection system has a white-light holographic label placed onto a sensing portion or surface of a pressure sensor connected to infusion tubing. The pressure sensor at the sensing portion can have a relatively thin wall section and may be wider and flatter than a normal cross section of the infusion tubing. The label is then illuminated by a polychromatic light source, and the light reflected off the holographic label is then received by a photodetector. Pressure changes within the tubing cause a change in orientation of the white-light holographic label, thereby resulting in a shift in the peak wavelength of the reflective light sensed by the photodetector. This shift in wavelength can then be calibrated to the swelling of the sensing portion so that pressure within the infusion line can be calculated. In another variation, monochromatic light is reflected off a holographic label, and pressure changes are detected by measuring the amplitude of the reflected light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Christopher Wiegel
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Publication number: 20110120226Abstract: An optical fibre sensing device for detecting physical parameters such as pressures, strains and temperatures comprises a probe housing therein an optical fibre. The distal end of the probe houses a distal portion of the optical fibre having a section provided with a fibre Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is mounted into a holder. The optical fibre is sealably mounted into the probe housing with a first seal overlaid the proximal portion of the optical fibre The seal may extend to about the proximal end of the optical fibre section with the Bragg grating. A second seal is overlaid the distal portion of the optical fibre and extends from the distal end of the probe to about the distal end of the optical fibre section with the Bragg grating. The proximal end of the probe is communicable with a fibre Bragg grating interrogation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Christopher Raymond Dennison, Peter Martin Wild
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Publication number: 20110048136Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly comprises a sensor housing having a flexible wall that is configured to deform in response to a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the sensor housing; —a first fiber optical cable section that is bonded to the flexible wall of the sensor housing such that the length of the first fiber optical cable section changes in response to deformation of the wall in response to the said pressure difference; a second fiber optical cable section which is bonded to a thermal reference body, which body is connected to the sensor housing by a strain decoupled connection mechanism, such as a tack weld or flexible glue, and is configured to deform substantially solely in response to thermal deformation, such that the length of the second fiber optical cable section solely changes in response to thermal deformation of the thermal reference body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: William Birch, Johannis Josephus Den Boer, Crispin Thomas Matthew Doyle, Andre Franzen, Kari-Mikko Jääskeläinen, Christopher Barry Staveley
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Publication number: 20110023617Abstract: Ultra-miniature surface-mountable Fabry-Perot pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber which utilizes a 45° angled fiber tip covered with a reflective layer which steers the optical axis of the fiber by 90°. The Fabry-Perot cavity is formed on the sidewall of the fiber and a polymer-metal composite diaphragm is formed on the top of the Fabry-Perot cavity to operate as a pressure transducer. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. The sensor may be used in a wide range of applications, including reliable in vivo low invasive pressure measurements of biological fluids, single sensor systems, as well as integral spatial-division-multiplexing sensor networks. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device Fabry-Perot pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLANDInventors: MIAO YU, HYUNGDAE BAE, XUMING ZHANG
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Patent number: 7836773Abstract: Optical fiber thermometer includes one optical fiber that relays light from the light source to a measuring unit, two parallel optical fibers that relay light from a mirror at the measuring unit to two light-receiving units, and an arithmetic processing circuit that calculates the temperature of the measuring unit from the ratio of electrical signals from the two light-receiving units; end surfaces of three optical fibers facing the reflecting face being fixed at an angle ? between the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and the normal to the reflecting face that is not zero, the angle between the optical fibers for reception and projection being symmetrical based on the normal to the reflecting face. Each of the optical fibers is a single-mode fiber at the wavelength being used.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Akira Sakamoto, Keiichi Horimoto, Yoshikiyo Noguchi
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Patent number: 7832276Abstract: A device to measure a fluid pressure comprises a pressure sensing element 10 and a pressure readout element 20. The pressure sensing element 10 comprises a cavity 11 capped by a flexible membrane 13, the cavity having a length d that varies with the fluid pressure P1 applied on the flexible membrane 13. The pressure readout element 20 comprises a light source 24 for providing an incident beam of a determined wavelength range directed towards the cavity and an optical spectral analyzer 25 for measuring a power spectrum of a return beam reflected by the cavity, and processing means 27 for determining the cavity length d and the fluid pressure P1 based on the power spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Xu Wu, Arthur Hartog, Dimitri Cadere, Tsutomu Yamate
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Patent number: 7814796Abstract: Provided is a partial pressure measuring method and a partial pressure measuring apparatus by which a partial pressure distribution is easily measured in a vacuum chamber. The partial pressure measuring method and the partial pressure measuring apparatus includes: moving a local plasma source dedicated to partial pressure measuring provided in the vacuum chamber, to a location at which the measuring is to be performed; and measuring a partial pressure distribution in the vacuum chamber, by receiving emission of plasma generated by the local plasma source through a window which is formed in a wall part of the vacuum chamber and through which the emission passes, and thereby performing emission spectral analysis on intensity of the emission.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masahiro Yamamoto, Takeshi Koiwasaki, Hitoshi Yamanishi, Isao Muragishi, Mitsuhiro Yoshinaga
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Patent number: 7806000Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor for detecting arcing faults, the sensor combining a photodetector, a pressure detector, and an accelerometer along with integrated circuitry. The circuitry controls each detector, operates the self-test circuitry, conditions the signals from the detectors, and communicates with the external network. The circuitry receives commands from the network and transmits the output decision from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: H. Bruce Land, III, Kim R. Fowler
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Patent number: 7775115Abstract: A device for detecting a measured quantity has a sensor chip for detecting the measured quantity, a supply for providing a power supply, and an injection-molded enclosure for accommodating the sensor chip and the supply, the injection-molded enclosure including integrated conductive traces providing an electrical connection between the sensor chip and the supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Horst Theuss, Thomas Herndl, Werner Weber, Joachim Weitzel, Albert Auburger