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US 4,283,114 AGranted
Fiber optic light valve
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorJoseph Wandrack
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanically actuated, piezoelectrically powered, fiber optic connected ght valve (shutter) utilized as a sensor to detect mechanical motion (pressure) or displacement. A piezoelectric element responds to pressure to generate an electrical signal which is applied to a Kerr cell containing nitrobenzene; the signal in turn renders the nitrobenzene transparent and light via fiber optic means is allowed to pass through the Kerr cell and return to the light source location for sensing.
Claims9
A self-powered limit switch for sensing mechanical motion or displacement, comprising:
- a. a sensing element means which responds to pressure to generate an electrical signal;
- b. a Kerr cell means containing a normally opaque fluid that is operable to become transparent in an electrical field;
- c. said sensing element means being electrically connected to said Kerr cell means wherein electrical signals from said sensing element means will render said Kerr cell means transparent to light;
- d. a light source means;
- e. fiber optic means for transmitting light from each light source means to said Kerr cell means and fiber optic means for transmitting light passing through said Kerr cell means back to said light source means.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.