Back to results
US 5,966,477 AGranted
Fiber optic sensor enclosure system
OwnerDouglas M. Johnsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
There is disclosed a sensor system comprising a sensor for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid in an enclosure. The sensor system can be installed or incorporated within electronics and communications enclosures that house fluid-sensitive components and is useful in the early detection and warning of fluid leaks into such enclosures. In addition to the sensor, the system includes a means for conducting fluids entering the enclosure to the sensor and absorbent material to absorb any entering fluid.
Claims35
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure for a fluid-sensitive cable connection, the enclosure having input and output ports for receiving input and output cables extending from the fluid-sensitive connection within the enclosure, through the ports to the outside of the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the fluid-sensitive connection is selected from the group consisting of electronic and communication connections.
1 more element
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure for a fluid-sensitive component;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the fluid-sensitive component is selected from the group consisting of electronic and communication connections;
- and
- wherein the enclosure comprises a means for conducting fluid to the sensor.
3 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the fluid-sensitive component is selected from the group consisting of electronic and communication connections;
- and
- wherein the enclosure comprises a means for conducting fluid to the sensor.
4 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure for a fluid-sensitive component;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber.
4 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure for a fluid-sensitive component;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber, wherein the sensing length further comprises a planar sensing surface at the apex of the return bend, and wherein the planar sensing surface has a maximum length of about twice the radius of the return bend.
4 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber.
5 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber, wherein the sensing length further comprises a planar sensing surface at the apex of the return bend, and wherein the planar sensing surface has a maximum length of about twice the radius of the return bend.
5 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the enclosure is normally fluidtight, the fluid-sensitive component being a cable splice, the enclosure being adapted for mounting the cable splice therein, and
- wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber.
7 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the enclosure is normally fluidtight, the fluid-sensitive component being a cable splice, the enclosure being adapted for mounting the cable splice therein, and
- wherein the sensor is an optical sensor comprising:
- (a) a light source for generating light;
- (b) a light detector and signal generator for receiving light from the light source and for generating variable signals dependent on the amount of light received;
- and
- (c) an optical fiber made of a light conducting material extending between the light source and the light detector and having a sensing length comprising a return bend in the optical fiber forming an apex, wherein the return bend has a bend radius less than or equal to about 2.5 times the radius of the optical fiber, wherein the sensing length further comprises a planar sensing surface at the apex of the return bend, and wherein the planar sensing surface has a maximum length of about twice the radius of the return bend.
7 more elements
A sensor system comprising:
- an enclosure;
- a fluid-sensitive component mounted in the enclosure;
- and
- a fluid sensor positioned in the enclosure for detecting and signaling the presence of a fluid within the enclosure,
- wherein the enclosure is normally fluidtight, the fluid-sensitive component being a cable splice, the enclosure being adapted for mounting the cable splice therein, and
- wherein the enclosure comprises a closure base, a closure dome having cable ports, a splice tray attached to the closure dome, a means for sealing the dome to the base, and a means for securing the dome to the base;
- and wherein the sensor system comprises the sensor, a means for conducting fluid to the sensor, and an absorbent material mounted in the enclosure and positioned to absorb the fluid to protect the cable splice.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.