US 8,022,835 B2Granted

Optic system using spectral character shift for communication between optic input devices and reader devices for control systems and sensors for pressure, force, displacement, or chemical condition

OwnerNathan John Colemaninventor

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Abstract

An improved optic system for measuring and/or controlling displacement, force, pressure, position, or chemistry is disclosed. This apparatus allows for more accurate, robust, and economical communication between the transducer (or control input element) and the reader device (or control output), allows the use of a single optic fiber and/or or a gap for the communication link, and produces substantial insensitivity to attenuation due to mechanical, chemical, thermal, and radiation effects acting on the optic fiber or open space in which the signal propagates. It is also significantly immune to interference from electromagnetic radiation, since the link can be easily produced as a non-conductor which will not propagate unwanted electrical energy or lightning, and is intrinsically safe from igniting fires or explosions. It also facilitates use on rotating machinery and remote location of the transducer by the ability to transmit the signal across a large gap or air space.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A communication system for an optic type sensor comprising:

(a) a transducer which receives an input light signal and returns an output light signal comprising two or more distinct components at least one of which changes predictably in relation to a pressure, force, or displacement acting upon a focusing reflective and or focusing transparent element of the transducer, wherein the characteristics of at least one component of the output light signal is affected in a different manner by the pressure, force or displacement acting on the transducer than the other component or components of the output light signal;
(b) an input light signal;
(c) a single strand optic fiber which conducts the input light signal from the light source into the transducer and returns a modified light signal along the same single strand optic fiber;
(d) a light splitter located along the single strand optic fiber, between the light source and the transducer, which causes a portion of the returning output light signal to be transmitted into a separate communication channel;
(e) a reader device which receives the returning output light signal spilt off by the light splitter and decodes it into a pressure, force or displacement reading;
(f) a communication channel between the light splitter and the reader device.

3 more elements

A communication system for a chemical sensor comprising:

(a) a transducer which receives an input light signal and emits an emitted light due to fluorescence with certain characteristics which change predictably with chemical composition acting on transducer, with at least one of the characteristics of emitted light affected in a different manner than the other characteristics by said chemical composition acting on the exterior surface of the transducer.
(b) a source of light inputted into a single strand optic fiber;
(c) a single strand optic fiber which conducts the input light signal from the light source into the transducer and returns a modified light signal along the same single strand optic fiber;
(d) a light splitter located along the single strand optic fiber, between the light source and the transducer, which causes a portion of the returning output light signal to be transmitted into a separate communication channel;
(e) a reader device which receives the returning output light signal spilt off by the light splitter and decodes it into a chemical state reading;
(f) a communication channel between the light splitter and the reader device;
(g) where a fluorescent element changes fluorescent properties with chemical exposure comprising a fluorescent signal channel;
(h) where a reference channel comprising a fluorescent elements is affected minimally from the fluorescent element, which returns light to the reader device via an optic fiber.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/256,890Filed 24 Oct 2005
Published: US 2007/0090281 A126 Apr 2007
Granted: 20 Sep 2011
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

B60C 23/0423
Characterised by the type of signal transmission means: photo-electric, infrared or visible light means
B64C 13/0425
Operated by hand: for actuating trailing or leading edge flaps, air brakes or spoilers
G01D 5/35303
Influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre: using a reference fibre, e.g. interferometric devices
B60C
Vehicle tyres