Abstract:
An intensity-based, micro-bending optical fiber sensor is disclosed herein, which is configured to acquire clean, stable, and reliable vital sign signals. Related systems and methods for vital sign monitoring are also provided herein. The sensor of various embodiments includes a multi-mode optical fiber, an LED light source, an LED driver, a receiver, and a single layer deformer structure. In various embodiments, the optical fiber and single layer deformer structure of the sensor are selected to meet specific parameters necessary to achieve a level of reliability and sensitivity needed to successfully monitor vital signs. In some embodiments, a specific sizing relationship exists between the optical fiber and the single layer deformer structure. In sonic embodiments, the sensor is configured to acquire ballistocardiograph waveforms.
Abstract:
A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure. Additionally, the side-hole cane can be used to measure a differential pressure between a first pressure ported to the side-holes and a second external pressure.
Abstract:
A multi-layer sensor (10) and a use for the sensor (10) are described. This sensor is multi-layered in construction. 5 An optical wave guide (18) is passed through the sensor (10) such that in the event of an external application of force the force acts on the optical wave guide.
Abstract:
A multi-layer sensor (10) and a use for the sensor (10) are described. This sensor is multi-layered in construction. 5 An optical wave guide (18) is passed through the sensor (10) such that in the event of an external application of force the force acts on the optical wave guide.
Abstract:
A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure. Additionally, the side-hole cane can be used to measure a differential pressure between a first pressure ported to the side-holes and a second external pressure.
Abstract:
An intrusion sensor which has a first light guide arrangement (2) and a second light guide arrangement (5) for detecting the severity of an accident in a vehicle is described. An interval (8) having a width (h) is positioned between the two light guide arrangements (2, 5). In this case, the first light guide arrangement (2) is positioned in the direction of an intrusion side. The second light guide arrangement (5) is positioned in the direction of the vehicle interior side.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a fiber-optic pressure detector comprising a mat having an optical fiber running therethrough along a path with no fiber-fiber crossovers, which fiber is associated with a light source and a light receiver. The light receiver receives light flux transmitted by the optical fiber from the source, thereby showing up any changes to which the flux is subjected because of deformation to the optical fiber caused by a pressure force being applied to the mat, thereby enabling said force to be detected. The optical fiber is mounted on a support sheet made of plastic, and it passes back-and-forth through the support sheet via through holes, said support sheet being sandwiched between two other sheets of greater or lesser rigidity depending on the sensitivity desired for the detector mat.
Abstract:
A sensor comprises an optical sensor fiber which has a microbend module engaged thereto. When the module is subjected to external influences such as pressure, displacement or the like, it places microbends in the sensor fiber which changes a light transmission characteristic of the fiber. Light passing through the sensor fiber is detected, and changes in the light are measured to find the influence on the modulator. A scintillating or florescent source fiber connected to one end of the sensor fiber is exposed to radiant energy. This produces light which is channeled to the sensor fiber as the light source for the sensor fiber.
Abstract:
A fiber-optical pressure sensor, comprising a pressure member (21, 22) which encloses the optical fiber (20) in a sandwich-like manner, and used for the detection of intruders is provided. The pressure sensor is formed by a continuous cable which can be buried and which comprises at least one optical fiber (20) which is capable of detecting, along its entire length, components of a pressure applied to a surface zone of the ground, notably by an intruder. The cable can be wound along an axis of rotation which is substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and can be bent in a direction which is substantially parallel to this axis of rotation. The pressure member may have a continuous or a segmented structure. It may be formed by plates (21, 22) or strips (21, 22) which are rigid or semi-rigid. The pressure member may comprise ribs (27, 28, 29) which serve to capture forces which act in the lateral direction.
Abstract:
An optical fiber is securely and continuously engaged by a structure such as a pipeline, offshore platform, bridge, building, dam or even a natural object or fluid medium. A light signal is passed into one end of the optical fiber. Any physical movement of the structure, or sectional movements along the optical fiber path, such as deflection, bending, displacement (changes in linear uniformity) or fracture of the structure caused, for example, by strees, strain, pressure, temperature, etc., will necessarily affect the optical fiber. As a consequence, detectable changes will occur in the "electro-optic signature" (for measurements made at the input end of the optical fiber) or in the light signal transmission (for measurements made at the opposite end of the optical fiber). A preferred optic fiber construction comprises a core and cladding contained within a protective buffer coating, wherein the buffer coating includes a particulate material for engaging the cladding in a manner altering reflective or transmission or other "electro-optic signature" characteristics of the fiber when the buffer coating is subjected to radial forces. The particulate material can be uniformly or nonuniformly distributed about the cladding to provide variable sensitivity.