Optical waveguides – Optical waveguide sensor
Reexamination Certificate
2008-08-18
2009-08-11
Peng, Charlie (Department: 2883)
Optical waveguides
Optical waveguide sensor
C385S013000, CD12S111000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07574074
ABSTRACT:
A method for detecting cracks in a carbon fiber bicycle frame using an embedded optical fiber is provided. Optical time-domain reflectometry is employed to detect cracks in a bicycle frame made of carbon fibers intertwining with a single-mode optical fiber. The single-mode optical fiber is thus embedded into the bicycle frame and consolidated with the carbon fibers during a manufacturing process of the bicycle frame. Integration of the single-mode optical fiber, which has a small diameter, low cost and lightweight, into the bicycle frame adds little to a production cost and weight of the bicycle frame. The optical fiber consolidated within the bicycle frame can be connected with an optical time-domain reflectometer for efficiently detecting twists or cracks of the carbon fibers in the bicycle frame, both as a quality check in the manufacturing process and as a safety check after the bicycle frame has been used for some time.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4922096 (1990-05-01), Brennan
patent: 6370964 (2002-04-01), Chang et al.
patent: 7113660 (2006-09-01), Andrews et al.
patent: 7176448 (2007-02-01), Ogisu et al.
Kamrath Alan
Kamrath & Associates PA
Peng Charlie
LandOfFree
Method for detecting cracks in carbon fiber bicycle frame... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method for detecting cracks in carbon fiber bicycle frame..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method for detecting cracks in carbon fiber bicycle frame... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-4123837