Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1993-04-15
1995-06-06
Nelms, David C.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
25022714, 73293, G01N 1506
Patent
active
054224950
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides methods and systems for sensing the presence of fluids, such as hydrocarbon-based liquids and/or water, in an ambient environment based upon their light refractive properties. An optical waveguide is deployed in the environment (or a sample chamber disposed within the environment), such that the transmittance of light through the waveguide is attenuated in the presence of the fluid analyte. In one preferred embodiment, the light source is aligned with the waveguide, such that the light entering the waveguide enters one end at an angle relative to the central axis of the waveguide and propagates by internal reflection within the waveguide. Optimal propagation occurs in the absence of the fluid while the presence to the fluid in contact with the waveguide walls causes detectable losses in light propagation due to degradation of the internal reflectance.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3311014 (1967-03-01), Witt et al.
patent: 3448616 (1969-06-01), Wostl et al.
patent: 4038650 (1977-07-01), Evans et al.
patent: 4039845 (1977-08-01), Oberhansli et al.
patent: 4082959 (1978-04-01), Nakashima
patent: 4159420 (1979-06-01), Tsunoda
patent: 4311048 (1982-01-01), Merz
patent: 4353252 (1982-10-01), Jeans
patent: 4443699 (1984-04-01), Keller
patent: 4489602 (1984-12-01), Henning
patent: 4710353 (1987-12-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4711126 (1987-12-01), Houpt et al.
patent: 4745293 (1988-05-01), Christensen
patent: 4880971 (1989-11-01), Danisch
patent: 4942306 (1990-07-01), Colbourne
patent: 4998022 (1991-03-01), Tregay
patent: 5164608 (1992-11-01), Vali et al.
Publication-(2 pages), for IMO Industries, Inc., entitled "Compact, Low Cost, Plastic, Electro-Optic Liquid Level Switches", Jan. 1993.
Article (pp. 47-50, 52-53) in Sensors, Sep. 1992, entitled "Sensors in Flexible-Fuel Vehicles" by Bill Siuru.
Article-(12 pages), entitled "Removing Index of Refraction Contraints in the Optical Measurements of Liquid Level" by Lee A. Danisch, Jan. 1993.
Boston Advanced Technologies, Inc.
d'Agincourt Carolyn G.
Engellenner Thomas J.
Le Que T.
Nelms David C.
LandOfFree
Optical sensor having a floatation means for detecting fluids th does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical sensor having a floatation means for detecting fluids th, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical sensor having a floatation means for detecting fluids th will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-989236