Optical waveguides – Optical waveguide sensor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-09-25
Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
Optical waveguide sensor
C385S003000, C385S008000, C385S040000, C385S089000, C385S094000, C250S227140, C073S001850, C073S001220
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295394
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to sensor arrays for sensing systems such as those used for seismic sensing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the invention is a sensor array that includes a flexible fiber optic cable including a plurality of optical fibers extending along the longitudinal axis of the cable; at least one signal conversion unit located between the ends of the cable; the signal conversion unit including an electro-optical circuit for receiving an electrical signal and converting the electrical signal to an optical signal; and the optical circuit being coupled to at least one of the optical fibers.
Another aspect of the invention is an electro-optical conversion unit located within a fiber optic cable of the type including a plurality of optical fibers within a protective jacket surrounding a stress-bearing bearing member comprising a housing defining an internal cavity; an electrical first connector attached to the lower cover; a phase modulator module located within the internal cavity having an electrical input; an electrical conductor within the cavity for transmitting an electrical signal from the first connector to the modulator module; and an interferometer within the internal cavity optically connected with at least one of the fibers.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a sensor array comprising a fiber optic cable that includes a plurality of optical fibers and a stress-bearing member within a protective jacket, the stress-bearing member being removed from an internal segment of the cable to form opposing ends of the stress-bearing member; at least one signal conversion unit being inserted between the opposing ends of the stress bearing member; the signal conversion unit including a housing having an internal cavity for receiving the optical fibers within the internal cavity; a strength member having opposed ends located within the cavity, the ends being fixed to the opposing ends of the stress-bearing member; an electrical connector fixed to the housing for receiving an electrical signal, an electro-optical circuit comprising an interferometer having an optical output signal responsive to an electrical input signal, the electro-optical circuit located within the casing; an electrical conductor for transmitting an electrical signal from the connector to the electro-optical circuit; and the electro-optical circuit being optically coupled to provide an optical input and output to at least one of the fibers;
REFERENCES:
patent: 5042895 (1991-08-01), Chouinard et al.
patent: 5497233 (1996-03-01), Meyer
patent: 5898517 (1999-04-01), Weis
Bovernick Rodney
Litton Systems Inc.
Price and Gess
Rojas Omar
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