公开(公告)号：US5367175A

公开(公告)日：1994-11-22

申请号：US159962

申请日：1993-11-24

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb

IPC: G01D5/353 ,  G01F23/292 ,  G01J9/02 ,  G01N21/45 ,  G01N15/06

CPC classification number: G01F23/292 ,  G01D5/35303 ,  G01J9/02 ,  G01N21/45 ,  Y10S250/904

Abstract: A method of measuring the position of a liquid surface within a vessel is scribed. An optical fiber is provided which has first and second ends and has an energy-absorbing element of a predetermined length disposed upon a portion of the cladding thereof such that there is a thermal interface between the energy-absorbing element and the cladding. The optical fiber is then positioned in the vessel so that the energy-absorbing element disposed thereon extends a known distance into the vessel along a known depth gradient of the vessel and so that the energy-absorbing element will intersect the liquid surface over the anticipated range of positions thereof. Single-frequency, coherent light is then transmitted through the core of the optical fiber by launching it into the first end of the optical fiber. A pulse of energy is applied across the entire length of the energy-absorbing element to heat it, and then the transmitted light is received from the second end of the optical fiber. The change in phase of the transmitted light resulting from applying the pulse of energy is then measured, and the position of the liquid surface is then determined in accordance with the change in phase.

Abstract translation: 描述了测量容器内的液面的位置的方法。 提供了一种光纤，其具有第一和第二端并且具有设置在其包层的一部分上的预定长度的能量吸收元件，使得在能量吸收元件和包层之间存在热界面。 然后将光纤定位在容器中，使得设置在其上的能量吸收元件沿着容器的已知深度梯度将已知距离延伸到容器中，使得能量吸收元件将在预期范围内与液体表面相交 的位置。 然后，单频相干光通过将其发射到光纤的第一端而被传输通过光纤的核心。 在能量吸收元件的整个长度上施加能量脉冲以加热能量，然后从光纤的第二端接收透射光。 然后测量施加能量脉冲产生的透射光的相位变化，然后根据相位变化来确定液面的位置。

公开(公告)号：US5166988A

公开(公告)日：1992-11-24

申请号：US785860

申请日：1991-10-31

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

IPC: G01D5/26 ,  G02B6/24 ,  G02B6/28 ,  G02B6/42 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/225

CPC classification number: G02F1/225 ,  G01D5/268 ,  G02B6/243 ,  G02B6/2835 ,  G02B6/2852 ,  G02B6/429 ,  G02F1/0126 ,  G02F1/0147

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for modulating the phase of a coherent light beam pagating through the core of a single-mode waveguide. A light-absorbing element is connected to a portion of the cladding of the waveguide such that there is a thermal interface therebetween. A means is provided for launching light into the portion of the cladding of the waveguide having the light-absorbing element connected thereto. The light-absorbing element absorbs the light and produces heat in proportion to the light's energy. The heat thus produced is transferred to the waveguide, changing its optical path length and varying the phase of the light propagating therethrough. The intensity of the light launched into the cladding is variable and is controlled by a power supply. The modulator may be used in an interferometer in which a signal is directed to the power supply to control the light intensity for various purposes.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于调制传播通过单模波导芯的相干光束的相位的装置。 光吸收元件连接到波导的包层的一部分，使得它们之间存在热界面。 提供了用于将光发射到具有与其连接的光吸收元件的波导的包层的部分中的装置。 光吸收元件吸收光并与光的能量成比例地产生热量。 这样产生的热量被转移到波导管，改变其光程长度并改变通过其传播的光的相位。 发射到包层中的光的强度是可变的并且由电源控制。 调制器可以用在干涉仪中，其中信号被引导到电源以控制用于各种目的的光强度。

公开(公告)号：US5115127A

公开(公告)日：1992-05-19

申请号：US585331

申请日：1990-09-17

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Barbara J. White ,  Jon P. Davis ,  Arthur Samouris

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Barbara J. White ,  Jon P. Davis ,  Arthur Samouris

IPC: G01J9/02 ,  G01M11/00 ,  G01N21/45 ,  G01N25/18

CPC classification number: G01M11/331 ,  G01M11/33 ,  G01N21/45 ,  G01N25/18 ,  G01J2009/0226 ,  G01J2009/0288

Abstract: A physical property of a fluid or of any optical fiber is measured using anptical fiber interferometer. A conductive material is disposed upon the surface of a region of a light tranmitting optical fiber and the region having the conductive material is disposed in the fluid. Light energy is applied to one end of the fiber and transmitted light is received at the other end of the fiber. Electrical energy is applied to the conductive material disposed upon the surface of the fiber to heat the region of the fiber and cause a change in the optical path length of the light transmitted through the fiber. The physical property of the fluid or optical fiber is determined in accordance with the change in the optical path length or phase of the received light caused by applying the electrical energy to the conductive material. Thermal conductivity is measured using a series of short energy pulses and determining the average phase change. The flow rate of a fluid is measured by measuring the phase change and applied electrical energy upon heating the fiber to an equilibrium temperature. The conductive material is gold and it encircles the fiber. The gold may be disposed on the jacket of the fiber or the jacket may be removed before disposing the gold.

Abstract translation: 使用光纤干涉仪测量流体或任何光纤的物理性质。 导电材料设置在光发射光纤的区域的表面上，并且具有导电材料的区域设置在流体中。 光能被施加到光纤的一端，透射光被接收在光纤的另一端。 将电能施加到设置在光纤表面上的导电材料，以加热光纤的区域并引起透过光纤的光的光程长度的变化。 根据通过将电能施加到导电材料而引起的接收光的光程长度或相位的变化来确定流体或光纤的物理性质。 使用一系列短能量脉冲测量热导率并确定平均相变。 通过在将纤维加热至平衡温度时测量相变和施加的电能来测量流体的流速。 导电材料是金，它包围纤维。 金可以设置在纤维的护套上，或者在处理金之前可以去除护套。

公开(公告)号：US4981338A

公开(公告)日：1991-01-01

申请号：US553040

申请日：1990-07-16

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

IPC: G01N21/43

CPC classification number: G01N21/431 ,  G01N2021/432

Abstract: The index of refraction of a liquid is measured using an optical fiber refractometer having a light transmitting optical fiber by immersing a portion of the optical fiber in the liquid and launching light into one end of the optical fiber at a selected non-zero launch angle with respect to the fiber axis. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is detected at the other end of the optical fiber and a determination is made of the index of refraction of the liquid in accordance with the detected light and the selected non-zero launch angle. By varying the launching angles of the light the range of the refractometer is increased. The light transmitting optical fiber is provided with a region having at least one tapered portion for further increasing the range of the refractometer. The tapered portion of the optical fiber is disposed between a refractive end of the optical fiber and the light source for providing single-ended operation.

Abstract translation: 使用具有透光光纤的光纤折射计，通过将光纤的一部分浸入液体中并以选定的非零发射角将光发射到光纤的一端，测量液体的折射率， 相对于纤维轴。 在光纤的另一端检测透过光纤的光，并根据检测到的光和所选的非零发射角确定液体的折射率。 通过改变光的发射角度，折射计的范围增加。 光传输光纤设置有具有至少一个锥形部分的区域，用于进一步增加折射计的范围。 光纤的锥形部分设置在光纤的折射端和用于提供单端操作的光源之间。

公开(公告)号：US4450406A

公开(公告)日：1984-05-22

申请号：US308310

申请日：1981-10-05

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb

IPC: G01R33/032 ,  G02B6/44 ,  G02B5/172 ,  G02F1/09

CPC classification number: G01R33/0322 ,  G02B6/4457

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed wherein light is transmitted through fibertic members orthogonally configured in a triaxial arrangement for measuring the magnetic field vector preset in the environment. In one preferred embodiment, a set of three fiber-optic coils positioned coaxially along respective orthogonal axes and having predetermined lengths and diameters are coupled to a source of polarized light for transmitting the light subject to Faraday rotation of its plane of polarization. In another preferred embodiment, light, not necessarily polarized. is transmitted along respective orthogonal axes through a set of three bifurcated fiber-optic cables each formed having a reference branch and a substantially equilaterally sensor branch on which a magnetostrictive material is intimately connected to produce optical path length changes related to the magnetic field component along the respective axes. Photodetectors are used in both embodiments to produce current signals indicative of characteristic changes in the transmitted light, and the current signals are digitally processed to provide magnitude and directional information regarding the magnetic field vector.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种光学系统，其中光通过正交配置为三轴布置的光纤部件传输，用于测量环境中预设的磁场矢量。 在一个优选实施例中，沿着各个正交轴同轴并且具有预定长度和直径的一组三个光纤线圈耦合到偏振光源，用于透射受其偏振平面法拉第旋转的光。 在另一个优选实施例中，光不一定是极化的。 沿着相应的正交轴通过一组三条分叉的光纤电缆传输，每条光纤光缆分别形成有参考支路和基本上均衡的传感器支路，磁致伸缩材料紧密连接在该支路上，以产生与沿着 各轴。 光检测器在两个实施例中用于产生指示透射光的特征变化的电流信号，并且电流信号被数字处理以提供关于磁场矢量的量值和方向信息。

公开(公告)号：US5461926A

公开(公告)日：1995-10-31

申请号：US269473

申请日：1994-06-30

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

IPC: G01B11/16 ,  G01D5/26 ,  G02B6/02

CPC classification number: G01D5/268 ,  G01B11/16

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor is provided which remembers the maximum stn a structure has experienced in a given timeframe. A reflective surface is fixed at one location on the structure, and a multi-mode optical fiber with a flat end is fixed at another location on the structure and is positioned so that its flat end is in contact with the reflective surface. A microbore capillary tube attached to the reflective surface encloses the fiber at its flat end and frictionally retains it in contact with the reflective surface. Increasing strain in the structure pulls the fiber end away from the reflective surface in proportion to the amount of strain; however, when strain is decreasing, the fiber buckles rather than moving closer to the reflective surface. Therefore, the maximum strain is reflected as a maximum distance between the fiber end and the reflective surface. When the maximum strain experienced is to be measured, light is launched into the free end of the fiber and reflected back through the fiber by the reflective surface. Its intensity is then detected and measured. The intensity of light transmitted to the detector will vary inversely with the distance between the fiber end and the reflective surface; therefore, this distance can be measured and correlated with strain to a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种光纤应变传感器，其记忆了结构在给定时间段内经历的最大应变。 反射表面固定在结构的一个位置，并且具有平坦端的多模光纤被固定在结构上的另一位置并且被定位成使得其平坦端与反射表面接触。 连接到反射表面的微孔毛细管将纤维封闭在其平坦端部并且摩擦地保持其与反射表面接触。 结构中增加的应变使纤维端远离反射表面，与应变量成比例; 然而，当应变减小时，纤维扣紧而不是靠近反射表面移动。 因此，最大应变被反映为光纤端与反射面之间的最大距离。 要测量经历的最大应变时，将光照射到纤维的自由端，并通过反射面反射回纤维。 然后检测和测量其强度。 传输到检测器的光的强度将与纤维端和反射表面之间的距离成反比变化; 因此，该距离可以被测量并与应变高度精确地相关。

公开(公告)号：US4988863A

公开(公告)日：1991-01-29

申请号：US460436

申请日：1990-01-03

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

IPC: G01N21/43

CPC classification number: G01N21/431 ,  G01N2021/432

Abstract: The index of refraction of a liquid is measured using an optical fiber rectometer having a light transmitting optical fiber by immersing a portion of the optical fiber in the liquid and launching light into one end of the optical fiber at a selected non-zero launch angle with respect to the fiber axis. Light transmitted through the optical fiber is detected at the other end of the optical fiber and a determination is made of the index of refraction of the liquid in accordance with the detected light and the selected non-zero launch angle. By varying the launching angles of the light the range of the refractometer is increased. The light transmitting optical fiber is provided with a region having at least one tapered portion for further increasing the range of the refractometer. The tapered portion of the optical fiber is disposed between a refractive end of the optical fiber and the light source for providing single-ended operation.

Abstract translation: 使用具有透光光纤的光纤折射计，通过将光纤的一部分浸入液体中并以选定的非零发射角将光发射到光纤的一端，测量液体的折射率， 相对于纤维轴。 在光纤的另一端检测透过光纤的光，并根据检测到的光和所选的非零发射角确定液体的折射率。 通过改变光的发射角度，折射计的范围增加。 光传输光纤设置有具有至少一个锥形部分的区域，用于进一步增加折射计的范围。 光纤的锥形部分设置在光纤的折射端和用于提供单端操作的光源之间。

公开(公告)号：US4918371A

公开(公告)日：1990-04-17

申请号：US208931

申请日：1988-06-20

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb

IPC: G01R15/24 ,  G01R33/022 ,  G01R33/032

CPC classification number: G01R33/022 ,  G01R15/248 ,  G01R33/0327

Abstract: Magnetometers disposed as magnetostrictive segments on optical fiber elems are incorporated in multiple order gradiometers to reduce the size, weight and cost thereof. In the preferred embodiments, such reductions are greatly enhanced by consolidating a plurality of magnetometers on individual optical fiber elements, which also serves to decrease the number of devices associated with the magnetometers in the multiple order gradiometers.

Abstract translation: 将放置在光纤元件上的磁致伸缩段的磁力计结合在多个阶梯度计中以减小其尺寸，重量和成本。 在优选实施例中，通过将多个磁力计固定在各个光纤元件上而大大增强了这种减小，这也用于减少与多级梯度计中的磁力计相关联的装置的数量。

公开(公告)号：USH371H

公开(公告)日：1987-11-03

申请号：US003357

申请日：1987-01-14

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb

IPC: G01D5/353 ,  G01R15/24 ,  G01R33/032

CPC classification number: G01R15/248 ,  G01D5/35312 ,  G01R33/0327

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed for measuring small physical perturbations inhe environment using an optical fiber interferometer in the Fabry-Perot configuration operating at maximum sensitivity. A single frequency laser source is focused on one end of a single mode optical fiber with highly polished, highly reflective flat ends. An element responsive to the ambient magnetic or electric field alters the fiber's optical path length, thereby affecting the intensity of light transmitted through the fiber. A detection and feedback system detects the transmitted light and readjusts the optical path length to one which corresponds to maximum sensitivity.

公开(公告)号：US5639968A

公开(公告)日：1997-06-17

申请号：US546974

申请日：1995-10-23

Applicant: Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

Inventor： Lloyd C. Bobb ,  Howard D. Krumboltz

IPC: G01M11/08 ,  G02B6/02

CPC classification number: G01M11/083

Abstract: A sensor and method are disclosed for determining if a region, defined by two end points, in a structure has exceeded a predetermined amount of strain. The sensor has an optical waveguide which has two ends for receiving and emitting light and which is fixable at two locations thereon to respective ones of the end points to define a sensing region therebetween. The sensing region has a first portion with a first length and a first cross-sectional area, and a second portion with a second length and a second cross-sectional area which is smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The lengths and cross-sectional areas are sized so that the optical waveguide has a strain failure point equal to the predetermined amount of strain. The lengths and cross-sectional areas are approximately sized according to the formula R=.alpha.+1/ (.alpha./.beta.+1), wherein R=the ratio of the amount of strain in the second portion which will cause the optical waveguide to fail to the predetermined amount of strain in the structure, .alpha.=the ratio of the length of the first portion to the length of the second portion, and .beta.=the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the first portion to the cross-sectional area of the second portion.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于确定结构中由两个端点限定的区域是否超过预定量的应变的传感器和方法。 该传感器具有光波导，该光波导具有用于接收和发射光的两个端部，并且可在其两个位置固定到相应的端点以在其间限定感测区域。 感测区域具有第一长度和第一横截面积的第一部分，以及具有小于第一横截面积的第二长度和第二横截面积的第二部分。 长度和横截面面积的大小使得光波导具有等于预定应变量的应变失效点。 长度和横截面面积根据公式R =α+ 1 /（α/β+ 1）近似大小，其中R =将导致光波导失效的第二部分中的应变量的比率 到结构中的预定量的应变，α=第一部分的长度与第二部分的长度的比率，以及β=第一部分的横截面面积与横截面积的比率 的第二部分。