Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090092351 | HIGH DENSITY FIBER OPTIC ACOUSTIC ARRAY - A method for optimizing the architecture of a linear sensor array using WDM-TDM technology and stabilizing the reflectivity spectral profile of the fiber Bragg gratings of the sensors against the influence of environmental factors such as pressure and temperature is provided. The method includes stripping a portion of the foamed coating on the exterior of an optical fiber in the region of the fiber Bragg grating to thin the coating in the region of the grating. After the coating is stripped and the optical fiber cleaned, the area of stripped fiber is recoated with an unvoided plastic. | 04-09-2009 |
20090101800 | WAVELENGTH MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A fiber optic interrogator includes a broadband optical source, at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to an array of fiber optic gratings, at least one linear transmission or reflection filter, at least one optical receiver and at least one amplifier associated with each receiver. In one aspect of the invention, a linear transmission filter is used to convert the change in center wavelength of a grating reflectivity spectrum to a change in intensity, which is proportional to the change in the grating central wavelength. In another aspect of the invention, a pair of opposite-sloped linear transmission filters are utilized to normalize the received and filtered reflections with respect to total optical power. In another aspect of the invention, the optical source is pulsed, and return pulses from each fiber optic grating to be measured are sampled by the interrogator at different times. In another aspect of the invention, the source driver randomizes ripple phase versus wavelength to reduce wavelength measurement error. In another aspect of the invention, active closed-loop circuits are added to the receiver amplifiers to stabilize the amplifier output. In yet another aspect of the invention, a temperature-controlled compensating array of fiber optic gratings is interrogated each time the measurement array of gratings is interrogated. In still another aspect of the invention, a fast reset analog integrator is added to the amplifier stage(s) to improve the signal detection threshold. In another aspect of the invention, the wavelength measurement is compensated for the effects of one grating shading another. | 04-23-2009 |
20090220187 | RUGGED FIBER OPTIC TOWED ARRAY - A fiber optic towed array is provided. The array includes a flexible core upon which is disposed a semi-rigid mandrel. The semi-rigid mandrel has a helical groove formed therein, in which is disposed an optical fiber, the optical fiber including a plurality of fiber gratings. The mandrel is in turn covered with a nylon or fiber screen and encased in a layer of open cell foam, which is encased in a protective covering that includes at least one strength member disposed along a longitudinal axis of the array. | 09-03-2009 |
20100155583 | WAVELENGTH MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A fiber optic interrogator includes a broadband optical source, at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to an array of fiber optic gratings, at least one linear transmission or reflection filter, at least one optical receiver and at least one amplifier associated with each receiver. In one aspect of the invention, a linear transmission filter is used to convert the change in center wavelength of a grating reflectivity spectrum to a change in intensity, which is proportional to the change in the grating central wavelength. In another aspect of the invention, a pair of opposite-sloped linear transmission filters are utilized to normalize the received and filtered reflections with respect to total optical power. In another aspect of the invention, the optical source is pulsed, and return pulses from each fiber optic grating to be measured are sampled by the interrogator at different times. In another aspect of the invention, the source driver randomizes ripple phase versus wavelength to reduce wavelength measurement error. In another aspect of the invention, active closed-loop circuits are added to the receiver amplifiers to stabilize the amplifier output. In yet another aspect of the invention, a temperature-controlled compensating array of fiber optic gratings is interrogated each time the measurement array of gratings is interrogated. In still another aspect of the invention, a fast reset analog integrator is added to the amplifier stage(s) to improve the signal detection threshold. In another aspect of the invention, the wavelength measurement is compensated for the effects of one grating shading another. | 06-24-2010 |
20100313658 | FIBER OPTIC PARTICLE MOTION SENSOR SYSTEM - A sensor apparatus combines an optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output, coupled to a high speed interferometric interrogator, through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. | 12-16-2010 |
20110206369 | FIBER OPTIC SECURITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A fiber optic security system is provided. The fiber optic security system includes at least one length of fiber optic cable affixed to at least one item to be monitored using the fiber optic security system. The fiber optic security system also includes at least one local control node, the at least one local control node including at least one light source for generating and transmitting light through the at least one length of fiber optic cable, and the at least one local control node monitoring a status of the light. The fiber optic security system also includes a remote control unit for receiving information from the at least one local control node regarding the status of the light. | 08-25-2011 |
20110255078 | INTERROGATOR FOR A PLURALITY OF SENSOR FIBER OPTIC GRATINGS - An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes, alternatively, a driver/modulator for the optical source providing on/off pulses; an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier; or a mechanism compensating for masking of one sensor fiber optic grating by another. | 10-20-2011 |
20120006109 | BOREHOLE SENSING AND CLAMPING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A sensing system configured for use in a borehole. The sensing system includes a body portion and a clamp arm engaged with the body portion. The clamp arm is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The sensing system also includes an energy storage element engaged with the body portion. The energy storage element provides energy to move the clamp arm from the retracted position to the extended position. A method of using the sensing system is also provided. | 01-12-2012 |
20120068057 | INTERROGATOR FOR A PLURALITY OF SENSOR FIBER OPTIC GRATINGS - An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes, alternatively, a driver/modulator for the optical source providing on/off pulses; an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier; or a mechanism compensating for masking of one sensor fiber optic grating by another. | 03-22-2012 |
20120216615 | METHOD OF MEASURING ACCELERATION USING A FIBER OPTIC PARTICLE MOTION SENSOR - A method of measuring acceleration using an optical sensor. In the optical sensor, acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output. The sensor can be coupled to a high-speed interferometric interrogator through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. | 08-30-2012 |
20120227504 | FIBER OPTIC ACOUSTIC SENSOR ARRAYS AND SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - A fiber optic acoustic sensor system. The fiber optic acoustic sensor system includes an optical source, and a fiber optic acoustic sensor array configured to receive an optical signal from the optical source. The fiber optic acoustic sensor array includes a core, a first polymer layer disposed on the core, an optical fiber wound around the first polymer layer, and a second polymer layer disposed on the first polymer layer such that the optical fiber is between the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer. | 09-13-2012 |
20120257208 | FIBER OPTIC TRANSDUCERS, FIBER OPTIC ACCELEROMETERS AND FIBER OPTIC SENSING SYSTEMS - A fiber optic transducer is provided. The fiber optic transducer includes a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion. The length of fiber spans the spring. The fiber optic transducer also includes a mass engaged with the moveable portion. In one disclosed aspect of the transducer, the mass envelopes the moveable portion. | 10-11-2012 |
20120257209 | FIBER OPTIC MICROSEISMIC SENSING SYSTEMS - A fiber optic microseismic sensing system is provided. The system includes a plurality of nodes, each of the nodes including a surface portion, an underground portion, and an optical cable extending between the surface portion and the underground portion. The surface portion includes (1) an optical source for transmitting an optical signal along the optical cable to the underground portion, and (2) an optical receiver for receiving a return optical signal propagating along the optical cable from the underground portion. The underground portion includes at least one transducer, each of the at least one transducer including (1) a fixed portion configured to be secured to a body of interest, (2) a moveable portion having a range of motion with respect to the fixed portion, (3) a spring positioned between the fixed portion and the moveable portion, and (4) a mass engaged with the moveable portion. The optical cable includes a length of fiber wound between the fixed portion and the moveable portion of each of the at least one transducer, the length of fiber spanning the spring. In one disclosed aspect of the transducer, the mass envelopes the moveable portion. | 10-11-2012 |
20130025375 | FIBER OPTIC PIPELINE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - An optical detection system for monitoring a pipeline. The optical detection system includes a host node in the vicinity of or remote from, a pipeline to be monitored. The optical detection system includes (a) an optical source for generating optical signals, and (b) an optical receiver. The optical detection system also includes a plurality of fiber optic sensors local to the pipeline for converting at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy to optical intensity information, each of the fiber optic sensors having: (1) at least one length of optical fiber configured to sense at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy; (2) a reflector at an end of the at least one length of optical fiber; and (3) a field node for receiving optical signals from the host node, the field node transmitting optical signals along the at least one length of optical fiber, receiving optical signals back from the at least one length of optical fiber, and transmitting optical signals to the optical receiver of the host node. | 01-31-2013 |
20130034351 | FIBER OPTIC PERSONNEL SAFETY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A personnel monitoring system. The personnel monitoring system includes a host node having an optical source for generating optical signals, and an optical receiver. The personnel monitoring system also includes a plurality of fiber optic sensors for converting at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy to optical intensity information, each of the fiber optic sensors having: (1) at least one length of optical fiber configured to sense at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy; (2) a reflector at an end of the at least one length of optical fiber; and (3) a field node for receiving optical signals from the host node, the field node transmitting optical signals along the at least one length of optical fiber, receiving optical signals back from the at least one length of optical fiber, and transmitting optical signals to the optical receiver of the host node. | 02-07-2013 |
20130099104 | INTERROGATOR HAVING AN ANALOG INTERROGATOR FOLLOWING AT LEAST ONE AMPLIFIER - An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier. | 04-25-2013 |
20130162432 | FIBER OPTIC SECURITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A fiber optic security system is provided. The fiber optic security system includes at least one length of fiber optic cable affixed to at least one item to be monitored using the fiber optic security system. The fiber optic security system also includes at least one local control node, the at least one local control node including at least one light source for generating and transmitting light through the at least one length of fiber optic cable, and the at least one local control node monitoring a status of the light. The fiber optic security system also includes a remote control unit for receiving information from the at least one local control node regarding the status of the light. | 06-27-2013 |
20130201484 | OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - An optical detection system. The optical detection system includes a host node having (a) an optical source for generating optical signals, and (b) an optical receiver. The optical detection system also includes a plurality of fiber optic sensors for converting at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy to optical intensity information, each of the fiber optic sensors having: (1) at least one length of optical fiber configured to sense at least one of vibrational and acoustical energy; (2) a reflector at an end of the at least one length of optical fiber; and (3) a field node for receiving optical signals from the host node, the field node transmitting optical signals along the at least one length of optical fiber, receiving optical signals back from the at least one length of optical fiber, and transmitting optical signals to the optical receiver of the host node. | 08-08-2013 |
20140110124 | WELLBORE LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A leak detection system for a wellbore. The leak detection system includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to be positioned outside of a casing of the wellbore; (2) an interrogation system for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the at least one sensor; and (3) an optical lead cable disposed between the interrogation system and the at least one sensor. A method of detecting a fluid leak in a wellbore is also disclosed. | 04-24-2014 |
20140231636 | FIBER OPTIC ACOUSTIC SENSOR ARRAYS, FIBER OPTIC SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF FORMING AND OPERATING THE SAME - A fiber optic acoustic sensing array. The fiber optic acoustic sensing array includes a core strength member and an optical fiber wound on the core strength member. The optical fiber includes a plurality of Fiber Bragg Gratings, and is coated with a voided plastic coating. An outer jacket covers the optical fiber coated with the voided plastic coating. Also disclosed are fiber optic sensing systems, methods of forming a fiber optic acoustic sensing array, and methods of operating fiber optic sensing systems. | 08-21-2014 |
20140233020 | INTERROGATOR FOR A PLURALITY OF SENSOR FIBER OPTIC GRATINGS - An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes an optical source for providing signals to the plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. At least one optical filter converts optical signals, returned from the plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings, from (a) changes in peak reflection wavelength to (b) changes in intensity. At least one optical receiver receives the converted optical signals from the at least one optical filter. | 08-21-2014 |
20140334824 | FIBER OPTIC RECEIVER, TRANSMITTER, AND TRANSCEIVER SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - A fiber optic receiver system is provided. The fiber optic receiver system includes: ( | 11-13-2014 |
20150086206 | FIBER OPTIC SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME - A fiber optic sensing system. The fiber optic sensing system includes an optical source adapted to provide an optical signal at a plurality of wavelengths. The fiber optic sensing system also includes a plurality of wavelength taps for separating the optical signal into signal portions at each of the plurality of wavelengths. The fiber optic sensing system further includes a plurality of optical sensors, each of the optical sensors configured to receive one of the signal portions at a respective one of the plurality of wavelengths. The fiber optic sensing system still further includes a plurality of wavelength combiners for combining signal portions from the plurality of optical sensors into a recombined signal. Also included in the fiber optic sensing system is an optical receiver for receiving the recombined signal. The fiber optic sensing system also includes an optical fiber path between the optical source and the optical receiver. | 03-26-2015 |