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Structural monitoring system using fiber optics

  • US 4,654,520 A
  • Filed: 03/18/1985
  • Issued: 03/31/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring a physical movement occurring at any point between spaced points on a structure including the steps of:

  • (a) attaching with attachment means at least one optical fiber continuously to said structure to extend from at least one of the spaced points to the other and thereby engage all points along the structure between said spaced points so that physical movement of the structure between said spaced points will result in physical movement of the optical fiber;

    (b) passing a first light signal into said optical fiber; and

    (c) detecting reflection changes in said first light signal resulting from said physical movement to thereby provide an indication that a physical movement has taken place and a indication of the location and magnitude of said movement.

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