Optical fiber catheter with fiber-contained reactive element
First Claim
1. An elongated optical fiber apparatus for transmitting an incident light signal toward a first end of the apparatus, the first end situated in a fluid, and for transmitting a returning light signal toward a second end of the apparatus that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid, the second end being situated outside the fluid, the apparatus comprising:
- a light-conductive cable containing only a single optical fiber capable of transmitting light;
a hole formed in the first end of the single fiber;
a reactive element inserted into said hole to react with the contents of the fluid to alter a property of the light that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An elongated optical fiber apparatus for transmitting a light signal toward a first end of the apparatus situated within a fluid to be analyzed, and for transmitting a returning light signal that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid toward a second end of the apparatus that is situated outside the fluid. The optical fiber apparatus includes a light conductive cable capable of transmitting light with a hole formed in its first end. Disposed substantially entirely within this hole is a reactive element that reacts with the fluid to alter a property of the light that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An elongated optical fiber apparatus for transmitting an incident light signal toward a first end of the apparatus, the first end situated in a fluid, and for transmitting a returning light signal toward a second end of the apparatus that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid, the second end being situated outside the fluid, the apparatus comprising:
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a light-conductive cable containing only a single optical fiber capable of transmitting light; a hole formed in the first end of the single fiber; a reactive element inserted into said hole to react with the contents of the fluid to alter a property of the light that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of making an optical fiber apparatus for insertion into a fluid for transmitting an incident light signal toward a first end of the apparatus, the first end to be situated inside the fluid, and for transmitting a returning light signal toward a second end of the apparatus that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid, the second end to be situated outside the fluid, comprising the steps of:
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providing a light-conductive cable containing only a single otpical fiber having a first end; forming a hole in said first end of the optical fiber; filling said hole with a reactive agent to react with the fluid to alter a property of the returning light that is indicative of a specified characterized of the fluid; and forming a protective sheath around substantially the entire surface of the cable. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification