Optical fiber breakage detection system
First Claim
1. An optical fiber breakage detection system comprising:
- optical fiber mean to be monitored for breakage, said optical fiber means having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
acoustic detection means for generating an output electrical signal in response to acoustic energy having a value representing a level of said acoustic energy, said acoustic detection means being substantially acoustically coupled to said optical fiber means; and
siganlling means electrically connected to said acoustic detection means and responsive to said output electrical signal of said acoustic detection means for comparing said output electrical signal to a predetermined reference threshold and for generate a first electrical signal when the value of said output electrical signal exceeds said reference threshold, the generation of said first electrical signal being indicative of breakage of said optical fiber means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for detecting breakage in an optical fiber is disclosed. The system includes an acoustic detector coupled to the optical fiber to be monitored for breakage which operates to generate an electrical output signal when the sound of an optical fiber break is detected. A signalling circuit measures the output of the acoustic detector and operates to generate a signal indicative of the output of the acoustic detector, and an indicator circuit is responsive to the output of the signalling circuit to provide an indication of breakage in the optical fiber. In one preferred embodiment, a control circuit is also provided which operates to interrupt light transmission through the optical fiber when breakage of the optical fiber is detected.
84 Citations
11 Claims
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1. An optical fiber breakage detection system comprising:
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optical fiber mean to be monitored for breakage, said optical fiber means having a proximal portion and a distal portion; acoustic detection means for generating an output electrical signal in response to acoustic energy having a value representing a level of said acoustic energy, said acoustic detection means being substantially acoustically coupled to said optical fiber means; and siganlling means electrically connected to said acoustic detection means and responsive to said output electrical signal of said acoustic detection means for comparing said output electrical signal to a predetermined reference threshold and for generate a first electrical signal when the value of said output electrical signal exceeds said reference threshold, the generation of said first electrical signal being indicative of breakage of said optical fiber means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for detecting breakage of an optical fiber, comprising the steps of:
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substantially acoustically coupling acoustic detection means for detecting acoustic energy to an optical fiber which is to be monitored for breakage, said acoustic detection means being operative to generate an output electrical signal representating a level of said acoustic energy is detected; and electrically connecting said acoustic detection means to a signalling means which compares said output electrical signal to a predetermined reference threshold and generates a first electrical signal when the value of said output electrical signal exceeds said reference threshold, generation of said first electrical signal being indicative of breakage of said optical fiber. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification