×

Multi-fiber cylinder position sensor using time-of-flight technique

  • US 6,769,349 B2
  • Filed: 06/04/2001
  • Issued: 08/03/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A fluid actuated cylindrical actuator is provided comprising:

  • a cylinder having first and second end;

    an end cap fixed to the first end of the cylinder and having a rod opening;

    a piston disposed in the cylinder;

    a rod coupled to the piston and extending from inside the cylinder to outside the cylinder and passing through the rod opening;

    a first light guide extending from inside the cylinder to outside the cylinder and adapted to transmit at least a first beam of laser light at a first frequency from outside the cylinder to inside the cylinder and to bar the passage of the fluid;

    and a plurality of second light guides having first ends extending from inside the cylinder to outside the cylinder and distal second ends that are coupled to at least one light detector, wherein each of the plurality of second light guides is configured to substantially simultaneously transmit at least a first reflected portion of the beam of laser light from inside the cylinder to outside the cylinder.

View all claims
  • 4 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×