Light modulation sensor in a vortex shedding flowmeter
US4594504A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/266
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor which provides an output signal representative of a parameter such as pressure, includes a reflector, a lens and a waveguide which are relatively movable as a function of the parameter. Light from a light source is transmitted by the waveguide toward the reflector. The lens, which is positioned between the waveguide and the reflector directs the light from the waveguide to the reflector and focuses the reflected light proximate a receiving surface of the waveguide. A sensor housing supports the waveguide, lens and reflector so that a relative physical displacement between the waveguide, lens and reflector occurs which is responsive to the parameter. The light received by the waveguide at its receiving surface is a function of the relative physical displacement, and thus a function of the parameter. The waveguide transmits the received light to a light detector which produces an electrical output signal which is a function of the received light and therefore of the parameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.