Interlink for spatially extended hydrophones
US6118733A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01H9/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interlink for connecting hydrophone elements to allow a single sensing ber to transition from a first hydrophone element, across the interlink, to a second hydrophone element. The interlink satisfies the dual objective of protecting the sensing fiber during handling system stresses, while desensitizing the sensing fiber along the interlink during operational periods. The interlink has a first end connected to the first hydrophone element, and a second end connected to the second hydrophone element. Between the interlink ends is at least one turn, and the distance traveled along the interlink turns is greater than the linear distance between the interlink ends. The interlink contains a groove that traverses the entire interlink length. Sensing fiber is wound off the first hydrophone element, into the interlink groove that follows the interlink turns, and onto the second hydrophone element. The turns allow the interlink to expand as desired, but the interlink design and material must be chosen to provide sufficient elasticity to return to original form. The sensing fiber may be epoxied to the interlink for greater connectivity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.