Method and apparatus for safety testing optical systems for hazardous locations
US6667801B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B35/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of determining the ignition characteristics of an optical source emitting optical power into a hazardous environment includes providing a chamber and a tapered optical fiber having an input end and an output end, wherein the output end has a smaller diameter than the input end. The output end of the tapered fiber is disposed within the chamber and the input end of the tapered fiber is optically coupled to the optical source for receiving optical power therefrom. Power is first applied to the tapered fiber and the power output at the tapered fiber output end measured. Then a target is applied to the tapered fiber output end, and the chamber is filled with the desired gas/air mixture and the same power applied to the tapered fiber. After power is applied for a period of time, a determination is made whether or not the gas/air mixture ignited.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.