Kenneth E James

US Patent:

42399637, Dec 16, 1980

Filed:

Jul 26, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/928222

Inventors:

Rudolf R. August - Laguna Beach CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA
Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
Donald K. Nichols - Long Beach CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01D 534

US Classification:

250231R

Abstract:

An inexpensive, light weight fiber optic accelerometer to convert input mechanical motion (e. g. acceleration) into digitized optical output signals. The output of the accelerometer may be connected directly to data processing apparatus without the necessity of space consuming analog to digital interface means.

US Patent:

43559107, Oct 26, 1982

Filed:

Apr 7, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/138059

Inventors:

William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01L 700
G01K 562

US Classification:

374162

Abstract:

A method and resulting apparatus for implementing a unique optical sensor that is adapted to be interfaced with a low cost, compact fiber-optic transmission system to provide an accurate indication of a sensed physical parameter (e. g. temperature) of a remote sample. The sensor is fabricated so as to include a semiconductor material that has optical-wavelength-dependent filter characteristics that may be varied as a function of a physical parameter such as temperature. In one embodiment, a graded optical filter fabricated by using thin-film deposition techniques on an amorphous semiconductor material, provides position responsive high-pass filter characteristics. Such filter characteristics are then utilized by moving a light source as a function of a physical parameter and generating an optical signal therefrom having a cutoff frequency dependent upon the position of the light source. In another embodiment, the temperature dependent frequency cutoff characteristics in the absorption edge of amorphous selenium, are utilized more directly in an optical temperature sensor. The optical utilization of amorphous semiconductor material is a particularly advantageous feature of the invention in reducing the cost and complexity of semiconductor optical filters.

US Patent:

43076181, Dec 29, 1981

Filed:

Mar 4, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/127030

Inventors:

Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA
Rudolf R. August - Laguna Beach CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01F 132
G01F 128

US Classification:

7386121

Abstract:

An inexpensive, non-obtrusive optical flowmeter is disclosed comprising at least one flexible, light transmitting optical fiber rod having an enlarged (e. g. spherical) terminus formed at a fluid responsive end thereof. The flexible optical fiber is inserted into a fluid channel in such a manner that the enlarged terminus oscillates at a frequency that is a function of the rate of fluid flow. The intensity and frequency of an optical signal being transmitted via the optical fiber to an optical detector are related to the rate at which fluid flows through the channel. By detecting the intensity and frequency of the optical signal at different times for corresponding rates of fluid flow, an accurate (digital) representation of a particular rate of fluid flow can be obtained.

US Patent:

45726698, Feb 25, 1986

Filed:

Oct 10, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/083489

Inventors:

Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01B 902

US Classification:

356352

Abstract:

A method and, in one embodiment of the invention, the resulting apparatus for implementing a unique multiple beam fringe sensor that is adapted to be interfaced with a low cost, compact fiber optic transmission system in order to provide an accurate digital representation of a physical parameter (e. g. temperature) of a remote sample. The sensor is fabricated so as to include a Fabry-Perot gap formed between the ends of two mated optical fibers. By examining the optical characteristics of light that is transmitted through the Fabry-Perot sensor gap, an indication of gap width can be ascertained. Accordingly, a change in Fabry-Perot sensor gap width is related to a change in the particular physical parameter to be measured. In another embodiment of the invention, a second unique multiple beam fringe sensor having a Fabry-Perot gap is disclosed that is also adapted to provide an accurate digital representation of a physical parameter (e. g. temperature) of a remote sample.

US Patent:

43290582, May 11, 1982

Filed:

Jan 22, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/005265

Inventors:

Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01B 1102

US Classification:

356352

Abstract:

A method and the resulting apparatus for implementing a unique multiple beam fringe sensor that is adapted to be interfaced with a low cost, compact fiber optic transmission system in order to provide an accurate digital representation of a physical parameter (e. g. temperature) of a remote sample. The sensor is fabricated so as to include a Fabry-Perot gap formed between the ends of two mated optical fibers. By examining the optical characteristics of light that is transmitted through the Fabry-Perot sensor gap, an indication of gap width can be ascertained. Accordingly, a change in Fabry-Perot sensor gap width is related to a change in the particular physical parameter to be measured.

US Patent:

42969948, Oct 27, 1981

Filed:

Jan 22, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/005619

Inventors:

William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G02B 532

US Classification:

350 373

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for holographically processing optical signals in a fiber-optic sensor system. In the present invention, holographic processors are utilized in various combinations with light sources, fiber-optic transmission means, sensors and detectors to provide low cost, compact, sensitive and accurate sensor systems. By means of the holographic processors of the present invention, the aforementioned sensor systems are used to monitor such physical parameters as temperature, pressure, flow-rate, and the like, and to provide output signal indications thereof that are compatible with digital receiving stations and immune to electro-magnetic interference, hazardous atmosphere, and the inimical effects of inadvertent intensity variation due to equipment vibration and the like. In one typical embodiment, a pair of holographic processors are employed in a color multiplex-demultiplex sensor system in which a first holographic processor is employed to color multiplex a sensor signal and a second holographic processor is employed to decode the color-multiplexed signal into a binary pattern that is then transmitted onto a set of photodetectors. In each of the embodiments of the invention disclosed, a unique geometrical orientation of a hologram is utilized to minimize spurious signal interference that would otherwise hamper or totally preclude the holographic processing.

US Patent:

42232163, Sep 16, 1980

Filed:

Jan 22, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/005620

Inventors:

William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Kenneth A. James - Corona Del Mar CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01J 334

US Classification:

250226

Abstract:

Optical sensor apparatus and associated means by which to color multiplex optically encoded information signals over a compact fiber optic transmission system. The sensor apparatus includes a movable coded masking means. The masking means is fabricated with a plurality of parallel rows, each of which rows comprising a binary weighted pattern of alternately spaced transparent and opaque areas. Incident white light is spectrally dispersed, so that each of the rows of the masking means receives a respective color. As the masking means is moved in response to an input physical parameter that is to be sensed, the corresponding binary coded output color signals that are transmitted through the transparent areas of the masking means are recombined and multiplexed over either a singel optical fiber or a bundle of incoherent optical fibers. After demultiplexing or spectral dispersion of the multiplexed output signal, a photo-detector means is utilized to receive the individual demultiplexed binary coded output color signals and to provide a numerical equivalent of the position of the masking means and, accordingly, the physical parameter represented thereby.

US Patent:

42155762, Aug 5, 1980

Filed:

Jan 22, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/005618

Inventors:

William H. Quick - La Habra Heights CA
Kenneth A. James - Corona del Mar CA
Virgil H. Strahan - Orange CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01K 1114

US Classification:

73356

Abstract:

A temperature sensor comprising an optical transducer member having an array of birefringent crystals. The length and, accordingly, the sensitivity to temperature change of successive birefringent crystals varies according to a particular relationship. The transducer is interconnected with a fiber optic transmission and detecting system. Respective optical output signals that are transmitted from the birefringent crystals via the fiber optic transmission system are detected and decoded so as to correspond to digits of a numbering system, whereby an accurate digital representation of temperature can ultimately be provided.