Stress Sensor Based On Periodically Inserted Color-changing Tactile Films To Detect Mishandling Of Fiber Optic Cables

Patent Publication Number: US 6442316 B1

Title: Stress sensor based on periodically inserted color-changing tactile films to detect mishandling of fiber optic cables

Filing Date: December 21, 2000

Priority Date: December 21, 2000

Inventor(s): Mike Rossi, Nicholas V. Nechitailo

Original Assignee / Applicant(s): Alcatel

Link to Patent: US6442316B1

Summary:

The fibre optic cable disclosed by this invention uses Fujifilm Prescale®, of Sensor Products Inc., in order to detect areas on a fiber optic cable where excessive loads have been applied or experienced. In this invention, Fujifilm Prescale® is used to detect both the smallest (0.2 MPa) and largest possible (130 MPa) pressure and force experienced during manufacturing and installation of fiber optic cables. Fujifilm Prescale® is a pressure-sensitive film that changes color in response to and in proportion to the pressure exerted to it. Strips of Fujifilm Prescale® are inserted at regular intervals within a fibre optic cable and the pressure profile is ascertained from the color changes observed in the film strips. The present invention teaches using Fujifilm Prescale, MS—Medium Pressure, LW—Low Pressure, LLLW—Ultra Super Low Pressure (0.2 to 0.6 MPa), LLW—Super Low Pressure, MW and HS—High Pressure, Tactile Pressure Measuring Films and Pressurex® films in association with the Pressurex® Micro Imaging System, in one or more of its embodiments.