Patent US3802440A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4560248A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fibre optic sensor with bonded dye
Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd
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Filing: 1982-08-09
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Granted: 1985-12-24
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Expires: 2002-08-09
Abstract
Abstract For detecting changes in chemical or physical parameters an optical fibre core has bonded to its surface a chromophore responsive to the parameter. The core preferably has a porous surface with the chromophore coating extending into the porous structure.
Inventors
- 👤 John H. W. Cramp
- 👤 Robert T. Murray
- 👤 Robert F. Reid
- 👤 Roy M. Mortier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/75; G01N21/77; G01N21/7703; G01N2021/7706; G01N2021/7709; G01N2021/7713; G01N2021/7716; G01N21/78; G01N21/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An optical sensor comprising an optical fibre core and a sensitive chromophore chemically bonded to the surface of the said core, the chromophore being variable in colour, in response to changes in a predetermined chemical or physical parameter, in combination with fibre optic means for launching light into the sensor and for collecting the light after it has been transmitted through the sensor; whereby on being passed through the sensor, light is modified according to the colour response of the chromophore to the parameter to which the chromophore is sensitive.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An optical sensor comprising an optical fibre core and a sensitive chromophore chemically bonded to the surface of the said core, the chromophore being variable in colour, in response to changes in a predetermined chemical or physical parameter, in combination with fibre optic means for launching light into the sensor and for collecting the light after it has been transmitted through the sensor; whereby on being passed through the sensor, light is modified according to the colour response of the chromophore to the parameter to which the chromophore is sensitive.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface is of a porous material and includes at least some of the surface area within the pores.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 2 wherein the core comprises a non-porous portion surrounded by a porous layer to which the chromophore is bonded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 3 wherein the porous layer is integral with the non-porous portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 3 wherein the optical fibre core is a composite of a non-porous material surrounded by and in intimate contact with a layer of porous material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chromophore is a dye molecule whose colour is responsive to the parameter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 6 wherein the parameter is pH.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material forming the surface to which the chromophore is bonded is a silicate glass, and the chromophore is bonded to the glass through an intermediate silane coupling agent comprising a silane functional group with affinity for the glass and a group reactive with the chromophore.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 8 wherein the chromophore is a dye molecule linked to the silane coupling agent via a triazine ring.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A sensor as claimed in claim 1 and forming a terminal portion of the fibre optic probe.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-23 | 1989-06-24 | 1989-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-23 | 1993-06-24 | 1993-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-23 | 1997-06-24 | 1997-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |