US4613811A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Faraday current sensor with fiber optic compensated by temperature, degradation, and linearity
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1984-09-04
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Granted: 1986-09-23
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Expires: 2004-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A magneto-optical current sensor for measuring current flowing through a conductor, characterized by at least two components. One component is parallel to the direction of current flow and is proximate to a source of magnetic field. The other component is perpendicular to that direction and includes a surface in contact with said one component. One of the components having a reflective surface for reflecting a polarized light beam between components whereby a light signal is produced that is compensated for temperature, loop degradation, and linearity.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene G. Vaerewyck
- 👤 Cheng-Lin Chen
- 👤 Juris A. Asars
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R15/00; G01R15/14; G01R15/24; G01R15/245; G01R15/246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A device for measuring the current flowing through an electric conductor, comprising: (a) a body of magneto-optical material within the magnetic field lines of a current-carrying conductor and including two components; (b) one of the components extending substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the current and the other component extending substantially normal thereto; (c) magnetic means for directing magnetic field lines of direct current through the body; (d) polarizing means for directing a beam of polarized light into the body which beam is reflected through the body components; (e) analyzer means for detecting rotation of the polarized light beam and for generating an output signal in response thereto; and (f) electronic means responsive to the output signal for producing an electronic signal proportional to the current and compensated for temperature, loop degradation, and linearity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A device for measuring the current flowing through an electric conductor, comprising: (a) a body of magneto-optical material within the magnetic field lines of a current-carrying conductor and including two components; (b) one of the components extending substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the current and the other component extending substantially normal thereto; (c) magnetic means for directing magnetic field lines of direct current through the body; (d) polarizing means for directing a beam of polarized light into the body which beam is reflected through the body components; (e) analyzer means for detecting rotation of the polarized light beam and for generating an output signal in response thereto; and (f) electronic means responsive to the output signal for producing an electronic signal proportional to the current and compensated for temperature, loop degradation, and linearity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 in which the magnetic field lines are substantially perpendicular to the polarized light beams in the body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 2 in which the magnetic means is a permanent magnet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 3 in which the one component contacts and extends from one side of the other component.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 4 in which one of the components includes a reflective surface for reflecting the light beam between the components.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-22 | 1990-03-24 | 1990-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-22 | 1994-03-24 | 1994-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-22 | 1998-03-24 | 1998-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |