Patent ID: 6052056
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B64D,G08B

Abstract:
A substance detection system comprised of:(a) an optical sensor placed proximate a surface to be monitored and configured to return light pulses as a function of the presence or absence and type of substance on the monitored surface;(b) a first optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical sensor;(c) an optical coupler/splitter coupled to the inboard end of the first optical channel;(d) a second optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical coupler/splitter;(e) a light source coupled to the inboard end of the second optical channel, and configured to generate light pulses that are communicated through the second optical channel, the optical coupler/splitter and the first optical channel, to the optical sensor;(f) a third optical channel coupled at its outboard end to the optical couple splitter;(g) a light detector coupled to the inboard end of the third optical channel, and configured to detect light pulses that are returned from the optical sensor, through the first optical channel, the optical coupler and the third optical channel, and generating an output signal that varies in accordance with variations in the detected light pulses;(h) a processing circuit coupled to the output of the light detector and configured to analyze the output signals and determined the presence and type of substance on the surface to be monitored, and including an output defining the presence and type of substance on the surface; and(i) an indicator coupled to the output of processing circuit and configured to indicate the presence and type of substance on the surface.