Patent ID: 8064060
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An optical sensor system for detecting the presence or absence of a cable within a water-filled tube, said cable comprising a cable diameter less than one-half of a tube diameter of said water-filled tube, said optical sensor system comprising: a housing comprising an optically clear material which surrounds said water-filled tube, said housing being optically coupled to said water-filled tube whereby said housing is operable for conducting light into said water-filled tube; a first optical sensor comprising a first optical transmitter and a first optical receiver which are mounted to said housing on opposite sides of said water-filled tube so as to be sealed off from said water by said optically clear material, said first optical sensor being operable to direct a first light beam into said water-filled tube and detect said first light beam if said cable does not block said first light beam; a second optical sensor comprising a second optical transmitter and a second optical receiver which are mounted to said housing on opposite sides of said water-filled tube so as to be sealed off from said water by said optically clear material, said second optical sensor being operable to direct a second light beam into said water-filled tube and detect said second light beam if said cable does not block said second light beam; a third optical sensor comprising a third optical transmitter and a third optical receiver which are mounted to said housing on opposite sides of said water-filled tube so as to be sealed off from said water by said optically clear material, said third optical sensor being operable to direct a third light beam into said water-filled tube and detect said third light beam if said cable does not block said third light beam; and a detector electrically connected to said first optical sensor, said second optical sensor, and said third optical sensor so as to be operable to produce a signal indicative of a presence or absence of said cable within said water-filled tube.