Patent ID: 8462324
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: G01D,G01L,G01M,G02B

Abstract:
1. A system for monitoring the status of an optical cable, comprising: an optical cable, the optical cable including a jacket defining an interior, and at least one array of optical fibers within the interior, the at least one array including at least one monitor fiber and at least one other optical fiber, the at least one monitor fiber having a higher mechanical sensitivity to elevated mechanical stresses than the at least one other optical fiber; at least one transmitter, the at least one transmitter in communication with the at least one monitor fiber, the transmitter operative to send a signal along the at least one monitor fiber; at least one receiver, the at least one receiver in communication with the at least one monitor fiber, the receiver operative to receive the signal from the at least one monitor fiber; and an alarm operative to indicate an increased attenuation of the signal, the alarm being in communication with the at least one receiver, the increased attenuation of the signal along the at least one monitor fiber being indicative of the status of the optical cable.