Patent ID: 7687764
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: G01D,G01L,G01M

Abstract:
1. A sensor apparatus for tank volume change, comprising a tank, a telephone grade optical fiber coated with adhesive would on the tank, and having the adhesive cured on the tank, adhering the fiber on the tank and ruggedizing the fiber on the tank, the optical fiber having opposite ends exposed for receiving and outputting light energy, and a covering over the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is wound helically in first spaced coils over the tank in a first direction and is wound helically in second spaced coils over the tank and over the first spaced coils in a second direction, and wherein the first spaced coils form the obstructions and the second spaced coils form micro bends where the second spaced coils cross over the first spaced coils as micro bend pinch points, wherein the tank comprises an aluminum tank liner, and the covering comprises a strengthening wrap wound over the composite gas storage tank, wherein the fiber is squeezed between the tank liner and the strengthening wrap as the tank liner is pressurized, deforming the micro bend pinch points.