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From: timper@netcom.com (Tim Perkis)
Subject: Re: Bend Sensors
Message-ID: <timperCx5uL7.3L2@netcom.com>
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References: <35bp7f$rbd@balsam.unca.edu> <779782563snz@lfheller.demon.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 1994 18:12:42 GMT
Lines: 27

Leon Heller (Leon@lfheller.demon.co.uk) wrote:
: In article <35bp7f$rbd@balsam.unca.edu> schuh@phys.unca.edu "Paul Schuh" writes:

: > I believe I read somewhere that you can make fiber-optic bendsensors
: > by putting nicks on one side of a fiber optic strand. The more the 
: > strand bends, the less light is transmitted  through the fiberoptic
: > cable. With a light source at one end, and a photo-resistor at the other
: > end, it should work as well as the resistance bend sensors.

This is a case where you don't want good transmission of light, so fiber
optic strands are overkill. Use flexible tubing, any type that's shiny 
inside, with led on one end and sensor on the other: the light is smoothly
attenuated through internal reflection as you bend the tube.

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Tim Perkis		timper@artifact.com
1048 Neilson St.
Albany CA 94706
510.528.0609
fax 528 7241
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-- 
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Tim Perkis		timper@artifact.com
1048 Neilson St.
Albany CA 94706
510.528.0609
fax 528 7241
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