The Boeing Company

Todd C Thomas

Eric Y Chan

Dennis Gary Koshinz

Tuong Kien Truong

Sham S Hariram

J Everett Groat

Richard J Nesting

Sigvard Johann Wahlin

John L Vento

Sigvard J Wahlin

Systems and methods that use an optical impedance sensor that eliminates electricity for measuring fuel quantity in fuel tanks. The optical impedance sensor comprises two optical fibers spaced apart inside a meniscus tube, one to transmit light along its length and the other to receive light along its length. The meniscus tube minimizes the sloshing of fuel level. The fuel level in the tank modulates the optical impedance between the two optical fibers, resulting in changes in the total light received by an optical detector. Depending on fuel tank height, the optical impedance sensor may comprise different embodiments in which the detection apparatus shapes the light to be unidirectional (emitted and collected only on one side of the fiber) or omnidirectional (all directions).

Optical impedance modulation for fuel quantity measurement comprising a fiber encased by a tube having a longitudinal slot with a lens

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Mukilteo, WA, United States of America

Todd C Thomas