Claims
- 1. A method for determining a location of a coated region on a braided structure, comprising:
illuminating the braided structure with light; and operating a detector for detecting an optical contrast between the braided structure and the coated region for determining the location of the coated region.
- 2. A method as in claim 1, where the step of illuminating operates an ultraviolet light source, and where the step of detecting detects a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure.
- 3. A method as in claim 1, where the step of illuminating operates an ultraviolet light source, and where the step of detecting detects a reduction in a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure, the reduction being due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.
- 4. A method as in claim 1, where the step of illuminating operates a light source, and where the step of detecting detects a difference in reflection between light reflecting from the braided structure and light reflecting from the coated region.
- 5. A method as in claim 1, where the step of illuminating operates a light source, and where the step of detecting detects a difference in transmission between light passing through the braided structure and light passing through the coated region.
- 6. A method as in claim 1, and further comprising performing at least one desired operation within the coated region in response to determining the location of the coated region.
- 7. A method as in claim 6, wherein the desired operation is cutting.
- 8. A method as in claim 6, wherein the desired operation is placing indicia within the coated region.
- 9. A method as in claim 1, where the step of illuminating operates an ultraviolet light source, and where the step of detecting detects an increase in a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure, the increase being due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.
- 10. A method as in claim 1, where the step of detecting detects an average fluorescence intensity collected by a plurality of line scans made parallel to the braided structure.
- 11. A system for determining a location of a coated region on a braided structure, comprising:
at least one light source for illuminating the braided structure; and at least one detector for detecting an optical contrast between the braided structure and the coated region for determining the location of the coated region.
- 12. A system as in claim 11, where the light source is comprised of an ultraviolet light source, and where the detector detects a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure.
- 13. A system as in claim 11, where the light source is comprised of an ultraviolet light source, and where the detector detects a reduction in a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure, the reduction being due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.
- 14. A system as in claim 11, where the detector detects a difference in reflection between light reflecting from the braided structure and light reflecting from the coated region.
- 15. A system as in claim 11, where the detector detects a difference in transmission between light passing through the braided structure and light passing through the coated region.
- 16. A system as in claim 11, and further comprising apparatus for performing at least one desired operation within the coated region in response to determining the location of the coated region.
- 17. A system as in claim 16, wherein the apparatus is comprised of a cutter for cutting through the braided structure within the coated region.
- 18. A system as in claim 16, wherein the apparatus is comprised of means for placing indicia within the coated region.
- 19. A system as in claim 11, where the light source is comprised of an ultraviolet light source, and where the detector detects an increase in a fluorescent emission from at least one filament that forms a part of the braided structure, the increase being due to the presence of the coated region that overlies the at least one filament.
- 20. A system as in claim 11, where the detector is coupled to a data processor for determining an average fluorescence intensity collected by a plurality of line scans made parallel to the braided structure.
- 21. A system as in claim 11, where the detector is comprised of an area array having rows and columns of radiation detector elements.
- 22. A braided structure comprised of a plurality of strands that are braided together for forming a sheath, said braided structure having a length along which are disposed a plurality of coated regions, wherein at least one of said strands is provided so as to emit a characteristic fluorescent emission in response to excitation light for use in detecting the locations of said plurality of coated regions.
- 23. A braided structure comprised of a plurality of strands that are braided together for forming a sheath, said braided structure having a length along which are disposed a plurality of coated regions, wherein said plurality of coated regions are comprised of a material selected for emitting a characteristic fluorescent emission in response to excitation light for use in detecting the locations of said plurality of coated regions.
CLAIM OF PRIORITY FROM A COPENDING PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from Provisional Patent Application No.: 60/222,411, filed Aug. 2, 2000, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60222411 |
Aug 2000 |
US |