Shell Oil Company Receives Patent for Innovative Fiber Optic Technology

Strategic Insights -

Shell Oil Company has been granted a significant patent (no. 8,989,527) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its cutting-edge fiber optic technology. The patent, titled "Method and system for determining the location of a fiber optic channel along the length of a fiber optic cable," was awarded on March 24, 2015. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way fiber optic cables are managed and monitored.

The patent is the result of the inventors' work in developing a method to determine the location of one or more fiber optic channels along the length of a fiber optic cable. The process involves arranging an electrical conductor and a magnetic source at a known location adjacent to at least one of the channels, transmitting an electrical current through the conductor, and using variations in light pulses to determine the location of the deformed channel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent, titled "Method and system for determining the location of a fiber optic channel along the length of a fiber optic cable," was granted to Shell Oil Company on March 24, 2015.
  • The inventors, Joinson, developed a method to determine the location of one or more fiber optic channels by transmitting an electrical current through an electrical conductor and using variations in light pulses.
  • The process involves arranging an electrical conductor and a magnetic source at a known location adjacent to at least one of the channels.
  • The patent application was filed on December 29, 2011, with application no. 13/977,496.
  • The award of this patent highlights Shell Oil Company's commitment to innovation and technological advancements in the field of fiber optic technology.
  • The inventors, Joinson, have developed a method that can be used to manage and monitor fiber optic cables, potentially leading to improved network reliability and reduced maintenance costs.
  • The use of wavelength division multiplexing and time division multiplexing is also mentioned, highlighting the potential for increased data transmission rates.
  • Shell Oil Company has filed several patents related to fiber optic technology, demonstrating its focus on R&D in this area.

Statistics:

  • The patent, no. 8,989,527, was granted on March 24, 2015.
  • The patent application was filed on December 29, 2011, with application no. 13/977,496.
  • There were no specific statistics mentioned in the text; however, the patent's potential to increase data transmission rates and improve network reliability are significant.
  • The use of wavelength division multiplexing and time division multiplexing technologies can increase data transmission rates, making it a significant aspect of this innovation.

Sources:

  • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • Shell Oil Company (Texas)
  • U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)