Patents Assigned to Continuum Photonics, Inc.
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Publication number: 20060188194Abstract: A controller in an optical switch providing optical coupling of an optical signal between a source port and a target port employs, in at least one axis, gradient control using a feedback loop that compensates for alignment error between a source port and a target port in an optical switch. In at least one other axis, the controller generates a control input according to a control law that results in variable attenuation of optical coupling between the source port and the target port in the optical switch. A dither signal may be applied to the control input in the at least one other axis. Amplitude of the applied dither signal may be varied.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2005Publication date: August 24, 2006Applicant: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Timothy Glenn
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Patent number: 6995496Abstract: A method of extracting power includes coupling a transducer that converts mechanical power to electrical power to a disturbance; coupling an electrical circuit to the transducer such that a peak voltage experienced by the transducer is greater than two times higher than any peak voltage of an open circuit transducer due to the disturbance alone; extracting power from the transducer using the electrical circuit, and storing extracted power. Power is extracted from the transducer and applied to the transducer during different intervals in the course of the disturbance. A system for extracting power includes a transducer, an electrical circuit, and a storage element for storing extracted power.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV, Kaymar Ghandi, Jonathan R. Leehey, Aaron A. Bent
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Patent number: 6975785Abstract: A free space optical switch that uses both an open loop control mode and a closed loop control mode. The open loop control mode is used to transition to a state where at least some light is sensed at a destination port. A closed loop control mode is then used, whereby a series of controlled dither signals are adjusted for system dynamics. Modifying the dither signals in this matter allows moving actuators at a rate that is much closer to the natural frequency of the underlying system, and hence speeds up the system convergence process. Variable modulation amplitudes may be employed on the dither signals to maximize convergence speed. In particular, changes in the dither signal can be made in accordance with the change in amplitude as a function of a gradient along a parabola that models the optical system response. According to still further aspects, the dither signals may be compensated for a desired and selectable attenuation level of output optical power.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Continuum Photonics. Inc.Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Nesbitt Ward Hagood, IV, Timothy Scott Glenn
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Patent number: 6909224Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV, Aaron A. Bent
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Publication number: 20050030840Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nesbitt Hagood, Kamyar Ghandi, Bob Cloutier, Mike Borgen
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Publication number: 20050012434Abstract: An electrical power generation system includes a transducer that generates electrical energy under dynamic mechanical loading. A buffer is mechanically coupled to the transducer and adapted to be mechanically coupled to a structure. The buffer facilitates the transducer to operate within a predetermined mechanical loading range to allow the system to provide electrical energy. An electricity generator module includes a transducer that generates electrical energy under dynamic motion conditions. A circuit coupled to the electrically transducer converts the electrical energy into usable electricity at a circuit output. A planar housing encloses the transducer and circuit and (i) allows the transducer to be exposed to the dynamic motion conditions and (ii) provides electrical contacts that facilitate delivery of the useable electricity for external circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: January 20, 2005Applicant: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Alessandro Pizzochero, Nesbitt Hagood
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Publication number: 20040184708Abstract: A free space optical switch that uses both an open loop control mode and a closed loop control mode. The open loop control mode is used to transition to a state where at least some light is sensed at a destination port. A closed loop control mode is then used, whereby a series of controlled dither signals are adjusted for system dynamics. Modifying the dither signals in this matter allows moving actuators at a rate that is much closer to the natural frequency of the underlying system, and hence speeds up the system convergence process. Variable modulation amplitudes may be employed on the dither signals to maximize convergence speed. In particular, changes in the dither signal can be made in accordance with the change in amplitude as a function of a gradient along a parabola that models the optical system response. According to still further aspects, the dither signals may be compensated for a desired and selectable attenuation level of output optical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Nesbitt Ward Hagood, Timothy Scott Glenn
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Patent number: 6785437Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nesbitt W. Hagood, Kamyar Ghandi, Bob Cloutier, Mike Borgen
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Patent number: 6655035Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Continuum Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Kamyar Ghandi, Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV, Aaron A. Bent