Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint is invented using TEC (Thermally Expanded Core) fiber. This device has a rotatable optic TEC fiber and a stationary optic TEC fiber in an assembly to convey a light beam in the optic TEC fibers. The assembly also includes a stationary optic TEC fiber holder for fixing the tip of stationary optic TEC fiber in a central hole and a rotatable optic TEC fiber holder for fixing the body of the rotatable optic TEC fiber with the tip of the rotatable optic TEC fiber protruding out of the rotatable optic TEC fiber holder. The two optic TEC fiber holders can be rotated relative to each other so as to allow the tip of rotatable optic TEC fiber to rotate in the central hole on the stationary optic TEC fiber holder with the facets of the two optic TEC fiber adjacent very closely.

Abstract: The present invention connects two independent plastic optical fiber channels simultaneously, in which optic signals can be transmitted along two optic passes through a single mechanical rotational interface. The first channel of light path consists of a pair of plastic optic fibers with larger-core, co-axially fixed in 2 holders respectively. The light signal from one of the fiber can be directly coupled into another fiber. A number of smaller-core plastic optic fibers for second channel of light path are circumferentially arranged in the peripheral space of the first channel fibers. They are blind-spot free during rotation and are ideal for machine control applications such as SERCOS Interfaces. The rugged design permits underwater usage. Damaged fibers can be easily replaced without costly repairs of the device itself.

Abstract: A multi-channel off-axis optic slip ring system is disclosed. The invention eliminates the huge number of fiber bundles and photodiodes in most published patents. A couple of conventional optical components such as mirrors and prisms are used to transmit optical signals with high quality and low optic losses. The optical signal pick-up is realized through a pair of prisms mounted on gear transmission systems. It is a true passive, bi-directional rotational optical transmission device which could be used for both multi-mode and single mode fibers without the limitation to the through bore diameters.

Abstract: A multi-channel off-axis optic slip ring system is disclosed. The invention eliminates the huge number of fiber bundles and photodiodes in most published patents. A couple of conventional optical components such as mirrors and prisms are used to transmit optical signals with high quality and low optic losses. The optical signal pick-up is realized through a pair of prisms mounted on gear transmission systems. It is a true passive, bi-directional rotational optical transmission device which could be used for both multi-mode and single mode fibers without the limitation to the through bore diameters.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic rotary joint has been invented in which optic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating fiber optic collimator array and a stationary fiber optic collimator array in air and in other optic fluids. A de-rotating lens, a cylindrical GRIN (Graded Index) lens, is positioned in the path between said rotating fiber optic collimator array and said stationary fiber optic collimator array, and arranged for rotation relative to each fiber optic collimator arrays at a rotary speed equal to one-half the relative rotational rate between said rotating and stationary fiber optic collimator arrays.

Abstract: The present invention connects two independent plastic optical fiber channels simultaneously, in which optic signals can be transmitted along two optic passes through a single mechanical rotational interface. The first channel of light path consists of a pair of plastic optic fibers with larger-core, co-axially fixed in 2 holders respectively. The light signal from one of the fiber can be directly coupled into another fiber. A number of smaller-core plastic optic fibers for second channel of light path are circumferentially arranged in the peripheral space of the first channel fibers. They are blind-spot free during rotation and are ideal for machine control applications such as SERCOS Interfaces. The rugged design permits underwater usage. Damaged fibers can be easily replaced without costly repairs of the device itself.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary coupler is invented using both single mode and multi-mode optic fibers. This device has a rotatable optic fiber and a stationary optic fiber in an assembly to convey a light beam in the optic fibers. The assembly also includes a stationary fiber holder for fixing the tip of stationary optic fiber in a central hole and a rotatable fiber holder for fixing the body of the rotatable optic fiber with the tip of the rotatable fiber protruding out of the rotatable fiber holder. The two fiber holders can be rotated relatively each other so as to allow the tip of rotatable optic fiber to rotate in the central hole on the stationary fiber holder with the tips of the two optic fibers adjacent very closely.

Abstract: A two-channel fiber optic rotary joint of this invention can transmit simultaneously optic signals along two optic passes through a single mechanical rotational interface. The first channel of light path consists of a pair of fibers, co-axially fixed in 2 holders respectively. The light signal from one of the fiber can be directly coupled into another fiber. The second channel of light path is off-axis arranged, including a pair of conventional collimators, a pair of first reflecting surfaces and a pair of second reflecting surfaces. The light signal emitted from one of the said conventional collimator will be reflected by one of the said first reflecting surface, one of the said second reflecting surface, another said second reflecting surface, and another said first reflecting surface, then coupled into another said conventional collimator.

Abstract: A fiber optic polishing apparatus is disclosed including a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system, a pressurizing module, a fixture module, and a housing assembly motorized polisher. The single DOF gear transmission system would enable a fiber optic polishing machine, or polisher to be driven by only one motor, or by human hand. The manual polisher is a unique field polishing machine where electricity or battery is not available or not allowed. Both manual polisher and motorized polisher have the following features: polishing up to four connectors or ferrules simultaneously; adjustable force ensures consistent finish for a wide variety of connector types and the number of connectors in the fixture; quick release for convenient removal of polish fixture; low center of gravity for high stability; small footprint for multiple-machine operation to avoid time-consuming film change.

Abstract: The invention includes a precision planetary gear system which requires 2:1 gear ratio. The planetary gear system consists of three, or more planet gear assemblies. By adding a local degree of freedom, the planet gear assembly could be tilted relative to the carrier by a spring-loaded annular ring through a spherical feature thus force the three, or more planet gear assemblies symmetrically mesh into the sun gear and internal gear. A couple of elastomeric sleeves are introduced into the connection between the planet housing and the carrier so as to balance the load evenly among the three planet assemblies and to reduce the speed fluctuation of transmitted motion as well as the noise and vibration.

Abstract: A fiber optic polishing apparatus is disclosed including a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system, a pressurizing module, a fixture module, and a housing assembly. The single DOF gear transmission system would enable a fiber optic polishing machine, . or polisher to be driven by only one motor, or by human hand. The manual polisher is a unique field polishing machine where electricity or battery is not available or not allowed. Both manual polisher and motorized polisher have the following features: polishing up to four connectors or ferrules simultaneously; adjustable force ensures consistent finish for a wide variety of connector types and the number of connectors in the fixture; quick release for convenient removal of polish fixture; low center of gravity for high stability; small footprint for multiple-machine operation to avoid time-consuming film change.