Patents by Inventor Gary D. Bridge

Gary D. Bridge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Accuracy automated optical time domain reflectometry optical return loss measurements using a “Smart” Test Fiber Module
    Patent number: 7016024
    Abstract: The invention provides automated systems and methods for measuring ORL of fibers under test. A computer-based test instrument using OTDR tests fibers with the help of a STFM having predefined characteristics that are recorded in a machine-readable memory. The information recorded in the memory is accessible to the computer-based instrument and is used to calibrate a power level of an illumination source in real time using the reflectance response of the STFM. The calibrated illumination power allows the instrument to automatically determine the ORL of the fiber being tested with precision, and without requiring the intervention of an operator. The instrument also has the capability to automatically sense the presence of a test fiber, and to automatically attenuate the reflectance signal to remove a saturation condition by controlling at least one of the illumination, the detector gain, an amplifier gain, and an optional in-line optical attenuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Net Test (New York) Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Bridge, Gregory Soule
  • Method and apparatus for thermally reducing coherence/polarization noise in reflectometers
    Patent number: 5923414
    Abstract: Apparatus (OTDR) for accurately locating and measuring the optical parameters and characteristics of fiberoptic cables which reduces the adverse effects of coherence noise without effecting the stability and repeatability of the acquired locating and measuring information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: GN Nettest New York, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Wagner, Gary D. Bridge
  • Method and apparatus for retroreflectively reducing coherence/polarization noise in reflectometers
    Patent number: 5872624
    Abstract: Apparatus (OTDR) for accurately locating and measuring the optical parameters and characteristics of fiberoptic cables which reduces the adverse effects of coherence noise without effecting the stability and repeatability of the acquired locating and measuring information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: GN Nettest (New York)
    Inventors: Frank A. Chambers, Gary D. Bridge