Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved collimating lens assemblies (32) which include: a singlemode fiber (38) terminating in a distal end; a step-index multimode fiber (44) having a proximal end abutting to the singlemode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; a graded-index multimode fiber (45) having a proximal end abutting the step-index multimode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; and a collimating lens (34) longitudinally spaced from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end by an intermediate air gap (43), and operatively arranged to collimate light rays emanating from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end. The improved collimating lens assembly is characterized by the fact that there is no epoxy, silicone gel or index-matching material between the graded-index multimode fiber distal end and the collimating lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, and to improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved collimating lens assemblies (32), improved methods of reducing the optical power density in collimating lens assemblies, and to improved fiber optic rotary joints (31) incorporating such improved collimating lens assemblies. The improved collimating lens assembly broadly includes: a singlemode fiber (38) terminating in a distal end; a step-index multimode fiber (44) having a proximal end abutting to the singlemode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; a graded-index multimode fiber (45) having a proximal end abutting the step-index multimode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; and a collimating lens (34) longitudinally spaced from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end by an intermediate air gap (43), and operatively arranged to collimate light rays emanating from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to optical rotary joints (35) for enabling optical communication between a rotor and a stator, improved methods of mounting such optical rotary joints on supporting structures such that the rotor and stator remain properly aligned, and to improved optical reflector assemblies for use in such optical rotary joints.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint is provided that is unaffected by variations in the optical properties of a fluid that fills its internal cavity. The rotary joint includes a housing defining the internal cavity, first and second optical collimation arrays on opposite sides of the internal cavity, and a reversion prism between the optical collimation arrays. Further, the rotary joint includes an interface optical element proximate at least one of the first and second optical collimation arrays and the reversion prism. Each interface optical element includes an optically-flat surface adapted to contact the fluid such that optical signals that are oriented normal to the optically-flat surface can be transmitted without refraction, thereby rendering the optical signals immune to variations in the fluid's optical properties. A reversion prism assembly, an optical collimation assembly and a method of aligning an optical collimation array utilizing alignment pins are also provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint is provided that is unaffected by variations in the optical properties of a fluid that fills its internal cavity. The rotary joint includes a housing defining the internal cavity, first and second optical collimation arrays on opposite sides of the internal cavity, and a reversion prism between the optical collimation arrays. Further, the rotary joint includes an interface optical element proximate at least one of the first and second optical collimation arrays and the reversion prism. Each interface optical element includes an optically-flat surface adapted to contact the fluid such that optical signals that are oriented normal to the optically-flat surface can be transmitted without refraction, thereby rendering the optical signals immune to variations in the fluid's optical properties. A reversion prism assembly, an optical collimation assembly and a method of aligning an optical collimation array utilizing alignment pins are also provided.

Abstract: A kit for converting a base transmission having a mid PTO shaft and a detachable original equipment rear cover into an optional configuration transmission having a rotatable mid PTO shaft and a rotatable rear PTO shaft that are both selectively drivable such that they can be commanded by the operator to rotate simultaneously or individually. The kit includes a conversion rear cover for replacing the original equipment rear cover, a rear PTO cover with an aperture therein mounted to the conversion rear cover, a rear PTO shaft rotatably supported in the aperture and extending into the conversion rear cover, and a three position selector assembly mounted on the conversion rear cover and the PTO rear cover. When installed on the base transmission, the selector assembly of the kit allows the operator to cause the rotation of the mid PTO shaft only, both the mid and rear PTO shafts simultaneously, or the rear PTO shaft only.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission assembly includes a power means, a clutch connected to the power means and having an output power shaft, and a plurality of gears and substantial alignment. The gears include a first gear on the power shaft meshed with a second gear mounted on a first idler shaft. The second gear driving a third gear mounted on another idler shaft. The third gear drives a fourth gear mounted on a first PTO shaft. A second PTO shaft is operatively connected to the first shaft. A three position selector assembly on the first shaft selectively powers the PTO shafts simultaneously or individually. The method of connecting a single PTO shaft transmission assembly includes adding a second PTO shaft to said power means, and imposing a multi-position selector assembly to the gears to permit said PTO shafts to be operated together or individually.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission assembly includes a source of rotary power, a clutch connected to the power source and having an output power shaft, and a plurality of gears in substantial alignment. The gears include a first gear on the output power shaft meshed with a second gear mounted on a first sub-shaft. The second gear drives a third gear mounted on an idler shaft. The third gear drives a fourth gear mounted on a first PTO shaft. A second PTO shaft is operatively connected to the first sub-shaft. A three position selector assembly on the first shaft selectively powers the PTO shafts simultaneously or individually.