Abstract: The present invention is a limited rotation Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) of one or more optical channels. This will enable one or more optical signals to pass across a rotational interface for a fixed number of rotations. For many applications, such as a winch or certain robotic joints, an unlimited number of rotations in either direction is unnecessary. For these types of applications a limited rotation FORJ is an attractive option because they typically have lower loss, are less complex, and have higher reliability.

Abstract: A multi-channel electro-magnetic rotary joint has been invented in which one or more electro-magnetic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating collimator array and a stationary collimator array in air and in other fluids. A metamaterial de-rotating mechanism is positioned in the path between said rotating collimator array and said stationary collimator array, and arranged tier rotation relative to each collimator arrays at a rotary speed equal to one-hall the relative rotational rate between said rotating and stationary collimator arrays.

Abstract: A dual mode rotary joint as described herein can be utilized in an electromagnetic communication system such as a radar system. The dual mode rotary joint can be used to rotatably couple an antenna architecture to its mounting structure. One embodiment of the dual mode joint includes a waveguide configured to propagate radio frequency (RF) signals, and endcaps coupled to the ends of the waveguide. Each endcap is reflective for RF signals and transmissive for optical signals.

Abstract: A video endoscope has an endoscope part having a central image signal conductor, at least one optical waveguide, and a light supplying part which can be coupled to a proximal end of said endoscope part. The light supplying part has a central image signal conductor connection at a distal end thereof, and a light supply arranged coaxially around said central image signal conductor connection. The light supply has a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of said light-emitting elements can be supplied by means of a switchable semiconductor light source. Position sensors are arranged in an area of said light-emitting elements, and position indicators are arranged in an area of said optical waveguide. A position of said position indicators can be detected by said position sensors when said endoscope part and said light supplying part are coupled. Based on a detection of said position indicator, at least those light-emitting elements lying opposite to said optical waveguide are activated.

Abstract: An integrated electro-optical fluid rotary joint has been invented in which optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids can be simultaneously transmitted across a common rotary-stationary interface between two relatively rotatable members for such applications, as a tethered aerostats, and tethered ROV. It consists of a main stator, a main rotor rotatable relative to said main stator. An electrical rotary joint, or slip ring, a fiber optical rotary joint, and a fluid rotary joint are integrated together on the main stator and main rotor. As a result, when the main rotor rotates relative to the main stator, optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids from the main rotor can be transmitted to the main stator, and vise versa.

Abstract: An integrated electro-optical fluid rotary joint has been invented in which optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids can be simultaneously transmitted across a common rotary-stationary interface between two relatively rotatable members for such applications, as a tethered aerostats, and tethered ROV. It consists of a main stator, a main rotor rotatable relative to said main stator. An electrical rotary joint, or slip ring, a fiber optical rotary joint, and a fluid rotary joint are integrated together on the main stator and main rotor. As a result, when the main rotor rotates relative to the main stator, optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids from the main rotor can be transmitted to the main stator, and vise versa.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint has at least one fiber optic collimator. The fiber optic collimator has a plurality of lenses on a micro lens array. Furthermore a plurality of optical fibers are attached to the micro lens array. The fibers are further fixed by a fiber support. A spacer is provided between the micro lens array and the fiber support, setting the micro lens array and the fiber support apart from each other. The optical fibers have between the micro lens array and the fiber support a excess length greater than the distance between the micro lens array and the fiber support. This results in a slight bending of the fibers between the micro lens array and the fiber support. A temperature related extension of parts of the fiber optic rotary joint can be compensated by the excess length and does not lead to mechanical tension on the fibers.

Abstract: A modalmetric fibre sensor comprises a multimode sensor fibre (26), a light source (14) for launching light into the multimode fibre (26) to produce a multimode speckle pattern of light at an end of the fibre (26), a single mode fibre (22) to receive light from the multimode speckle pattern and a detector (18) connected to the single mode fibre (22) to detect the received light from the multimode speckle pattern. A connector (33) connects the ends of the multimode fibre (26) and single mode fibre (22) with the end faces (31,32) of the two fibres disposed at an acute single to one another. The light from source (14) may be transmitted to the multimode fibre (26) through the single mode fibre (22) and the end of multimode fibre (26) remote from single mode fibre (22) may be mirrored to reflect light back along the multimode fibre to the single mode fibre which transmits the received light to the detector (18).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, with the latter being rotatably supported relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the first and second collimator arrangements as a derotating element. The first and second collimator arrangements have at least one micro-lens array on which light-waveguides with associated ferrules are disposed. In order to avoid tensile forces from arising in the arrangement, or as a result of individual ferrules becoming interconnected by an applied adhesive, trenches, barriers, or also coatings are provided between the individual ferrules.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic rotary joint mechanism has been invented in which optic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and a stationary fiber optic collimator bundle through an opto-mechanical de-rotating mechanism, which includes an optic de-rotating element, an internal gear and an flexure anti-backlash mechanism. The optic de-rotating element, is positioned in the path between said rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and said stationary fiber optic collimator bundle. The internal gear mechanism provides 2:1 speed ratio for the rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and the optic de-rotating element.

Abstract: An optical rotary joint includes a first collimator arrangement for coupling on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling on second light-waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. The collimator arrangements include collimators with an actuator that is adjustable along two axes. A control unit controls the actuators so that mechanical tolerances are compensated, and optical transmission loss between the collimator arrangements is minimal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical connector assembly having an alignment mechanism for coupling two single-lens, multi-fiber optical connectors together. Particularly, each connector comprising a single lens through which the light from multiple fibers is expanded/focused for coupling to corresponding fibers in a mating connector. In one aspect of the invention, the alignment mechanism includes mating features extending from the fronts of the lenses having substantially longitudinal surfaces that meet and contact each other when the two connectors are coupled together in only one or a limited number of rotational orientations relative to each other to as to properly rotationally align the multiple fibers in the two mating connectors. This mechanism also helps align the two connectors with the optical axes of their lenses parallel to each other.

Abstract: A multi-channel electro-magnetic rotary joint has been invented in which one or more electro-magnetic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating collimator array to a stationary collimator array, and vice-versa, in air and in other fluids. A photonic crystal based de-rotating mechanism is positioned in the path between said rotating collimator array and said stationary collimator array, and arranged for rotation relative to each collimator arrays at a rotary speed equal to one-half the relative rotational rate between said rotating and stationary collimator arrays. This invention has several different potential applications such radar, winches, and robotics to name a few.

Abstract: In a lens system, such as for use in optical rotary joints, obliquely tilted cavities are inserted in a light path between light-waveguides and lenses to be coupled thereto in order to compensate lateral displacements between the light waveguides and the lenses. The cavities are filled with an optical medium having a predetermined refractive index in order to achieve a parallel displacement of a light-ray path, so that the ray path passes centrally through the lenses.

Abstract: A rotary optical link joint having a small change in transmission loss during rotational use is provided. In order to realize this, the rotary optical link joint according to the present invention is an optical link joint that relatively rotatably holds, centering around an axis line (19, 29), a first optical fiber (11) and a second optical fiber (21), wherein a part or all of the first optical fiber (11) and the second optical fiber (21) are configured by a multi-core optical fiber having a plurality of cores, and wherein the plurality of cores is arranged in a circular or annular area that is sectioned by a concentric circle centered around the axis line (19, 29) of the multi-core optical fiber.

Abstract: A Passive Bi-Directional Off-Axis Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) with a center bore has been invented in which an optical signal can be transmitted across a rotating boundary without using the centerline or axis of rotation of the FORJ. Rather a fiber bundle is used to transmit the optical signal across a single mechanical rotational interface.

Abstract: A joint for disposing between a rotatable drum and stationary surface equipment. The joint serves as a channel through which optical data from a well access line may be routed through the rotating drum and to the stationary equipment for processing. The optical data may be routed in a manner that allows for multi-fiber transmissions with one fiber dedicated to uphole transmissions and another dedicated to downhole transmissions. This is achieved through embodiments of the joint in spite of the separate optical channels involved sharing the same central axis to allow for data transfer between moving and stationary joint components.

Abstract: An active 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 the rotor of motors. It is an active, hi-directional rotational optical transmission device which could be used for multi-mode, or single mode fibers without the limitation to the through bore diameters.

Abstract: A nano/micro-patterned optical device includes a soft film substrate and nano/micro thin wires. A surface of the soft film substrate includes a nano/micro-pattern formed through a lithography process, and the nano/micro-pattern includes a plurality of depressed grooves. The nano/micro thin wires are placed in the depressed grooves, and used to form a plurality of optical waveguides, in which the optical waveguides include at least one optical coupling region, and the optical coupling region is located on a joining position of the optical waveguides. A fabrication method of the nano/micro-patterned optical device is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-channel electro-magnetic rotary joint has been invented in which one or more electro-magnetic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating collimator array and a stationary collimator array in air and in other fluids. A metamaterial de-rotating mechanism is positioned in the path between said rotating collimator array and said stationary collimator array, and arranged tier rotation relative to each collimator arrays at a rotary speed equal to one-hall the relative rotational rate between said rotating and stationary collimator arrays.

Abstract: A method and a device for dynamic measurement of the radial deformation of a bearing ring (12) of a rolling bearing (10) for a rotating element (16), a glass fiber segment (22) of a fiber optic sensor (24) that is fixed in or to the periphery of the bearing ring, a light signal which has been generated by the light source (30) being injected into the glass fiber segment, and the light signal passing through the glass fiber segment being detected by a detector (34), the longitudinal deformation of the glass fiber segment being determined from the change of at least one parameter of the light signal, when the light signal passes through the glass fiber segment, in order to determine the corresponding radial deformation of the bearing ring.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary connector providing communication between a first fiber optical bundle and a second fiber optical bundle rotating relative to said first bundle. The fiber optic rotary connector includes a K-mirror comprised of at least three mirror components and a set of gears adapted to rotate said K-mirror at a rotation rate equal to one half of the second bundle rotation rate. In a preferred embodiment the set of gears is a set of magnetic gears. And in another preferred embodiment the set of gears is a set of mechanical gears. Normally the first fiber optic bundle is stationary, but it may be rotating at a slower rate than the second bundle. In preferred embodiments the K mirror is comprised of three flat mirrors and two of the flat mirrors are positioned at about 30 degrees relative to the third flat mirror.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint has at least one fiber optic collimator. The fiber optic collimator has a plurality of lenses on a micro lens array. Furthermore a plurality of optical fibers are attached to the micro lens array. The fibers are further fixed by a fiber support. A spacer is provided between the micro lens array and the fiber support, setting the micro lens array and the fiber support apart from each other. The optical fibers have between the micro lens array and the fiber support a excess length greater than the distance between the micro lens array and the fiber support. This results in a slight bending of the fibers between the micro lens array and the fiber support. A temperature related extension of parts of the fiber optic rotary joint can be compensated by the excess length and does not lead to mechanical tension on the fibers.

Abstract: Optical communication systems and methods are operable to communicate optical signals across a gimbal system. An exemplary embodiment has a first optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, a second optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, and an optical connector coupled to the stators of the first and the second optical rotary joints. The stator of the first optical rotary joint is affixed to a first rotational member of the gimbal system. The stator of the second optical rotary joint is affixed to a second rotational member of the gimbal system. A first optical connection coupled to the rotor of the first optical rotary joint and a second optical connection coupled to the rotor of the second optical rotary joint remain substantially stationary as the gimbal system orients an optical communication device in a desired position.

Abstract: An optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. At least one derotating optical element is provided in the light path between the first collimator arrangement and the second collimator arrangement. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a rod-shaped lens that is fastened on a support plate so that the axis of the lens is tilted at a given angle relative to the rotation axis of the rotary joint.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic rotary joint mechanism has been invented in which optic signals can be transmitted simultaneously from a rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and a stationary fiber optic collimator bundle through an opto-mechanical de-rotating mechanism, which includes an optic de-rotating element, an internal gear and an flexure anti-backlash mechanism. The optic de-rotating element, is positioned in the path between said rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and said stationary fiber optic collimator bundle. The internal gear mechanism provides 2:1 speed ratio for the rotating fiber optic collimator bundle and the optic de-rotating element.

Abstract: A transmission device is provided. The transmission device is operable to transmit data between a rotor and a stator. The transmission device includes at least two pairs of transmission units with one transmission unit embodied as a transmitter and one as a receiver.

Abstract: A rotary transformer having first light-conducting curved tube segments, the first tube segments being disposed to form a first tubular arrangement, is disclosed. The rotary transformer has at least one first transmitter for producing first light signals and at least one first receiver for receiving the first light signals. The first light signals are transmitted from the first transmitter via the first tube segments to the first receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is a limited rotation through-bore optical slip ring. This will enable one or more optical signals to pass across a rotational interface while leaving a center bore free. The present invention is passive, unlike many off axis or through bore optical slip rings and is low loss by nature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a probe (50) for directing light to an object to be measured and receiving light returned from the object to be measured, the probe including: an optical path (21) for transmitting light from a light source (10); a mirror member (52) for reflecting the light transmitted through the optical path (21); and a rotational oscillation mechanism (56) for rotatably oscillating the mirror member (52) and a tip end portion of the optical path (21) about a longitudinal axis of the optical path (21); wherein the rotational oscillation mechanism (56) is adapted to perform the rotational oscillation within a range defined by a torsional elasticity limit of the optical path (21). This configuration can provide an optical rotary probe with a simple structure and with high reliability, which is capable of suppressing optical losses and reflection ghosts.

Abstract: Fiber optic collimators are disclosed for use in fiber optic rotary joints (20) providing for improvement in insertion loss performance. One embodiment of the fiber optic collimator has a gradient-index rod lens (61) possessing a pitch of less than one-quarter. Improvement in insertion loss arises due to the increase in the effective focal length of the lens as the pitch is reduced, allowing the collimator to achieve a longer working distance. The increase in the effective focal length is accompanied by an increase in the back focal length of the lens, compared to the zero back focal length of the more typical quarter-pitch gradient-index rod lens. The increased back focal length can be filled by a cylindrical glass spacer (64), to which an optical fiber (68) is attached, resulting in a collimator with very similar form factor to the usual quarter-pitch gradient-index rod lens collimator.

Abstract: The optical rotary adapter is used with an optical tomographic imaging system for acquiring an optical tomographic image of an object under measurement. The adapter includes a fixed sleeve, a stationary optical fiber supported by the fixed sleeve and having an inclined end face, a stationary collimating lens spaced a given distance from the inclined end face, a mounting cylinder carried rotatably with respect to the fixed sleeve, a rotary optical fiber mounted to the mounting cylinder and having an inclined end face, a rotary collimating lens mounted to the mounting cylinder and disposed with a given distance from the inclined end face, and a rotation actuating device for rotating said mounting cylinder. The central axes of the stationary and rotary optical fibers are offset from or inclined with respect to a central axis of rotation of the mounting cylinder to reduce attenuation of returning light from the object.

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: An apparatus for enabling transmission of signals and data via means of infrared (IR) light for a wind turbine includes a plurality of IR data communication elements configured to provide unidirectional and bidirectional IR data exchange between non-rotating portions of the wind turbine and the rotatable wind turbine hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling wavelength switching in a plurality of nodes that are provided to increase the distance of signal transmission in inverse MUX transmission in which a high-speed line is divided into a plurality of low-speed lines for transmission. A maximum skew occurring between adjacent nodes is measured, and switching of wavelength channels is performed in one or a plurality of nodes on the basis of the measured maximum skew to keep the skew of the entire inverse MUX transmission system at or below a prescribed value. The optical communication device is provided with an NNI functional block to which high-speed lines on the transmission channel side are connected, and a UNI functional block to which low-speed lines on the client side are connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing an optical circuit path spanning a discontinuity in an optical channel supported by a first cable oriented about a first axis on a first side of the discontinuity and supported by a second cable section oriented about a second axis on a second side of the discontinuity includes: (a) a first coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the first side; (b) a first supporting member fixed with the first coupling member in an installed orientation in a clamping relation with the first cable section; (c) a second coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the second side; (d) a second supporting member fixed with the second coupling member in an installed orientation clamped with the second cable section; and (e) a connecting member optically coupling the first coupling member with the second coupling member to establish the optical circuit path.

Abstract: A non-contacting rotary joint for transmitting an input signal guided within an input optical waveguide has an electrical transmission line and a probe. The transmission line has an even number N?4 of equal length transmission line segments. The optical waveguide is connected to an optical distribution network which has an optical power splitter for splitting the input signal into N or N/2 individual signals of equal optical power. These signals are forwarded to opto-electrical converters to generate electrical signals for driving the electrical transmission line. The lengths of the optical transmission lines are adjusted so that the propagation time of the optical signal from the end of the input optical waveguide to the end of each individual optical transmission line is approximately the same.

Abstract: A system and a method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The system including an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, an active fiber placed in a center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge and a plurality of pump light sources. The system further includes a plurality of lenses for focusing pump light beams from pump light sources towards a side of the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, wherein the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, couples the pump light beams into the active fiber. A method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The method includes providing an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge. The method further includes providing an active fiber in approximately the center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge.

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: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the collimator arrangements as a derotating element. Furthermore, the collimator arrangements pre provided with adapter elements having rotationally symmetrical conical faces. Prism adapter elements are disposed on the end faces of the Dove prism and have prism adapter elements on the sides facing the collimator arrangements. These also have rotationally symmetrical conical faces with a surface configuration that is inverse to that of the adapter elements of the collimator arrangements.

Abstract: With the light-emitting side focal point F1 of a three-dimensional elliptical reflecting body A being on the side of a rotating body, the light-receiving side focal point F2 being on the side of a fixed body, the condensing action from the F1 to F2 is used to configure an optical path from a rotating-side light-emitting element A set at F1, via a fixed-side elliptical partial mirror in which a portion of the three-dimensional elliptical body is used as a mirror face, to a fixed-side light-receiving element A set at F2, and to configure a simultaneous bidirectional single-channel optical path from a fixed-side light-emitting element A set at F1 of a three-dimensional elliptical reflecting body B, via a rotating-side elliptical partial mirror, to a rotating-side light-receiving element A set at F2.

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: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first optical waveguides, a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second optical waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis, and a derotating element such as a Dove prism in a light path between the collimator arrangements. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a deflecting element which deflects light entering the device from optical waveguides positioned at an angle to the direction of the rotation axis to travel along the direction of the rotation axis, or deflects light traveling along the direction of the rotation axis to exit the device at an angle to the rotation axis towards optical waveguides.

Abstract: A non-contact connector (10), having a rotation-side light-emitting element (13) and a rotation-side light-receiving element (14), positioned on a rotating body (1) which rotates about a rotation axis (4), a fixed-side light-emitting element (23) and a fixed-side light-receiving element (24), positioned on a fixed body (2), and a first partial ellipsoidal reflecting mirror (8) installed on the fixed body (2) and a second partial ellipsoidal reflecting mirror (6) installed on rotating body (1), each with one focal point positioned on the rotation axis (4).

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a first frame and a second frame that are relatively movable; a frame boundary portion that is provided between the first frame and the second frame; a light emitting portion that is provided on the first frame and transmits an optical signal; a light receiving portion that is provided on the second frame and receives the optical signal; and an optical transmission medium that transmits the optical signal between the frame boundary portion and at least one of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, wherein an optical transmission between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion via the optical transmission medium is effected at the frame boundary portion by a spatial optical transmission.

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: An apparatus comprises a housing, a bearing member, and a transmission system. The housing has a channel in communication with an opening at a first end of the housing and a first surface at a second end of the housing. The first surface is substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis through the channel. The bearing member is capable of rotating in the channel around the rotation axis. The bearing member has a second surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and substantially parallel to the first surface. The transmission system is coupled to the first surface and the second surface. The transmission system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmission system is capable of emitting an electromagnetic radiation in a beam that is capable of being received by the receiver, while a rotation occurs between the transmitter and the receiver about the rotation axis.

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: An optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. At least one derotating optical element is provided in the light path between the first collimator arrangement and the second collimator arrangement. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a rod-shaped lens that is fastened on a support plate so that the axis of the lens is tilted at a given angle relative to the rotation axis of the rotary joint.