Groove-type Holding Structure Patents (Class 385/65)
  • Patent number: 7468764
    Abstract: A first optical-path changing layer is provided, on a front-face side of a rear-face side transparent substrate including a light source on one side face thereof. The first optical-path changing layer has a refractive index substantially equal to that of the transparent substrate, and includes predetermined protrusions and predetermined depressions. Further, a low refractive-index layer is provided on a front-face side of the first optical-path changing layer. The low refractive-index layer is in contact with the protrusions and the depressions of the first optical-path changing layer, and has a smaller refractive index than the refractive index of the first optical-path changing layer. Further, a second optical-path changing layer is provided on a rear-face side of the rear-face side transparent substrate. The second optical-path changing layer includes predetermined protrusions and predetermined depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fukushima, Koji Yabuta, Tomoo Takatani, Masakazu Wada
  • Patent number: 7465104
    Abstract: In a display device of the invention, driving of the piezoelectric element is controlled to change the light path of the propagating light inside a light guiding plate. By illuminating a liquid crystal panel in this manner, an illumination time and a no illumination time can be provided for the liquid crystal panel within one frame period. This realizes impulse-type-like display in displaying moving images on the liquid crystal panel, and thereby improves an image quality of moving images. Further, since the light is used only in desired regions, spontaneous luminance can be improved and the light can be used more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kei Tokui, Kenichi Iwauchi
  • Patent number: 7457492
    Abstract: A multichannel optical communication module includes: a board, and a signal-converting element having optical-action points aligned with a first pitch to emit and receive signal light. The element performs conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal at each of the optical-action points. The module further includes an optical waveguide that includes optical waveguide cores each having a first and a second optical-signal ends that are opposed to each other. The first optical-signal ends are aligned with the first pitch and optically connected to the respective optical-action points, while the second optical-signal ends are aligned with a second pitch longer than the first pitch. The module further includes a coupling component fixed on the board and coupling, to the module, an optical connector that holds ends of optical fibers aligned with a pitch equal to the second pitch, thereby optically connecting the second optical-signal ends to the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20080273838
    Abstract: An optical fibre connector for forming a mechanical splice between first and second optical fibres comprises a connector body arranged to clamp the optical fibres therein, wherein the connector body is configured to be at least partially opened to release, or to allow insertion of, at least one of the optical fibres by a squeezing action applied to the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Jan Watte, Jacob Arie Elenbaas, Peter Eyckmans, Luiz Neves Mendes
  • Publication number: 20080273837
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system wherein the adapter employs a push-push interconnect mechanism wherein the adapter employs a spring loaded slider that moves in a single plane in response to a first pushing force to engage the connector with the adapter and a second pushing force to disengage the connector from the adapter so that the connector can be withdrawn from the adapter. The adapter includes an automatic shutter that is opened upon contact by the inserted connector housing with a cam on the lower portion of the shutter, but avoids contact with the ferrule polished end face. Angled latches are provided on the modular contact so as to enable disengagement and removal of the contact from the remainder of the connector assembly from the front thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Margolin, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7435011
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to very accurately position and align a plurality of optical fibers in each groove of a substrate for an optical fiber array, without leading to inappropriate upsizing and complication of an apparatus and increase in cost. To achieve the object, an optical-fiber aligning part 3 of a substrate 1 is formed, in parallel, with a plurality of grooves 2 at least on the top thereof, the plurality of grooves retaining and aligning a plurality of optical fibers 5. A cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the grooves 2 is recessed at a center portion of the top in the widthwise direction, and depths A of the grooves 2 provided at the center portion are shallower than depths A of the grooves 2 provided at both ends in the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takeuchi, Nobuo Funabiki, Sotohiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7394955
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical component including an optical fiber with a lens constituted by a single-mode optical fiber and a graded index optical fiber and a method of manufacturing the same. The invention provides an optical component in which an optical fiber with a lens can be accurately mounted on a substrate and which has high performance and highly stable manufacturability. An optical component has three V-shaped grooves for disposing optical fibers. An optical fiber with a lens is disposed in each of the V-shaped grooves. The optical component has a positioning mark using for positioning optical fiber connecting surfaces. The positioning mark extending across the V-shaped grooves in an orthogonal relationship therewith is provided. The positioning mark is formed line a concave groove and is visually perceived as two parallel straight lines when viewed in a direction normal to the surface on which the V-shaped grooves are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Kenjiro Hata
  • Patent number: 7376312
    Abstract: An optical element and an optical transmission member are fixedly secured onto a substrate so as to be coupled to each other. In this substrate, a through hole is formed between an optical element secured portion and an optical transmission member secured portion. In an attempt to assemble these optical transmission member and optical element so as to make the coupling at an optimal position, first, the position of the optical transmission member is adjusted to an optimal position, and after measuring the position by a laser micrometer, the optical transmission member is fixedly secured thereto by using a soldering material. Thus, measurements are again carried out by the laser micrometer to detect an amount of deviation from the measured value before the securing process, and the secured portion is again fused so that the optical transmission member is shifted based on the amount of deviation, and again fixedly secured thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Nawae, Jun Ichihara
  • Patent number: 7373029
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical fiber impulse sensor having an optical fiber and a molded portion molded around the perimeter of the optical fiber. The method forms, in the molded portion, an optical fiber insertion hole and an optical fiber insertion slit for inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber insertion hole. The method inserts the optical fiber from the slit into the optical fiber insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi Cable, Ltd., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Morihisa Fukushi, Yasuyuki Hishida, Akira Suzuki, Shigenori Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Ryotaro Kachu
  • Patent number: 7345316
    Abstract: An optical device package includes a substrate having an upper surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and distal and proximal longitudinally extending notches co-linearly aligned with each other. A structure is mounted to the substrate and has at least one recessed portion. The structure can be a lid or a frame to which a lid is bonded. An optical fiber is positioned within at least one of the proximal longitudinally extending notch and the distal longitudinally extending notch and within the recessed portion of the structure mounted to the substrate. The optical device package can also include conductive legs extending upwardly from bonding pads on the upper surface of the substrate to facilitate flip mounting of the optical device package onto a circuit board or other such platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David W. Sherrer, Mindaugus F. Dautargas, Neil Ricks, Dan A. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7325978
    Abstract: Optical fiber connection apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling a plurality of optical fibers includes a first and second registration blocks, each registration block including a body having a coupling surface formed at an end thereof, and a plurality of guides formed on an outer surface of the body, each guide adapted to receive an optical fiber with a terminal portion of the optical fiber positioned proximate the coupling surface. First and seconds retention members are disposed over the first and second registration blocks, respectively, the first and second retention members being coupleable to one another such that the coupling surfaces of the first and second registration blocks are engaged together and the plurality of guides of the first registration block are approximately aligned with the plurality of guides of the second registration block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Peter Macaraeg
  • Patent number: 7292756
    Abstract: Optical interface assemblies are provided. The optical interface assemblies include a first portion having a plurality of optical waveguides. The first portion is configured for mating engagement with an optical fiber connector. A second portion is mated to the first portion. The second portion is configured for mating engagement with an electronic substrate that includes an embedded waveguide assembly. The first and second portions are further configured so as to align the plurality of optical waveguides, at a first end of the first portion, with a plurality of corresponding waveguide cores of the embedded waveguide assembly. The first and second portions are further configured so as to align the plurality of optical waveguides, at a second end of the first portion, with a plurality of corresponding optical fibers in the optical fiber connector. Also provided are electronic assemblies and methods for coupling optical fibers with electronic substrate embedded waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronics Materials LLC
    Inventors: Matthew L. Moynihan, Bruno M. Sicard, Carl J. Colangelo, John P. Cahalen, Brian D. Amos, Kevin S. Horgan, John J. Fisher, David W. Sherrer
  • Patent number: 7281859
    Abstract: A method for assembling an optical fiber connector comprising providing a one piece housing comprising a tailpiece and a body defining a forward first end, a rearward second end and a passage extending longitudinally therebetween, inserting a spring element into the passage through the forward first end, inserting a subassembly comprising a ferrule, a ferrule holder and a lead-in tube into the passage through the forward first end, maintaining the spring within the passage between a shoulder defined by the one piece housing and a flange of the ferrule holder, and inserting a subassembly retainer into the passage through the forward first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Derek N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7255485
    Abstract: An optical plug-in connection including: an optical plug-in connector; a coupling configured to receive the plug-in connector; and locking means for locking the plug-in connector in the coupling when the plug-in connector is inserted into the coupling, wherein the locking means are designed to prevent unintentional unlocking when in a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Willi Thäler, David Vollenweider, Michael Columbus
  • Patent number: 7245811
    Abstract: For connecting an optical fiber having a fiber axis and an axial end portion provided with a chamfered surface having a predetermined angle with respect to the fiber axis, the optical connector includes an aligning member and a holding plate. The aligning member has a principal surface and a side surface adjacent to the principal surface. The aligning member has a fiber-receiving groove for receiving the axial end portion of the optical fiber. The fiber-receiving groove extends along the principal surface in a predetermined direction and has end portions each opening on the side surface. The holding plate is faced to the principal surface and covers the fiber-receiving groove. The holding plate has a first slant surface beside one of end portions of the fiber-receiving groove. The first slant surface has an angle with respect to the principal surface. The first angle is determined smaller than the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda, Akihiro Onogawa
  • Patent number: 7207726
    Abstract: In an optical connector including an optical connector plug holding a first optical fiber and an optical connector plug holding a second optical fiber, the optical connector plugs cooperates with each other to obtain a connected state in which exposed longitudinal ends of the first and the second optical fibers are brought into contact with each other. The first optical fiber includes a long fiber portion and a short fiber portion higher in breakage resistance than the long fiber portion. One of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber is fused to one of longitudinal ends of the long fiber portion. Another of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber portion is exposed to serve as one of the exposed longitudinal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Go Kaneko, Akihiro Onogawa, Yuichi Koreeda, Jun Takeda
  • Patent number: 7192197
    Abstract: An optical connector cleaner. The optical connector cleaner includes a nonlinear path along which an optical connector is moved. By following the nonlinear path, the optical connector is subjected to planetary motion without requiring the operator to twist the connector by hand. The use of planetary motion improves the efficiency and quality of the cleaning operation. In addition, the optical connector cleaner of the present invention provides improved resistance to damage from the ferrule edge during cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Neptec Optical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Carberry, Marcella Mirata, Michael L. Smith, Lisa Carberry, Susan Hubbard, Joe Ewing
  • Patent number: 7172344
    Abstract: Precise V-grooves allowing an optical fiber to project are formed in respective main surfaces of an upper plane substrate and a lower plane substrate. The optical fiber is mounted on one plane substrate, and a multi-layer film filter 2 is inserted into a filter insertion groove 1 crossing the precise V-groove in the main surface of the other plane substrate. Then, using the projecting optical fiber and the other precise V-groove as a guide rail, two plane substrates grapple the multi-layer film filter to fix and mount the filter. In an optical filter module obtained in this manner, a process of adjusting an optical axis between input/output optical fibers is eliminated, and displacement of the inserted optical filter is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Nishihara, Kazuo Fujiwara, Kanji Kato, Mikio Degawa, Tetsuro Shimamura
  • Patent number: 7158712
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupler and manufacturing apparatus and method thereof aim to provide a loading fixture and a clamping device to fabricate 1×4, 2×4 and 4×4 optical fiber couplers, and also improve driving mechanisms and operation of the packaging station and the entire manufacturing equipment. The 1×4 optical fiber coupler fabricated by means of the invention can split an optical signal more evenly and has a higher production yield. The total size of the equipment is smaller and the structure is less complicated, and the construction cost is lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Coretech Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Tsa Chou, Li-Ming Liou
  • Patent number: 7149406
    Abstract: An injection mold for a light guide body is disclosed which comprises: a cavity defined inside the injection mold to provide a contour of the light guide body; a plurality of through holes each of which communicates with the cavity, allows an optical fiber to be inserted in the through hole, and has a portion at which the optical fiber is clamped; and a first mold and a second mold having a first groove and a second groove for each through hole, respectively, which first and second grooves are adapted to mate and form the through hole when the first mold and second molds are joined together for injection molding with the fiber clamped, wherein at least one of opposed portions in the first and second grooves corresponding to the portion of at least one of the through holes at which the optical fiber is clamped is made of an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7123798
    Abstract: An optical fiber, which is provided in each of channels of an optical fiber array disposed on V-grooves, has a portion (reflecting section) at which a core is cut out at an intermediate position of the optical fiber. The reflected light, which is split from a signal light transmitted in the core of the optical fiber on the basis of a refractive index difference at the reflecting section, is obtained through a index matching layer provided outside a clad of the optical fiber. The reflected light is monitored by a photodetector of a photodetecting array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Fukuyama, Akiyoshi Ide
  • Patent number: 7085440
    Abstract: A semiconductor laser module includes a polarization direction transforming part which transforms polarization directions of first and second laser beams such that they are orthogonal to each other even if a polarization dependent optical isolator is utilized in the semiconductor laser module. The configuration allows the two laser beams to propagate through the birefringence element to the output port without each splitting into an ordinary ray and an extraordinary ray on entering the birefringence element, and therefore free from decrease of optical power reaching the output port. Thus, high power semiconductor laser modules can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., LTD
    Inventors: Toshio Kimura, Masashi Nakae
  • Patent number: 7059779
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an optical fiber receptacle adaptor is provided. The optical fiber receptacle adaptor has a receptacle end and a port end. The receptacle end is secureable to an optical fiber receptacle and is adapted to receive a free end of the optical fiber receptacle. The port end is adapted to receive an optical ferrule, and for urging the optical ferrule into communication with the free end of the optical fiber receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Wooi Quan Khor
  • Patent number: 7010190
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optic based wavelength division multiplexer device made by a micro lithography and etching process, utilizing the special crystal lattice structure of a silicon wafer. The device comprises a silicon substrate with grooves, an input fiber optic of incoming port with its front lens, a fiber optic of pass port with its front lens, a fiber optic of reflect port with its front lens, and a thin-film filter. The fiber optics, lenses, and the thin-film filter are inserted into grooves to complete the fiber-to-fiber alignment and coupling. The present invention provides both functions of wavelength multiplexing and wavelength demultiplexing. The present invention also has the characteristics of automatic alignment and passive alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: FOCI Fiber Optic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsiung Chiu, Chun-Sung Chien, Song-Fure Lin, Pin-Sung Wang
  • Patent number: 6973252
    Abstract: An article for temporarily retaining an optical fiber cable including a stripped terminal portion of at least one optical fiber requiring cleaving followed by polishing of an end face thereof. The article comprises a housing having a recess for a demountable optical fiber holder. A demountable optical fiber holder includes a base-plate having at least a first fiber channel to receive at least one optical fiber. The base plate has a number of pockets. A cover plate for the demountable optical fiber holder includes a spring clamp, at least a first upper channel and a number of posts to mate with the pockets of the base-plate to assemble the holder. The article further includes a guide plate attached to the housing to pivot between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. A rotatable lid attached to the housing rotates between an open position and a closed position. The article temporarily retains the optical fiber cable for cleaving and polishing the end face thereof when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald G. Doss, David S. Hardcastle
  • Patent number: 6964523
    Abstract: An optical switch is provided with an optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 in which a plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a extending along radial directions of a virtual circle are radially formed in a predetermined surface of a base material, a plurality of array-side optical fibers 2 arrayed in the plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a of the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1, and a moving-side optical fiber 4 to be selectively optically connected to either of the plurality of array-side optical fibers 2; the moving-side optical fiber 4 and the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 are rotated relative to each other about a center axis 1o of the virtual circle, and the moving-side optical fiber 4 is selectively optically connected to the array-side optical fiber 2 selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kohda, Kazuhito Saito, Takeo Komiya
  • Patent number: 6920268
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable alignment-type optical fiber block in which alignment of waveguides can be changed according to temperature. The optical fiber block includes: a substrate having a receiving section formed at one end of the substrate, the receiving section having a predetermined volume; a ferrule seated in the receiving section, the ferrule having a hole in which an optical fiber is inserted; a first expandable block disposed between one side surface of the ferrule and an inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the first expandable block having a first thermal expansive coefficient; and, a second expandable block disposed between the other side surface of the ferrule and another inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the second expandable block having a second thermal expansive coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Oh-Dal Kwon, Shin-Young Yoon, Sang-Gil Shin, Bang-Weon Lee, Jeong-Hwan Song, Sang-Wook Yoo, Young-Gyu Son
  • Patent number: 6908232
    Abstract: Fiber optic connectors and methods of making the same are described. In one aspect, a fiber optic connector includes a support surface and at least one alignment pin. The support surface has at least one optical communication port. Each alignment pin has an elongated distal end and a flanged proximal end with a bottom surface that is fixedly attached to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence R. McColloch, James A. Matthews, Robert E. Wilson, Brenton A. Baugh, Tanya J. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6896417
    Abstract: In the production of a hollow cast article having a slit, the release of a hollow cast product from a mold is carried out while opening the hollow cast product. In one embodiment, a core provided with recessed parts (or projected parts) formed in a slit forming part (or an outer peripheral part) is used and the drawing out of the core from the hollow cast product is carried out while opening the hollow cast product by means of the recessed parts (or projected parts) mentioned above. By such a method, a hollow cast article having a slit and projected parts (or recessed parts) formed in a slit part or/and an inner peripheral part thereof is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Kobayashi, Hideki Takeda, Etsuji Sugita
  • Patent number: 6866426
    Abstract: An optical fiber array having a V-groove chip with a front portion and a rear portion. The optical fibers are disposed in the V-grooves. The optical fibers are bnonded (e.g. glued) to the V-groove chip in the rear portion of the chip. The optical fibers are not bonded to the front portion of the chip. Preferably, the optical fibers have endfaces that are flush with a front face of the chip. The optical fibers extend from the rear portion. In use, the optical fiber array is pressed against V-grooves of an integrated optics chip or optoelectronic submount. Since the optical fibers are not bonded to the front portion, they can move slightly to fit precisely into V-grooves of the IO chip or submount. Hence, optical fiber alignment is improved. Also, there is no danger of residual adhesive preventing close contact between the optical fibers and IO chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dan A Steinberg, David W Sherrer, Mindaugas F Dautartas
  • Patent number: 6859588
    Abstract: This invention provides an optical fiber block that includes an optical-fiber-alignment portion and a stress-reduction-depth portion. In the optical-fiber-alignment portion, a V groove array is arranged to accommodate the non-coated fiber portion of a ribbon fiber. The V groove array is formed by primary and secondary wet-etching processes on a silicon wafer, and further includes first V grooves at both sides and second V grooves different from the first V grooves disposed between the first V grooves. Meanwhile, the stress-reduction-depth portion is formed by another wet etching, extending to a predetermined depth from the optical-fiber-alignment portion, for reducing stress caused by a variation in the coating thickness of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Ki Kim, Moon-Koog Song, Jae-Wan Kim, Jong-Youl Kim
  • Patent number: 6854898
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical connector capable of preventing impairment of PC connections by a hard sleeve during PC connection of optical connectors having a hard sleeve installed in engaging pin holes thereof. The optical connector has a ferrule formed with integrally molded plastic and having engaging pin holes, and a hard sleeve installed in the engaging pin holes and having a hardness that is higher than the plastic of the ferrule. The hard sleeve and the plastic of the ferrule surrounding this hard sleeve are polished so as to be lower than the coupling end surface, and the end of the hard sleeve does not protrude beyond the coupling end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fujikura, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomu Natori, Tetsuo Nozawa
  • Patent number: 6848839
    Abstract: Optoelectronic packages comprise both an optical array and base chip. The array and base chip are aligned and coupled using a combination of V-grooves, wick stops, and alignment spheres (e.g., presion ball bearings). The array and base chip are passively aligned by disposeing an optical fiber having an angled endface onto V-grooves in both the array and base chip. The base chip typically comprises an optical surface device, such as a vertical cavity, surface emitting laser or photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Dan A. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6817777
    Abstract: The invention provides an array ferrule for use in an optical array connector wherein a main body is profiled to have a fiber receiving cavity extending from a mating face to a rear end between a pair of side surfaces. At least one pin slot is precisely located with respect to the fiber receiving cavity and extends inward from a respective side surface. A plurality of channel plates are formed from the same tool to have a plurality of fiber receiving channels in at least one major surface thereof. Fibers are each positioned within respective fiber receiving channels of the channel plates and located within the fiber receiving cavity to form the array ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Dimitry Grabbe
  • Patent number: 6819831
    Abstract: A multi-port optical coupler applies the transition loss principle to exchange light among optical fibers through optical fiber bends. In a four-port embodiment, the coupler includes first and second injector fibers located in precise optical alignment on a substrate. A continuous fiber segment is configured so that a portion thereof is positioned on the substrate between and in optical alignment with the injector fibers. This portion of the fiber segment can be moved to a second position out of alignment with the injector fibers. First and second depressors impart first and second bends to portions of the fiber segment adjacent to and in optical alignment with the first and second injector fibers. Light can be injected into or extracted from the fiber segment through these bends by the injector fibers when the fiber bend is severe enough to create a transition loss and when the bends are in optical alignment with the injector fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Schroll, James P. Waters, Janet Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6819858
    Abstract: A molded mount of non-crystalline polymer material is configured to have a channel for retaining a silicon chip having a plurality of juxtaposed V-groove formed in a top surface between right and left side portions, thereof, a recessed area being provided in the channel behind the chip for accommodating fiber buffer coating, and a notch being formed in a top portion of the mount between the channel and one side portion thereof, for retaining strengthening fibers of an optical fiber cable, with the V-groove being configured to receive individual optical fibers therein respectively. Two such molded mounts with silicon chips are securely sandwiched together with V-groove of the chips opposing one another to retain optical fibers therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dan A. Steinberg, David W. Sherrer, Mindaugas F. Daurtartas, Robert G. Schinazi
  • Patent number: 6811853
    Abstract: A method for patterning different types of surface features on a semiconductor substrate (e.g. metal pads, etched pits and grooves) where the features are accurately located by a single mask. First, a dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. Next, an etch-resistant metal layer is formed on the dielectric and patterned according to a mask. Then, a patterned resist mask (e.g. PMMA) is formed on the patterned metal so that areas of the dielectric are exposed. The resist mask has edges that lie on top of the patterned metal layer. Therefore, the exposed dielectric areas are bounded by patterned metal. Then, the dielectric layer is etched using a directional dry etch to expose the underlying semiconductor substrate. Then, the semiconductor substrate is etched. The dielectric layer functions as a mask in the substrate etching step. Since the metal pattern determines the areas of the substrate that are etched, all the features are located according to the original mask that defined the metal pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David W. Sherrer, Gregory A. TenEyck
  • Patent number: 6811319
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connector for coupling one optical fiber wire 18 with another optical fiber wire 18′ in physical contact. The optical connector comprises a receiving portion 21 including a support region 22 adapted to support the optical fiber wires 18, 18′ along the axis of said receiving portion. The axis 24 of the receiving portion is offset from the axis 25 of the optical fiber wire in a posture of being ready to be inserted into the receiving portion 21. When the optical fiber wire 18 is inserted into the receiving portion 21, the inserted optical fiber wire 18 is brought into contact with and bent by a guide region 23, and then the optical fiber wire is slidably moved along the support region 22 of the receiving portion 21. Finally, with keeping the optical fiber wire to be supported by the support region 22, the end of the optical fiber wire 18 is brought into physical contact with the end of another optical fiber wire 18′.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Tsuchida, Masaru Kobayashi, Yoshiteru Abe
  • Patent number: 6810195
    Abstract: Articles and methods for securing or aligning objects on substrates are disclosed. The articles and methods include a gripping element disposed on a substrate that includes a groove and flexible gripping elements. The articles and methods are particularly useful for securing optical fibers in arrays and manufacturing optical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Cornining Incorporated
    Inventors: Venkata A. Bhagavatula, Sean M. Garner, James S. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6781112
    Abstract: A device (1) for securing at least one optical fibre (2; 3; 4; 5) to an optical apparatus (6) is proposed, comprising at least one photo-element (20; 21; 22; 23) mounted on a supporting element (24) and at least one optical fibre (2; 3; 4; 5) which can be connected to the photo-element (20; 21; 22; 23); the securing device (1) comprises at least one transparent part, such that a region of the coupling between the fibre and the photo-element is visible. A securing device (1) is also proposed, comprising a slide (7) provided with at least one slot (8), which assumes a first and a second position; in the first position, the slot (8) is coaxial with a hole (25) in the supporting element (24) and freely houses the optical fibre (2; 3; 4; 5), while in the second position the slot (8) is out of alignment with the hole (25) and exerts on the optical fibre (2; 3; 4; 5) a force which keeps it secured in the hole (25). (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: DataSensor S.p.A.
    Inventors: Enzo Fei, Daniele Lippi
  • Patent number: 6773168
    Abstract: A structure for separating and prepositioning a set of fibers, and a device designed to contain a set of separate fibers prepositioned using the structure. The separation and prepositioning structure includes at least one recess to contain and preposition a single fiber. The recess includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and at least one side wall formed by the side wall of a pattern with a front edge that is oblique with respect to the bottom wall of the recess. At least one inclined connection surface connects the oblique front edge to the rest of the side wall. The structure and device are applicable particularly to the alignment of optical fibers with microguides contained in an optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Radiall
    Inventors: Eric Ollier, Hervé Poújard
  • Patent number: 6771858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-compensated optical waveguide device. The temperature-compensated optical waveguide device includes a substrate having a first end and a second end. A first mount is coupled to the first end of the substrate. The first mount includes a first surface, the first surface having a first grove and a first recess intersected by the first groove. A second mount is coupled to the second end of the substrate. The second mount includes a second surface having a second grove and a second recess intersected by the second groove. The first groove and the second groove are substantially aligned with one another; and an optical waveguide fiber coupled to the first mount and the second mount. The optical waveguide fiber has a Bragg grating. The substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, the first mount has a second coefficient of thermal expansion and the second mount has a third coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Corning, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy J. Bourcier, Susan C. Bourcier, David M. Lineman
  • Patent number: 6768861
    Abstract: Two ribbon-shaped optical fibers are bare at their leading ends, and bare fibers are adhered and fixed by a V-shaped substrate and a holding plate. The jackets of the ribbon shaped optical fibers are adhered and fixed in the V-shaped substrate by a jacket housing plate. Moreover, dummy fibers on the outermost sides of the bare fibers contact at their portions with the end edges of the V-grooves, and thus they are subject to the displacements of the pitches of the jacket portions as a stress from the outer side. Therefore, no stress is applied to the bare fibers on the inner side for transmitting optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Matsumoto, Masashi Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 6754428
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having at least one opening through a top surface to a bottom surface, the substrate also having a first plurality of aligned grooves formed in the top surface and a plurality of fibers, where each of the plurality of fibers are positioned over the opening and in contact with the substrate within a corresponding one of the first plurality of grooves. In another aspect, a method of manipulating fibers includes placing a plurality of fibers on a substrate to extend over an opening formed through a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate, and flowing air through the opening to draw the plurality of fibers down towards the top surface of the substrate, and positioning each of said plurality of fibers in substantial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Zygo Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Brown, Jeffrey E. LeClaire, Huizong Lu, John L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6729770
    Abstract: Methods of making a multiple-port optical device include precisely positioning pairs of optical fibers inside of a fiber ferrule using a positioning means, such as shaped capillaries or an external clamp, to hold the position of the fibers while adhesive is applied to the fibers and cured. The external precision positioning means comprise silicon wafers which are etched to form capillaries or guides for the fibers. Adhesive is applied to the fibers and wicked into the fiber ferrule capillary to completely fill the capillary. The external positioning means is removed after curing and the fiber ferrule is polished for use in optical devices such as multiple-port DWDM filter packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Avanex Corporation
    Inventors: Marc G. Brun, Scott M. Hellman, Heinrich G. Muller, Paul A. Townley-Smith, Michael Ushinsky
  • Publication number: 20040071408
    Abstract: A splice module for optically interconnecting ends of first and second optical fibers (200, 300), each of which has a predetermined radius (Rf). The splice module comprises first and second plates (20, 30), both of which are made of silicon. The first plate 20 is provided with grooves (22). The second plate (30) is arranged on the first plate (20) to cover the grooves (22) and to define passage ways (26) for receiving and aligning the ends of the first and the second optical fibers (200, 300). The passage way (26) has an inscribed circle (28), which has a radius (Rj) larger than the predetermined radius (Rf) by a predetermined difference (D) between 0.5 &mgr;m and 1.0 &mgr;m, both inclusive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 6665487
    Abstract: An bench assembly alignment apparatus and method provides for precision alignment of the assembly with an alignment feature on a substrate. The bench assembly may comprise, for example, a fiber array to be mounted to, and aligned with, an opto-electronic device within a device package. Passive alignment of the bench position and orientation is achieved in a manner that affords improved device yield and increased precision in an economical process that eliminates the need to fabricate an additional alignment surface on the side wall of the bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Axsun Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaomei Wang
  • Patent number: 6644864
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fiber optical arrays, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to 3-dimentional array fiber optical couplers. More particularly, the present invention provides means of coupling semiconductor laser light sources to fiber-optic transmission devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benson Chan, Richard R. Hall, How T. Lin, John H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6640042
    Abstract: An optical fiber holder which is suitable for holding a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side at uniform intervals is provided. This optical fiber holder includes a holder body and a presser member. The holder body has an optical fiber accommodating unit which accommodates connection portions of optical fibers respectively inserted in recess portions defined by first protrusions at uniform intervals. The presser member has second protrusions in positions corresponding to the first protrusions of the holder body, and covers the optical fiber accommodating unit. Thus, the optical fiber holder can hold a large number of optical fibers side by side at uniform intervals while maintaining high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideo Araki, Minoru Oyama, Masahiko Saitoh, Yasunori Kawanami, Teruo Kikuchi