Abstract: A method for transmitting electric power and signals between a wall and a leaf pivotally mounted on the wall. The method includes transmitting the electric power so as to be galvanically isolated, and transmitting the signals optically or optoelectronically.

Abstract: A method for transmitting electric power and signals between a wall and a leaf pivotally mounted on the wall includes transmitting the electric power so as to be galvanically isolated, and transmitting the signals optically or optoelectronically.

Abstract: A plurality of optical transmission sources provide data communication from a transmitting module to a common detector cooperative with a receiving module, the modules being subject to relative rotation about a shared axis. The detector can be located on the shared axis, each of the sources directing a beam onto the detector regardless of relative module orientation, and/or the light can be diffused, so that it is detected regardless of source and detector placement and relative module orientations. Transmissions can be distinguished according to synchronized timing, differing optical frequencies, differing baud rates, and/or differing circular polarizations. The detector can split the light into a plurality of beams which pass through different optical filters and are thereby distinguished. Cut-off circuits can prevent failed sources from transmitting. A diffused second light source and a second plurality of detectors can provide reverse communication from the receiving module to the transmitting module.

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: Intrapersonal communication systems and methods that provide an optical digital signal link between two or more local devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a first signal converter disposed at a first end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from a first local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link. The system can include an optical connector having a non-contact portion configured to couple optical digital signals between the first signal converter and the optical digital signal link across a gap. The system can include a second signal converter disposed at a second end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from the second local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link.

Abstract: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments include a convertible wireless remote control suitable for controlling a computer of a media management system offering an integrated multimedia experience. Embodiments control the media management system wirelessly with a small amount of buttons but are convertible to offer expanded and/or changed functionality to the user, as desired.

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: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling an electronic device. A query is received at a remote control interface. A response to the query is determined. A random response interval of time is determined according to a collision avoidance mechanism. When the random response interval of time expires, then the response to the query is sent.

Abstract: A device for connecting a plurality of assemblage-mounted optical transmitters to a plurality of assemblage-mounted optical receivers mounted on a selected side of an assemblage includes a planar frame configured to be coupled to the selected side of the assemblage. A plurality of first redirecting structures is affixed to the planar frame and each is configured to receive a first optical signal from a different assemblage-mounted optical transmitter. Each first redirecting structure transmits a second optical signal, corresponding to the first optical signal, along a preselected path. A plurality of second redirecting structures is affixed to the planar frame and each is configured to receive the second optical signal from a different one of the first redirecting structures. Each of the second redirecting structures transmits a third optical signal, corresponding to the second optical signal, to a different one of the assemblage-mounted optical receivers.

Abstract: Intrapersonal communication systems and methods that provide an optical digital signal link between two or more local devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a first signal converter disposed at a first end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from a first local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link. The system can include an optical connector having a non-contact portion configured to couple optical digital signals between the first signal converter and the optical digital signal link across a gap. The system can include a second signal converter disposed at a second end of the optical digital signal link and configured to convert between electrical digital signals from the second local device and optical digital signals from the optical digital signal link.

Abstract: A device for receiving data from a rotatable source includes a primary winding of a rotary transformer fixed to a support structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is rotatably supported by the support structure. An axial passage extends through the primary and secondary windings. An optical data transmitter is connected to the secondary winding. The optical data transmitter is rotatably supported by the support structure and aligned to transmit data through the axial passage in the rotary transformer. The secondary transformer winding provides power to the optical data transmitter without physical contact. An optical data receiver fixed to the support structure receives data from the optical data transmitter transmitted through the axial passage in the rotary transformer without physical contact. The transmission of power and data without physical contact allows the data source to rotate continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting data at high data rates, between two systems that move relative to one another is provided. The apparatus includes an optical fiber and an axial module on one of the two systems for the purpose of axial data coupling, using the optical fiber and a lateral module on another of the two systems for the purpose of lateral data coupling using the optical fiber.

Abstract: A supply facility supplies fluid to a movable object through a feed pipe connected with a connection port of the movable object. A feed connector of the feed pipe is rotatable around its axis when the feed pipe is connected with the connection port. At least one of the feed pipe of the supply facility and the movable object has multiple infrared communication elements. When the feed connector of the feed pipe is connected with the connection port of the movable object, at least one of the infrared communication elements is communicable with an infrared communication device on the other side via an infrared communication, regardless of the rotation phase.

Abstract: An optical signal transfer device includes a transmitter system and a receiver system for signal transfer between a base unit and a rotary unit. The receiver system includes a natural number n of light receiving portions forming a ring-like light receiving area around the rotary axis and a light reception controller. The transmitter system includes a light emitting portion, an emission controller, and an optical guide which guides a light beam from the light emitting portion to a light emitting area facing the light receiving area. The optical guide guides a light beam to the light emitting area in one of n equally divided areas of a ring-like opposing area which opposes the light receiving area. Therefore, one of the n light receiving portions always face the light emitting area irrespective of rotary position of the receiver system around the rotary axis relative to the transmitter system.

Abstract: A surveillance camera that includes a device for capturing video signals and that converts the video signals to optical signals. The surveillance camera has a first component with a first aperture and a second component with a second aperture. The second component engages the first component such that the first component rotates relative to the second component. The surveillance camera has a first optical component that extends through the first aperture of the first component. The surveillance camera also has a second optical component that extends through the second aperture of the second component. The first optical component is separated from the second optical component by a gap. The first optical component is operatively connected to the device. The first optical component receives the optical signals and transmits the optical signals to the second optical component across the gap to permit a continuous rotation of the first component relative to the second component.

Abstract: A rotary transmitter having a first light-conducting hollow body, at least one transmitter for generating at least one optical signal and at least one receiver for receiving the optical signal is disclosed. The optical signal is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver via the first light-conducting hollow body.

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: An electronic device includes a remote control and a host. The remote control is for generating different wireless signals. The host communicates with the remote control. The host includes a processor, a control panel, and a receiving unit. The control panel is for generating different key signals. The control panel includes a key for generating a locking signal and an unlocking signal. The receiving unit is for transferring the different key signals from the control panel to control the processor, and further for transferring the different wireless signals from the remote control to control the processor. The processor disables the receiving unit according to the locking signal and enables the receiving unit according to the unlocking signal.

Abstract: To enable signals to be transmitted from a fixed machine part to a machine part opposite same which rotates on a hollow shaft or vice versa, light must be able to be transmitted or received over the entire circumference. This is achieved by using an optical waveguide which, unlike conventional optical waveguides, is designed to couple out some of the light passing through it and, conversely, to allow light to enter, at any locations on its circumference.

Abstract: A rotating data transmission device for transmitting data from a data source to a data sink between a rotating part and a stationary part comprises a transmitting conductor arrangement which is fed from a transmitter means, and also a receiver means which taps signals from the transmitting conductor arrangement with the aid of a receiving coupler arrangement. The connection between data source and rotating data transmission device, or rotating data transmission device and data sink, is effected by means of light-waveguides. The receivers of the light-waveguides are linear receivers followed by equalizers for correcting the frequency and phase response.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus and method of using are disclosed for controlling an electronic appliance such as a television set, radio, computer, or other. The remote control apparatus may include a hand held housing, a wireless transmitter for sending signals to the appliance, and a manually operated rotary controller for causing operation adjusting signals to be generated and supplied to the transmitter.

Abstract: A device for receiving data from a rotatable source includes a primary winding of a rotary transformer fixed to a support structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is rotatably supported by the support structure. An axial passage extends through the primary and secondary windings. An optical data transmitter is connected to the secondary winding. The optical data transmitter is rotatably supported by the support structure and aligned to transmit data through the axial passage in the rotary transformer. The secondary transformer winding provides power to the optical data transmitter without physical contact. An optical data receiver fixed to the support structure receives data from the optical data transmitter transmitted through the axial passage in the rotary transformer without physical contact. The transmission of power and data without physical contact allows the data source to rotate continuously.

Abstract: An input device for a robotic surgical instrument includes an operator input on a handle that is rotatably supported by a supporting link structure. A primary winding of a rotary transformer is fixed to the supporting link structure and connected to an electric power source. A secondary winding is fixed to the handle. An axial passage extends through the primary and secondary windings. An optical data transmitter is connected to the operator input to transmit data from the operator input through the axial passage. The secondary transformer winding provides power to the optical data transmitter without physical contact. An optical data receiver fixed to the supporting link structure receives data from the optical data transmitter transmitted through the axial passage in the rotary transformer without physical contact. The transmission of power and data without physical contact allows the handle to rotate continuously.

Abstract: An optical space transmission device includes: a first portion; and a second portion which is rotatably connected to the first portion and performs space transmission of signals using light between the first portion and the second portion. The device includes: a first light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the first portion and includes: a first light emitting element composed of a light emitting diode emitting first signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the first to second portion; and a first light receiving element receiving second signal light modulated based on a signal transmitted from the second to first portions; and a second light emitting and receiving module which is provided for the second portion and includes: a second light emitting element composed of a semiconductor laser emitting the second signal light; and a second light receiving element receiving the first signal light.

Abstract: An optical communication unit performs a bidirectional information transmission between a circuit device in a fixed housing and a circuit device in a moving housing with an optical signal. The optical communication unit includes a light transmitting unit that transmits the optical signal, a light receiving unit that receives the optical signal from the light transmitting unit, and a light propagation path for propagating the optical signal from the light transmitting unit to the light receiving unit. The light propagation path is disposed inside a hinge part that links the fixed housing and the moving housing in an openable and closable manner.

Abstract: An electronic device [200] includes a housing [100] for containing circuitry [205] that generates a light beam. The electronic device includes pivotal portions [105, 110] of the housing. A light receiver [245] is associated with one of the housing pivotal portions. A light redirecting mechanism [215] is mounted at a predetermined location of the housing other than to the one pivotal portion thereof and is configured to redirect the light beam in a plurality of predetermined optical paths in which the light receiver is disposed with relative pivoting between the housing pivotal portions.

Abstract: The electronic device includes a device housing, an emitter, a receiver, and a reflection structure. The emitter is separated from the device housing and emits an optical signal. The receiver is disposed on the device housing for receiving the optical signal. The reflection structure is formed on the device housing and neighboring to the receiver. When the emitter is disposed in front of the device housing, the optical signal transmitted from the emitter is reflected by the reflection structure, and then the optical signal travels toward the receiver.

Abstract: An information communication system for use in a robot communicates a full-color light flux between a transmitting device and a receiving device separated from each other. The transmitting device receives a sensor signal to generate an optical information signal including a color signal based on a sensor identifying information and a brightness signal based on an output level of the sensor signal, and irradiates a light flux (an optical signal) enabling a user to recognize it through the optical information signal from a color LED. The receiving device is arranged away from the transmitting device, in which an analysis unit generates an identifying signal and an output level of a sensor on the basis of color information and brightness information extracted from an image processor from image data including the optical information signal imaged by an imaging unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes are placed side by side at a front end of the remote control transmitter in a manner that their maximum radiation directions, i.e. radiation directions each giving a maximum radiation intensity, are each inclined at an angle within a range no larger than 5 degrees outwardly of the remote control transmitter 1 and symmetrically with respect to a bisector of a line segment which connects center points of the light emitting diodes. The inclination, within a range no larger than 5 degrees, of each of the light emitting diodes used as light sources for remote control does not cause significant reduction in the radiation intensity. Accordingly, it is possible to widen the transmittable angle within a range no larger than 10 degrees without significantly reducing the radiation intensity at a central portion of the radiation range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of infrared devices (ICDs) is provided herein. A remote controller is used to generate an optical signal for controlling a plurality of ICDs. The optical signal generated by the remote controller is converted into an electrical signal by an infrared repeater device. An implementation of such a system includes a rotary mechanical switch to direct the electrical signal generated by the infrared repeater device to a light emitting diode (LED) located near one of the plurality of ICDs. The LED converts the electrical signal into an optical signal and re-transmits the optical signal to the one of the plurality of ICDs. The system allows controlling the plurality of ICDs located in a remote location without having the user commute closer to such ICDs.

Abstract: An IR emitter for use in an IR repeater system includes an IR light source and a manually adjustable brightness control for adjusting the brightness to a level appropriate for an IR detector of electronic equipment to be controlled. In a preferred aspect, the emitter includes a plug-type connector having a variable resistor mounted therein. Also provided is an IR repeater system and method employing an IR emitter having a manually adjustable brightness control.

Abstract: A data link system comprising a shelter housing sensitive radio frequency equipment and an antenna located apart from the shelter. A single fiber, bi-directional fiber optic link couples the antenna to the shelter. Both RF signals and data signals are sent across the data link.

Abstract: In a method and an arrangement for transmitting data from a rotary part to a stationary part of a system, a light-transmitting channel is formed by an optically reflecting half channel in the stationary part and an optically reflecting half channel in the rotary part, facing each other, with each half channel having a parabolic cross-section and with the half channels being oriented so that the respective focal points and the respective vertices of the two half channels are co-linear. A light emitter is supplied with data to be transmitted and is disposed in the wall of the half channel in the rotary part, and emits modulated light representing the data into the light channel in two opposite directions. At least one of these light beams is detected by a light detector disposed in the wall of the half channel in the stationary part, and the data in the detected beam is then made available for transmission from the stationary part.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a laser communication system which allows changing the direction of reception and transmission without external manipulation of the system container. The basic unit of the system is a narrow-band transmitting-receiving telescope apparatus which includes a rotating diffraction grating and an independently rotating stage with mounted combination of photodetector for reception and laser for transmission and a focusing system concentrating the beam reflected from the grating onto the photodetector of the combination or sending a beam from laser of the combination onto the grating. The selection of definite angles for signal transmission-reception is realized by corresponding rotation of grating and rotating stage to the proper angles. The apparatus is intended for spectrally selective transmitting or receiving of optical radiation.