Abstract: A system of soft contacting rotational interfaces with long service life, maintenance free, and high reliability, comprises a RF rotary joint and a single channel fiber optic rotary coupler and more particularly, a system having a plurality of conductive fiber brush bundles, a fiber optical wire and a coaxial conductor for transferring RF and optical signal(s) concurrently between relatively rotatable objects.

Abstract: The current invention, by using a plurality of conductive fiber brush bundles and a coaxial line to transfer RF signal(s) between relatively rotatable objects, creates easy-maintenance, long duration a RF rotary joint with soft contacting rotational interfaces. It consists of a stationary shield conductor assembly, a stationary core conductor assembly, a rotational shield conductor assembly with a tapered round head, a rotational core conductor assembly with a tapered round head, and rotational and stationary insulating assemblies with a central bore. Both stationary and rotational shield conductor assemblies having a conductive fiber brush bundle, which further containing a plurality of hair-thin conductive filaments to form a symmetrical flexible tube.

Abstract: The multiple channel fiber optic rotary joint of this invention can transmit an increased number of optical signals simultaneously through the de-rotating mechanism without increasing the size of the de-rotating mechanism. It also allows for the recapturing of the signals with relative ease. This is accomplished through the use of an optical condenser and/or an optical expander that reduces or expands the overall all beam structure without significantly altering the relative structure. The expanders and condensers are inverse structures in that if an optical signal is condensed when passing from right to light through the condenser it is expanded when passing left to right through the same condenser.

Abstract: The multiple channel fiber optic rotary joint of this invention can transmit an increased number of optical signals simultaneously through the de-rotating mechanism without increasing the size of the de-rotating mechanism. It also allows for the recapturing of the signals with relative ease. This is accomplished through the use of an optical condenser and/or an optical expander that reduces or expands the overall all beam structure without significantly altering the relative structure. The expanders and condensers are inverse structures in that if an optical signal is condensed when passing from right to light through the condenser it is expanded when passing left to right through the same condenser.

Abstract: The invention aims to transfer a substantial volume of high-quality, high-volume real-time data, which currently cannot be achieved by wireless techniques, between a mobile airborne observation platform and the ground station via a tethered fiber connection between said platform and said ground station.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lighter-than-air vehicle and a method to replenish hydrogen into the vehicle while the vehicle is in the sky. The lighter-than-air vehicle can use helium or other gases that doesn't react with hydrogen as lifting gas. Hydrogen will be replenished into the lighter-than-air vehicle while it is still in mid-air. The lighter-than-air vehicles can comprise an aerostat, a hydrogen generator; a water tank and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, hydrogen generator, a water tank; and a duct. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat, a compartment, and a hydrogen storage alloy device. The present invention can also comprise an aerostat and a hydrogen storage alloy device.

Abstract: A low insertion loss, low back reflection fiber optic rotary joint with increased data throughput capabilities has been invented. This is accomplished by using a dispersion free prism with optical coatings to minimize the amount of back reflection caused by the optical beam passing through the prism-air interface.

Abstract: A low insertion loss, low back reflection fiber optic rotary joint with increased data throughput capabilities has been invented. This is accomplished by using a dispersion free prism with optical coatings to minimize the amount of back reflection caused by the optical beam passing through the prism-air interface.

Abstract: A method for enabling the transmission of power between two mutually rotating members without the use of wires or heavy inductive bundles has been invented in which the electrical signal is first converted an electro-magnetic wave, such as an optical or infrared beam, then transmit across the rotational interface using a fiber optic rotation joint, or similar device, and then finally converting that beam back into electrical power.

Abstract: A multi-pin connector with a small envelop and low insertion loss capable of operating while submerged is described within. This configuration avoids the tolerance stack up troubles that has plagued other similar designs thereby allowing it to achieve a low insertion loss without the typical cost drivers of tighter tolerances. In addition this invention incorporates as relatively simple method of tuning each pair of connectors thereby further reducing the insertion loss for each matched pair.

Abstract: A pressure module and two polishing fixture modules are herein disclosed for fiber optic polisher, or polishing machine. Said pressure module further includes an adjustable spring between a top turntable and a bottom turntable, which are kinematically connected and driven by at least three pair of drive-pins and drive-bushes. Said pressure module is able to apply an adjustable pressure from bottom of the polishing fixture module. So the Fixture Module could not be floating in the pressure direction and maintain stationary when polishing machine is working. Two different quick-release mechanisms for a flexure polishing fixture module were invented for holding and releasing fiber ferrules or connectors during the polishing process controlled by sets of magnets. It's easy to work, and to protect the fixture flexure from the un-proper torque applied by different operators. The current invention is an improvement over our previous invention.

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: 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 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 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.