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: 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: 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 fiber optic rotary coupler is invented using both single mode and multi-mode optic fibers. This device has a rotatable optic fiber and a stationary optic fiber in an assembly to convey a light beam in the optic fibers. The assembly also includes a stationary fiber holder for fixing the tip of stationary optic fiber in a central hole and a rotatable fiber holder for fixing the body of the rotatable optic fiber with the tip of the rotatable fiber protruding out of the rotatable fiber holder. The two fiber holders can be rotated relatively each other so as to allow the tip of rotatable optic fiber to rotate in the central hole on the stationary fiber holder with the tips of the two optic fibers adjacent very closely.

Abstract: A fiber optic polishing apparatus is disclosed including a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system, a pressurizing module, a fixture module, and a housing assembly. The single DOF gear transmission system would enable a fiber optic polishing machine, . or polisher to be driven by only one motor, or by human hand. The manual polisher is a unique field polishing machine where electricity or battery is not available or not allowed. Both manual polisher and motorized polisher have the following features: polishing up to four connectors or ferrules simultaneously; adjustable force ensures consistent finish for a wide variety of connector types and the number of connectors in the fixture; quick release for convenient removal of polish fixture; low center of gravity for high stability; small footprint for multiple-machine operation to avoid time-consuming film change.