Patents Examined by Kevin S. Wood
  • Patent number: 7359583
    Abstract: Optical devices are disclosed, one example of which includes first and second polarization maintaining (“PM”) fibers. The first and second PM fibers in this example are disposed beside each other to form a grouping that includes a secondary axis defined by the first and second PM fibers. The first and second PM fibers are oriented such that a fast axis of the first PM fiber is non-parallel with respect to a fast axis of the second PM fiber. Finally, the optical device is configured so that each of the PM fibers maintains a distinct optical transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Xie, Yonglin Huang, Salvador P. Tiscareno
  • Patent number: 7356215
    Abstract: An optical cross connect includes first and second planar layers having m and n optical path(s), respectively. An optical switch array comprising a plurality of optical switches is disposed to enable optically coupling any optical path of the first planar layer with any optical path of the second planar layer. Techniques for creating a variety of optical path types are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: James J. deBlanc, Andrew Michael Cherniski, Herbert J. Tanzer
  • Patent number: 7352921
    Abstract: In order to avoid a frequent multiple crossing in an optical fiber in a sheet and attach the optical connector near a marginal end of the sheet while maintaining a sufficient extra length and more extra length for attaching the optical fibers, in the optical fiber sheet 6, an optical fiber 5 as an extra length section in the optical fiber path is disposed on three-layer wiring planes which are formed by attaching four sheets 1, 2, 3, and 4. Notched sections 2a and 3a are formed in the intermediate layers 2 and 3. The optical fiber 5 communicates from a first wiring layer to a second wiring layer via the notched section 2a so as to communicate from the second wiring layer to a third wiring layer via the notched section 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Saito, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Tsuyoshi Simomichi, Yasuhiro Tamaki, Yukio Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7349607
    Abstract: Between an optical fiber (LF11, LFB12, LFB13) and a surrounding core covering (AH11, AH12, SB13) of an optical transmission element (OE11 to OE13) there is at least one dry and compressible fixating element (FE11 to FE13), which surrounds the optical fiber totally or partially, and which exerts a defined contact pressure against the core covering and against the optical fiber for fixating the optical fiber in the longitudinal direction of the transmission element. The fixating element is further formed and positioned in such a way, that position changes of the optical fiber due to bending or elongation are possible. In this way, unallowable attenuation increases in the optical fiber due to bending or position changes can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Reiner Schneider, Edgar Heinz, Frank Koschwitz
  • Patent number: 7346249
    Abstract: Improved photonic band-gap optical fibre The present invention relates in particular to improved photonic band-gap optical fibres that can confine light to a core region of the fibre by the action of both a photonic band-gap cladding and an antiresonant core boundary, at the interface between the core and cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Crystal Fibre A/S
    Inventors: Philip St. John Russell, Peter John Roberts, David Philip Williams
  • Patent number: 7343077
    Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for securely holding a fiber optic drop cable splice in place and for creating a watertight splice by encapsulating two or more fiber optic cables having one or more spliced fiber optic strands in an enclosure with an encapsulant to create a permanent, watertight fiber-optic splicing system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Uraseal, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Mann, John K. Burnham, Michael H. Bubak, Pamela K. LaRoche, Kevin D. Scott, Duston W. Shost, Joseph E. Bradley, James J. Decknick
  • Patent number: 7340133
    Abstract: The invention pertains to optical fiber transmission systems, and is particularly relevant to transmission of large volumes of data over long distances at high rates. An improved apparatus achieving precise dispersion compensation in a fiber span is disclosed. In particular, the invention teaches a configurable dispersion compensation trimmer with automatic detection of configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Pivotal Decisions LLC
    Inventors: Bo Guo, Marvin R. Young, Michael H. Eiselt
  • Patent number: 7340126
    Abstract: A wavelength selective optical switch according to the present invention detects wavelengths of signal lights input to a signal light input port in a main body portion which performs the switching of optical paths for each wavelength by an angular control of a plurality of mirrors, and also, monitors the intensity of a monitor light which is generated in an internal light source and is given from a monitor light input port disposed in the main body portion to be led to a monitor light output port, to feedback control a reflecting surface angle of the mirror corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light which is not input to the signal light input port, so that the output intensity of the monitor light becomes maximum. As a result, it is possible to reliably control the reflective surface angle of the mirror corresponding to the wavelength of the signal light which is not input, and therefore, the crosstalk doe not occur even when the signal light is newly input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Nobuaki Mitamura
  • Patent number: 7340120
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnect includes forming one or more holes in an anisotropic conductive film on a carrier substrate, filling at least one of the one or more holes with a material capable of transmitting an optical signal, and laminating the anisotropic conductive film on a packaging substrate. An electronic package includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and an interconnect located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The interconnect includes a conductive film for electrically coupling a first terminal formed on the first substrate to a second terminal formed on the second substrate, and one or more optically transmissive units embedded in the conductive film, wherein at least one of the one or more optically transmissive units provides an optical signal path between an optical element on the first substrate and an optical element on the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan McFarland, Kannan Raj
  • Patent number: 7334945
    Abstract: A hub arrangement for mounting light pipe to receive light includes a light pipe hub for mounting at least one light pipe, with a plug-and-socket arrangement. The plug-and-socket arrangement includes (i) a socket in the light pipe hub for receiving a plug, and (ii) a plug for mounting a light pipe end that is to receive light. A fore end of the plug is receivable within the socket. The plug has a channel for receiving the light pipe through an aft end of the plug. The hub arrangement may also include, if desired, a rod hub for mounting at least one thermally isolating, light-collection rod for receiving light from a light source. The hub arrangement allows easy and rapid coupling of light pipe to an illumination source, using a “plug-and-socket” feature. The hub arrangement may incorporate several safety features to prevent premature light pipe failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Energy Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Bina, Roger F. Buelow, II, Gregory P. Frankiewicz
  • Patent number: 7331719
    Abstract: A clamping assembly having a top and bottom and front and back orientation, at least one optical axis, and a pre-actuated state in which a fiber is not secured to the clamping assembly and a post-actuated state in which a fiber is secured to the clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a platform disposed in the housing and being fixed therein both radially and axially, the platform defining a fiber-receiving channel along the optical axis to receive at least one fiber, at least a portion of the fiber-receiving channel being accessible from the top; (c) a first cam member disposed in the housing above and adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel, the first cam member being radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; (d) a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Marshall Manning, Lewis Edward Sauerwein, Takehio Hayashi, David D. Erdman
  • Patent number: 7330622
    Abstract: The invention provides a laminated optical waveguide film in which a plurality of waveguide cores are formed, and a plurality of end surfaces at which the waveguide cores are exposed are formed, wherein, among the plurality of end surfaces, a first end surface has waveguide core end surfaces laminated in a thickness direction, and a second end surface has waveguide core end surfaces arranged in parallel. The invention also provides a method for producing the optical guide film, and an optical module using the optical guide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keishi Shimizu, Shigemi Ohtsu, Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7330612
    Abstract: A material for an optical circuit-electrical circuit mixedly mounting substrate comprises a light permeable resin layer, and an optical circuit forming layer that is made of a light permeable resin of which refractive index increases (or decreases) when irradiated with an activating energy beam and is disposed adjacent to the light permeable resin layer, wherein a refractive index of a portion of the optical circuit forming layer is higher (or lower) than that of the light permeable resin layer when the material for the optical circuit-electrical circuit mixedly mounting substrate is irradiated with an activating energy beam so that said portion is irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Nakashiba, Kouhei Kotera, Tomoaki Matsushima, Yukio Matsushita, Hideo Nakanishi, Shinji Hashimoto, Tomoaki Nemoto, Hiroyuki Yagyu, Yuuki Kasai
  • Patent number: 7330630
    Abstract: A waveguide type variable optical attenuator is provided with a substrate for forming a waveguide for optical signal propagation; a waveguide element comprising 2 arm waveguides arranged on the surface of the substrate for constituting a portion of the waveguide and cladding for covering the arm waveguides and the surface of the substrate; and a heater arranged on the surface of the waveguide element for heating the arm waveguides. The 2 arm waveguides are connected thermally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Inc.
    Inventors: Koutarou Tanaka, Nobuaki Kitano, Yukio Abe, Haruyasu Komano
  • Patent number: 7330631
    Abstract: A method including poling an optical waveguide device including an optical waveguide core, an electrode, and an organically modified sol-gel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Lumera Corporation
    Inventors: Louis J. Bintz, Raluca Dinu, Danliang Jin
  • Patent number: 7325979
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removably connecting two groups of individual, parallel fibers that are delimited by end faces that are perpendicular to the fiber axis. The two groups of fibers are moved towards each other in an axial direction until each of the fibers abuts against the end face of the assigned fiber from the other group. The fibers of the two groups are aligned in pairs relative to each other before being moved into contact with each other, and any differences in fiber lengths is compensated for by elastically deforming the fiber along the fiber main axis. This method eliminates the disadvantages associated with bending the fibers because length variations are essentially compensated for by axially compressing the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Huber + Suhner AG
    Inventors: Thomas Ammer, Uhland Goebel, Martin Strasser, Falk Draheim, Peter Nuechter, Carlo Compare
  • Patent number: 7327918
    Abstract: To solve the wavelength dependence of loss uniformity between waveguides for output. A waveguide for input for introducing an optical signal, a slab waveguide for branching off the optical signal introduced in the waveguide for input by diffraction and propagating, and a plurality of waveguides for output for outputting individually a plurality of optical signals which are branched off inside of the slab waveguide are provided. The waveguide for input is configured such that an output end thereof is connected to an incident end of the slab waveguide and has a function for converting a spot size of the optical signal on the incident end of the slab waveguide at a connection point with the slab waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamazaki, Takaaki Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 7327910
    Abstract: An asymmetric twin waveguide (ATG) structure is disclosed that significantly reduces the negative effects of inter-modal interference in symmetric twin-waveguide structures and which can be effectively used to implement a variety of optical devices. The ATG structure of the invention can be monolithically fabricated on a single epitaxial structure without the necessity of epitaxial re-growth. To achieve the ATG structure of the invention, the effective index of the passive waveguide in the ATG is varied from that of a symmetric twin waveguide such that one mode of the even and odd modes of propagation is primarily confined to the passive waveguide and the other to the active waveguide. The different effective indices of the two coupled waveguides result in the even and odd modes becoming highly asymmetric. As a result, the mode with the larger confinement factor in the active waveguide experiences higher gain and becomes dominant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Stephen R. Forrest, Milind Gokhale, Pavel Studenkov
  • Patent number: 7321713
    Abstract: A waveguide structure includes a core structure that has low index materials. A photonic crystal cladding structure utilized in guiding optical modes in the core. The photonic crystal cladding structure includes alternating layers of Si and Si3N4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shoji Akiyama, Xiaoman Duan, Lionel C. Kimerling, Yasha Yi
  • Patent number: 7321706
    Abstract: A fiber coupler for coupling light into an optical fiber and/or coupling light out of the fiber, has two holder elements, namely a fiber holder for holding the fiber, and a lens holder for holding a focusing lens. The holder elements are adjustable in the axial and transversal direction, respectively. In order to make such a fiber coupler available, which allows precise adjustment of the position of the focusing lens relative to the fiber, and which is furthermore compact in structure and inexpensive to produce, the holder elements are connected with a base body by way of at least one elastic monolithic joint, in each instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: TOPTICA Photonics AG
    Inventor: Rainer Heidemann