Abstract: This invention provides a fiber optic rotary joint (20) for enabling the transmission of digital optical signals across the interface between facing surfaces (26, 29) of a rotor and a stator (21, 22), comprising: a plurality of light sources (42A, 42B, 42C, . . .

Abstract: This invention provides a fiber optic rotary joint (20) for enabling the transmission of digital optical signals across the interface between facing surfaces (26, 29) of a rotor and a stator (21, 22), comprising: a plurality of light sources (42A, 42B, 42C, . . .

Abstract: This invention provides a fiber optic rotary joint (20) for enabling the transmission of digital optical signals across the interface between facing surfaces (26, 29) of a rotor and a stator (21, 22), comprising: a plurality of light sources (42A, 42B, 42C, . . .

Abstract: This invention provides a fiber optic rotary joint (20) for enabling the transmission of digital optical signals across the interface between facing surfaces (26, 29) of a rotor and a stator (21, 22), comprising: a plurality of light sources (42A, 42B, 42C, . . .

Abstract: This invention eliminates the lens/prism assemblies and the multiple pick-up fibers that must be multiply lensed to a detector to get sufficient signal strength for the system to work. This invention also compensates for some of the rapid rise and fall time of the present system. A single pick-up, either a fiber or a photodiode, is placed at the end of a waveguide. A lens or lens system is used to focus a single optical signal on to the fiber face or the photodiode active area. Various light injection techniques, such as fibers, fiber/lens assemblies, lensed VCEL, lasers, or LEDs can be utilized because of the location in the system.

Abstract: A rotary hub unit (U) for a transmission cable (C) includes a stationary hub (10) having a longitudinal axis (12). An angular transition cable portion (14) transmits a signal (16) between a first junction (18) and a second end junction (20). The first junction end (18) is perpendicular to the second junction end (20). A housing (22) is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis (12) and has an interior (24) adapted to receive a coiled portion (26) of transmission cable. The coil (26) is wrapped about the longitudinal axis (12), has a first end (28) mated with the angular transition second junction end (20), and an outer end (32) such that the rotary hub unit (U) permits limited movement of the outer end (32) of the coil (26).

Abstract: This invention eliminates the lens/prism assemblies and the multiple pickup fibers that must be multiply lensed to a detector to get sufficient signal strength for the system to work. This invention also compensates for some of the rapid rise and fall time of the present system. A single pick-up, either a fiber or a photodiode, is placed at the end of a waveguide. A lens or lens system is used to focus a single optical signal on to the fiber face or the photodiode active area. Various light injection techniques, such as fibers, fiber/lens assemblies, lensed VCEL, lasers, or LEDs can be utilized because of the location in the system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical slip ring assembly having a plurality of conductive rings held in place by multiple spaced apart comb-like structures advantageously eliminates the need for molding the conductive rings as part of the base or plating the conductive rings into completed bases. Further, the present invention eliminates the need to machine an annular base or perform expensive and time consuming operations to roll conductive strips into a machined base member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical slip ring assembly having a plurality of conductive rings held in place by multiple spaced apart comb-like structures advantageously eliminates the need for molding the conductive rings as part of the base or plating the conductive rings into completed bases. Further, the present invention eliminates the need to machine an annular base or perform expensive and time consuming operations to roll conductive strips into a machined base member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to segmented waveguide for a fiber optic rotary joint. The segmented waveguide is mountable to the existing stator surface. The segmented waveguide is capable of receiving signals from the rotor. The fiber optic rotary joint includes a rotor and an existing stator surface. The rotor is rotatable through a full 360° and is concentric to the existing stator surface. The rotor has one of a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers connected to a first circumference of the rotor. The segmented waveguide includes a reflective waveguide surface shaped to match a potion of existing stator surface. At least one waveguide support supports the reflective waveguide surface and is connectable to the existing stator. At least one of a light transmitter or light receiver is optically coupled to a reflective waveguide surface.

Abstract: In a wrapped ring manufacturing process for slip ring assemblies, the assembly is heated to expand a gap between ends of the slip ring. A conductive material is then used to fill the expanded gap, to assure compression of the conductive material and to eliminate cracks therein. The filled gap is electroplated with a precious metal to form a layer of material of uniform hardness, wear resistance, electrical conductivity and environmental resistance around the entire perimeter of the slip ring.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle, particularly a wheelchair, having a joystick controller for controlling energization of driving motors which in turn drive vehicle wheels and control steering of the vehicle. The joystick controller includes fiber-optic arrangements which sense tilting movement of the joystick in forward, rearward, rightward or leftward directions, or a combination thereof. Light signals are generated of an intensity corresponding to the position of the joystick, which signals are converted into electric signals and supplied to a controller which in turn controls energization of the drive motors to control driving and steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an annular base portion of an electrical slip ring assembly having a plurality of conductive rings formed in the outer circumferential surface thereof is described. The slip ring base is molded, and grooves are machined into the outer circumferential surface thereof. Conductive strips are cut into a series of lengths forming conductive rings to be placed about the outer circumference of the annular base member. The individual lengths of conductive material are anchored to the outer circumferential surface of the slip ring base and a rolling pressure is exerted on them about the circumference of the base to cause the rings to be press fit into the grooves previously formed on the base. When the complete circumference of the ring has been press fit into its respective groove, the other end of the conductive ring is then secured to the base.