Patents by Inventor Darrell T. Abney

Darrell T. Abney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5319726
    Abstract: A multi-line, passive fiber optic slipring is provided. A plurality of trmitting optical fibers are terminated in a plurality of focusing lenses. The fibers and focusing lens are free to rotate about an axis rotation. A plurality of ellipsoidal mirrors are stacked on top of one another beneath the focusing lenses such that the axis of rotation passes through a first focal point of each of the plurality of ellipsoidal mirrors. Each of the focusing lenses focuses optical signals through the first focal point of a corresponding one of the ellipsoidal mirrors. The optical signals reflect from each corresponding mirror to a second focal point of the corresponding mirror. Each mirror is further provided with an optical aperture along the axis of rotation to allow the optical signals not focused on the first focal point of the corresponding mirror to pass therethrough. Each of a plurality of receiving optical fibers is fixed at a corresponding one of the second focal points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Darrell T. Abney