Patents by Inventor Eric Ferree

Eric Ferree 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: 6317533
    Abstract: In an improved optical switch, light from an input optical fiber is directed to one of a plurality of output optical fibers on a selective basis. The output fibers are contained in a bundle, preferably within a removable connector, thereby easing removal and maintenance. The input fiber also preferably forms pair of a bundle within a removable connector. The means for selectively directing the light from the end of the input fiber to the end of one of a plurality of the output fibers may include a pivot upon which at least the input optical fiber is mounted, or an electro-optic Bragg cell without moving parts. One or more lenses are preferably used between the end of the input optical fiber and the ends of the output fibers to assist in directing the light. A preferred arrangement incorporates two lenses, positioned so that the end of the output fiber and the end of a selected input fiber are each located at the focal point of one of the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kaiser Optical Systems
    Inventors: Joseph B. Slater, Eric Ferree, Dane Barlow