Patents by Inventor Gerald Nykolak
Gerald Nykolak 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).
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Patent number: 11736188Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example method can comprise generating a first linearly polarized optical signal and converting the first linearly polarized optical signal to a first circularly polarized optical signal. The first circularly polarized optical signal can be output into free space. The method can comprise converting a second circularly polarized optical signal, received via free space, to a second linearly polarized optical signal. The second linearly polarized optical signal can have a linear polarization different than a polarization of the first linearly polarized optical signal. The method can comprise directing, via a polarizing beam splitter, the second linearly polarized optical signal to a first path separate from a second path from which the polarizing beam splitter received the first linearly polarized optical signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: CACI, Inc.—FederalInventors: Gerald Nykolak, Thomas Huntington Wood
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Publication number: 20220239373Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a defocuser configured to receive an optical signal from a laser and control a beam divergence of the optical signal. The device can comprise a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Gerald NYKOLAK, David C. NIELSEN, Andrew Russell GRANT
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Patent number: 11336371Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a defocuser configured to receive an optical signal from a laser and control a beam divergence of the optical signal. The optical signal can comprise a data signal and a beacon signal. The device can comprise a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: CACI, INC.—FEDERALInventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Patent number: 11251873Abstract: The present application is directed to an optical terminal including two linearly polarized optical transmit beams configured to exhibit a time-delay therebetween. The optical terminal may include a quarter-wave plate such that the linearly polarized transmit beam becomes circularly polarized. The optical terminal may also include a receiving ground terminal including a properly oriented quarter-wave plate for separating and directing the two recovered linearly polarized beams. The application is also directed to a method for reconstructing an originally transmitted data stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: CACI, Inc.—FederalInventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Publication number: 20210409115Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example method can comprise generating a first linearly polarized optical signal and converting the first linearly polarized optical signal to a first circularly polarized optical signal. The first circularly polarized optical signal can be output into free space. The method can comprise converting a second circularly polarized optical signal, received via free space, to a second linearly polarized optical signal. The second linearly polarized optical signal can have a linear polarization different than a polarization of the first linearly polarized optical signal. The method can comprise directing, via a polarizing beam splitter, the second linearly polarized optical signal to a first path separate from a second path from which the polarizing beam splitter received the first linearly polarized optical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Gerald Nykolak, Thomas Huntington Wood
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Patent number: 11159235Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example method can comprise generating a first linearly polarized optical signal having a wavelength and a first type of linear polarization and converting the first linearly polarized optical signal to a first circularly polarized optical signal. The first circularly polarized optical signal can be output into free space. The method can comprise converting a second circularly polarized signal, received via free space using the wavelength, to a second linearly polarized optical signal. The second linearly polarized optical signal can have a second type of linear polarization different than the first type. The method can comprise directing, via a polarizing beam splitter, the second linearly polarized optical signal to one or more detectors configured to output data.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: CACI, Inc.—FederalInventors: Gerald Nykolak, Thomas Huntington Wood
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Patent number: 11057107Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a laser, a modulator configured to cause the laser to output an optical signal comprising a data signal and a beacon signal, a defocuser optically coupled to the laser and configured to receive the optical signal and control a beam divergence of the optical signal, an optical interface configured to receive the optical signal from the defocuser and output the optical signal into free space, and a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: CACI, INC. - FEDERALInventors: Gerald Nykolak, Andrew Russell Grant, David C. Nielsen
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Publication number: 20210175975Abstract: The present application is directed to an optical terminal including two linearly polarized optical transmit beams configured to exhibit a time-delay therebetween. The optical terminal may include a quarter-wave plate such that the linearly polarized transmit beam becomes circularly polarized. The optical terminal may also include a receiving ground terminal including a properly oriented quarter-wave plate for separating and directing the two recovered linearly polarized beams. The application is also directed to a method for reconstructing an originally transmitted data stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Patent number: 10958351Abstract: The present application is directed to an optical terminal including two linearly polarized optical transmit beams configured to exhibit a time-delay therebetween. The optical terminal may include a quarter-wave plate such that the linearly polarized transmit beam becomes circularly polarized. The optical terminal may also include a receiving ground terminal including a properly oriented quarter-wave plate for separating and directing the two recovered linearly polarized beams. The application is also directed to a method for reconstructing an originally transmitted data stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: CACI, Inc.—FederalInventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Publication number: 20210067248Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a defocuser configured to receive an optical signal from a laser and control a beam divergence of the optical signal. The optical signal can comprise a data signal and a beacon signal. The device can comprise a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Publication number: 20210067246Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a laser, a modulator configured to cause the laser to output an optical signal comprising a data signal and a beacon signal, a defocuser optically coupled to the laser and configured to receive the optical signal and control a beam divergence of the optical signal, an optical interface configured to receive the optical signal from the defocuser and output the optical signal into free space, and a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Gerald NYKOLAK, Andrew Russell Grant, David C. Nielsen
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Publication number: 20200274620Abstract: The present application is directed to an optical terminal including two linearly polarized optical transmit beams configured to exhibit a time-delay therebetween. The optical terminal may include a quarter-wave plate such that the linearly polarized transmit beam becomes circularly polarized. The optical terminal may also include a receiving ground terminal including a properly oriented quarter-wave plate for separating and directing the two recovered linearly polarized beams. The application is also directed to a method for reconstructing an originally transmitted data stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Gerald NYKOLAK, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Patent number: 8412050Abstract: Example embodiments may include a coaxial Free Space Optical (FSO) telescope providing a simplified and more precise structure. Example embodiment telescopes include a prism structure having at least two parallel surfaces associated with a filter and mirror. The filter may reflect or transmit optical signals based on their electromagnetic characteristics. Example embodiment systems include example embodiment coaxial FSO telescopes and transmitters and receivers for receiving and transmitting optical signals. A V-groove and/or lens array may be included in example embodiment FSO systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventor: Gerald Nykolak
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Publication number: 20100104293Abstract: Example embodiments may include a coaxial Free Space Optical (FSO) telescope providing a simplified and more precise structure. Example embodiment telescopes include a prism structure having at least two parallel surfaces associated with a filter and mirror. The filter may reflect or transmit optical signals based on their electromagnetic characteristics. Example embodiment systems include example embodiment coaxial FSO telescopes and transmitters and receivers for receiving and transmitting optical signals. A V-groove and/or lens array may be included in example embodiment FSO systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Gerald Nykolak
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Patent number: 7156561Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug includes a housing through which extends a cable containing at least one optical fiber. A ferrule, which is supported by the housing, is provided for receiving the optical fiber. The ferrule has a mating facet and an opposing rear facet located in the housing. The ferrule has at least one guide pin thru-hole and at least one optical fiber thru-hole extending between the mating facet and the opposing rear facet. The guide pin thru-hole has an opening portion extending inward from the mating facet. The opening portion is tapered outward to meet the mating facet in an oblique manner such that the opening portion has a diameter in the plane of the mating facet that is greater than a diameter of a remainder of the guide pin thru-hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Meriton Networks US Inc.Inventors: Naresh C. Patel, Glenn Gerard Wilder, Gerald Nykolak, Lars Erik Eskildsen
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Publication number: 20060204179Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug includes a housing through which extends a cable containing at least one optical fiber. A ferrule, which is supported by the housing, is provided for receiving the optical fiber. The ferrule has a mating facet and an opposing rear facet located in the housing. The ferrule has at least one guide pin thru-hole and at least one optical fiber thru-hole extending between the mating facet and the opposing rear facet. The guide pin thru-hole has an opening portion extending inward from the mating facet. The opening portion is tapered outward to meet the mating facet in an oblique manner such that the opening portion has a diameter in the plane of the mating facet that is greater than a diameter of a remainder of the guide pin thru-hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventors: Naresh Patel, Glenn Wilder, Gerald Nykolak, Lars Eskildsen
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Patent number: 7048447Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug includes a housing through which extends a cable containing at least one optical fiber. A ferrule, which is supported by the housing, is provided for receiving the optical fiber. The ferrule has a mating facet and an opposing rear facet located in the housing. The ferrule has at least one guide pin thru-hole and at least one optical fiber thru-hole extending between the mating facet and the opposing rear facet. The guide pin thru-hole has an opening portion extending inward from the mating facet. The opening portion is tapered outward to meet the mating facet in an oblique manner such that the opening portion has a diameter in the plane of the mating facet that is greater than a diameter of a remainder of the guide pin thru-hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Photuris, Inc.Inventors: Naresh C. Patel, Glenn Gerard Wilder, Gerald Nykolak, Lars Erik Eskildsen
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Patent number: 6895146Abstract: A mode scrambler comprises an optical fiber adapter having a diffuser disposed between optical fiber mating ends of the optical fiber adapter. When a single mode optical signal is launched in the mode scrambler, the mode scrambler converts the single mode optical signal to a multimode optical signal that has a substantially even intensity distribution across the modes.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Terabeam CorporationInventors: Jun Shan Wey, Mark Lewis Plett, Steven Andrew Cashion, Gerald Nykolak, Robert Michael Pierce
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Patent number: 6734411Abstract: In the method and apparatus for providing an optical fiber interconnect, a transmitter transmits an optical signal through an optical fiber. The transmitter does not transmit to a controller, information about the power of the transmitted optical signal near the input end of the fiber. The controller receives an indication of the power of a returned portion of the transmitted optical signal. The controller causes the lowering of the power of the transmitted optical signal to a predetermined level based the received indication.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dominick J. Imbsei, Steven R. Johnson, Gerald Nykolak, Bruce D. Paulson, Paul F. Szajowski, Gerald E. Tourgee
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Patent number: 6643466Abstract: In the method and apparatus for controlling the power level of a laser signal in free space communication, a communication terminal transmits an output laser beam into free space and also receives information, through a channel that is not free space laser based, about the power of the output laser beam measured at a distance and at different times. The terminal determines whether a drop in the power of the output laser beam measured at the distance is due to atmospheric effects based on the received information. The terminal increases the power level of the output laser beam to a desired level if the power drop is determined to be due to atmospheric effects. On the other hand, the terminal lowers the power of the output laser beam to a predetermined level if the power drop is determined to be due to blockage thus avoiding harm to accidental observers that might intrude into the path of the laser beams.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Howard D. Helms, Dominick J. Imbesi, Steven R. Johnson, Gerald Nykolak, Dennis M. Romain, Paul F. Szajowski