Abstract: Systems and methods to minimize signal loss and distortions with connections of audio sources and speakers are disclosed. Fiber optic cables are used instead of conventional cables. The audio signals are kept always in the analog domain, no matter if they are in optical or electric format. The strength of the audio signals can be controlled by a volume control unit. A small amplifier unit can either directly plugged to speakers are connected to the speakers via a short speaker cable. A preamplifier is no more necessary in the system.

Abstract: An AC noise filter designed to filter the small amplitude AC noise of all frequencies by using inline reverse coupled parallel PN semiconductors which offer a high resistance to AC voltages of less than a diode voltage drop. Inline reverse coupled parallel PN semiconductors are used in the AC power line-side as well as in the neutral-line side. For additional AC noise filtering, capacitors are coupled across the AC or DC power source input and at the output to the AC or DC user. For the AC power, IEC connectors are used at the input and output for worldwide use.

Abstract: A fiber optical audio preamplifier receives audio signals from an audio source, amplifies the audio signals, and transfers the signals to a power amplifier. The fiber optical audio preamplifier has at least one first signal converter. Each first signal converter acquires one audio signal from one audio source and converts the audio signal to a modulated light signal. At least one fiber optic volume control device that includes a variable optical attenuator that is connected to receive the modulated light signal. A control signal for sets an attenuation factor of the variable optical attenuator for attenuating the modulated light signal to control volume of the audio signal. One second signal converter is in communication with each fiber optic volume control device to receive the attenuated modulated light signal and demodulate the attenuated modulated light signal to recover the audio signal for transmission to the power amplifier.

Abstract: A fiber optic protection apparatus includes a first optical switch, a first fault detection device, and first switch control device. The first optical switch is placed at the reception node of an optical link and has a primary input port connected to a primary optical transmission path. A secondary input port is connected to one secondary optical transmission path. The first fault detection device is in communication with the primary optical transmission path to identify a fault within the primary optical transmission path and to generate a fault signal indicating type or location of the fault. The fault signal is transferred to the first switch control device that is in communication with the optical switch. This causes the optical switch to connect one of the secondary optical transmission paths to the reception node when the fault signal indicates that the primary optical transmission path has a fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods to minimize signal loss and distortions with connections of audio sources and speakers are disclosed. Fiber optic cables are used instead of conventional cables. The audio signals are kept always in the analog domain, no matter if they are in optical or electric format. The strength of the audio signals can be controlled by a volume control unit. A small amplifier unit can either directly plugged to speakers are connected to the speakers via a short speaker cable. A preamplifier is no more necessary in the system.

Abstract: A 2×2 optical switch routs each light signal received from input ports to selected output. The optical switch has an adjustable light signal steering element, a fixed light signal steering element, and a steering element actuator. The adjustable light signal steering element is repositioned by the steering element actuator to selectively place one light signal received from the input ports such that the light signal is transferred from the input port to a selected output port. The fixed light signal steering element is placed in the path of each light signal such the light signals from the input ports is transferred to of mirrors, prisms, and light waveguides, default output ports, when the adjustable light steering element is removed from the path of each light signal.

Abstract: A signal transmission media for transmission of signals such as audio and/or video from a transmission apparatus to a receiving apparatus. The signal transmission media has a first connector in contact with the transmission apparatus to receive the signal and is communication with a first signal converter to acquire the signal and then convert the signal to a modulated light signal which is transferred from the first signal converter to a fiber optic cable for transmission. A second signal converter receives the modulated light signal from the fiber optic cable and re-converts the modulated light signal to the signal, which is then transferred to a second connector. The second connector is in contact with the receiving apparatus to transfer the re-converted signal to the receiving apparatus. A power amplifier may be placed between the second signal converter and the second connector to amplify the reconverted signals for reproduction.

Abstract: A bi-directional light signal separation device that separates light signals into the component incoming and outgoing light signals has a a female connector that is connected to a near end of a first fiber optic cable conveying the bi-directional light signal. A light signal separation device connected to the female connector to separate the bi-directional light signal into the individual incoming and outgoing light signals. A plurality of second type connectors connected to convey the individual incoming or outgoing light signals. The light signal separation device has a plurality of light filters and reflectors such that a light signal incoming to the second type connector is transmitted through the filter and conveyed to the female connector and such that the light signal incoming from the first connector and reflected by the light filter is reflected and conveyed to be outgoing on the second connector.

Abstract: A 2×2 optical switch routs each light signal received from input ports to selected output. The optical switch has an adjustable light signal steering element, a fixed light signal steering element, and a steering element actuator. The adjustable light signal steering element is repositioned by the steering element actuator to selectively place one light signal received from the input ports such that the light signal is transferred from the input port to a selected output port. The fixed light signal steering element is placed in the path of each light signal such the light signals from the input ports is transferred to of mirrors, prisms, and light waveguides, default output ports, when the adjustable light steering element is removed from the path of each light signal.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuation system has at least one variable optical attenuation device that receives a light signal, attenuates the light signal, and transmits an attenuated light signal. The variable optical attenuator system further has a controller circuit in communication with the variable optical attenuation device to provide an attenuation control signal to the variable optical attenuation device to cause the variable optical attenuation device to adjust an attenuation factor of the variable optical attenuation device. The variable optical attenuator system also has a data retaining device such as an EEPROM in communication with the controller circuit. The data retaining device has a listing of attenuation factors and corresponding attenuation control signals. A communication interface such as a serial data link, within the variable optical attenuator system provides communication between the controller circuit and an external command system.