Abstract: Apparatus for extending the range of effective communication of high speed digital video data between remote devices, such as a microprocessor and a flat panel display, having associated connectors. A fiber optic cable comprising a single optical fiber provides a shared optical path for signal transmission between the connectors. Electrooptic converters are provided for converting the electrical signals sent and received by each of the connectors to optical form for transmission over the single-fiber cable.

Abstract: An optical switch for selectively coupling the free end of an input fiber to the free ends of one of two output fibers. Each of the output fibers is adhesively fixed within a v-groove of an output alignment block. The output alignment blocks are held in stacked relationship within a housing with their v-grooves upturned. An input alignment block having an inverted v-groove within its bottom surface is provided for guiding the input optical fiber, upon switching, toward engagement with the output fiber fixed to the upper output alignment block.

Abstract: An optical switch for selectively coupling the free end of an input fiber to the free ends of one of two output fibers includes a fiber stabilizing guide. Each of the output fibers is adhesively fixed within a v-groove of an output alignment block. The output alignment blocks are held in stacked relationship within a housing with their v-grooves upturned. An input alignment block having an inverted v-groove within its bottom surface is provided for guiding the input optical fiber, upon switching, toward engagement with the output fiber fixed to the upper output alignment block. A generally-planar fiber guide is fixed transverse to the arm of a two-position switch. The guide includes an internal rectangular aperture for receiving the input fiber whose width and height each exceed the diameter of the fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic switching apparatus includes a first fiber alignment head having a V-groove formed therein. A first optical fiber is mounted in the V-groove with an end of the first optical fiber being arranged to be spaced apart from an end of the V-groove. A second fiber alignment head is arranged to be adjacent the first fiber alignment head. The second fiber alignment head includes a switching member arranged to be pivotable between a first position and a second position. A second optical fiber is connected to the switching member with the second optical fiber being arranged to have an end extending into the V-groove such that the ends of the first and second optical fibers are in longitudinal alignment when the switching member is in its first position and being out of alignment when the switching member is in its second position.

Abstract: A method for coupling light from an input optical fiber into a selected one of a plurality of output optical fibers includes the steps of forming the input optical fiber to include a length of beam expanded fiber, arranging the plurality of output optical fibers in an array and moving an end of the input optical fiber into alignment with a selected one of the plurality of output optical fibers.