Patents by Inventor Leo A. Plouffe
Leo A. Plouffe 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: 7483602Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: AFN, LLCInventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
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Publication number: 20070272792Abstract: An optical matrix switch station (1) is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units (15, 17), each of which includes a mirror (29), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly (41) is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion (43), gimbals (45), mirror portion (47), and related hinges (55). Magnets (53, 54) and air coils (89) are utilized to position the central mirror surface (29) to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's (71) are hermetically packaged in a header (81) and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket (85) to form a micromirror assembly package (99) mounted in each optical switch unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
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Publication number: 20070053630Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2006Publication date: March 8, 2007Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo Plouffe, David Krozier
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Patent number: 7095917Abstract: An optical matrix switch station (1) is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units (15, 17), each of which includes a mirror (29), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly (41) is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion (43), gimbals (45), mirror portion (47), and related hinges (55). Magnets (53, 54) and air coils (89) are utilized to position the central mirror surface (29) to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's (71) are hermetically packaged in a header (81) and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket (85) to form a micromirror assembly package (99) mounted in each optical switch unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
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Publication number: 20060115208Abstract: An optical matrix switch station (1) is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units (15, 17), each of which includes a mirror (29), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly (41) is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion (43), gimbals (45), mirror portion (47), and related hinges (55). Magnets (53, 54) and air coils (89) are utilized to position the central mirror surface (29) to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's (71) are hermetically packaged in a header (81) and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket (85) to form a micromirror assembly package (99) mounted in each optical switch unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2002Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Herzel Laor, David Krozier, Leo Plouffe
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Patent number: 7054520Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
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Publication number: 20060013526Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo Plouffe, David Krozier
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Patent number: 6754409Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: AFN, LLCInventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
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Publication number: 20030142900Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
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Patent number: 6466711Abstract: An optical switch device includes a first array (20) of reflectors (22), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (12), and a second array (30) of reflectors (32), each associated with a separate fiber output (14). The reflectors (22 and 32) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs (12) to any one of the fiber outputs (14). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output (14) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs (12) and the first array as well as between the second array (20) and the fiber outputs (14).Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: AFN, LLCInventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
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Patent number: 6430332Abstract: An optical matrix switch station (1) is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units (15, 17), each of which includes a mirror (29), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly (41) is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion (43), gimbals (45), mirror portion (47), and related hinges (55). Magnets (53, 54) and air coils (89) are utilized to position the central mirror surface (29) to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's (71) are hermetically packaged in a header (81) and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket (85) to form a micromirror assembly package (99) mounted in each optical switch unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Fiber, LLCInventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
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Patent number: 4866408Abstract: A three phase hermetic protector for electrical apparatus has a pair of terminals extending through a header with first and second elongated heaters mounted on the terminals and extending away from the header. A rigid support is attached to the header between the terminals and extends away from the header and mounts a third elongated heater extending back toward the header. A snap acting disc is cantilever mounted on the free end of the third heater and mounts thereon a pair of movable contacts adapted to move into and out of the engagement with stationary contacts mounted at the free ends of the first and second heaters. The rigid support mounts a calibration screw beneath the free end of each of the first and second heaters to independently adjust the vertical position of the stationary contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Jeffery J. Petraitis, Walfred Cardin, Lawrence Cooper, Dave Rountree, Leo A. Plouffe
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Patent number: 4281358Abstract: A protection system for a dynamoelectric machine providing a plurality of protective functions comprises a module having as a first function over temperature protection including thermal sensors adapted to be placed in heat transfer relation with the windings of the machine. The sensors which may be connected in series or in parallel are connected to a sensing circuit provided with shorted sensor protection. When connected in parallel a channel is provided for each sensor and is isolated from one another. Other functions include a minimum off delay timer which prevents rapid cycling of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1978Date of Patent: July 28, 1981Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Leo A. Plouffe, Diethard Unterweger