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).

  • Patent number: 7483602
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: AFN, LLC
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
  • Publication number: 20070272792
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
  • Publication number: 20070053630
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo Plouffe, David Krozier
  • Patent number: 7095917
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
  • Publication number: 20060115208
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, David Krozier, Leo Plouffe
  • Patent number: 7054520
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
  • Publication number: 20060013526
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo Plouffe, David Krozier
  • Patent number: 6754409
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: AFN, LLC
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
  • Publication number: 20030142900
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
  • Patent number: 6466711
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: AFN, LLC
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, Leo A. Plouffe, David A. Krozier
  • Patent number: 6430332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Fiber, LLC
    Inventors: Herzel Laor, David A. Krozier, Leo A. Plouffe
  • Patent number: 4866408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Petraitis, Walfred Cardin, Lawrence Cooper, Dave Rountree, Leo A. Plouffe
  • Patent number: 4281358
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Leo A. Plouffe, Diethard Unterweger