Patents by Inventor Michael John Irwin

Michael John Irwin 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).

  • M×N optical switch with improved stability
    Patent number: 6574385
    Abstract: Optic switches manipulate an optical signal that has been expanded by a collimating lens. Switching is effected by introducing a prism between collimating lenses to redirect the optical signal to an alternative lens. The prism preferably has a cross-section defining a parallelogram, so that the optical signal is reflected twice within the prism to minimize cross-sectional distortion and avoid spectral effects. A circuit provides feedback on the actual position of the relay and prism for fault detection and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Irwin
  • MxN optical switch with improved stability
    Publication number: 20010031111
    Abstract: Optic switches manipulate an optical signal that has been expanded by a collimating lens. Switching is effected by introducing a prism between collimating lenses to redirect the optical signal to an alternative lens. The prism preferably has a cross-section defining a parallelogram, so that the optical signal is reflected twice within the prism to minimize cross-sectional distortion and avoid spectral effects. A circuit provides feedback on the actual position of the relay and prism for fault detection and diagnosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Michael John Irwin