Abstract: A fiber optic coupler having a first lens element for inputting a point source of light from an optical cable and outputting a collimated light, optically coupled to one or more lens elements for receiving an input of collimated light from the first lens element and outputting a focused point of light into a fiber optic cable. The lens elements can be gradient index lens. The lens elements can be of varying sizes such that the first lens element can optically connect to one or more smaller lens elements to couple or split optical signals for two way communication on the optical cables.

Abstract: This invention relates to fiber optic networks for the two way communication of light signals. One optic fiber may carry bidirectional signals to many nodes connected to the optic fiber by bidirectional passive optic couplers. Passive unidirectional to bidirectional passive optic couplers can bridge between bidirectional optic fiber networks and unidirectional fiber optic networks. Thus optical signals can be transported to and from each node to all other nodes such that each node is in contact with all the other nodes on the network.

Abstract: The optical coupler includes first, second and third port assemblies and a deflecting element. The first port assembly receives a first optical signal, the first port assembly including a first lensing element. The second port assembly emits a predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element. The deflecting element is positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third lensing element. The deflecting element and the third port assembly are so positioned and arranged such that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element.

Abstract: A variable splitting optical coupler includes a first port assembly, a second port assembly, a movable deflecting element assembly and a third port assembly. The first port assembly includes a first lensing element and receives a first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element and emits a variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The movable deflecting element assembly includes a movable deflecting element positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third leasing element. The movable deflecting element is so positionable and the third port assembly is so positioned and arranged so that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element.