Abstract: An optical cross connect switch. In this switch any optical fiber in an input set of optical fibers, each carrying a communication beam, can be cross connected to any optical fiber in an output set of optical fibers. An alignment beam is added to and aligned co-axially with the communication beam carried by each fiber in the input set of optical fibers to define a communication-alignment beam for each fiber. Each communication-alignment beam is directed within a confined optical pathway to a specific exit aperture in an input array structure. The exit apertures for all of the communication-alignment beams are arranged in a pattern defining an input array so that each communication-alignment beam can be identified by the location of its exit aperture in the input array structure. Each communication-alignment beam is formed into a cross-connection beam by a micro-lens in a first lens micro-lens array.

Abstract: A method for attenuating an optical beam is provided, and in one embodiment, a communication beam and associated alignment beam are generated by a beam generating element. The alignment beam may later be sampled by a sensor that can provide a relative location of the alignment beam with respect to the sensor. The communication beam may then be positioned so that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber. Information, such as alignment beam offset, may be used to position the communication beam. In another embodiment, optical beam attenuation may be provided by using one or more reflecting devices, such as a MEMS device. In this configuration, a MEMS device may position a focused communication beam in such a manner that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber.

Abstract: A porous silicon filter for wavelength multiplexing and de-multiplexing. Preferred embodiments include rugate-type porous silicon filters with pores having continuously varying widths with pore depth an optical cross connect switch. In other preferred embodiments, the pores are filled with a material that changes index of refraction with changes in applied voltage, current or temperature. Important applications of these porous silicon filters are for multiplexing and de-multiplexing in fiber optic communication systems. For example, a preferred embodiment is an all optical fiber optic switch utilizing these filters.

Abstract: An optical cross connect switch. In this switch any optical fiber in an input set of optical fibers, each carrying a communication beam, can be cross connected to any optical fiber in an output set of optical fibers. An alignment beam is added to and aligned co-axially with the communication beam carried by each fiber in the input set of optical fibers to define a communication-alignment beam for each fiber. Each communication-alignment beam is directed within a confined optical pathway to a specific exit aperture in an input array structure. The exit apertures for all of the communication-alignment beams are arranged in a pattern defining an input array so that each communication-alignment beam can be identified by the location of its exit aperture in the input array structure. Each communication-alignment beam is formed into a cross-connection beam by a micro-lens in a first lens micro-lens array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large communication network suitable for nationwide or worldwide utilization. A plurality of area code nodes are connected with all-fiber-optic links with all-optical switches. A routing algorithm provides one or more communication links from each area code node to every other area code node so that information never has to change carrier wavelength as it travels the network. Each area code node contains circuits that are provided to connect individual users to the network.

Abstract: An optical cross connect switch having a beam generating, beam directing, and beam receiving portions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the beam generating portion receives a number of optical fibers and generates a communication and companion alignment beam for each fiber. The communication and alignment beams may be spatially separated, substantially collimated beams, and are aligned to propagate away from the beam generating portion in substantially parallel paths. The communication and alignment beams then strike a beam directing element where they may be redirected to the beam receiving portion. A beam receiving portion includes a plurality of optical output fibers, each having an associated position sensor. The location where the alignment beam strikes the position sensor provides position information regarding the corresponding communication beam. Using the position information, the beam directing elements may be finely adjusted to direct the focused communication beam onto an optical output fiber.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is provided, and in one embodiment, a communication beam and associated alignment beam are generated by a beam generating element. The alignment beam may later be sampled by a sensor that can provide a relative location of the alignment beam with respect to the sensor. The communication beam may then be positioned so that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber. Information, such as alignment beam offset, may be used to position the communication beam. In another embodiment, the variable optical attenuator may utilize one or more reflecting devices, such as a MEMS device, to provide optical beam attenuation. In this configuration, the MEMS device may position a focused communication beam in such a manner that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber.

Abstract: An Optical Cross Connect Switch includes beam generating, beam directing, and beam receiving portions. The beam generating portion receives a number of optical fibers and creates a communication beam for each fiber and an un-modulated companion alignment beam corresponding to each communication beam. The communication beam and its corresponding alignment beam are spatially separated, substantially collimated beams, and are aligned to propagate away from the beam generating portion to the beam directing portion. The beam directing portion includes a first beam director and a second beam director, with each director having an array of beam-directing elements. Each communication beam and its corresponding alignment beam strikes a beam directing element on the first beam director, and are re-directed to a beam directing element on the second beam director. From the second beam director, the two beams propagate towards beam receiving portion with each beam striking a separate lenslet.

Abstract: A method for attenuating an optical beam is provided, and in one embodiment, a communication beam and associated alignment beam are generated by a beam generating element. The alignment beam may later be sampled by a sensor that can provide a relative location of the alignment beam with respect to the sensor. The communication beam may then be positioned so that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber. Information, such as alignment beam offset, may be used to position the communication beam. In another embodiment, optical beam attenuation may be provided by using one or more reflecting devices, such as a MEMS device. In this configuration, a MEMS device may position a focused communication beam in such a manner that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is provided, and in one embodiment, a communication beam and associated alignment beam are generated by a beam generating element. The alignment beam may later be sampled by a sensor that can provide a relative location of the alignment beam with respect to the sensor. The communication beam may then be positioned so that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber. Information, such as alignment beam offset, may be used to position the communication beam. In another embodiment, the variable optical attenuator may utilize one or more reflecting devices, such as a MEMS device, to provide optical beam attenuation. In this configuration, the MEMS device may position a focused communication beam in such a manner that a desired percentage of the communication beam enters an output fiber.

Abstract: A computerized medication dispensing cart and system for dispensing prepackaged unit-dose medications to a patient in a medical facility including a computer system on the cart for storing medication information regarding each patient provided by a pharmacy and a plurality of dispensers on the cart that automatically dispense prepackaged unit dosages of prescribed medications at the request of nursing personnel while making rounds. A separate dispenser on the cart is used to dispense each type of medication. An input device, such as a touch screen monitor, is mounted on the cart to permit nursing personnel to access the medication information regarding the patient and to request that the cart dispense the prescribed medications. A detector is mounted on each dispenser that detects the administration of the medications to the patient and records the time and date that the medications were administered.