Abstract: A valve for a light pipe having a rotatable platen having opaque and transparent parts, said valve including means for receiving and coaxially positioning a source end of a light pipe and a sink end of a light pipe and for alternately positioning the transparent and the opaque parts of the platen between the ends.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) comprises a body of resilient material (12) including resilient opaque material (16) and resilient light conducting material (14). The light conducting material (14) is arranged in rows (20) and columns (22) which intersect at junctures (30). At least one light transmitter (50) directs light into one end of the rows (20) and columns (22) and through the junctures (30). Each juncture (30) is deformable to modify the intensity of light transmitted through the juncture (30). At least one light receiver (52) receives the light transmitted through the juncture (30) and provides an output signal in response to the modified light intensity.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a tunable optical grating device comprises a grating, which is fixed at both ends to a support frame and is flexed so that a tensile strain induced in the grating reconfigures the resonant wavelength. Typical embodiments include mechanical or magnetic latching arrangements capable of inducing a latchable change in grating periodicity. In typical embodiments programmable and latchable magnets accurately produce a predetermined amount of fiber deflection and tensile strain, thereby producing a latchable wavelength shift with minimal power. The device is especially useful in WDM communication systems for adding or dropping channels, for dynamically gain-equalizing optical amplifiers, for tuning lasers, and for dispersion compensation.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a passively temperature-compensated tunable optical grating device comprises a grating, which is fixed at both ends to a support frame, and is mechanically or magnetically flexed so that a tensile strain induced in the grating reconfigures the resonant wavelength of the grating. Preferred embodiments include at least one waveguide grating, a flexing mechanism capable of inducing a latchable change in grating periodicity and at least one negative thermal expansion component which, upon heating, reduces the strain in the grating so that the temperature-induced wavelength shift is substantially cancelled out. The device can reduce the temperature-dependent wavelength change to less than 0.5 nm/100 deg. C, and preferably less than 0.05 nm/100 deg. C. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging assembly also includes a fine-wavelength adjusting mechanism for post-assembly corrective tuning.

Abstract: A symmetrical optical matrix crossconnect apparatus includes a plurality of optical switch devices with each comprising a first pair of fiber optic ports, a second pair of fiber optic ports and a reflective element. The first pair of fiber optic ports are disposed apart from one another and aligned coextensively along a first optical path. One of the first pair of fiber optic ports emits a first light beam that travels along the first optical path in free space while the remaining one of the first pair of fiber optic ports receives the first light beam. The second pair of fiber optic ports are disposed apart from one another and aligned coextensively along a second optical path. A first one of the second pair of fiber optic ports emits a second light beam that travels along the second optical path in free space while a remaining one of the second pair of fiber optic ports receives the second light beam. The first optical path and the second optical path crisscross each other at an intersection.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure (1000) is configured to receive light from a light source (1020) and distribute the light to output ports. The structure includes a central portion having top and bottom surfaces, peripheral edges and an opening (1070) for receiving the light source (1020). A first waveguide (1010) extends above the top surface of the central portion. The first waveguide (1010) has an input face (1030) at an end nearest the opening (1070). The first waveguide (1010) extends from the opening (1070) toward a peripheral edge of the central portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely steering a beam of light by making use of a hybrid inter optical alignment precision which occurs when a beam steering mechanism is micromachined with respect to a crystallographic orientation of a substrate.

Abstract: An optical switch operatively sensitive to a fluid pressure differential includes a house having an open end, a fiber optic input line, a fiber optic output line, and a fluid-proof diaphragm sealingly engaged with the housing. The diaphragm is formed from a thin elastic material resiliently stretchable between first and second switching states and supports an optical barrier within the housing for blocking the propagation of an optical signal between the fiber optic lines when the diaphragm is in one switching state and for permitting the propagation of the signal between the fiber optic lines when the diaphragm is in the other one of the switching states. For a given housing and a given diaphragm, different optical barriers may be employed to achieve different switching thresholds. As well differing optical barriers may be used to make the switch either a normally "on" switch or a normally "off" switch. Apparatus for monitoring the level of a liquid may include a plurality of such switches.

Abstract: One-by-three and two-by-two optical switches comprising optical waveguides or fibers with tapered ends that utilize electrostatically-driven actuators are disclosed. Tapering of the fiber ends allow the ends to be positioned in close proximity to one another to yield an optical switch with low insertion loss.

Abstract: A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch generally includes, in one embodiment, a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. The moveable mirror assembly (98) includes moveable mirror surfaces (132) with related control elements and REDs (100) mounted on a housing (134). The assembly (98) is used to actuate both targeting and alignment adjustments.

Abstract: A fiber optic magnetic switch device comprising a fiber optic transceiver ving a light source and a length of fiber optic cable for transmitting light to a fiber optic magnetic switch. The switch includes a magnet, a position biased shutter operably attached to the magnet, a pair of SMA type connectors positioned to align the shutter there between, a repelling orientation magnet positioned proximate the shutter to orient the shutter in a first, secured repelling orientation to allow light through the shutter and further operable to prevent passage of light through the shutter in a second, unsecured condition. An alarm signals the failure of light to be transmitted along the fiber optic cable and through the shutter. Alternatively, the device may include a second fiber optic cable operable between the transceiver and the alarm during operation of the device and positioned to activate the alarm upon interruption of light transmission therein such as when it is tampered with.

Abstract: An optical inverter (10) that uses a saturable absorber (28) to distinguish between a logical one and a logical zero. A low power laser (18) generates an optical beam that is split into a first beam that propagates among a first beam path (24) and a second beam that propagates along a second beam path (26). The saturable absorber (28) is an optical switch that is positioned in the first beam path (24), and is switched from an opaque mode to a transparent mode when it receives an optical input signal. The first beam and the second beam are recombined as an optical output beam in an optical combiner (30). The first beam path (24) and the second beam path (26) have a length relative to each other such that the first and second beams are 180.degree. out of phase when they reach the optical combiner (30). Therefore, if the saturable absorber (28) is switched to the transparent mode, the first and second beams combine destructively and the optical output beam is dark, or a logical zero.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate for introducing light thereinto, and a driving section provided opposingly to the back surface of the optical waveguide plate and including a number of actuator elements arranged corresponding to a large number of picture elements, for displaying, on the optical waveguide plate, a picture image corresponding to an image signal by controlling leakage light at a predetermined portion of the optical waveguide plate by controlling displacement action of each of the actuator elements in a direction to make contact or separation with respect to the optical waveguide plate in accordance with an attribute of the image signal to be inputted; the display device further comprising a displacement-transmitting section for transmitting the displacement action of the actuator element to the optical waveguide plate, wherein a plate member of the displacement-transmitting section is constructed by a white scattering element, and a color filter is formed at a

Abstract: A thermal optical switching cell has a channel of either gas or boilable liquid that crosses an optical waveguide at a forty-five degree angle. Two or more appropriately placed heaters use the water/steam/dry states of thermal ink jet technology to quickly insert, or extract, boilable liquid respectively into, or from, the channel. The boilable liquid has an index of refraction close to that of the guide. In the wet state, the channel contains the liquid and nearly all the light of the incoming guide traverses the liquid along the axis of the guide. In the dry state, the channel contains gas. Total internal reflection (TIR) occurs and light is directed at right angles away from the axis of the incoming channel. Adding a second waveguide, perpendicular to, and intersecting the first waveguide at the channel, forms a cross-bar switch. These liquid switching cells toggle between the wet and dry states. No power is required to hold the switch in the most recent state.

Abstract: An emergency control system for selectively activating and deactivating an apparatus. The system includes a fiber optic transmitter for emitting radiation and a fiber optic receiver for receiving and measuring a wavelength and an intensity of the radiation. A manually-operated fiber optic switch is placed in optical communication with the fiber optic transmitter and the fiber optic receiver. In operation, the switch is selectively actuated, thereby selectively opening and closing a fiber optic circuit defined by the transmitter, receiver, and the switch. The system further includes a relay controller in communication with the fiber optic receiver, such that the relay controller is actuated when the fiber optic receiver receives a predetermined wavelength and intensity of radiation from the transmitter. When the relay controller is actuated, it allows a signal to pass through the relay to a point of use.

Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a carrier for an optical cable. The carrier supports the optical cable in a U-shaped configuration with parallel leg portions of the optical cable extending along opposite sides of the carrier. A pushbutton is supported by the optical cable. The pushbutton has actuation arms which engage the parallel leg portions of the optical cable. The optical cable is held by flexible arms which form channels into which the leg portions of the optical cable are snapped. Upon manual actuation of the pushbutton, the optical cable is deformed to reduce the intensity of a light beam transmitted through the optical cable.

Abstract: Optical switches utilizing electrostatically-driven actuators formed from micro machined plates are disclosed. Under an applied voltage, a movable plate moves toward a fixed plate or a conductive region of an underlying support. The switches further include a mechanical linkage from the actuator to an optical device. The displacement of the movable plate generated at the actuator is transferred, via the mechanical linkage, to the optical device. The optical device, which is positioned in close proximity to optically-aligned spaced optical fibers, is movable into and out of an optical path defined by the optical cores of the optical fibers by the action of the actuator. An "in-plane" optical switch includes an actuator having two vertically-oriented electrodes, which generates a substantially horizontally-directed displacement of the movable plate and the linked optical device.

Abstract: Enhanced alignment of a mechanical optical switch is achievable using two optical fiber structures containing corresponding arrays of optical fibers fixed to first and second substrates cleaved from a common substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, an array of optical fibers is fixed to a common substrate substantially parallel to one another. The resulting structure is cleaved across the optical fiber array to produce cleaved structures. The enhanced optical fiber alignment at the cleaved edges is provided by securing particular respective surfaces of the cleaved substrates to surfaces of two bases aligned in a common plane. Such enhanced alignment occurs in a direction normal to the plane of the surfaces of the bases. Alignment of the optical fibers in a direction parallel to this plane and optical connections between optical fibers of the respective structures occurs by moving the second cleaved structure relative to the first cleaved structure in a direction along the cleaved edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely steering a beam of light by making use of a hybrid inter optical alignment precision which occurs when a beam steering mechanism is micromachined with respect to a crystallographic orientation of a substrate.

Abstract: A laser diode alignment package has a substrate with capacitive alignment pads. A charge generator is configured to charge or discharge each of the capacitive alignment pad to a respective voltage in response to an instruction from a processor. A laser diode chip has a conductive die paddle rigidly attached thereto and the laser diode chip is movably positioned on the substrate. The conductive die paddle is positioned with respect to the alignment pads such that when the respective voltages are applied the capacitive alignment pads, Coulomb forces will move the conductive die paddle with respect to the substrate. A feedback mechanism measures the optical power passing through the optical fiber. A processor estimates based on this measured optical power level what voltage should be applied to each of the capacitive coupling pads in order to apply Coulomb forces necessary to align the laser diode chip to the optical fiber. The processor then sends charging instructions to the charge generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device for displaying a picture on an optical waveguide plate in accordance with an image signal by controlling displacement movement of each of actuator elements in a direction to make contact or separation with respect to the optical waveguide plate so that scattered light is controlled at a predetermined position on the optical waveguide plate, wherein the actuator element comprises a main actuator element including a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, and a pair of electrodes formed on a first principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, a vibrating section contacting with a second principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer, for supporting the main actuator element, and a fixed section for supporting the vibrating section in a vibrative manner, and wherein the actuator element further comprises a displacement-transmitting section for transmitting, to the optical waveguide plate, displacement movement of the main actuator element caused by appl

Abstract: Device for compensating deformations of a part of an optomechanical or micromechanical system. This device compensates deformations, in a first direction (z), of a mobile part (26) of an apparatus, e.g. of a micromechanical and optomechanical nature, said mobile part being displaceable in a second direction (y), and having at least one arm (50, 52) connecting on the one hand a free end of the mobile part and a fixed part (16) of the apparatus, said arm having an adequate flexibility in the second direction (y), so as not to impede the displacement of the mobile part in said second direction (y), and an adequate rigidity in the first direction (z), so as to limit the deformations of the mobile part in said first direction.

Abstract: A thermal optical switching cell has a channel of either gas or boilable liquid that crosses an optical waveguide at a forty-five degree angle. Two or more appropriately placed heaters use the water/steam/dry states of thermal ink jet technology to quickly insert, or extract, boilable liquid respectively into, or from, the channel. The boilable liquid has an index of refraction close to that of the guide. In the wet state, the channel contains the liquid and nearly all the light of the incoming guide traverses the liquid along the axis of the guide. In the dry state, the channel contains gas. Total internal reflection (TIR) occurs and light is directed at right angles away from the axis of the incoming channel. Adding a second waveguide, perpendicular to, and intersecting the first waveguide at the channel, forms a cross-bar switch. These liquid switching cells toggle between the wet and dry states. No power is required to hold the switch in the most recent state.

Abstract: A distributed lighting system has a light source and a set of optical conduits. Input ends of the set of optical conduits may be placed in close proximity to the light source to increase the efficiency with which light is transmitted from the light source to the optical conduits. The efficiency also may be increased by placing a light collector between the light source and the input ends of the optical conduits.

Abstract: An architecture for a compact, 1.times.N optical switch. The switch package receives light from an input optical fiber (12b), which is directed over a well or gap at the bottom of which lies a micromechanical structure (10). If the structure is in an unaddressed state, the light travels into an in line output optical fiber (12a). If the structure (10) is in an addressed state, it intercepts the light and reflects it out of the plane of the input optical fiber to an offset mirror (24). The offset mirror (24) then reflects the light to one output fiber (16a, 16b). The offset mirror may have steps such that more than one optical fiber could become the output fiber, depending upon the structure's position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively blocking optical light signals provided from a plurality of input fiber optical strands with an optical switch. An input fiber termination port is provided for coupling the plurality of input fiber optical strands to the optical switch. The input fiber termination port has a center and a plurality of rows of openings. Each of the rows of openings is aligned radially with respect to the center and has a plurality openings for receiving ends of the input fiber optical strands. An output fiber termination port is provided for coupling a plurality of output fiber optical strands to the optical switch. An interior optical path transmission region is bounded on a first end by the input fiber termination port and on a second end by the output fiber termination port.

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 thermal optical switching cell has a channel of either gas or boilable liquid that crosses an optical waveguide at a forty-five degree angle. Two or more appropriately placed heaters use the water/steam/dry states of thermal ink jet technology to quickly insert, or extract, boilable liquid respectively into, or from, the channel. The boilable liquid has an index of refraction close to that of the guide. In the wet state, the channel contains the liquid and nearly all the light of the incoming guide traverses the liquid along the axis of the guide. In the dry state, the channel contains gas. Total internal reflection (TIR) occurs and light is directed at right angles away from the axis of the incoming channel. Adding a second waveguide, perpendicular to, and intersecting the first waveguide at the channel, forms a cross-bar switch. These liquid switching cells toggle between the wet and dry states. No power is required to hold the switch in the most recent state.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for controlling the optical alignment of optical waveguides. At least one optical waveguide is mounted to a first displaceable terminus and an opposite waveguide is mounted to a second terminus. A force can be applied to one of the termini so as to cause an essentially lateral (radial, pivotal etc.) misaligning movement of the end portion of the respective optical waveguide relative to the end portion of the opposite waveguide mounted to a second terminus, the end portions being separated by an air gap. The force required to move the displaceable terminus is provided by a first elastic member having a relatively low stiffness, such as a spring with a low spring constant. When exerted, the force is counteracted by a second elastic member, such as a spring having a higher stiffness, or spring constant, than the first elastic member.

Abstract: An optical switch comprises a pair of optical interrupters 31 and 32, a shutter 41 and a switch knob 61. The optical interrupters are composed of light-emitting elements 11 and 12 and optical fibers 21 and 22. The optical fiber of each optical interrupter is positioned coaxial to the light path of the light-emitting element and faces the light-emitting element with a predetermined space. The shutter 41 has at least one slit 42 to allow light passage and is provided slidable perpendicularly across the light path of the optical interrupters, and the switch knob 61 slides the shutter 41. The optical switch is turned on or off through the operation of the switch knob 61 as the slit 42 of the shutter 41 is positioned in the light paths of the optical interrupters, allowing the light to pass through the slit, or as the barrier portion of the shutter 41 is positioned in the light paths of the optical interrupters, blocking the light.

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.

Abstract: A near-field photon tunneling device consisting of a plurality of optical waveguides, such as optical fibers, arranged in juxtaposition with a variable tunnel gap through which photons from at least one of said optical fibers can be caused to tunnel, and wherein the tunnel gap is filled with a metal that is liquid at room temperature or at moderately elevated temperature. The width of the tunnel gap and the corresponding thickness of the liquid metal layer is remotely controllable. The control mechanisms for the width of the gap include optical means, piezo-electric elements and temperature sensitive means. The devices include optical couplers of the head-on and side-on types, optical modulators and switches, as well as display units.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical switch suitable for use in optical telecommunications systems comprises an input port and two output ports interconnected by an optical path, an optical element and an actuation mechanism for moving the optical element relative to the optical path so as to change coupling of light beams between the input port and the output ports. The optical element is supported by a flexible suspension unit comprising a pair of mutually-spaced twin elongate flexures. Each of the pair of flexures is attached at one end to an anchorage and at its other end to a mounting for optical element. The flexures are identical in length and flexibility and are spaced apart in the direction of displacement of the optical element. In use, when the actuator displaces the optical element, the flexures flex in common in the direction of displacement of the optical element. The optical element may be an optical fiber, a mirror, a prism, and so on.

Abstract: A light cone switch for use in an optical switch system that includes an optical fiber having a first end into which light is directed and a second end that emits light along a diverging path. A light reflector is positioned along this path and is movable toward and away from the second fiber end along the fiber axis. More light is reflected into the fiber when the reflector is near the second end than when it is moved away from that end. A light detector at the first fiber end receives light reflected into and through the fiber and reacts differently to the receipt of high and low light levels. Typically, these different received light levels can be used to turn electrical lights on and off, start and stop motors, control variable devices such as dimmers, etc.

Abstract: A high-speed optical switch having a first light port, a second light port, a focussing system, a mirror, and a motor. The focussing system focuses light from the first light port at a focal point via a first optical path, and focuses light from the second light port at a point at or near the focal point via a second optical path. The first optical path is angularly separated from the second optical path. The mirror is located at or near the focal point. The motor is coupled to the mirror and sequentially rotates the mirror back-and-forth between a first rotational position, at which the mirror reflects light from first light port into the second light port via the first optical path and the second optical path, and a second rotational position, at which the mirror reflects the light from the first light port to a location outside the second light port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dimming the white light received by an optical fiber. The apparatus is a cover having a thin edge and a flat surface for application to the optical fiber commencing at the fiber rim.

Abstract: This invention relates to temperature compensated FFPs with improved means for alignment of optical fibers. The invention provides ferrule holders with shaped ferrule passageways, as components of FFP alignment fixtures, in which optical fiber ends can be readily aligned using the ferrule rotary alignment method. The ferrule holders have a composite structure facilitating temperature compensation required for applications to PZT-tuned FFPs. The ferrule holder has a core and peripheral region made of materials having different thermal expansion coefficients. The holder core in contact with the ferrule is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially matched to that of the ferrule material. In addition, ferrule holders are provided with a means for changing the points of contact between a secured ferrule and its holder which allows wavelength drift as a function of temperature in FFPs to be adjusted.

Abstract: A receptacle and plug assembly for connecting a plurality of optical fibers to a single light source. The receptacle contains a plurality of individual sockets. The receptacle is generally cylindrical and the sockets are generally pie shaped and arranged within the receptacle about a focal point. The light is focused on the focal point. Each socket has a spring biased shutter that remains in the closed position when not in use. Each plug is configured to fit into any one of the sockets and to open the shutter when introduced into the socket. The receptacle has guides between the individual sockets to facilitate introduction of the plug. Each plug has an axial bore containing one end of an optical fiber. When a plug is inserted into a socket, the end of the optical fiber is positioned at the focal point and exposed to the light. When more than one plug is inserted in the receptacle the light effectively illuminates all of the fibers simultaneously.

Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle comprises at least one light generator with a light source, a plurality of light conductors receiving light from the light source, a plurality of light distributing units connected with the light conductors and operating for different illuminating functions, and a screening device associated with at least one of the light distributing units and switchable between a passive position in which the screening device permits supplying light in the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit to the light distributing unit or permits exiting of light from the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit, and an active position in which the screening device screens light of the light conductor associated with the one light distributing unit from entering the one light distributing unit or exiting the one light distributing unit.

Abstract: A remote switch system for controlling electrical devices, such as electrical lights, from a remote switch location using a single optical fiber or thin bundle of optical fibers to communicate the controlling signal from the remote switch to the device. The fiber optic system includes both an emitter and a detector at the first end of a fiber optic. The emitter sends a light signal through the fiber and the detector detects a reflected signal coming back through the fiber. Conventional switching circuits or relays turn the electrical device, e.g. a light, to a different state, such as "on" or "off", different brightness or the like in response to a pulse of light or the presence or absence of a returning signal.

Abstract: An optical coupler (20) is provided for joining first and second opposed fiber optic ends (22, 24). A flexible tubular bladder (30) has first and second opposed ends (32, 34). The first end (32) is sealingly attached to the first fiber optic end (22) and the second end (34) is sealingly attached to the second fiber optic end (24). A light transmissive liquid completely fills a cavity (42) within the bladder (30) enabling transmission of light signals between the first and second fiber optic ends (22, 24). The bladder (30) is deformable to thereby attenuate light signals being transmitted through the light transmissive liquid. This may be achieved by means of a mechanical clamp (46) engageable with the outer peripheral surface of the bladder, by a mechanical iris assembly (52), or by a pressurized atmosphere (FIG. 5 ) applied to selectively reduce the cross sectional area of the cavity to a desired percentage of the initial cross sectional area.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical photonic switching array comprises a plurality of first waveguides and a plurality of second waveguides. Insulative cladding is situated between the first and second waveguides. Each of the first waveguides is positioned with predetermined first waveguide portions on one side of at least one opening, and each of the second waveguides is positioned with predetermined second waveguide portions substantially parallel to respective ones of the predetermined first waveguide portions on an opposing side of said opening. A selected one of the predetermined second waveguide portions is capable of being moved closer and coupling light to a respective one of the predetermined first waveguide portions in response to either an electrostatic or piezoelectric signal. Alternatively, the first and second waveguides are co-planar and light is coupled from a predetermined first waveguide to a predetermined second waveguide by using a movable waveguide coupler.

Abstract: An optical switch having a fixed-position concave reflector, a fixed array of optical waveguides facing the concave reflector, said array including n number of input waveguides for transmitting the optical signal into the switch, and m number of output waveguides adapted to receive the optical signal, and a refractive element located between the reflector and the array of optical waveguides having multiple angular positions for selectively coupling one of the n number of input waveguides with one of the m number of output waveguides, the switch further including an actuator connected to the refractive element for moving the refractive element between angular positions.

Abstract: An optical switching device with switch elements (224) similar to digital micromirror devices (DMD). The switching element (224) resides in a trench (216) between two elevated areas on the substrate (214a, 214b). Sending and receiving fibers (218a, 218b) face each other across the trench (216) with the switch element (224) between them. When the switch is ON, light travels through lenses (220a, 220b) in the trench (216) from one fiber (218b) to the other (218a). When the switch is flipped OFF, the element (224) is activated and blocks the light from the sending fiber (218b) by reflecting or absorbing the light from the sending fiber (218b). The switch is activated and possibly deactivated by addressing electrodes (226a, 226b) under the element (224), which deflects through an air gap towards the activated electrode (226b). For better deflection angles the posts can be arranged closer to one end of the element than the other. An alternate hinge architecture is also provided.

Abstract: An optical transmission device for use on an apparatus for disposing a sleeve in encircling relation on an article unit is disclosed. Signals are sent and received between two data handling devices monitoring the machine. The first data handling device is positioned on a rotating portion of the apparatus and the second data handling device is positioned on another portion of the apparatus independent of the rotating portion. The optical transmission device comprises a first optical fiber element attached at a first end to the first rotating data handling device. The first element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric. A second optical fiber element is also included and is attached at a first end to the second data handling device. The second element has an inner and an outer portion wherein the inner and outer portions are concentric and correspond to the inner and outer portions of the first element.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a switch for controlling the operation of an external device operatively connected to the switch by way of a control section. The control section is a light transmitting section extending between a light source and a light receiver, and includes two optical fibers extending within the instrument with their ends in opposed spaced relationship. A cover plate is movable by means of a switch button, between the opposed ends of the fibers to alter the transmission of light to the light receiver at least in order to switch the external device on and off.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes one or more central light sources, a plurality of optical loads including headlight lenses, an optical fiber network that extends from the light sources to illuminate the headlight lenses and other optical loads, and optical switches and oscillators that include respective input fibers illuminated from the light source and output fibers to respective optical loads, and operate by enabling and disabling optical connections between their input and output fibers. The headlight assemblies switch between high and low beams by moving their fibers vertically, and control beam diffusion by moving the fibers parallel to the lens axes, including an automatic diffusion adjustment for a headlight reflection from a vehicle in front.

Abstract: An optical switch for use as a shutter for intercepting or passing light signals, such as beam lights, including a piezoelectric actuator attached at one end thereof to a base plate and at its other end to an optical shielding object for intercepting or passing over light beams, a mirror installed on a location close to the place where the piezoelectric actuator is attached to the base plate to reflect passed light beams, and the piezoelectric actuator being coupled to a source of energy. The light signals are intercepted or passed by the movement of the object due to modifications of the piezoelectric actuator, and the passed light signals are reflected by the mirror and detected by an optical detector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device that consists of a micro-mechanical switch consisting of an electrode, a gap between the electrode and an individually deflectable element, which has a vertical shutter attached to its underside. When the electrode is addressed the movement of the deflectable element causes the shutter to raise or lower. Such a device can be used in switching. One embodiment of such a use in waveguides is disclosed along with the method of manufacture.

Abstract: The optical signal channel selector apparatus includes one or more first optical channels, and a plurality of a secondary optical channels for carrying an optical signal. A parabolic mirror is rotatable to provide optical communication between a first optical channel and any one of the secondary optical channels. A position encoded stepper motor is coupled to the parabolic mirror for controlling the position of the mirror. Solid state optical interface blocks having one or more filters receive the optical signal and transmit output optical signals with filtered wavelength ranges in the secondary optical channels. The rotation of the mirror by a position encoded stepper motor allows selection of a desired secondary channel, and automatically shutters the remaining channels closed.