Movable Coupler Patents (Class 385/25)
  • Patent number: 8693822
    Abstract: The present invention is a limited rotation Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) of one or more optical channels. This will enable one or more optical signals to pass across a rotational interface for a fixed number of rotations. For many applications, such as a winch or certain robotic joints, an unlimited number of rotations in either direction is unnecessary. For these types of applications a limited rotation FORJ is an attractive option because they typically have lower loss, are less complex, and have higher reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Princetel Inc.
    Inventors: Boying B. Zhang, Hong Zhang, Louis D. Violante
  • Patent number: 8687278
    Abstract: An opto-mechanical switch produces different optical paths from two optical path sections out of a plurality of optical path sections that are oriented in different spatial directions. The switch has an optical component on which one end of each optical path section impinges, and which is adapted to be moved linearly in a direction of movement at right angles to the optical path sections between different switching positions, in which it selectively couples different optical path sections optically with each other. Further provided is a measuring system for the analysis of fluids, having such an opto-mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Buerkert Werke GmbH, Karlsruher Institut fuer Technologie
    Inventors: Marko Brammer, Timo Mappes
  • Patent number: 8649637
    Abstract: The present patent application relates to a polarization interference optical interleaver, which includes a first port to transmit the first optical signal through the first optical path, a second port to transmit the second optical signal and a third port to transmit the third optical signal. The first optical signal passes through the first optical path and splits into the second optical signal and the third optical signal by the first and the second light splitting/combining crystals and the interference crystal group. The interference crystal group is located between the first and the second light splitting/combining crystals. The second optical signal and the third optical signal are received and reflected by a reflecting mirror. Then the second optical signal and the third optical signal output through the second port and the third port respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: O-Net Communications (Shenzhen) Limited
    Inventors: Weiwei Zhang, Jun Huang, Zeqin Wang, Hong Xie
  • Patent number: 8639074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices which operate on gradient optical forces, in particular, nanoscale mechanical devices which are actuable by gradient optical forces. Such a device comprises a waveguide and a dielectric body, with at least a portion of the waveguide separated from the dielectric body at a distance which permits evanescent coupling of an optical mode within the waveguide to the dielectric body. This results in an optical force which acts on the waveguide and which can be exploited in a variety of devices on a nano scale, including all-optical switches, photonic transistors, tuneable couplers, optical attenuators and tuneable phase shifters. The waveguide can also comprise a gap such that two cantilever bridges are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Mo Li, Wolfram Pernice, Chi Xiong
  • Patent number: 8639070
    Abstract: An optical assembly for a wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) transmitter or receiver that lends itself to cost-effective production-line manufacturing. In one embodiment, the fiber optic assembly has a vernier-type arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) with five optical ports at one side and fourteen optical ports at another side. Ten of the fourteen ports are optically coupled to ten photo-detectors or lasers. A selected one of the five ports is optically coupled to an external optical fiber. The coupling optics and the mounting hardware for the AWG are designed to accommodate, with few relatively straightforward adjustments performed on the production line, any configuration of the AWG in which any consecutive ten of the fourteen ports are optically coupled to the ten photo-detectors or lasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: David T. Neilson, Nagesh R. Basavanhally, Mark P. Earnshaw
  • Patent number: 8632262
    Abstract: An embodiment of a laser to fiber coupling apparatus having a substrate 110 that supports a laser mount 120, to which is affixed a submount 130 and laser die 140, and an open slot mount 150, in which a light guide 160 is affixed with an adhesive 170, such that the light from the laser 140 is coupled into the light guide 160. The open slot arrangement permits the light guide to be moved in all six translational and rotational degrees of freedom to maximally couple the light from the laser to the light guide. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kestrel Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Philip Delianides, Jonas Alexander Pologe
  • Patent number: 8624579
    Abstract: A Fiber-optic current sensor for sensing electric current carried in an electric conductor (18). Its optical section comprises: a light source (1); a directional coupler (2) with two ports (2A, 2B) of two arms each; a radiation polarizer (3); a polarization modulator (4); a fiber line (17) coupled to a current-sensing fiber loop (11); a mirror (10); and a photodetector (22). The first port of the coupler (2) is coupled to the light source (1) and to the photodetector (22). Its second port is coupled via the radiation polarizer (3) to the polarization modulator (4). The polarization modulator comprises a magneto-sensitive element (5), around which a solenoid (6) is wound. The fiber loop (11) comprises a magneto-sensitive optical fiber with embedded linear birefringence. An electronic section comprises a signal generator (21) which drives the solenoid (6); and a signal processing unit which receives the optical signal from the photodetector (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Closed Joint Stock Company “Profotech” (CJSC “Profotech”)
    Inventors: Yuri Chamorovskiy, Vladimir Gubin, Sergei Morshnev, Yan Prziyalkovskiy, Maxin Ryabko, Nikolay Starostin, Alexander Sazonov, Anton Boyev
  • Patent number: 8576480
    Abstract: An optical amplifier using the evanescent light to control the optical output level is provided. The optical amplifier includes: a waveguide path transmitting an optical signal; an optical amplification unit formed on the waveguide path and amplifying the optical signal by an excitation light; an irradiation unit irradiating the excitation light to the optical amplification unit; an optical detection unit generating an electric signal which corresponds to a detected light; a branching unit branching an evanescent light being the optical signal outputted from the optical amplification unit and leaked outside the waveguide path, and focusing the evanescent light on the optical detection unit; a wavelength detection unit detecting a wavelength multiplicity of the optical signal based on the detected evanescent light; and a light amount adjustment unit adjusting a light amount of the excitation light irradiated by the irradiation unit based on the wavelength multiplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8559774
    Abstract: An optical device may include a substrate and an optical waveguide carried by the substrate and having a notch therein defining a feed optical waveguide and a longitudinal optical waveguide section on opposite longitudinal sides of the notch. The optical device may also include a transverse optical waveguide section carried by the substrate and transversely aligned with the feed optical waveguide adjacent the notch. The optical device may further include an elastomeric waveguide switch body configured to be moved between a first position within the notch and operative to switch light from the feed optical waveguide to the longitudinal optical waveguide section, and a second position removed from the notch and operative to switch light from the optical waveguide to the transverse optical waveguide section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Wayne Shacklette, Glenroy Weimar, Michael Raymond Weatherspoon
  • Patent number: 8520990
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved collimating lens assemblies (32) which include: a singlemode fiber (38) terminating in a distal end; a step-index multimode fiber (44) having a proximal end abutting to the singlemode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; a graded-index multimode fiber (45) having a proximal end abutting the step-index multimode fiber distal end, and having a distal end; and a collimating lens (34) longitudinally spaced from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end by an intermediate air gap (43), and operatively arranged to collimate light rays emanating from the graded-index multimode fiber distal end. The improved collimating lens assembly is characterized by the fact that there is no epoxy, silicone gel or index-matching material between the graded-index multimode fiber distal end and the collimating lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Norris E. Lewis, Martin J. Oosterhuis, K. Peter Lo
  • Patent number: 8503837
    Abstract: A device for the positioning of fiber optic output including a base having a hole disposed at a midpoint thereof, a collar having an opening at a midpoint, a plurality of bimorph actuators, each actuator connected to an outer side surface of the base and located at opposite ends, a plurality of flexible beams, each having a first end connected to the collar and a second end connected to a bimorph actuator, a flexible tube inserted in the hole, where a bottom end of the tube is cantilevered at a bottom of the base and a top end of the tube is inserted in the opening of the collar, and a fiber optic embedded in the flexible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Leonid A. Beresnev, Mikhail A. Vorontsov
  • Patent number: 8488937
    Abstract: A light distribution assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal length and having one or more light sources mounted to the housing. The light distribution assembly also includes a coupler section having a body extending from the housing along a longitudinal axis between a light entry end and a light exit end. The light entry end has a major axis extending in a first direction and the light exit end has a major axis extending in a second direction, wherein the coupler section is shaped such that the body is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the coupler section so that first direction is approximately perpendicular relative to the second direction. One or more light pipes are attached to the light exit end of the coupler section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada, ULC
    Inventors: Dragos N. Luca, Zoran Krnetic
  • Patent number: 8488938
    Abstract: This invention discloses a highly scalable and modular automated optical cross connect switch comprised of large numbers of densely packed fiber strands suspended within a common volume. In particular, apparatus and methods enabling programmable interconnection of large numbers of optical fibers (100's-1000's) having structured and coherent braid representations are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Kewitsch, Seth Greenberg, Paul Hudson
  • Patent number: 8483521
    Abstract: Disclosed are resonant optical modulators, and methods of use thereof, that achieve constant photon populations in the resonator by simultaneously modulating at least two variable modulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Milos Popovic
  • Patent number: 8483526
    Abstract: An innovative micro-size photonic switch is presented. The photonic switch is comprised of: a mirror having a reflecting surface; an input waveguide; and an output tapered waveguide structure. The photonic switch further includes a switching mechanism disposed adjacent to the reflecting surface and operable to change the refractive index along the reflective surface and thereby shift the angle at which the optical signal reflects from the mirror. More specifically, the switching mechanism may operate to change concentration of free carrier distribution along the reflective surface and thereby displace the effective reflecting interface of the mirror. In this way, the optical signal can be directed to one of two or more output ports of the output tapered waveguide structure and finally exited by one output waveguide channel that is connected to the selected port of the output tapered waveguide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: University of Ottawa
    Inventors: DeGui Sun, Trevor Hall
  • Patent number: 8409082
    Abstract: A video endoscope has an endoscope part having a central image signal conductor, at least one optical waveguide, and a light supplying part which can be coupled to a proximal end of said endoscope part. The light supplying part has a central image signal conductor connection at a distal end thereof, and a light supply arranged coaxially around said central image signal conductor connection. The light supply has a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of said light-emitting elements can be supplied by means of a switchable semiconductor light source. Position sensors are arranged in an area of said light-emitting elements, and position indicators are arranged in an area of said optical waveguide. A position of said position indicators can be detected by said position sensors when said endoscope part and said light supplying part are coupled. Based on a detection of said position indicator, at least those light-emitting elements lying opposite to said optical waveguide are activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus-Martin Irion, Peter Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8385694
    Abstract: An automated optical switch for use in a central office to increase coupling density including a frame having a mating plate defining a plurality of precision alignment holes formed therethrough. In one embodiment, the precision alignment holes are sized and configured to receive corresponding pairs of optical fibers with polished end faces disposed within ferrules free of connector housings. In another embodiment, the precision alignment holes are sized and configured to receive optical fibers with polished end faces free of ferrules and connector housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Draka Comteq B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Griffioen
  • Patent number: 8380024
    Abstract: An integrated electro-optical fluid rotary joint has been invented in which optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids can be simultaneously transmitted across a common rotary-stationary interface between two relatively rotatable members for such applications, as a tethered aerostats, and tethered ROV. It consists of a main stator, a main rotor rotatable relative to said main stator. An electrical rotary joint, or slip ring, a fiber optical rotary joint, and a fluid rotary joint are integrated together on the main stator and main rotor. As a result, when the main rotor rotates relative to the main stator, optical signals, electrical power, and/or signal(s), as well as fluids from the main rotor can be transmitted to the main stator, and vise versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Princetel Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Boying B Zhang, Louis D. Violante
  • Patent number: 8306374
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical printed circuit board connector, comprising: a housing having a major plane; an optical interface for connection in use to another optical interface on a device to which in use the optical printed circuit board connector is arranged to be connected, in which the optical interface on the connector is mounted such that it is twistable about a vertical axis in the major plane to vary the launch angle of light from the interface with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: Richard C. A. Pitwon, Kenneth M Hopkins, David A. Milward
  • Patent number: 8285090
    Abstract: A serial optical data transmission system is provided. The serial optical data transmission system includes a displaceable optical pathway disposed adjacent to a slot configured to receive a first monitoring and/or control module. The optical pathway is biased towards a serial optical data bus position for transmission of optical data to or from at least one second monitoring and/or control module when the first monitoring and/or control module is removed from the slot. Further, the optical pathway is displaced from the serial optical data bus position when the first monitoring and/or control module is in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Vasko, Robert E. Lounsbury, Kenwood H. Hall, Nathan J. Molnar, Douglas R. Bodmann
  • Publication number: 20120251044
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is that of a slip ring which utilizes one or more pistons to transfer the external pressure applied by the environment to an incompressible fluid in the inner cavity of the slip ring, thereby balancing the external and internal pressures resulting in a nominal, if any, pressure differential. This will enable the device to operated in environments with significantly higher ambient pressures then have been traditionally possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Hong ZHANG, Boying B. Zhang, Louis D. Violante
  • Patent number: 8280205
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical connector assembly having an alignment mechanism for coupling two single-lens, multi-fiber optical connectors together. Particularly, each connector comprising a single lens through which the light from multiple fibers is expanded/focused for coupling to corresponding fibers in a mating connector. In one aspect of the invention, the alignment mechanism includes mating features extending from the fronts of the lenses having substantially longitudinal surfaces that meet and contact each other when the two connectors are coupled together in only one or a limited number of rotational orientations relative to each other to as to properly rotationally align the multiple fibers in the two mating connectors. This mechanism also helps align the two connectors with the optical axes of their lenses parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David Donald Erdman, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen
  • Patent number: 8280208
    Abstract: A fiber-optic coupler may include a first optical fiber including an end portion to send or receive optical signals to or from an end portion of a second optical fiber. The coupler may also include a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure to align the end portion of the first optical fiber with the end portion of the second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wellbrock, Tiejun J. Xia
  • Patent number: 8265433
    Abstract: An optical switch is described that includes two optical waveguides, which are defined in a semiconductor layer, positioned proximate to an intermediate component, such as a micro-resonator or a directional coupler. Material underneath a portion of either or both optical waveguides is removed so that the portion of either or both optical waveguides is free standing, and a group of electrodes is proximate to the free-standing portion of either or both optical waveguides. During operation of the optical switch, a spacing-control circuit applies an electrical signal to the group of electrodes. An electrostatic force associated with the electrical signal modifies a spacing between the free-standing portion of either or both optical waveguides and the intermediate component, thereby substantially increasing optical coupling between either or both optical waveguides and the intermediate component to convey a broadband optical signal between the optical waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuezhe Zheng, Jin Yao, Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy
  • Publication number: 20120213525
    Abstract: A joint for disposing between a rotatable drum and stationary surface equipment. The joint serves as a channel through which optical data from a well access line may be routed through the rotating drum and to the stationary equipment for processing. The optical data may be routed in a manner that allows for multi-fiber transmissions with one fiber dedicated to uphole transmissions and another dedicated to downhole transmissions. This is achieved through embodiments of the joint in spite of the separate optical channels involved sharing the same central axis to allow for data transfer between moving and stationary joint components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Kalim Ullah
  • Patent number: 8224142
    Abstract: A nano/micro-patterned optical device includes a soft film substrate and nano/micro thin wires. A surface of the soft film substrate includes a nano/micro-pattern formed through a lithography process, and the nano/micro-pattern includes a plurality of depressed grooves. The nano/micro thin wires are placed in the depressed grooves, and used to form a plurality of optical waveguides, in which the optical waveguides include at least one optical coupling region, and the optical coupling region is located on a joining position of the optical waveguides. A fabrication method of the nano/micro-patterned optical device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Lon Wang, Jian-Hong Chen, Shih-Min Chuo
  • Patent number: 8224137
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus (100) that can include a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) rotationally coupled to the first housing where the second housing rotates with respect to the first housing about an axis of rotation (170). The apparatus can also include an optical transmitter (130) coupled to the first housing where the optical transmitter can be configured to transmit light. The apparatus can further include a lightguide (140) including a first lightguide end (144) substantially at the axis of rotation where the lightguide can include a second lightguide end (142) located at a distance from the axis of rotation where the second lightguide end is optically coupled to the optical transmitter. The apparatus can additionally include an optical receiver (135) coupled to the second housing at the axis of rotation where the optical receiver can also be optically coupled to the lightguide at the first lightguide end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zeiger, Rachid M. Alameh, Mark W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8195015
    Abstract: A method and a device for dynamic measurement of the radial deformation of a bearing ring (12) of a rolling bearing (10) for a rotating element (16), a glass fiber segment (22) of a fiber optic sensor (24) that is fixed in or to the periphery of the bearing ring, a light signal which has been generated by the light source (30) being injected into the glass fiber segment, and the light signal passing through the glass fiber segment being detected by a detector (34), the longitudinal deformation of the glass fiber segment being determined from the change of at least one parameter of the light signal, when the light signal passes through the glass fiber segment, in order to determine the corresponding radial deformation of the bearing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Prüftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventor: Edwin Becker
  • Patent number: 8186889
    Abstract: Disclosed is an information processing device with lighting function that realizes reduced power consumption and cost reductions. The optical connecting member 17 flexibly connects between a light guide plate 14 of a displaying part side and a light guide plate 21 of a key operating part side, thereby guiding light emitted from a white light LED 13 of a displaying part side to key operating part side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Masuda, Atsushi Takahashi, Yasushi Sugimoto, Tomoaki Shibata
  • Patent number: 8180187
    Abstract: Optical communication systems and methods are operable to communicate optical signals across a gimbal system. An exemplary embodiment has a first optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, a second optical rotary joint with a rotor and a stator, and an optical connector coupled to the stators of the first and the second optical rotary joints. The stator of the first optical rotary joint is affixed to a first rotational member of the gimbal system. The stator of the second optical rotary joint is affixed to a second rotational member of the gimbal system. A first optical connection coupled to the rotor of the first optical rotary joint and a second optical connection coupled to the rotor of the second optical rotary joint remain substantially stationary as the gimbal system orients an optical communication device in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Bunch, Steve Mowry, Paul Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8139908
    Abstract: A system includes first and second light collecting modules, each having a window and an optical fiber which receives light flowing through the window. The first and second modules are coupled together so they are repeatably rotatable, as a unit, between first and second positions. A light emitting fixture is operatively coupled to the optical fiber. The light emitting fixture includes an electrical light positioned proximate to a light emitting end of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Calvin W. Moyer
  • Publication number: 20120057818
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus (100) that can include a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) rotationally coupled to the first housing where the second housing rotates with respect to the first housing about an axis of rotation (170). The apparatus can also include an optical transmitter (130) coupled to the first housing where the optical transmitter can be configured to transmit light. The apparatus can further include a lightguide (140) including a first lightguide end (144) substantially at the axis of rotation where the lightguide can include a second lightguide end (142) located at a distance from the axis of rotation where the second lightguide end is optically coupled to the optical transmitter. The apparatus can additionally include an optical receiver (135) coupled to the second housing at the axis of rotation where the optical receiver can also be optically coupled to the lightguide at the first lightguide end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. ZEIGER, Rachid M. ALAMEH, Mark W. OLIVER
  • Patent number: 8107823
    Abstract: In an optical transmission module having a communication module which is freely movable in a case, when a tensile force is generated on an optical cable after connection of an optical transmission module, optical coupling surface and an optical axis center follow each other and thus stable optical transmission can be constantly performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Opnext Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Ishii, Toshikazu Ohtake, Osamu Yamada, Fumihide Maeda, Satoshi Motohiro
  • Patent number: 8023794
    Abstract: An apparatus for establishing an optical circuit path spanning a discontinuity in an optical channel supported by a first cable oriented about a first axis on a first side of the discontinuity and supported by a second cable section oriented about a second axis on a second side of the discontinuity includes: (a) a first coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the first side; (b) a first supporting member fixed with the first coupling member in an installed orientation in a clamping relation with the first cable section; (c) a second coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the second side; (d) a second supporting member fixed with the second coupling member in an installed orientation clamped with the second cable section; and (e) a connecting member optically coupling the first coupling member with the second coupling member to establish the optical circuit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Eugene Morris, Thomas L. Weaver, Kirby J. Keller
  • Publication number: 20110194811
    Abstract: Provided are a fiber optic rotary joint, an antenna having the same, an antenna measurement system, and a wireless communication system. An antenna measurement system includes an electro-optic converting unit for converting an electric signal to an optical signal, a first optical fiber for transferring the converted optical signal from the electro-optic converting unit, a second optical fiber having a diameter larger than the first optical fiber and transferring the optical signal outputted from the first optical fiber, an align unit for aligning the first optical fiber with the second optical fiber, and an opto-electric converting unit for converting the optical signal outputted from the second optical fiber to the electric signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: In-Kui Cho, Sung-Woong Choi, Je-Hoon Yun
  • Patent number: 7991252
    Abstract: Blind-made optical connectors may not be robust and tend to be very sensitive to dust. Accordingly, a floating barrel blind mate optical connector is described which floats with many degrees of freedom for easy connections and accommodates expanded beam connectors to alleviate many common drawbacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hengju Cheng, Jamyuen Ko
  • Patent number: 7983313
    Abstract: A system and a method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The system including an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, an active fiber placed in a center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge and a plurality of pump light sources. The system further includes a plurality of lenses for focusing pump light beams from pump light sources towards a side of the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, wherein the inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge, couples the pump light beams into the active fiber. A method for coupling multiple pump light beams to an active fiber. The method includes providing an inverted conical disk, concave lens or glass wedge. The method further includes providing an active fiber in approximately the center of the inverted conical disk (or concave lens) or at a bottom facet of the glass wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sami A. Shakir, Burke E. Nelson, William R. Culver, Michael M. Fitelson, Jerry W. Hedrick, George M. Bates
  • Patent number: 7965943
    Abstract: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the collimator arrangements as a derotating element. Furthermore, the collimator arrangements pre provided with adapter elements having rotationally symmetrical conical faces. Prism adapter elements are disposed on the end faces of the Dove prism and have prism adapter elements on the sides facing the collimator arrangements. These also have rotationally symmetrical conical faces with a surface configuration that is inverse to that of the adapter elements of the collimator arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Josef Bräu, Matthias Rank
  • Publication number: 20110142441
    Abstract: A fiber-optic coupler may include a first optical fiber including an end portion to send or receive optical signals to or from an end portion of a second optical fiber. The coupler may also include a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure to align the end portion of the first optical fiber with the end portion of the second optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wellbrock, Tiejun J. Xia
  • Publication number: 20110129181
    Abstract: An optical device comprising a substrate having a planar surface and an optical waveguide located on and parallel to the planar surface and having an end located and oriented to emit or receive light propagating substantially parallel to the planar surface. The device also comprises a crystalline turning mirror bound to the planar surface, the crystalline turning mirror having a bottom surface along the planar surface and having a reflecting surface that is slanted relative to said planar surface. The crystalline turning mirror and the substrate are formed of different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Alcatel - Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Bolle
  • Publication number: 20110103733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices which operate on gradient optical forces, in particular, nanoscale mechanical devices which are actuable by gradient optical forces. Such a device comprises a waveguide and a dielectric body, with at least a portion of the waveguide separated from the dielectric body at a distance which permits evanescent coupling of an optical mode within the waveguide to the dielectric body. This results in an optical force which acts on the waveguide and which can be exploited in a variety of devices on a nano scale, including all-optical switches, photonic transistors, tuneable couplers, optical attenuators and tuneable phase shifters. The waveguide can also comprise a gap such that two cantilever bridges are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Hongxing Tang, Mo Li, Wolfram Pernice, Chi Xiong
  • Patent number: 7936954
    Abstract: An optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the collimator arrangements as a derotating element. An intermediate layer is provided on at least one boundary face of an optical constituent part to a surrounding medium, which the intermediate layer comprises a nano-structure having a mean refractive index lying between a refractive index of a material of the optical constituent part and a refractive index of the medium of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Josef Braeu, Matthias Rank
  • Patent number: 7933477
    Abstract: An optical transmission hinge apparatus includes a first hinge portion for pivotally interconnecting a first casing and a second casing about a first axis, a first optical device provided in the first casing, a second optical device provided in the second casing and an optical guide path member for interconnecting the first optical device and the second optical device to enable optical transmission therebetween. The optical guide path member includes a bent portion, a first portion formed on one side of the bent portion and a second portion formed on the other side of the bent portion. The first portion is provided in the first casing to be coaxial with the first hinge portion, with a terminal end of the first portion being in opposition to the first optical device. The second portion is provided in the second casing, with a terminal end of the second portion being in opposition to the second optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shigeno, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda, Kosuke Sasada
  • Patent number: 7924428
    Abstract: An optical rotary adapter is featured by including: a fixed side optical fiber which is fixedly supported by a fixed sleeve and which has an end surface inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical fiber; a fixed side collimator lens which is arranged to be separated from the inclined end surface of the fixed side optical fiber by a predetermined interval; a rotation side optical fiber which is fixedly supported substantially at the center of a rotatably supported rotary cylinder, which is arranged to face the fixed side collimator lens, and which has an end surface inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the fixed side collimator lens; a rotation side collimator lens which is fixedly supported by the rotary cylinder, and which is arranged between the fixed side collimator lens and the rotation side optical fiber so as to be separated from the inclined end surface of the rotation side optical fiber by a predetermined interval; a second luminou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Toida
  • Patent number: 7920312
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus and method, the apparatus comprising a light transmitter, a mount for supporting the light transmitter located remotely from its exit tip, a drive for driving the light transmitter to vibrate resonantly in a first direction and to vibrate non-resonantly in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a synchronizer for synchronizing vibration of the light transmitter in the first and second directions so that the exit tip of the light transmitter executes a scan pattern. The drive applies a driving force to the light transmitter between the mount and the exit tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Optiscan Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Gavan Edmund Rosman, Bradley Charles Jones, Robert Alan Pattie, Christopher Gerard Byrne
  • Patent number: 7876985
    Abstract: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first optical waveguides, a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second optical waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis, and a derotating element such as a Dove prism in a light path between the collimator arrangements. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a deflecting element which deflects light entering the device from optical waveguides positioned at an angle to the direction of the rotation axis to travel along the direction of the rotation axis, or deflects light traveling along the direction of the rotation axis to exit the device at an angle to the rotation axis towards optical waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 7796848
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a first frame and a second frame that are relatively movable; a frame boundary portion that is provided between the first frame and the second frame; a light emitting portion that is provided on the first frame and transmits an optical signal; a light receiving portion that is provided on the second frame and receives the optical signal; and an optical transmission medium that transmits the optical signal between the frame boundary portion and at least one of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion, wherein an optical transmission between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion via the optical transmission medium is effected at the frame boundary portion by a spatial optical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Ueno, Masao Funada, Tsutomu Hamada, Junji Okada, Takehiro Niitsu
  • Patent number: 7792400
    Abstract: A multi-channel off-axis optic slip ring system is disclosed. The invention eliminates the huge number of fiber bundles and photodiodes in most published patents. A couple of conventional optical components such as mirrors and prisms are used to transmit optical signals with high quality and low optic losses. The optical signal pick-up is realized through a pair of prisms mounted on gear transmission systems. It is a true passive, bi-directional rotational optical transmission device which could be used for both multi-mode and single mode fibers without the limitation to the through bore diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Princetel Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Zhang, Boying B. Zhang
  • Patent number: 7787720
    Abstract: An optical coupling device including: at least a first input port for delivering an optical input signal beam that includes a plurality of wavelength channels; at least a first optical output port for receiving an optical output signal beam; a wavelength dispersion element for spatially separating the plurality of wavelength channels in the optical input signal beam to form a plurality of spatially separated wavelength channel beams; an optical coupling device for independently modifying the phase of each of the spatially separated wavelength channel beams such that, for at least one wavelength channel beam, a selected fraction of the light is coupled to the first output port and a fraction of the light is coupled away from the first output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Optium Australia PTY Limited
    Inventors: Steven James Frisken, Glenn Wayne Baxter, Hao Zhou, Dmitri Abakoumov
  • Patent number: 7778503
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device comprising two or more housing parts which are movable in relation to each other with an optical arrangement enabling optical data communication between electronic components located in the housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Schorpp, Maatta Esa-Sakari