Spherical Patents (Class 385/35)
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Patent number: 8818149Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can include a ball lens, and be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation to generate the focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first electro-magnetic radiation(s) and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
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Patent number: 8787714Abstract: Provided is a lens array that can reliably obtain monitor light and is easy to manufacture. In the provided lens array, light incident on a first lens surface (11) from light-emitting elements is split by a reflective/transmissive layer (17) between a first optical surface (14a) and a first prism surface (16a) and sent, respectively, towards a second lens surface (12) and a third lens surface (13). Monitor light included in the light sent towards the third lens surface (13) is sent by the third lens surface (13) towards a light-receiving element (8). The path of light incident on the first optical surface (14a) is collinear with the path of light outgoing from the second optical surface (14b).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Shimpei Morioka
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Patent number: 8768120Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Kaiam Corp.Inventors: Bardia Pezeshki, John Heanue
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Patent number: 8768119Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Kaiam Corp.Inventors: Bardia Pezeshki, John Heanue
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Patent number: 8724943Abstract: An APC receptacle stub and an APC TOSA having the same are provided. The APC receptacle stub includes a first APC stub and a second APC stub. The first APC stub has an optical fiber inserted thereto and is provided with one end section polished in an APC shape. The second APC stub has an optical fiber inserted thereto and is provided with one end section polished in an APC shape and an opposite end section which is coupled to an opposite end section of the first APC stub through rotation adjustment in the same axial direction as an axial direction of the opposite end section of the first APC stub. The APC receptacle stub enables easy optical alignment and is applicable to a light source that is sensitive to reflection.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Jong-Hoon Lee, Seung-Hyun Cho, Jie-Hyun Lee, Sang-Soo Lee, Eun-Gu Lee, Han-Hyub Lee
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Patent number: 8693825Abstract: A ferrule structure including a ferrule having an end face shape configured to incorporate at least a portion of a lens attached to an end of an optical fiber. The end face includes a cavity in which a circumference of the cavity is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the ferrule and larger than in inner diameter of an opening in the ferrule housing an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLCInventors: Chandraika (John) Sugrim, Daiichiro Tanaka, Lalitkumar Bansal, Ted Lichoulas, Lawrence Srutkowski
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Patent number: 8687929Abstract: In order to facilitate positioning of a collimator lens and an optical fiber while preventing cost increase, provided is an optical collimator having a holder (11) which has a cylindrical shape and is made of metal; a collimator lens (12) which is housed in a housing part (11c) formed at an end of the holder (11); and an optical fiber (13) which is inserted via an insertion hole (11a) formed at an opposite end of the holder (11) and is fixed at a predetermined position. At least one of the collimator lens (12) and an end surface of the optical fiber (13) is made to abut to a recess (11e) formed in proximity of the housing part (11c) of the holder (11) thereby to perform positioning.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Company LimitedInventors: Naohiko Moriya, Yojiro Sano, Hitoshi Suzuki, Kiyoshi Iwamoto
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Patent number: 8571364Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes forming a ferrule from a portion of a tube. The tube is cut to yield the ferrule and a short cannula. A multi-spot generator with a faceted optical element is added to the short cannula. An optical fiber is placed into the ferrule, and the ferrule and the short cannula are assembled. In certain embodiments, a system includes a long cannula, an optical fiber, and a multi-spot generator. The optical fiber can carry a laser beam to a distal end of the long cannula. The multi-spot generator is located at the distal end and comprises a faceted optical element and a ball lens. The faceted optical element can be formed directly onto or separately from the ball lens. The ball lens can be spherical or hemispherical.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Michael A. Zica
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Patent number: 8565562Abstract: An optical lens of an optical connector includes alignment features for passive connection alignment. Fiber inserted into the lens is aligned with a fiber groove that restricts motion in at least one direction to align the fiber. The lens includes an alignment feature to passively align the lens with a mating alignment feature of a mating connector. The groove may, for example, be L-, V-, or U-shaped. The alignment feature can be a post with corresponding recess. Alignment can further be secured with a tab that constrains pivoting of the connectors when engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Jamyuen Ko
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Publication number: 20130266262Abstract: An optical path-changing member comprises a member main body which is made of a transparent material and in which a reflection section optically connecting the optical fiber to the light input and output end is formed, wherein the reflection section is a first lens having a concave shape when viewed from an incident direction and making light incident on the inside of the member main body from one of the optical fiber and the light input and output end be internally reflected in the member main body and directed to the other of the optical fiber and the light input and output end, a second lens having a convex shape toward the optical component is formed in a light incidence and emission surface of the member main body, that faces the optical component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.Inventors: Akito NISHIMURA, Shota NUMATA
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Patent number: 8554031Abstract: The present invention provides an optical microprobe device and method for focusing multimodal radiation with wavelength-scale spatial resolution and delivering the focused radiation to a specimen, including: a radiation source; and one or more of a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and a plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders optically coupled to the radiation source; wherein the one or more of the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent spheres and the plurality of optically transparent or semitransparent cylinders periodically focus radiation optically transmitted from the radiation source such that radiation ultimately transmitted to the specimen has predetermined characteristics. Preferably, the spheres or cylinders are assembled inside one of a hollow waveguide, a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, a capillary tube, and integrated in a multimode fiber. Alternatively, the spheres or cylinders are assembled on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventor: Vasily N. Astratov
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Patent number: 8520990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Moog Inc.Inventors: Norris E. Lewis, Martin J. Oosterhuis, K. Peter Lo
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Patent number: 8509578Abstract: A method for carrying out electromagnetic cloaking using metamaterial devices requiring anisotropic dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability may be emulated by specially designed tapered waveguides. This approach leads to low-loss, broadband performance in the visible frequency range, which is difficult to achieve by other means. We apply this technique to electromagnetic cloaking. A broadband, two-dimensional, electromagnetic cloaking is demonstrated in the visible frequency range on a scale ˜100 times the wavelength. Surprisingly, the classic geometry of Newton rings is suited for an experimental demonstration of this effect.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Igor I. Smolyaninov, Vera N. Smolyaninova, Alexander V. Kildishev, Vladimir M. Shalaev
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Patent number: 8503840Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming an optical-fiber-array assembly, which include providing a plurality of optical fibers including a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, providing a fiber-array plate that includes a first surface and a second surface, connecting the plurality of optical fibers to the first surface of the fiber-array plate, transmitting a plurality of optical signals through the optical fibers into the fiber-array plate at the first surface of the fiber-array plate, and emitting from the second surface of the fiber-array plate a composite output beam having light from the plurality of optical signals. Optionally, the first surface of the fiber-array plate includes indicia configured to assist in the alignment of the plurality of optical fibers on the first surface of the fiber-array plate. In some embodiments, the second surface of the fiber-array plate includes a plurality of beam-shaping optics configured to shape the composite output beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Yongdan Hu, Charles A. Lemaire
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Publication number: 20130114927Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes forming a ferrule from a portion of a tube. The tube is cut to yield the ferrule and a short cannula. A multi-spot generator with a faceted optical element is added to the short cannula. An optical fiber is placed into the ferrule, and the ferrule and the short cannula are assembled. In certain embodiments, a system includes a long cannula, an optical fiber, and a multi-spot generator. The optical fiber can carry a laser beam to a distal end of the long cannula. The multi-spot generator is located at the distal end and comprises a faceted optical element and a ball lens. The faceted optical element can be formed directly onto or separately from the ball lens. The ball lens can be spherical or hemispherical.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Ronald T. Smith, Michael A. Zica
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Patent number: 8393804Abstract: A terminus for a fiber optic cable includes a ferrule. In one embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through a central bore of the ferrule and is attached to a lens seated in a conical or cylindrical seat formed in an end surface of the ferrule by an epoxy. In a second embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through the central bore of the ferrule. Next, a cap sleeve with a lens therein is slid over and attached to the ferrule such that the lens abuts or is attached to the optical fiber. In either embodiment, an inspection slot may optionally be formed in the ferrule and/or the cap sleeve to allow a technician to inspect the state of the attachment and/or abutment and/or spacing of the optical fiber and lens.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North CarolinaInventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Gary Gibbs, Matthew Cruz, Timothy W. Anderson
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Patent number: 8385697Abstract: An optical fiber includes a cladding, a first core, and a second core. At least one of the first core and the second core is hollow and is substantially surrounded by the cladding. At least a portion of the first core is generally parallel to and spaced from at least a portion of the second core. The optical fiber includes a defect substantially surrounded by the cladding, the defect increasing a coupling coefficient between the first core and the second core.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Vinayak Dangui, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Gordon S. Kino
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Patent number: 8369663Abstract: An optical waveguide for a touch panel which eliminates the need for alignment between the optical waveguide and a lens and which achieves the appropriate emission and reception of light beams, to provide a touch panel using the optical waveguide, and to provide a manufacturing method of the optical waveguide for a touch panel. A total distance (L) which is the sum of a distance from the center of curvature of the first lens portion 30 to the light reflecting surface 60 and a distance from the light reflecting surface 60 to the tip of the second lens portion 50, and the radius (R) of curvature of the second lens portion 50 satisfy the following condition (A): (L/3)?0.5<R<(L/3)+0.5??(A) where L in mm, and R in mm.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Noriyuki Juni, Yusuke Shimizu
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Patent number: 8358890Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Richard P. Tumminelli
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Publication number: 20130016944Abstract: Variable optical attenuator (VOA) formed by disposing upon a substrate a waveguide, a p-type region and an n-type region about the waveguide, and an epi-silicon region disposed upon the waveguide, the VOA responsive to a bias current to controllably inject carriers into the waveguide to attenuate thereby optical signal propagating through the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Mark P. Earnshaw, Mahmoud S. Rasras
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Patent number: 8346037Abstract: An optical assembly includes a combination of laser sources emitting radiation, focused by a combination of lenses into optical waveguides. The optical waveguide and the laser source are permanently attached to a common carrier, while at least one of the lenses is attached to a holder that is an integral part of the carrier, but is free to move initially. Micromechanical techniques are used to adjust the position of the lens and holder, and then fix the holder it into place permanently using integrated heaters with solder.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: KAIAM Corp.Inventors: Bardia Pezeshki, John Heanue
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Publication number: 20120328241Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can include a ball lens, and be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation to generate focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first and/or focused electro-magnetic radiation(s), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure. An end of the fiber(s) can be directly connected to the second focusing arrangement and/or the third arrangement(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
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Patent number: 8335412Abstract: An optical fiber coupler includes a receiving interface and two lenses. The receiving interface is configured for matching and connecting to an external optical fiber of a particular diameter within a range of 62.5 ?m to 100 ?m, and for receiving optical signals from the external optical fiber. The two lenses are configured for coupling the received optical signals. A distance between the two lenses falls within a range from 0.5 mm to 0.95 mm. A curvature radius of each of the two lenses falls within a range from 0.3579 mm to 0.3898 mm.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: I-Thun Lin
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Patent number: 8320723Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Patent number: 8306374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Xyratex Technology LimitedInventors: Richard C. A. Pitwon, Kenneth M Hopkins, David A. Milward
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Patent number: 8297852Abstract: An exemplary optical fiber coupling assembly includes a first optical connector, a second optical connector, and a coupling lens. The first optical connector is configured for receiving a first optical fiber. The second optical connector is configured for receiving a second optical fiber. The coupling lens is positioned in the second optical connector. The coupling lens includes a first optical portion and a second optical portion integrally formed with the first optical portion. The coupling lens is configured for transmitting optical signals between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber through the first optical portion and the second optical portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: I-Thun Lin
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Patent number: 8290318Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: SVV Technology Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Sergiy Victorovich Vasylyev
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Patent number: 8275231Abstract: An optical waveguide with a tubular or hose-like housing is provided, which is used in a high-temperature environment, such as, for example, in a burner. The housing has an input opening, an output opening and a center line extending from the input opening to the output opening. In the interior of the housing, transparent spheres are lined up along with center line. The light is guided on account of the refraction of a light beam upon entering and exiting from the transparent spheres.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gilbert Braun, Volker Ertle, Christian Henke, Gülsen Kisaboyun, Andreas Pahl, Bernd Prade, Uwe Scheuer, Wolfgang Stammen, Edmund Zastrozny
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Patent number: 8265434Abstract: In a lens system, such as for use in optical rotary joints, obliquely tilted cavities are inserted in a light path between light-waveguides and lenses to be coupled thereto in order to compensate lateral displacements between the light waveguides and the lenses. The cavities are filled with an optical medium having a predetermined refractive index in order to achieve a parallel displacement of a light-ray path, so that the ray path passes centrally through the lenses.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbHInventors: Gregor Popp, Matthias Rank
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Patent number: 8244084Abstract: The device includes a body, a lens holder, a lens, a ferrule, a ferrule holder, an optical cable holder, a snap ring, and a spring. The lens holder retains the lens, and the lens holder accommodates the ferrule. The ferrule holder is mounted to the body. The spring is mounted between a spring seat of the ferrule holder and a spring seat of the optical cable holder. The snap ring is mounted to the optical cable holder so as to retain the optical cable holder to the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
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Patent number: 8229259Abstract: A device having a case, an input optical fiber and an output optical fiber and a light path extending between the input and output optical fiber. A light path interrupting element is disposed within the case and is movable from a first position at which it interrupts a portion of the light path so that a first amount of light can reach the output optical fiber to a second position at which a second amount of light can reach the output optical fiber. A retainer is moveable relative to the case from a retaining position to a disengaged position. At the retaining position the retainer is engaged with the light path interrupting element to retain the light path interrupting element at the first position, and at the disengaged position the retainer is disengaged from the light path interrupting element and the light path interrupting element is at the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Brian L. Uhlhorn, Howard J. Schantz
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Publication number: 20120177321Abstract: A light-receiving device including: a lens; and a light-receiving element optically coupled to the lens, a plurality of optical path divided by the lens crossing each other in a position of between the lens and the light-receiving element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC DEVICE INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ryo Kuwahara, Ken Ashizawa, Toru Hirayama, Keiji Satoh, Taketo Kawano
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Publication number: 20120148193Abstract: A ferrule structure including a ferrule having an end face shape configured to incorporate at least a portion of a lens attached to an end of an optical fiber. The end face includes a cavity in which a circumference of the cavity is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the ferrule and larger than in inner diameter of an opening in the ferrule housing an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: AFL Telecommunications LLCInventors: Chandraika (John) Sugrim, Daiichiro Tanaka, Lalitkumar Bansal, Ted Lichoulas, Lawrence Srutkowski
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Patent number: 8165435Abstract: A multiplicity of Fresnel lenses are attached to tubular branches of a tree-like support structure. Fiber optic bundles are connected to the Fresnel lenses and routed inside the tubular branches and collected as a larger fiber optic bundle inside a main trunk structure to which each of the branches is connected. The larger fiber optic bundle may be connected to a remotely located power generating plant or other processing facility via a fiber optic transmission network. A domed solar energy collector includes an outer dome and one or more inner domes concentrically nested therewith, one or more Fresnel lenses being positioned on the hemispherical surface of each of the outer and inner domes. Each of the inner domes is sized and positioned such that its hemispherical surface lies on the focal point of the next larger dome to thereby multiply the solar energy focused through each of the domes to a collection area within the innermost dome.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Fernando Ramon Martin-Lopez
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Patent number: 8157388Abstract: A system and method for using an optical lightguide in a projection display system. A plurality of light sources provides a plurality of colored light to a lightguide. The lightguide may include alternating layers of a relatively high refractive index material and a relatively low refractive index material. In an embodiment, the layers of the lightguide are tapered. In another embodiment, the lightguide includes a light pipe having a lenticular array on the entrance face of the light pipe. Optionally, the light pipe may be tapered. The lightguide provides a line of light to a scanning element, which in turn redirects the light to a spatial light modulator.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Terry Alan Bartlett, Patrick Rene Destain
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Patent number: 8094983Abstract: An optical fiber includes a cladding, a first core, and a second core. At least one of the first core and the second core is hollow and is substantially surrounded by the cladding. At least a portion of the first core is generally parallel to and spaced from at least a portion of the second core. The optical fiber includes a defect substantially surrounded by the cladding, the defect increasing a coupling coefficient between the first core and the second core.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Vinayak Dangui, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Gordon S. Kino
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Publication number: 20110235972Abstract: Techniques for combining initially separate single mode and multimode optical beams into a single “Dual Mode” fiber optic have been developed. Bi-directional propagation of two beams that are differentiated only by their mode profiles (i.e., wavefront conditions) is provided. The beams can be different wavelengths and or contain different modulation information but still share a common aperture. This method allows the use of conventional micro optics and hybrid photonic packaging techniques to produce small rugged packages suitable for use in industrial or military environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Inventors: Anthony J. Ruggiero, Donald A. Masquelier, Jeffery B. Cooke, Jeffery S. Kallman
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Patent number: 8019188Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus includes a light receiving element and an optical waveguide. The light receiving element receives light. The optical waveguide includes a core, a clad and a concave portion. The clad is adjacent to the core. The concave portion is formed in a portion of the core or a portion of the clad and diffuses the light. The portion of the core or the portion of the clad emits the light toward the light receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naotaka Mukoyama, Kazuhiro Sakai, Hiroki Sugibuchi, Akira Sakamoto
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Patent number: 7983313Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc.Inventors: Sami A. Shakir, Burke E. Nelson, William R. Culver, Michael M. Fitelson, Jerry W. Hedrick, George M. Bates
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Publication number: 20110164848Abstract: In a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) package, a ball lens is used to broaden a collimated beam from a waveguide in a PLC device. A holder for the ball lens is attached to the PLC device in the package, which attachment effects a passive alignment of the waveguide with the ball lens to achieve efficient optical coupling therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventor: Cristian Bolle
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Publication number: 20110142393Abstract: Variable optical attenuator (VOA) formed by disposing upon a substrate a waveguide, a p-type region and an n-type region about the waveguide, and an epi-silicon region disposed upon the waveguide, the VOA responsive to a bias current to controllably inject carriers into the waveguide to attenuate thereby optical signal propagating through the waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: MARK P. EARNSHAW, Mahmoud S. Rasras
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Patent number: 7957615Abstract: An optical waveguide for a touch panel which eliminates the need for alignment between the optical waveguide and a lens and which achieves the appropriate emission and reception of light beams, to provide a touch panel using the optical waveguide, and to provide a manufacturing method of the optical waveguide for a touch panel. A total distance (L) which is the sum of a distance from the center of curvature of the first lens portion 30 to the light reflecting surface 60 and a distance from the light reflecting surface 60 to the tip of the second lens portion 50, and the radius (R) of curvature of the second lens portion 50 satisfy the following condition (A): (L/3)?0.5<R<(L/3)+0.5??(A) where L in mm, and R in mm.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Noriyuki Juni, Yusuke Shimizu
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Publication number: 20110052121Abstract: A method for producing a ball lens including determining a feed length of optical fiber based on a target ball lens diameter; providing heat energy to a heating zone; moving, at a predetermined speed, one of the optical fiber and the heating zone so that the end of the optical enters the heating zone to heat the end of the optical fiber; and stopping the heating of the end of the optical fiber when the amount of moving the one of the optical fiber and the heating zone equals the determined feed length.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: AFL TELECOMMUNICATIONS LLCInventor: Wenxin Zheng
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Patent number: 7881573Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Vascular Imaging CorporationInventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
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Patent number: 7876985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbHInventors: Gregor Popp, Max Winkler
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Patent number: 7835066Abstract: Systems and methods for generating electromagnetic waves are provided. In one embodiment, a system for generating electromagnetic waves is provided. The system comprises a dielectric column comprising a spherical portion and at least one cylindrical portion, wherein the spherical portion receives a first wave from a first source and a second wave from a second source and generates a resulting electromagnetic wave along the interior of the cylindrical portion having a difference frequency caused by whispering gallery modes of the spherical portion, and the at least one cylindrical portion having at least one output for outputting the resulting electromagnetic wave.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems CorporationInventor: Peter M. Livingston
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Publication number: 20100284651Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pin-and-socket connector for the detachable connection of a plurality of optical cores (115) having an insert (112, 112?), in which the cores (115) are inserted on a first side, the cores (115) ending in said connector with the optical fibers (119, 120) thereof, and said connector having an expansion device (117, 118) on a second side, on which the beams exit the fibers (119, 120) in an expanded manner. A simplification of the assembly and installation is achieved in that the insert (112, 112?) comprises two separate partial elements (113, 117, 118) that can be assembled, one of which is configured as an expansion device (117, 118) and the other is configured as a retaining block (113) for receiving the ends of the optical cores (115).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: HUBER+SUHNER AGInventors: Roger Krähenbühl, Thomas Ammer
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Publication number: 20100247038Abstract: A coupling device for coupling optical waveguides comprises a first side for coupling first optical waveguides to the coupling device, and a second side for coupling second optical waveguides to the coupling device, and an optical system arranged between the first and second sides of the coupling device. The optical system alters a beam path of light coupled out from the first optical waveguides and coupled into the coupling device at the first side in such a way that the light is coupled out from the coupling device at the second side and is coupled into the second optical waveguides, wherein the first optical waveguides are arranged spatially differently with respect to one another than the second optical waveguides.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Klaus Hartkorn
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Patent number: 7801397Abstract: In an embodiment, light from a single mode light source may be deflected into a low index contrast (LIC) waveguide in an opto-electronic integrated circuit (OEIC) (or “opto-electronic chip”) by a 45 degree mirror. The mirror may be formed by polishing an edge of the die at a 45 degree angle and coating the polished edge with a metal layer. Light coupled into the LIC waveguide may then be transferred from the LIC waveguide to a high index contrast (HIC) waveguide by evanescent coupling.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bruce A. Block, Paul Davids
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Patent number: RE43875Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation is provided. In particular, at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis may be provided. Further, a light transmissive optical arrangement may be provided in optical cooperation with the optical fiber. The optical arrangement may have a first surface having a portion that is perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion. The first axis can be provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney