With Alignment Device Patents (Class 385/52)
  • Publication number: 20140169742
    Abstract: Disclosed are optical ports and devices using the optical ports. The optical port includes a mounting body having a first pocket and at least one mounting surface for securing the optical port, one or more optical elements, and a first alignment feature disposed in the pocket, wherein the alignment feature includes a piston that is translatable during mating. The one or more optical elements may be an integral portion of the mounting body or a discrete lens. In other embodiments, the mounting body may include a plurality of pockets and one of the pockets may include a magnet for securing a plug to the optical port. The optical port may optionally have a minimalist optical port footprint so that the complimentary mating optical plug engages a portion of the frame during mating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Publication number: 20140169741
    Abstract: Disclosed are optical ports and devices having a cover with at least one molded-in lens and a mounting body having a recess for mounting the cover to the mounting body along with a mounting surface for securing an optical port. The molded-in optical lenses of the cover may be aligned with one or more active components for receiving or transmitting the optical signal. The active components may be mounted on a circuit board that may include an electrical tether. In one embodiment, the optical port includes a pocket having an alignment feature such as a piston that is translatable during mating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Davide Domenico Fortusini, Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther, Claudio Mazzali
  • Patent number: 8755655
    Abstract: An optical module is described. This optical module includes at least two optical devices that communicate with each other using edge-to-edge optical coupling of an optical signal between optical components in the two optical devices. Note that the edge-to-edge optical coupling may occur without mode converters at edges of either of the optical devices. Furthermore, the edge-to-edge optical coupling may be facilitated by an alignment substrate, which is mechanically coupled to the two optical devices. This alignment substrate aligns the edges of the two optical devices so that they are approximately parallel to each other, and aligns the optical components in the two optical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, Xuezhe Zheng
  • Patent number: 8755656
    Abstract: A blade includes a circuit board to insert into a slot of a chassis, an optoelectronic device on the circuit board, an optical media that is flexible, coupled to the optoelectronic device, and able to guide a plurality of optical signals, a first connector optically coupled to the optical media, and a standoff on which the first connector is mounted. The first connector includes first alignment features shaped to mate with second alignment features of a second connector. The standoff provides the first connector with sufficient freedom of motion to permit the first alignment features to shift the first connector relative to the second connector and into a seated position as the first connector and the second connector move toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Renne Ty Tan, Paul K Rosenberg, Sagi V Mathai, Moray McLaren, Shih-Yuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20140139836
    Abstract: An optical coupling lens includes a refraction surface, a first total reflection surface, a second total reflection surface, a first aligning member and a second aligning member. The refraction surface, the first total reflection surface and the second total reflection surface are orderly connected end to end. The first aligning member and the second aligning member are formed on the refraction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YI HUNG
  • Patent number: 8727640
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an optical coupler of a fiber optic system can include a light-source input cavity packaged in an outer casing. The cavity can receive an optical signal from a light source. An optical collimator packaged in the outer casing such that a receiving end of the optical collimator can receive the light source from the light-source input cavity. The optical collimator can include at least one beam forming stage. The optical collimator can generate a collimated beam output from the optical signal. An optical cavity can receive the collimated beam output of the optical collimator. The optical cavity can be coaxially included in a receiving optical fiber coupled with the outer casing coupled with optical cavity. The optical cavity can receive the collimated beam output of the optical collimator and input the collimated beam into the receiving optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Angelica Simone Joseph
  • Patent number: 8727635
    Abstract: An MPO connector adapter to connect a first female MPO connector to a second female MPO connector includes a housing. An adapter ferrule is retained within the housing. First and second alignment pin sections extend from a first face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the first female MPO connector. Third and fourth alignment pin sections extend from an opposite face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the second female MPO connector. Optical fibers within the adapter ferrule couple optical signals from the first female MPO connector to the second female MPO connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Joseph C. Livingston
  • Patent number: 8718424
    Abstract: An optical signal transmitting device includes a substrate, light emitting modules, an optical coupling element, an optical fiber module, and a pressing pole. The substrate has a first loading surface and a second loading surface. The optical coupling element is positioned on the first loading surface and includes a first cladding portion and coupling lenses. Each coupling lens has a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface. The light emitting modules are positioned on the second loading surface and spatially correspond to the respective first sloped surfaces. The optical fiber module is positioned on the first loading surface and includes a second cladding portion and fiber cores. Each fiber core has a bare end. The pressing pole presses each bare end to the corresponding second sloped surface. The refractive indexes of the substrate, the coupling lenses, the fiber cores and the air are n1, n2, n3, n0, wherein n3>n2>>n1>n0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Shun Huang
  • Publication number: 20140093208
    Abstract: A method for aligning optical components comprised in an optical component assembly and optical waveguides comprised in an optical waveguide assembly according to a common optical axis and by using an adapter includes providing the optical component assembly with a first alignment structure comprising a cavity designed according to the position of the optical components within the optical component assembly; providing an adapter presenting a base surface comprising a first step structure; providing the optical waveguide assembly with a second alignment structure comprising a distinct step structure designed according to the position of the waveguides within the waveguides assembly; and positioning the optical component assembly, the optical waveguide assembly and the adapter, so that a sidewall of the cavity and the distinct step structure are put in contact with a sidewall of the first step structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Folkert Horst, Antonio La Porta, Bert J. Offrein, Ibrahim Murat Soganci
  • Publication number: 20140093207
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical adaptor having monolithically integrated optical elements and first micro-mechanical features, the latter defining at least a first horizontal reference surface and a first vertical reference surface; wherein the first horizontal reference surface is perpendicular to an optical plane, the latter being perpendicular the optical axis of the optical elements; and wherein the first vertical reference surface is perpendicular to the first horizontal reference surface and parallel to the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jens Hofrichter, Folkert Horst, Antonio La Porta, Bert J. Offrein, Ibrahim Murat Soganci
  • Publication number: 20140093209
    Abstract: Provided is an optical fiber assembly with which flexibility in the vicinity of an alignment member can be maintained, as well as a method for manufacturing this optical fiber assembly, and an optical probe which uses this optical fiber assembly. This optical fiber assembly is equipped with: multiple optical fibers (11, 12); an alignment member (10) that aligns and holds these multiple optical fibers (11, 12); a first adhesion part (20) where the alignment member (10) and the multiple optical fibers (11, 12) are adhered by means of a first adhesive agent having curability; and a second adhesion part (21) where the multiple optical fibers (11, 12) are adhered to each other within a prescribed distance from the rear end of the alignment member (10) by means of a second adhesive agent that cures while having greater flexibility than the first adhesive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Junichi Jono
  • Publication number: 20140093206
    Abstract: A method for aligning optical components comprised in an optical component assembly and optical waveguides comprised in an optical waveguide assembly according to a common optical axis and by using an adapter includes providing the optical component assembly with a first alignment structure comprising a cavity designed according to the position of the optical components within the optical component assembly; providing an adapter presenting a base surface comprising a first step structure; providing the optical waveguide assembly with a second alignment structure comprising a distinct step structure designed according to the position of the waveguides within the waveguides assembly; and positioning the optical component assembly, the optical waveguide assembly and the adapter, so that a sidewall of the cavity and the distinct step structure are put in contact with a sidewall of the first step structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Folkert Horst, Antonio La Porta, Bert J. Offrein, Ibrahim Murat Soganci
  • Publication number: 20140086533
    Abstract: A method for aligning two optical assemblies comprises positioning a first optical assembly in relation to a second optical assembly and securing the first optical assembly to the second optical assembly. The positioning aligns a plurality of first alignment features of the first optical assembly to a plurality of second alignment features of the second optical assembly. Aligning the first alignment features to the second alignment features aligns the second optical assembly to a plurality of optical components on the first optical assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ezra GOLD, Benoit SEVIGNY, Yannick LIZE
  • Patent number: 8662758
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupling device includes a first optical fiber connector having a light source; and a second optical fiber connector matched with the first optical fiber connector by pull and plug. The second optical fiber connector includes a light sensor. The light sensor records a predetermined light level as a reference when the second optical fiber connector is at a aligned position to the first optical fiber connector, and is capable of detecting an incident light level, thereby showing that whether the second optical fiber connector is at the aligned position to the first optical fiber connector by compare of the incident light level and the reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Lun Huang
  • Publication number: 20140037247
    Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus for use in optoelectronics includes a bottom transparent layer, a top transparent layer having a top surface, a lens sandwiched between the bottom transparent layer and the top transparent layer, and a first alignment element attached to the top surface of the top transparent layer, wherein the first alignment element is offset with respect to the lens and is to mate with a mating alignment element on an optical transmission medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Sagi Varghese MATHAI, Michael Renne Ty TAN, Paul Kessler ROSENBERG, Wayne Victor SORIN
  • Patent number: 8644662
    Abstract: An optical connection structure which permits easy and automatic alignment between the optical axes of optical fibers and the optical axes of cores of an optical waveguide, and a production method which ensures that an optical waveguide for the optical connection structure can be efficiently produced with higher dimensional accuracy are provided. An over-cladding layer of the optical waveguide includes an extension portion provided in a longitudinal end portion thereof, and optical fiber fixing grooves are provided in the extension portion as extending along extension lines of cores coaxially with the cores and each having opposite ends, one of which is open in an end face of the extension portion and the other of which is closed. Optical fibers are fitted and fixed in the respective optical fiber fixing grooves. The over-cladding layer further includes a boundary portion (6) provided between the other closed ends of the optical fiber fixing grooves and the cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Mune, Junichi Fujisawa, Yuichi Tsujita
  • Patent number: 8644660
    Abstract: Provided are an opto-electric hybrid board and a manufacturing method. The opto-electric hybrid board includes an optical waveguide unit and an electric circuit unit having an optical element mounted thereon. The optical waveguide unit includes socket portions for locating the electric circuit unit, which are formed on a surface of an undercladding layer and formed of the same material as a core. The socket portions are located at predetermined locations with respect to one end surface of a core. The electric circuit unit includes bent portions which are formed by bending a part of an electric circuit board so as to stand, for fitting into the socket portions. The bent portions are located at predetermined locations with respect to the optical element. The optical waveguide unit and the electric circuit unit are coupled in a state in which the bent portions fit into the socket portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Nagafuji, Yuichi Tsujita, Masayuki Hodono, Masami Inoue
  • Patent number: 8639068
    Abstract: An optical transmission module has an optical transmission path in which optical transmission is performed between a first circuit board and a second circuit board disposed opposite the first circuit board. The optical transmission path has a folded structure having a bending radius. A circumferential portion drawn by the bending radius is provided substantially perpendicular to board surfaces of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Hayami Hosokawa, Naru Yasuda, Kentaro Hamana
  • Publication number: 20130336616
    Abstract: A beam coupler alignment system for a fiber laser system is disclosed. The system includes a focus adjust collimator assembly having an inner and outer housing assembly portion. The inner assembly includes a coupler housing assembly and a modified lens housing received within and adjustable relative to via a mechanism configured and arranged to apply an asymmetric binding force in a predictable and repeatable manner. A lever assembly contacts the lens housing and exerts an off-center (asymmetric) force relative to coupler housing assembly creating a friction bind eliminating X and Y axis movement yet allowing Z axis movement with minimal effort. The assembly may farther include an alignment mechanism configured and arranged to optically align an input collimator unit and an output collimator unit of a complex fiber laser system about a common optical axis using the proposed assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: IPG Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Grapov, Michael Digiantomasso, Bill Jones
  • Patent number: 8606063
    Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method for an optical waveguide in which, when the optical waveguide is cut and a contour thereof is processed, accuracy of a cut position is improved by improving visibility of an alignment mark. An undercladding layer, cores, and alignment marks are formed on a front surface of a substrate. Then, an overcladding layer is formed using a photomask so as to cover the cores with the alignment marks being exposed. After the substrate is separated to manufacture an optical waveguide body, a cut position is located with reference to the alignment marks from a rear surface side of the undercladding layer, and the undercladding layer and the overcladding layer are cut to manufacture the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsujita, Mayu Takase
  • Patent number: 8597578
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Access Medical Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Tan, Yushan Tan, Erhua Cao, Min Xia, Robert F. Zuk
  • Patent number: 8596888
    Abstract: In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs), in a fiber optic fusion splicer the best position of the object plane of the optical system for observing images of the cores of the fiber ends are first determined by maximizing the contrast of the core image, in particular the core image peak in intensity profiles. The alignment process may be performed by adjusting the offset distance between the observed cores in some suitable way, e.g. by using a cascade technique. In e.g. a process for prealigning the fiber ends the self-focusing effect of optical fibers can be used to first determine the best object plane position for observing the self-focusing effect and then the very pre-alignment operation can be performed. This may extend the range of image analysis allowing e.g. that alignment, in particular core alignment, can be performed without requiring direct information showing the position of sides or edges of the claddings in captured pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Huang, Kjell Ahlstedt
  • Patent number: 8587675
    Abstract: An actuator includes a stationary member defining a first receiving room and a center axis, a moveable member received in the first receiving room and being apart from the stationary member, a driving member, and a resilient spring assembly. The moveable member is coaxial with the stationary member. The driving member comprises a first magnetic assembly fixed to the stationary member and a second magnetic assembly fixed to the moveable member. The first magnetic assembly faces the second magnetic assembly. The driving member is configured for driving the moveable member to move along a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to the central axis. The spring assembly is positioned between the stationary member and the moveable member and connects the moveable member to the stationary member. The spring assembly elastically deforms when the moveable member moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Fan Chiang
  • Patent number: 8588566
    Abstract: According to the electronic apparatus and cellular phone of the present invention, in an optical waveguide forming body of a flexible cable, an air layer is provided in a deforming section which experiences bending deformation as a result of the movement of a second body relative to a first body (either a pivoting or sliding movement), and the position of this air layer becomes located on the outer circumferential side of a core when the deforming section undergoes bending deformation. As a result of this, it is possible to ensure sufficient flexibility and to also achieve a sufficient improvement in the folding endurance of the core portion for this optical waveguide forming body to be utilized in practical applications. Moreover, it is possible to suppress light loss and achieve high-speed, large-capacity transmissions even when the optical waveguide forming body of a flexible cable experiences bending deformation due to the relative movement of the second body relative to the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mutsuhiro Matsuyama, Koji Choki, Tetsuya Mori, Kei Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8571361
    Abstract: A combined optical and electrical flexible wiring includes a first film substrate, a plurality of conductors aligned parallel on a surface of the first film substrate, an optical fiber provided on the surface of the first film substrate and aligned parallel to the plural conductors, a second film substrate with which the plural conductors and the optical fiber are covered in such a manner as to include an exposed portion, a resin mount provided over the exposed portion in such a manner as to cover the plural conductors and the optical fiber, the resin mount being formed with a light inlet or outlet groove including a mirror surface therein, an optical-electrical conversion component formed on a surface of the resin mount, and a wiring pattern formed on the surface of the resin mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yasuda, Kouki Hirano, Takami Ushiwata, Masanobu Ito
  • Patent number: 8571366
    Abstract: A system employs a flexible optical media, two connectors, and a mechanism such as a magnet that brings the connector together when the connectors are close to each other. The optical media is able to guide optical signals, and one connector is attached to an end of the optical media. Each connector also has alignment features and provides paths for the optical signals. The alignment features of each connector are shaped to mate with the alignment features of the other connector and to shift the connectors relative to each other as the mechanism pushes the connector together. The alignment features further have seated positions at which the paths in one connector are aligned with the paths in the other connector and separated by a free space gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael R. T. Tan, Paul K. Rosenberg, Sagi V. Mathai, Moray McLaren, Shih-Yuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20130266264
    Abstract: An optical module includes a module substrate; a first optical component disposed on the module substrate; and a second optical component disposed apart from the first optical component in a direction perpendicular to the module substrate, wherein the first optical component includes a first optical main part facing and optically connecting to the second optical component, and a first peripheral part located in the periphery of the first optical main part without facing the second optical component; the first peripheral part includes a first fiducial mark as a reference for a disposed position of the first optical component; the second optical component includes a second fiducial mark as a reference for a disposed position of the second optical component; and the first fiducial mark and the second fiducial mark are aligned on the same straight line when they are projected on to a plane parallel to the module substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Isao Tomita
  • Patent number: 8554025
    Abstract: An optical connector is described. This optical connector spatially segregates optical coupling between an optical fiber and an optical component, which relaxes the associated mechanical-alignment requirements. In particular, the optical connector includes an optical spreader component disposed on a substrate. This optical spreader component is optically coupled to the optical fiber at a first coupling region, and is configured to optically couple to the optical component at a second coupling region that is at a different location on the substrate than the first coupling region. Moreover, the first coupling region and the second coupling region are optically coupled by an optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Drost, John E. Cunningham, Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 8554026
    Abstract: A light transmission assembly includes a light circuit board and a light transmission module. The board is embedded with waveguide layers, the waveguides layers includes core wires and shielding lays sandwiching the core wires, the waveguide layers defines a second light port portion of which the core wires defines vertical end faces. The light transmission module includes a base and a first light port portion projecting from a first face of the base, the first light port portion defines vertical end faces, the base defines a slanting surface at a second face opposite to the first face thereof. The first and second light port portions are aligned with each other when the light transmission module is coupled with light circuit board so that light lines go directly from the core wires through the light transmission module and reflect at the slant surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Chih Chang, Ke-Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 8548292
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly (1) of integrated optical components and methods of producing thereof wherein the assembly (1) of optically linked optical components comprises a motherboard (2) having one or more primary lateral reference features (28) and a sub-assembly (20) comprising an optical component (22) mounted on a daughterboard (24), said sub-assembly (20) having one or more secondary lateral reference features (30). The primary lateral reference features may be optical alignment features. The daughterboard (24) may be mounted on the motherboard (2) such that the optical component (22) may extend into a motherboard recess (18). The lateral alignment of the component (22) with the motherboard (2) is provided by aligning the primary (28) and secondary lateral reference features (30). The daughterboard (24) may further comprise tertiary lateral reference features (42) which in combination with the secondary lateral reference features 30 form a self correcting alignment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David Rogers, Graeme Maxwell, Sebastien Lardenois
  • Patent number: 8548285
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical sensor module which eliminates the need for the operation of alignment between a core in an optical waveguide section and an optical element in a substrate section, and an optical sensor module obtained thereby. An optical waveguide section W1 including groove portions (fitting portions) 4a for the positioning of a substrate section, and a substrate section E1 including fitting plate portions (to-be-fitted portions) 5a for fitting engagement with the groove portions 4a are individually produced. The fitting plate portions 5a in the substrate section E1 are brought into fitting engagement with the groove portions 4a in the optical waveguide section W1 whereby the substrate section E1 and the optical waveguide section W1 are integrated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Hodono
  • Patent number: 8538215
    Abstract: A package for an electronic chip including an optical component protects the chip and the component, while allowing for an optical connection of the component with another optical device. This is achieved, in various embodiments, by forming a well in a protective material deposited over the chip to expose the optical component, and by providing alignment features in the protective material to align and connect the optical component with another optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Shrenik Deliwala, Dipak Sengupta
  • Patent number: 8523455
    Abstract: A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 8515228
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involve: yieldably urging movement of a first section relative to a second section in two directions transverse to each other and to a reference axis of the first section, where an optical fiber end portion can be supported on the first section; selectively operating positioning structures that respectively move the first section relative to the second section in the two directions against the yieldable urging. A different method and apparatus involve: selectively operating positioning structure that can move a first section with a reference axis relative to a second section in directions within a plane perpendicular to the axis, that can maintain the first section in a selected position, and that includes plural angularly-offset radial threaded openings in the second section that each have a screw therein with an end engaging the first section, an optical fiber end portion being supported on the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter A. Rozitis
  • Patent number: 8498504
    Abstract: An integrated optical transmission board in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes: a first optical transmission board having a first optical transmission line; a second optical transmission board having a second optical transmission line; and an optical coupling structure which is disposed between the first optical transmission board and the second optical transmission board and has a third optical transmission line for providing optical connection between the first optical transmission line and the second optical transmission line. The first optical transmission board further has a first engagement portion provided in an area thereof opposed to the optical coupling structure. The optical coupling structure further has a second engagement portion provided in an area thereof opposed to the first optical transmission board so as to make engagement with the first engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Matsubara, Keiko Oda
  • Patent number: 8467640
    Abstract: An optical waveguide unit having board unit engaging vertical grooves and a board unit having engagement plate portions to be fitted in the vertical grooves and projections are individually produced, and the engagement plate portions and the projections are brought into fitting engagement with the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit. At this time, the projections are deformed to accommodate the tolerances of the components, thereby preventing wobbling and warpage of the board unit. Further, the vertical grooves of the optical waveguide unit are provided in proper positions with respect to a light transmission face of a core, and the engagement plate portions of the board unit are provided in proper positions with respect to the optical element. Therefore, the fitting engagement between the vertical grooves and the engagement plate portions permits proper positioning of the light transmission face of the core and the optical element for self-alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Hodono
  • Publication number: 20130148926
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an optical coupler system. A first plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first receptacle using an alignment system to align the first plurality of optical fibers in the first receptacle. A second plurality of optical fibers is connected to a second receptacle using the alignment system to align the second plurality of optical fibers in the second receptacle. The first receptacle is connected to a star coupler. The first plurality of optical fibers is optically connected to a mixing channel in the star coupler. The second receptacle is connected to the star coupler. The second plurality of optical fibers is optically connected to the mixing channel in the star coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Dennis Gary Koshinz, Eric Y. Chan
  • Patent number: 8459879
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes an optical fiber, a body and an optical fiber receiving block. The body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface. The top surface and the bottom surface extend from the front surface to the rear surface. The body defines a receiving groove in the rear surface. The body includes a lens portion arranged at the front surface. The optical fiber receiving block is attached on the body in the receiving groove. The optical fiber receiving block defines a through hole therein. The through hole receives the optical fiber. The lens portion is optically coupled with the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Chan Wu
  • Patent number: 8463091
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods to reconfigure highly scalable and modular automated optical cross connect switch devices comprised of large numbers of densely packed fiber strands suspended within a common volume. In particular, methods enabling programmable interconnection of large numbers of optical fibers (100's-1000's) are provided, whereby a two-dimensional input array of fiber optic connections is mapped in an ordered and rule-based fashion into a one-dimensional array. A particular algorithmic implementation for a system reconfigured by a three-axis robotic gripper as well as lateral translation of each row in the input port array is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Patent number: 8457458
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an optical interface employing optics (e.g., lenses) that image the beams rather than collimate the beams. More specifically, each connector at an interface includes optics, e.g., a lens, adapted to receive a diverging beam emanating from field point and image the beam to an image point at a predetermined distance from the imaging lens. A connector employing such optics may, for instance, be effectively mated to either a similar connector with the same optics or to a connector having no lens. Specifically, it may effectively be mated to a second connector having no lens via a second connector structure that places the receiving optical component at the image point of the focusing optics of the first connector. Alternately, such a connector may be effectively mated to a second connector having an identical lens to the first connector provided that the first and second connector structures are adapted to mate such that the image points of the two lenses are coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, David William Cormanv
  • Patent number: 8452138
    Abstract: An optical sensor module is provided in which an engagement portion of a board unit is fitted in a groove of an optical waveguide unit and, even with the single engagement portion, the board unit is stably supported. An optical sensor module includes an optical waveguide unit, and a board unit mounted with an optical element and coupled to the optical waveguide unit. The optical waveguide unit includes a single edge extension portion axially extending along one side edge of an over-cladding layer, a board unit engagement groove provided in the single edge extension portion, and a projection provided on a side wall of the vertical groove and kept in abutment against an engagement portion of the board unit. The board unit includes an engagement portion fitted in the vertical groove, which abuts against the projection within the vertical groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Ryusuke Naito, Emiko Tani, Masayuki Hodono, Yusuke Shimizu, Kei Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8449202
    Abstract: A connector comprises a housing, a lever and a lock portion. The housing receives terminals. The lever, rotatably attached to the housing, is configured to be rotatable between a first position, where an initial stage of fitting to a counterpart connector is established, and a second position, where the fitting thereof is completed. The lock portion, capable of locking the lever at the second position, is slidably attached to a body portion of the lever, and configured to be slid between a lock position and a lock release position. The lever is provided with a positioning latch-portion configured to latch the lock portion. The positioning latch-portion is provided with a concave latch-portion and a convex latch-portion configured to be elastically displaced to be engaged in or disengaged from the concave latch-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimotsu, Masayuki Arai
  • Publication number: 20130121642
    Abstract: In the method, a slot is cut into a base, an optical fiber is disposed within the slot so that it touches neither the sides nor the bottom, a solidifiable product is deposited onto the optical fiber, a limited polymerization area of the solidifiable product is defined near the opto-electronic component, one part of the solidifiable product is partially solidified so as to allow the optical fiber a limited range of movement, the optical fiber is moved so as to align its optical axis with the optical axis of the opto-electronic component, and the solidifiable product is completely solidified so as to fasten the optical fiber within the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ALCATEL LUCENT
    Inventor: Phillippe Charbonnier
  • Patent number: 8430576
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe optical cable housings including fiber termination units to couple optical fiber components to lenses. As in prior art solutions, embodiments of the invention utilize said fiber termination units to couple and optically align the optical fiber to the lenses; however, embodiments of the invention include flat-sided structures to more securely couple the optical fiber to the lenses; furthermore, said structures are more suitable for mass manufacturing compared to prior art solutions. Discussion herein of connectors and receptacles refers to providing a mechanical and communicative connection. The mating of the connector/receptacle may be facilitated via housing and alignment structural features, and typically includes contact of the electrical contacts and alignment of fiber optical signal transmission elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jamyuen Ko
  • Patent number: 8428403
    Abstract: An optical sensor module is provided which reduces variations in optical coupling loss between a core in an optical waveguide unit and an optical element in a substrate unit and which reduces the optical coupling loss. The optical waveguide unit including vertical groove portions for fitting engagement with the substrate unit and the substrate unit including fitting plate portions for fitting engagement with the vertical groove portions are produced individually. The fitting plate portions in the substrate unit are brought into fitting engagement with the vertical groove portions in the optical waveguide unit, so that the substrate unit and the optical waveguide unit are integrated together. The vertical groove portions in the optical waveguide unit are in an appropriate position relative to a light-transmissive surface of the core. The fitting plate portions in the substrate unit are in an appropriate position relative to the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Hodono
  • Patent number: 8419296
    Abstract: An optical fiber structure (10) includes an optical fiber (11a), and a block-like chip (12) joined to the optical fiber (11a). The block-like chip (12) is tapered toward its fiber-joined end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Murayama, Motohiko Yamasaki, Takeshi Satake, Masahiro Miura
  • Patent number: 8408813
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector for making a mechanical splice with an optical fiber secured in an optical fiber handler is disclosed. The fiber optic connector provides the craft with a simple, fast and reliable way for terminating the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Joshua D. Raker, Greg J. Scherer, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 8412052
    Abstract: Self alignment of Optoelectronic (OE) chips, such as photodiode (PD) modules and vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) modules, to external waveguides or fiber arrays may be realized by packaging the OE chips directly in the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Edris M. Mohammed
  • Patent number: 8406588
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a fiber-support block configured to couple cores of a plurality of optical fibers, and a lens-support block including a contact surface provided with a plurality of openings, the contact surface contacted to a contact surface of the fiber-support block, the cores of the optical fibers projecting from the contact surface of the fiber-support block insertable into the respective openings, the lens-support block having pairs of collimate lenses and convex lenses in the respective openings, each of the collimate lenses and a corresponding one of the convex lenses being spaced apart from each other in an optical-axis direction, the collimate lenses being movable in the optical-axis direction and being pressed by elastically deformable members, respectively, in the optical-axis direction and toward the contact surface of the fiber-support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Jun Matsui
  • Patent number: 8406585
    Abstract: An optical wiring member according to the present invention includes: a substrate on which a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device are mounted; and an optical waveguide comprising a communication optical waveguide core and an optical waveguide clad that entirely covers the communication optical waveguide core, the optical waveguide being mounted on the substrate, in which the optical waveguide is equipped with a position-aligning light guiding portion for introducing position-aligning light into the communication optical waveguide core. By using, as a target light, the position-aligning light that is introduced into the communication optical waveguide core 3 and exits from the substrate, at least either the light-emitting device or the light-receiving device can be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takami Ushiwata, Kouki Hirano