US4432601A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for coupling and decoupling of optical fiber waveguides
Assignee: Tekade Felten and Guilleaume Fernmeldeanlagen GmbH
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Filing: 1981-02-17
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Granted: 1984-02-21
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Expires: 2001-02-17
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for coupling and decoupling of optical radiation, in particular for laser light in optical fiber waveguides. The optical fiber waveguides are positioned in V-grooves and brought to a beam splitter. The beam splitter is adjusted by independent carriage guides and rotary guides, in order to separate a part of the radiation, which is representatively predetermined and required for control purposes.
Inventors
- 👤 Lothar Mannschke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:54
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/262; G02B6/36; G02B6/3616
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for coupling and decoupling of optical fiber waveguides to an optical beam splitter comprising a frame for supporting and guiding said fiber waveguides in a plane; a cover plate arranged above said frame, said beam splitter being attached to said cover plate and suspended into said plane, a universal joint arranged below said plane for supporting said beam splitter so that the latter together with said cover plate are swingable relative to said frame; and means for fixing said waveguides and said beam splitter in an adjusted position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
An apparatus for coupling and decoupling of optical fiber waveguides to an optical beam splitter comprising a frame for supporting and guiding said fiber waveguides in a plane; a cover plate arranged above said frame, said beam splitter being attached to said cover plate and suspended into said plane, a universal joint arranged below said plane for supporting said beam splitter so that the latter together with said cover plate are swingable relative to said frame; and means for fixing said waveguides and said beam splitter in an adjusted position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising means for shifting the position of said universal joint parallel to said plane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said universal joint includes a base socket, a top socket and a ball between said sockets; and said shifting means including setting screws provided on said frame to engage and shift said base socket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said cover plate is elastically supported on said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said universal joint is elastically supported on said frame.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said optical fiber waveguides are guided in V-grooves formed in said frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting angular position of said cover plate relative to said frame in two orthogonal planes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the beam splitter is a prism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the beam splitter is a cube-shaped prism.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising optical imaging device connected to the beam splitter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the optical imaging device comprises a rod lens.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the length of the rod lens corresponds to its focal length.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of coupling and decoupling optical fiber waveguides to an optical beam splitter comprising the steps of supporting the beam splitter for a universal swinging motion in a plane; supporting said fiber waveguides for axial movement in said plane while maintaining contact of the ends of said waveguides with said beam splitter; adjusting the angular position of said beam splitter; and fixing the adjusted position of said beam splitter and of said fiber waveguides.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of coupling and decoupling optical fiber waveguides to an optical beam splitter comprising the steps of supporting the beam splitter for a universal swinging motion in a plane; supporting said fiber waveguides for axial movement in said plane while maintaining contact of the ends of said waveguides with said beam splitter; adjusting the angular position of said beam splitter; and fixing the adjusted position of said beam splitter and of said fiber waveguides.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising the step of adjusting the position of said beam splitter parallel to said plane.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 13 wherein the beam splitter is an optical prism.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as defined in claim 13, wherein after the adjustment, the optical fiber waveguides are glued or fused to the corresponding beam splitter surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as defined in claim 16, wherein the optical fiber waveguides are glued to the beam splitter with a material matching the refraction index of the optical material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-02-20 | 1987-08-22 | 1988-02-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-02-20 | 1991-08-22 | 1992-02-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-02-20 | 1995-08-22 | 1996-02-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |