US4519671A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical attenuator
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1983-04-01
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Granted: 1985-05-28
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Expires: 2003-04-01
Abstract
Abstract Continuously variable attenuation between the substantially abutting ends of two optical fibers is provided by varying the angle formed between the fiber ends. In the disclosed embodiment, the ends of two optical fibers are abutted and biased against a fiber receiving member. The varying angle is then formed by displacement of the receiving member.
Inventors
- 👤 Lyn Curtis
- 👤 William C. Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:48
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/264; G02B6/266
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
Apparatus for providing variable attenuation of an optical signal, said apparatus comprising means adapted to receive at least one pair of signal conducting optical fibers each having a longitudinal axis wherein the fibers in each pair are in series with one another and the fiber ends in each pair abut one another, means for biasing the ends of any received pair of optical fibers against said receiving means, and means for forming a variable angle between the the longitudinal axes of any received pair of optical fibers while maintaining contact between the ends of said pair of fibers, said optical signal attenuation being a function of said formed angle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
Apparatus for providing variable attenuation of an optical signal, said apparatus comprising means adapted to receive at least one pair of signal conducting optical fibers each having a longitudinal axis wherein the fibers in each pair are in series with one another and the fiber ends in each pair abut one another, means for biasing the ends of any received pair of optical fibers against said receiving means, and means for forming a variable angle between the the longitudinal axes of any received pair of optical fibers while maintaining contact between the ends of said pair of fibers, said optical signal attenuation being a function of said formed angle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises a structural member having a V-groove formed therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the ends of said optical fibers are spherical.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said forming means displaces said receiving means to form said variable angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said receiving means is adapted to receive one pair of signal conducting optical fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said variable angle is less than or equal to 180°.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of providing variable attenuation of an optical signal comprising the steps of receiving at least one pair of signal conducting optical fibers wherein the fibers in each pair are in series with one another and the fiber ends in each pair abut one another, biasing the ends of any received pair of optical fibers against a surface, and forming a variable angle between the ends of any received pair of optical fibers while maintaining contact therebetween.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of providing variable attenuation of an optical signal comprising the steps of receiving at least one pair of signal conducting optical fibers wherein the fibers in each pair are in series with one another and the fiber ends in each pair abut one another, biasing the ends of any received pair of optical fibers against a surface, and forming a variable angle between the ends of any received pair of optical fibers while maintaining contact therebetween.
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) | 1988-05-27 | 1988-11-26 | 1989-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-27 | 1992-11-26 | 1993-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-27 | 1996-11-26 | 1997-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |