Patent US4676584A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4676584A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Fiber optic light coupling assemblies
Assignee: Metatech Corp
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Filing: 1983-06-22
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Granted: 1987-06-30
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Expires: 2003-06-22
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic light coupling assembly is disclosed including at least one local physical distortion introduced into the geometry of a fiber at a position intermediate its ends. Light is introduced into the fiber at this position and is directed essentially unidirectionally therefrom toward a desired end of the fiber for processing and retransmission of a light signal back through the fiber for exit at the other end thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred R. Perlin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 13:42
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2852; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A fiber optic light coupling assembly comprising a light source, an optical fiber having a fiber body of finite length with a first and a second end and at least one physical distortion shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber integrally formed in the body of the fiber at a position intermediate the first and second ends of said fiber for introducing light from said light source into said fiber by directing a light beam from said light source at said at least one physical distortion whereby said light beam enters into said fiber at said position intermediate said first and second ends of said fiber and is transmitted essentially unidirectionally from said intermediate position to one of said ends of said fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A fiber optic light coupling assembly comprising a light source, an optical fiber having a fiber body of finite length with a first and a second end and at least one physical distortion shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber integrally formed in the body of the fiber at a position intermediate the first and second ends of said fiber for introducing light from said light source into said fiber by directing a light beam from said light source at said at least one physical distortion whereby said light beam enters into said fiber at said position intermediate said first and second ends of said fiber and is transmitted essentially unidirectionally from said intermediate position to one of said ends of said fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light transmitted to said second end of said fiber is projected onto a reflective surface with at least a portion of the projected light being reflected back into said fiber at said second end for retransmission in a reverse direction and detection at said first end of said fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light source is positioned so that the beam of light therefrom is directed at said physical distortion at an angle of incidence not exceeding Brewster's angle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 3 wherein said angle of incidence approximates Brewster's angle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
117 words
A coupler for introducing light into an optical fiber such that the introduced light is transmitted through said fiber in a predetermined direction, said fiber being of finite length with a first and a second end, said coupler comprising at least one physical distortion in the geometry of said fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends of said fiber and shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber so as to allow light directed at said physical distortion to enter said fiber at said position intermediate said ends of said fiber and to be transmitted essentially unidirectionally from said position to one of said ends of said fiber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
117 words
A coupler for introducing light into an optical fiber such that the introduced light is transmitted through said fiber in a predetermined direction, said fiber being of finite length with a first and a second end, said coupler comprising at least one physical distortion in the geometry of said fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends of said fiber and shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber so as to allow light directed at said physical distortion to enter said fiber at said position intermediate said ends of said fiber and to be transmitted essentially unidirectionally from said position to one of said ends of said fiber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The coupler of claim 5 wherein said at least one physical distortion of the fiber is partially embedded in a light blocking matrix with a portion projecting out of said matrix for introduction of said light into said fiber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
147 words
A two way optical light coupling assembly comprising an optical fiber of finite length having first and second ends, said fiber including at least one physically distorted region shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends, a light source direction a light beam at said physically distorted region at an angle of incidence such that said light beam enters said fiber at said region for transmission through said fiber essentially unidirectionally from said region to said second end of said fiber, said transmitted light beam projecting from said second end of said fiber onto a reflective surface with at least a portion of the projecting light beam being reflected back into said fiber at said second end for retransmission in a reverse direction and detection at said first end of said fiber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
147 words
A two way optical light coupling assembly comprising an optical fiber of finite length having first and second ends, said fiber including at least one physically distorted region shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends, a light source direction a light beam at said physically distorted region at an angle of incidence such that said light beam enters said fiber at said region for transmission through said fiber essentially unidirectionally from said region to said second end of said fiber, said transmitted light beam projecting from said second end of said fiber onto a reflective surface with at least a portion of the projecting light beam being reflected back into said fiber at said second end for retransmission in a reverse direction and detection at said first end of said fiber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The coupling assembly of claim 7 wherein said angle of incidence of light at said physically distorted region does not exceed Brewster's angle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupling assembly of claim 7 wherein said angle of incidence of light at said physically distorted region approximates Brewster's angle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The coupling assembly of claim 7 wherein said physically distorted region is partially embedded in a light blocking matrix with a portion of the physically distorted surface of the fiber projecting out of said matrix.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
93 words
A two way fiber optic light coupling assembly comprising an optical fiber of finite length having first and second ends, said fiber including at least one physically distorted region shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends and a light source directing a light beam at said physically distorted region at an angle of incidence such that said light beam enters said fiber at said region for transmission through said fiber in a predetermined direction from said region.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
93 words
A two way fiber optic light coupling assembly comprising an optical fiber of finite length having first and second ends, said fiber including at least one physically distorted region shaped in the form of a symmetrical or nonsymmetrical swelling in the surface of the fiber positioned intermediate said first and second ends and a light source directing a light beam at said physically distorted region at an angle of incidence such that said light beam enters said fiber at said region for transmission through said fiber in a predetermined direction from said region.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-06-29 | 1990-12-29 | 1991-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-29 | 1994-12-29 | 1995-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-29 | 1998-12-29 | 1999-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |