US4815827A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical switch structures
Assignee: The General Electric Company PLC
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Filing: 1987-03-09
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Granted: 1989-03-28
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Expires: 2007-03-09
Abstract
Abstract A multi-input/output optical switch structure comprises a pair of parallel, inwardly facing main mirror elements 24, 25 and mounted equidistant between the main mirror elements is a co-linear array of optical switching units 40. To provide the multi-switching function and to compensate for the fact that the switch units are in a colinear array there are a plurality of additional mirror elements (41,42,43,44) mounted between the linear array and one main mirror element.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H. R. Lane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:52
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An optical switch structure for switching two input light rays between two outputs, and comprising: (a) first and second main mirror surfaces which are parallel, face each other and are spaced apart by a distance L; (b) a linear array of four individual optical switch units mounted in a plane of symmetry between said first and second main mirror surfaces, each optical switch including a switchable transmissive/reflective interface; and (c) an additional mirror element mounted at a distance L/4 from one of said main mirror surfaces, and located on a line perpendicular to said main mirror surfaces and passing through a mid-point of said linear array.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An optical switch structure for switching two input light rays between two outputs, and comprising: (a) first and second main mirror surfaces which are parallel, face each other and are spaced apart by a distance L; (b) a linear array of four individual optical switch units mounted in a plane of symmetry between said first and second main mirror surfaces, each optical switch including a switchable transmissive/reflective interface; and (c) an additional mirror element mounted at a distance L/4 from one of said main mirror surfaces, and located on a line perpendicular to said main mirror surfaces and passing through a mid-point of said linear array.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
109 words
An optical switch structure for switching four input light rays between two outputs, and comprising: (a) first and second main mirror surfaces which are parallel, face each other and are spaced apart by a distance L; (b) a linear array of twelve individual optical switch units mounted in a plane of symmetry between said first and second main mirror surfaces, each optical switch including a switchable transmissive/reflective interface; and (c) four additional mirror elements, of which two are mounted at a distance L/4 from one of said main mirror surfaces, and the remaining two additional mirror elements being spaced by a distance L/8 from said one main mirror surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
An optical switch structure for switching four input light rays between two outputs, and comprising: (a) first and second main mirror surfaces which are parallel, face each other and are spaced apart by a distance L; (b) a linear array of twelve individual optical switch units mounted in a plane of symmetry between said first and second main mirror surfaces, each optical switch including a switchable transmissive/reflective interface; and (c) four additional mirror elements, of which two are mounted at a distance L/4 from one of said main mirror surfaces, and the remaining two additional mirror elements being spaced by a distance L/8 from said one main mirror surface.
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) | 1992-03-27 | 1992-09-26 | 1993-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-27 | 1996-09-26 | 1997-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-27 | 2000-09-26 | 2001-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |