US4863231A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Active optical fibre star coupler
Assignee: STC PLC
•
Filing: 1989-02-27
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Granted: 1989-09-05
•
Expires: 2009-02-27
Abstract
Abstract An active optical fibre star coupler having a length of amplifying optical fibre (1) optically connected at one end to a wavelength combining coupler (2) and at the other end to via a beam expanding element (3) to a set of output optical fibres.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin C. Byron
- 👤 Terry Bricheno
- 👤 Alan Fielding
- 👤 Nicholas J. Pitt
- 👤 Robert A. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:07
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
An active optical fibre star coupler having a length of amplifying optical fibre optically connected at one end to a wavelength combining coupler and at the other end via a beam expanding element to a set of output optical fibres.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
An active optical fibre star coupler having a length of amplifying optical fibre optically connected at one end to a wavelength combining coupler and at the other end via a beam expanding element to a set of output optical fibres.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An active optical fibre star coupler according to claim 1 wherein the beam expanding element is a length of tapered optical preform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An active optical fibre star coupler according to claim 2 wherein the wavelength combining coupler is a fused fibre coupler.
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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) | 1992-09-04 | 1993-03-06 | 1993-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-04 | 1997-03-06 | 1997-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-03-06 | 2001-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |