US5155619A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical AND/OR gate employing non-linear organic polymers and photovoltaic/piezoelectric optical interfaces
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-01-17
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Granted: 1992-10-13
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Expires: 2012-01-17
Abstract
Abstract A multi-channel/multi-layer optical gate contained within a fiber-optic housing having any number of optical cells disposed within the housing. The optical cells are made up of non-linear organic polymers surrounded by a piezoelectric crystal, which is in turn connected to a photovoltaic device. When the photovoltaic device is activated, the piezoelectric crystals cause the non-linear organic polymers to change their refractive index, causing an interruption of a reference laser beam. An output detector is disposed within the fiber-optic housing for detecting the reference laser beam.
Inventors
- 👤 William G. Fellows
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
An optical gate comprising: a non-linear organic polymer having a variable index of refraction; said non-linear organic polymer encased within a piezoelectric housing such that a light beam can pass through said non-linear organic polymer; a photovoltaic device attached to said piezoelectric housing; means for transmitting an input signal attached to said photovoltaic device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
An optical gate comprising: a non-linear organic polymer having a variable index of refraction; said non-linear organic polymer encased within a piezoelectric housing such that a light beam can pass through said non-linear organic polymer; a photovoltaic device attached to said piezoelectric housing; means for transmitting an input signal attached to said photovoltaic device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric housing is round.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric housing is rectangular.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said optical element having a variable index of refraction comprises a non-linear organic polymer wrapped in a flexible piezoelectric plastic film.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising an electrical connection between each of said means connected to said optical element for inputting an electrical input signal to said optical element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 5 further comprising a linking switch disposed within said electrical connection.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said linking switch is controlled by an optical signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said output detector comprises at least one photo-detector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said output detector comprises at least one PIN diode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said output detector comprises at least one charged-coupled device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said means connected to said optical element for inputting an electrical input signal to said optical element comprises a photovoltaic device disposed within a fiber optic cable.
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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) | 1995-10-13 | 1996-04-13 | 1996-10-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-13 | 2000-04-13 | 2000-10-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-13 | 2004-04-13 | 2004-10-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |