US5331449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber tree and branch network for AM signal distribution
Assignee: Corning Inc
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Filing: 1993-03-15
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Granted: 1994-07-19
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Expires: 2013-03-15
Abstract
Abstract The use of a doped optical fiber amplifier enables the transmission of multi-channel AM-VSB television signals. An Erbium doped fiber amplifier is disclosed. The amplifier is also useful for reducing second order distortion products produced in an amplitude modulated subcarrier optical communication system. The amplifier may be used in a tree and branch structure optical fiber television network.
Inventors
- 👤 David R. Huber
- 👤 Douglas W. Hall
- 👤 Edward F. Murphy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:09
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B10/00; H04B10/27; H04B10/272; H04B10/29; H04B10/291; H04B10/2912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
An optical fiber tree and branch network for distributing AM subcarrier multiplexed information comprising: a first optical fiber splitter; an input on said splitter for receiving a modulated light signal carrying multiplexed AM subcarriers; a plurality of outputs on said splitter for distributing said modulated light signal; and means for amplifying the modulated light signal with an optical amplifier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
An optical fiber tree and branch network for distributing AM subcarrier multiplexed information comprising: a first optical fiber splitter; an input on said splitter for receiving a modulated light signal carrying multiplexed AM subcarriers; a plurality of outputs on said splitter for distributing said modulated light signal; and means for amplifying the modulated light signal with an optical amplifier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A network in accordance with claim 1 comprising: a plurality of additional optical fiber splitters, each having an input for receiving said modulated light signal from an output of a previous splitter and a plurality of outputs for distributing the modulated light signal, wherein said amplifying means amplifies the modulated light signal before it is input to each additional splitter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A network in accordance with claim 2 wherein said amplifying means comprises a plurality of doped fiber amplifiers, each amplifying the modulated light signal input to a different splitter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A network in accordance with claim 3 wherein said amplifiers are Erbium doped fiber amplifiers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A network in accordance with claim 1 wherein said modulated light signal is provided by one or more lasers modulated with a cable television signal containing at least 30 channels of AM subcarrier video information.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A network in accordance with claim 1 wherein said optical amplifier has a long excited state lifetime with respect to the periods of said subcarriers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A network in accordance with claim 1 wherein said optical amplifier is a doped optical fiber amplifier.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A network in accordance with claim 7 wherein said optical fiber amplifier is doped with a rare-earth element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A network in accordance with claim 8 wherein said rare-earth element is erbium.
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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) | 1997-07-18 | 1998-01-17 | 1998-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-18 | 2002-01-17 | 2002-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-18 | 2006-01-17 | 2006-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |