US5553175A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for splitting optical signals and method of operation
Assignee: Optical Switch Corp
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Filing: 1995-05-18
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Granted: 1996-09-03
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Expires: 2015-05-18
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides an apparatus (74 & 200) for switching an optical signal from an input optical fiber (210) to one of a plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216). The apparatus (74 & 200) includes a collimator (76) for collimating an input optical signal into a collimated beam (216) at an angle with respect to a reference and a decollimator (78) for focusing the collimated beam to an output optical signal (220). The present invention also includes a reflector (92, 208, 218, & 222) for reflecting the collimated beam. The reflector (92 & 208) has a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam (216) with respect to the reference so that the output optical signal (220) is focused on one of the plurality of output optical fibers (214 & 216).
Inventors
- 👤 Richard H. Laughlin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:50
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/35; G02B6/351; G02B6/3512; G02B6/352; G02B6/354; G02B6/3554; G02B6/3556; G02B6/3564; G02B6/3568; G02B6/3578; G02B6/3582
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for variably splitting an input optical signal to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection and for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to the output optical location; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; an actuator responsive to a control signal operable to the control spacing between the second refractor and the first refractor so as to partially frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's reflective surface and so that a portion of the collimated beam enters the second refractor and is not directed to the output optical location; and wherein the lens is further operable to decollimate and focus the collimated beam.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for variably splitting an input optical signal to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection and for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to the output optical location; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; an actuator responsive to a control signal operable to the control spacing between the second refractor and the first refractor so as to partially frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's reflective surface and so that a portion of the collimated beam enters the second refractor and is not directed to the output optical location; and wherein the lens is further operable to decollimate and focus the collimated beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator is further operable to variably control the spacing between the first refractor so as to regulate the portion of the collimated beam that enters the second refractor.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
201 words
An apparatus for variably splitting an input optical signal between a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a first lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a second lens for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam; a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection and for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a first output optical location; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; an actuator responsive to a control signal for controlling the spacing between the second refractor and the first refractor so as to partially frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's reflective surface and so that a portion of the collimated beam enters the second refractor and a remaining portion is reflected by the first refractor's reflective surface; and wherein the reflective surface of the second refractor is further operable to reflect the portion of the collimated beam and to change the angle of the portion in order to direct the portion of the beam to a second output optical location.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
201 words
An apparatus for variably splitting an input optical signal between a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a first lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a second lens for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam; a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection and for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a first output optical location; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; an actuator responsive to a control signal for controlling the spacing between the second refractor and the first refractor so as to partially frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's reflective surface and so that a portion of the collimated beam enters the second refractor and a remaining portion is reflected by the first refractor's reflective surface; and wherein the reflective surface of the second refractor is further operable to reflect the portion of the collimated beam and to change the angle of the portion in order to direct the portion of the beam to a second output optical location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the actuator is further operable to variably control the spacing between the first refractor and second refractor so as to regulate the portion of the collimated beam that enters the second refractor.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claims 1 wherein the lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first refractor is a prism.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claims 3 wherein the first lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first refractor is a prism.
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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) | 1999-09-03 | 2000-03-04 | 2000-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-03 | 2004-03-04 | 2004-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-03 | 2008-03-04 | 2008-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |