Patent US5647033A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5647033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for switching optical signals and method of operation
Assignee: Optical Switch Corp
•
Filing: 1995-05-18
•
Granted: 1997-07-08
•
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
2026-11-07 15:22
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: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a collimating lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to the selected output optical location.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a collimating lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to the selected output optical location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the collimating lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the decollimating lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reflector comprises a mirror.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an actuator responsive to a control signal for moving the reflector between the plurality of positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a return reflector for reflecting the collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam after reflection by the return reflector, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; a return reflector for reflecting the collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam after reflection by the return reflector, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the lens is further operable to decollimate and focus the collimated beam to the selected output optical location after reflection by the return reflector and the reflector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the return reflector and the reflector comprise mirrors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an actuator responsive to a control signal for moving the reflector between the plurality of positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a collimating lens for collimating each input optical signal into a collimated beam; a reflector for reflecting each collimated beam, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to the selected output optical location.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a collimating lens for collimating each input optical signal into a collimated beam; a reflector for reflecting each collimated beam, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to the selected output optical location.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a return loop coupled to the collimating lens and decollimating lens, the return loop operable to route an optical signal from the decollimating lens to the collimating lens.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the collimating lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the decollimating lens comprises a GRIN lens.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the reflector comprises a mirror.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a return loop having a first end and a second end, both the first end and second end are coupled to the decollimating lens, the return loop operable to route an optical signal from the first end to the second end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising an actuator responsive to a control signal for moving the reflector between the plurality of positions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising: a first return loop having a first end coupled to a first selected output optical location and a second end coupled to the decollimating lens; a second return loop having a first end coupled to a second selected output optical location and a second end coupled to the decollimating lens; and the first return loop and the second return loop operable to route an optical signal from their respective first end to their respective second end.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating each input optical signal into a collimated beam; a return reflector for reflecting each collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting each collimated beam after reflection by the return reflector, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the apparatus comprising: a lens for collimating each input optical signal into a collimated beam; a return reflector for reflecting each collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting each collimated beam after reflection by the return reflector, the reflector having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the lens is further operable to decollimate and focus each collimated beam to the selected output optical location after reflection by the return reflector and the reflector.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the return reflector and reflector comprise mirrors.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising an actuator responsive to a control signal for moving the reflector between the plurality of positions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the actuator comprises a piezo-electrical device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a return loop having a first end and a second end, both the first end and second end are coupled to the lens, the return loop operable to route an optical signal from the first end to the second end.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first end of the return loop is coupled to the selected one of the output optical locations.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam using a collimating lens; changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount using a movable reflector, the movable reflector having a plurality of positions with each position changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to the selected one of the output optical locations using a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector after the changing the angle step.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam using a collimating lens; changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount using a movable reflector, the movable reflector having a plurality of positions with each position changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount to direct the beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to the selected one of the output optical locations using a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector after the changing the angle step.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount by, first reflecting the collimated beam with a reflector having a plurality of positions, each position changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount, and second reflecting the collimated beam with a return reflector after the first reflecting step to direct the collimated beam to the reflector; and decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to one of the output optical locations after the changing the angle step.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for switching an input optical signal to one of a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating the input optical signal into a collimated beam; changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount by, first reflecting the collimated beam with a reflector having a plurality of positions, each position changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount, and second reflecting the collimated beam with a return reflector after the first reflecting step to direct the collimated beam to the reflector; and decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to one of the output optical locations after the changing the angle step.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating each of the input optical signals into a collimated beam using a collimating lens; changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount with a reflector having a plurality of positions with each position changing the angle of the collimated beams by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to the selected one of the output optical locations using a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector after the changing the angle step.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating each of the input optical signals into a collimated beam using a collimating lens; changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount with a reflector having a plurality of positions with each position changing the angle of the collimated beams by a selected amount to direct each collimated beam to a selected one of the output optical locations; and decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to the selected one of the output optical locations using a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector after the changing the angle step.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating each of the input optical signals into a collimated beam; changing the angle of each collimated beam by, first reflecting each collimated beam with a reflector having a plurality of positions, each position changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount, and second reflecting each collimated beam with a return reflector after the first reflecting step to direct each collimated beam to the reflector; and decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to one of the output optical locations after the changing the angle step.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical locations, the method comprising: collimating each of the input optical signals into a collimated beam; changing the angle of each collimated beam by, first reflecting each collimated beam with a reflector having a plurality of positions, each position changing the angle of each collimated beam by a selected amount, and second reflecting each collimated beam with a return reflector after the first reflecting step to direct each collimated beam to the reflector; and decollimating and focusing each collimated beam to one of the output optical locations after the changing the angle step.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
161 words
A system for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical signals, the system comprising; a switch array comprising a plurality of switches, each switch comprising: an optical input and a plurality of optical outputs; a collimating lens for collimating an optical signal from an input into a collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam and having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the collimated beam to a different one of the switch's outputs, each position corresponding to one of the switch's outputs; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to one of the switch's outputs; and a controller for controlling the switching of optical signals within each switch in the switch array so that each input optical signal is directed to a desired output optical signal.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
161 words
A system for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical signals, the system comprising; a switch array comprising a plurality of switches, each switch comprising: an optical input and a plurality of optical outputs; a collimating lens for collimating an optical signal from an input into a collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam and having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the collimated beam to a different one of the switch's outputs, each position corresponding to one of the switch's outputs; and a decollimating lens separate from the collimating lens and the reflector for decollimating and focusing the collimated beam to one of the switch's outputs; and a controller for controlling the switching of optical signals within each switch in the switch array so that each input optical signal is directed to a desired output optical signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 33 wherein the switch array is organized into first and second switch stages.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
256 words
A system for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical signals, the system comprising; a switch array comprising a plurality of switches, each switch comprising: an optical input and a plurality of optical outputs; a lens for collimating an optical signal from the input into a collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam and having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a different one of the switch's outputs, each position corresponding to one of the switch's outputs, wherein the reflector further comprises: a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; wherein the second refractor's contact surface is operable to frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's first reflective surface when the second refractor is brought into proximal contact with the first refractor and so that the collimated beam enters the second refractor; and wherein the second refractor's reflective surface is operable to reflect the collimated beam and to change the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a different one of the switch's outputs; and a controller for controlling the switching of optical signals within each switch in the switch array so that each input optical signal is directed to a desired output optical signal.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
256 words
A system for switching a plurality of input optical signals to a plurality of output optical signals, the system comprising; a switch array comprising a plurality of switches, each switch comprising: an optical input and a plurality of optical outputs; a lens for collimating an optical signal from the input into a collimated beam; and a reflector for reflecting the collimated beam and having a plurality of positions for changing the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a different one of the switch's outputs, each position corresponding to one of the switch's outputs, wherein the reflector further comprises: a first refractor having a first reflective surface for reflecting the collimated beam by total internal reflection; a second refractor having a contact surface and a reflective surface; wherein the second refractor's contact surface is operable to frustrate the total internal reflection of the collimated beam by the first refractor's first reflective surface when the second refractor is brought into proximal contact with the first refractor and so that the collimated beam enters the second refractor; and wherein the second refractor's reflective surface is operable to reflect the collimated beam and to change the angle of the collimated beam by a selected amount in order to direct the beam to a different one of the switch's outputs; and a controller for controlling the switching of optical signals within each switch in the switch array so that each input optical signal is directed to a desired output optical signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3649105A
Cited
US4498730A
Cited
US4249814A
Cited
US4303302A
Cited
US4796263A
Cited
US4657339A
Cited
US4613203A
Cited
US4626066A
Cited
US4714326A
Cited
US4814600A
Cited
US4738500A
Cited
US4838637A
Cited
US4790621A
Cited
US4927225A
Cited
US5031987A
Cited
US5204922A
Cited
US5199088A
Cited
US5221987A
Cited
US5208880A
Cited
US5436986A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-07-07 | 2001-01-06 | 2001-07-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-07-07 | 2005-01-06 | 2005-07-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-07-07 | 2009-01-06 | 2009-07-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |