US6049641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Connection system for optical redundancy
Assignee: Gemfire Corp
•
Filing: 1998-02-24
•
Granted: 2000-04-11
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Expires: 2018-02-24
Abstract
Abstract A redundant optical connection system is manufactured in specially prepared form to allow optical connections to be made at a later step. In response to information specifying which of the optical sources are functional, further structure may be activated or introduced into the connection system which guides optical energy to optical outputs from only those of the sources that are functional. In one aspect of the invention, the preliminary form includes primary guiding structures coupling each of a plurality of primary optical sources to a respective application structure, and a secondary guiding structure coupled to a secondary optical source and terminating without yet coupling to any application structure. If the information indicates that one of the primary optical sources is non-functional, then structure can be added or activated which transfers optical energy from the secondary guiding structure into the primary guiding structure corresponding to the non-functional source. In another aspect of the invention, the preliminary form includes a material having N optical sources and more than N output guiding structures. A gap region is provided in the material between the outputs of the optical sources and the inputs of the output guiding structures. Additional guiding structures are later formed or activated in response to the information, to guide optical energy to the inputs of the output guiding structures from only functional ones of the optical sources.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. G. Deacon
- 👤 Richard B. Tompane
- 👤 William K. Bischel
- 👤 Tony C. Kowalczyk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:28
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q11/00; H04Q11/0001; H04Q11/0005; H04Q2011/0037; H04Q2011/0043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 108
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy from a plurality of optical sources to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of primary waveguides crossing a redundancy array region from a plurality of upstream inputs in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective plurality of downstream outputs, a first cross-connection waveguide intersecting a first subset greater than one of said primary waveguides within said redundancy array region; a first optical redirector disposed to transfer optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into only a first one of the primary waveguides which said first cross-connection waveguide intersects, in a downstream direction, and an optical source that fails predetermined functionality criteria, disposed upstream of said first optical redirector in a path to guide optical energy into said first primary waveguide.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy from a plurality of optical sources to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of primary waveguides crossing a redundancy array region from a plurality of upstream inputs in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective plurality of downstream outputs, a first cross-connection waveguide intersecting a first subset greater than one of said primary waveguides within said redundancy array region; a first optical redirector disposed to transfer optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into only a first one of the primary waveguides which said first cross-connection waveguide intersects, in a downstream direction, and an optical source that fails predetermined functionality criteria, disposed upstream of said first optical redirector in a path to guide optical energy into said first primary waveguide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first optical redirector is distinct from said primary waveguides and from said first cross-connection waveguide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said optical sources is aligned with said first cross-connection waveguide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical source that is aligned with said first cross-connection waveguide satisfies predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondary waveguide extending into said redundancy array region from upstream of said redundancy array region and intersecting said first cross-connection waveguide; and a second optical redirector disposed to couple optical energy from said secondary waveguide into said first cross-connection waveguide toward said first optical redirector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second cross-connection waveguide intersecting, at least a second subset of said primary waveguides within said redundancy array region.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an optical source that satisfies said predetermined functionality criteria, aligned with said secondary waveguide upstream of said second optical redirector.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
92 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said primary waveguides extends through a parallel region and into an application region at an entry thereof and having predetermined spacings therebetween at said entry of said application region, wherein said secondary waveguide extends into and terminates within said parallel region, and wherein all of said primary waveguides are straight and parallel to each other within said parallel region and have said predetermined spacings therebetween within said parallel region, said secondary waveguide being interleaved between two of said primary waveguides in said parallel region.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said primary waveguides is aligned with a respective optical source upstream of said redundancy array region, said first primary waveguide being aligned with said optical source that fails predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said primary waveguides extends into said redundancy array region from a preliminary array region upstream of said redundancy array region, further comprising: a plurality of preliminary cross-connection waveguides intersecting at least respective ones of said primary waveguides within said preliminary array region, and an optical redirector disposed to redirect optical energy from at least a subset of said preliminary cross-connection waveguides into respective ones of said primary waveguides toward said redundancy array region.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein no optical source which satisfies predetermined functionality criteria is aligned with any preliminary cross-connection waveguide from which an optical redirector is disposed to redirect optical energy to said first primary waveguide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of said optical redirectors comprises a mirror.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said primary waveguides fan out through a fanout region upstream of said redundancy array region, said primary waveguides following a curved path through said fanout region and being straight and parallel to each other within said redundancy array region.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
136 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy from a plurality of optical sources to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of primary waveguides crossing a redundancy array region from a plurality of upstream inputs in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective plurality of downstream outputs; a first cross-connection waveguide intersecting at least a first subset of said primary waveguides within said redundancy array region, said first subset including first and second primary waveguides; a first optical redirector disposed to couple optical energy from said first primary waveguide into said first cross-connection waveguide toward said second primary waveguide; and a second optical redirector disposed to couple optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into said second primary waveguide in a downstream direction, at least one of said first and second optical redirectors being permanent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
136 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy from a plurality of optical sources to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of primary waveguides crossing a redundancy array region from a plurality of upstream inputs in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective plurality of downstream outputs; a first cross-connection waveguide intersecting at least a first subset of said primary waveguides within said redundancy array region, said first subset including first and second primary waveguides; a first optical redirector disposed to couple optical energy from said first primary waveguide into said first cross-connection waveguide toward said second primary waveguide; and a second optical redirector disposed to couple optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into said second primary waveguide in a downstream direction, at least one of said first and second optical redirectors being permanent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said first and second optical redirectors are distinct from said primary waveguides and from said first cross-connection waveguide.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein both of said first and second optical redirectors are permanent.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a second cross-connection waveguide intersecting said first primary waveguide and at least one other one of the primary waveguides in said plurality of primary waveguides.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a plurality of optical sources arranged in a bar, each of said primary waveguides being aligned in a path to couple optical energy into a respective one of said optical sources.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the optical source aligned in a path with said first primary waveguide satisfies predetermined functionality criteria, and wherein the optical source aligned in a path with said second primary waveguide fails said predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said primary waveguides fan out through a fanout region upstream of said redundancy array region, said primary waveguides following a curved path through said fanout region being straight and parallel to each other within said redundancy array region.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
210 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a redundancy array including a plurality of primary waveguides, a predetermined subset of said primary waveguides having respective optical outputs couplable to respective application structures, said redundancy array further including a plurality of cross-connection waveguides each intersecting a respective subset greater than one of the primary waveguides in said predetermined subset; a plurality of optical sources each aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a respective one of the waveguides in said redundancy array, at least a first one of said optical sources failing predetermined functionality criteria and at least a second one of said optical sources satisfying said predetermined functionality criteria; and a set of at least one optical redirector, the optical redirectors in said set being disposed at selected intersections of said primary waveguides and said cross-connection waveguides to couple optical energy from selected ones of the waveguides in said redundancy array into selected others of the waveguides in said redundancy array, such that downstream of said redundancy array, said predetermined subset of said primary waveguides are in paths coupled to carry optical energy in a one-to-one correspondence from respective ones of said optical sources which satisfy said predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
210 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a redundancy array including a plurality of primary waveguides, a predetermined subset of said primary waveguides having respective optical outputs couplable to respective application structures, said redundancy array further including a plurality of cross-connection waveguides each intersecting a respective subset greater than one of the primary waveguides in said predetermined subset; a plurality of optical sources each aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a respective one of the waveguides in said redundancy array, at least a first one of said optical sources failing predetermined functionality criteria and at least a second one of said optical sources satisfying said predetermined functionality criteria; and a set of at least one optical redirector, the optical redirectors in said set being disposed at selected intersections of said primary waveguides and said cross-connection waveguides to couple optical energy from selected ones of the waveguides in said redundancy array into selected others of the waveguides in said redundancy array, such that downstream of said redundancy array, said predetermined subset of said primary waveguides are in paths coupled to carry optical energy in a one-to-one correspondence from respective ones of said optical sources which satisfy said predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said optical redirectors are distinct from said primary waveguides and from said cross-connection waveguides.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
115 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein all of said optical sources are aligned in paths to propagate optical energy into a respective one of said primary waveguides, wherein one of said optical redirectors is disposed to couple optical energy from a first one of said primary waveguides into a first one of said cross-connection waveguides toward a second one of said primary waveguides, said first primary waveguide not being in said predetermined subset of primary waveguides, and wherein one of said optical redirectors is disposed to couple optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into said second primary waveguide in a downstream direction, said second primary waveguide being in said predetermined subset of primary waveguides.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein all of said optical sources are arranged in a bar.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said plurality of optical sources includes a first subset of optical sources aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a respective one of said primary waveguides and a second subset of optical sources aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a respective one of said cross-connection waveguides, said first subset including said first optical source and being aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a first one of said primary waveguides, said second subset including said second optical source and being aligned in a path to propagate optical energy into a first one of said cross-connection waveguides, and wherein one of said optical redirectors is disposed to couple optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into said first primary waveguide in a downstream direction, said second primary waveguide being in said predetermined subset of primary waveguides.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein all of said primary waveguides are in said predetermined subset of primary waveguides.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein all of said optical sources are arranged in a bar.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein all of said optical sources are aligned in paths to propagate optical energy into respective ones of said cross-connection waveguides, wherein said predetermined subset of said primary waveguides includes all of said primary waveguides, and wherein said set of optical redirectors includes at least one optical redirector coupling optical energy into each of said primary waveguides.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said set of optical redirectors includes a permanent optical redirector.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said set of optical redirectors includes a dynamic redirector.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said primary waveguides fan out through a fanout region upstream of said redundancy array region, said primary waveguides following a curved path through said fanout region and being straight and parallel to each other within said redundancy array region.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
52 words
An integrated optical routing structure comprising: a plurality of N spaced optical inputs; a plurality of M spaced optical outputs, M<N; and a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates permanent coupling of optical energy to all of said optical outputs in a predetermined one-to-one correspondence from M desired ones of said optical inputs.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
52 words
An integrated optical routing structure comprising: a plurality of N spaced optical inputs; a plurality of M spaced optical outputs, M<N; and a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates permanent coupling of optical energy to all of said optical outputs in a predetermined one-to-one correspondence from M desired ones of said optical inputs.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
86 words
A structure according to claim 32, wherein said redundancy facilitation structure comprises: M primary guiding structures coupling each of said primary optical outputs to receive optical energy from a respective optical input in a primary subset of M of said optical inputs; at least one cross-connection waveguide each crossing at least one of said primary guiding structures at a respective crossing, each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
A structure according to claim 33, wherein each of said cross-connection waveguides is coupled to receive optical energy from a respective one of said optical inputs outside of said primary subset of optical inputs.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
84 words
A structure according to claim 33, wherein said redundancy facilitation structure further comprises: N-M secondary guiding structures each coupled to receive optical energy from a respective one of said optical inputs outside of said primary subset of optical inputs, each of said secondary guiding structures crossing at least one of said cross-connection waveguides at a respective redundancy crossing, each of said redundancy crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said secondary guiding structures into one of said cross-connection waveguides.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
71 words
A structure according to claim 32, wherein said redundancy facilitation structure comprises: M primary guiding structures crossing a redundancy array region to respective ones of said M optical outputs; N cross-connection waveguide each crossing at least one of said primary guiding structures at a respective crossing, each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
A structure according to claim 32 wherein said redundancy facilitation structure comprises a gap region between said optical inputs and said optical outputs within which optical guiding structures may be formed to said optical outputs from desired ones of said optical inputs.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
96 words
A structure according to claim 32, for use with a source of control information, further comprising: a plurality of at least M optical sources each coupled to provide optical energy into a respective one of said optical inputs; and control circuitry which controls each of said optical sources in dependence upon said control information, said control information including informational units having destination addresses associated therewith, and said control circuitry controlling individual ones of said optical sources in dependence upon a correspondence between said destination addresses and said optical sources, said correspondence being at least partially programmable.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
45 words
A structure according to claim 38, wherein said control circuitry comprises a plurality of control units each controlling a respective one of said optical sources, all of said control units being coupled to said source of control information and receiving all of said informational units.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
40 words
A structure according to claim 38, wherein in said control circuitry, the correspondence between said destination addresses and one of said optical sources is programmable and the correspondence between said destination addresses and another of said optical sources is fixed.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
A structure according to claim 38, wherein each of said optical outputs is associated with a respective one of said destination addresses.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
101 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of output guiding structures each arranged to guide optical energy to a respective one of said application structures; and a set of at least one cross-connection waveguide, each of said cross-connection waveguides having an input and crossing at least one of said output guiding structures at respective crossings, said cross-connection waveguides all terminating without coupling to any application structure, each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said output guiding structures.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
101 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, comprising: a plurality of output guiding structures each arranged to guide optical energy to a respective one of said application structures; and a set of at least one cross-connection waveguide, each of said cross-connection waveguides having an input and crossing at least one of said output guiding structures at respective crossings, said cross-connection waveguides all terminating without coupling to any application structure, each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said output guiding structures.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
163 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, for use with a plurality of optical sources including first and second optical sources, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said first optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said first optical input and said second optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said second optical input, said apparatus further including a optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, wherein said first optical source fails predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
163 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, for use with a plurality of optical sources including first and second optical sources, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said first optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said first optical input and said second optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said second optical input, said apparatus further including a optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, wherein said first optical source fails predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
120 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of a permanent optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
120 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of a permanent optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
143 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of an optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, said optical redirector further blocking at least a portion of any optical energy in said first optical path from reaching said first optical output.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
143 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of an optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, said optical redirector further blocking at least a portion of any optical energy in said first optical path from reaching said first optical output.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
171 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, for use with a plurality of optical sources including first and second optical sources, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said first optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said first optical input and said second optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said second optical input, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of an optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, wherein said first optical source fails predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
171 words
Optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs from selected ones of a plurality of optical inputs, for use with a plurality of optical sources including first and second optical sources, comprising a plurality of optical paths including a first optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a first one of said optical inputs to a first one of said optical outputs and a second optical path arranged to carry optical energy from a second one of said optical inputs, said first optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said first optical input and said second optical source arranged to provide optical energy to said second optical input, said apparatus further including a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates introduction of an optical redirector disposed in both said first and second optical paths and arranged to couple optical energy out of said second optical path and into said first optical path toward said first optical output, wherein said first optical source fails predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
101 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs, comprising: a plurality of output guiding structures each arranged to guide optical energy to a respective one of said optical outputs; and a set of at least one cross-connection waveguide, each of said cross-connection waveguides crossing at least one of said output guiding structures at respective crossings, said crossings coupling substantially no optical energy from cross-connection waveguides into output guiding structures, but each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said output guiding structures.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
101 words
Redundant optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of optical outputs, comprising: a plurality of output guiding structures each arranged to guide optical energy to a respective one of said optical outputs; and a set of at least one cross-connection waveguide, each of said cross-connection waveguides crossing at least one of said output guiding structures at respective crossings, said crossings coupling substantially no optical energy from cross-connection waveguides into output guiding structures, but each of said crossings being prepared for permanent coupling of optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said output guiding structures.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
104 words
Redundant integrated optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, for use with a plurality of primary optical sources and a first secondary optical source, comprising: a plurality of primary guiding structures coupling each of said primary optical sources to a respective one of said application structures; a first secondary guiding structure coupled to said first secondary optical source and terminating without coupling to any application structure; and a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates permanent coupling of optical energy from said first secondary guiding structure into to any desired one of said primary guiding structures in a downstream direction.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
104 words
Redundant integrated optical connection apparatus for coupling optical energy to a plurality of application structures, for use with a plurality of primary optical sources and a first secondary optical source, comprising: a plurality of primary guiding structures coupling each of said primary optical sources to a respective one of said application structures; a first secondary guiding structure coupled to said first secondary optical source and terminating without coupling to any application structure; and a redundancy facilitation structure which facilitates permanent coupling of optical energy from said first secondary guiding structure into to any desired one of said primary guiding structures in a downstream direction.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said application structures comprise respective pixels of a display.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said application structures comprise respective connections of an optical connector.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, further comprising a cross-coupling guiding structure extending from a proximity of said first secondary guiding structure to a proximity of a first one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, further comprising a cross-coupling guiding structure extending from a proximity of said first secondary guiding structure and crossing at least one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
100 words
Apparatus according to claim 52, wherein each of said primary guiding structures comprises a primary waveguide aligned with a respective one of said primary optical sources, said primary waveguides fanning out through a fanout region to a first parallel region within which all of said primary waveguides are straight and parallel to each other, said primary waveguides following a curved path through said fanout region, and wherein said cross-coupling guiding structure comprises a cross-coupling waveguide which crosses at least one of said primary waveguides, all of the primary waveguides which said cross-coupling waveguide crosses being crossed within said parallel region.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said first secondary guiding structure extends from a proximity of said first secondary optical source to a proximity of a first one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said first secondary guiding structure extends from a proximity of said first secondary optical source and crosses at least one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said redundancy facilitation structure comprises a permanent structure (708, 806) which, when and only when assisted by additional structure, guides optical energy from said first secondary guiding structure into a first one of said primary guiding structures.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus according to claim 56, further comprising a cross-coupling guiding structure extending from a proximity of said first secondary guiding structure to a proximity of said first primary guiding structure, wherein said permanent structure, when assisted by said additional structure, guides optical energy from said cross-coupling guiding structure into said first primary guiding structure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said permanent structure comprises a waveguide (708) which couples with said first primary guiding structure at such an angle that substantially no optical energy propagating in said first primary guiding structure is lost by reason of said permanent structure absent further structure (712).
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus according to claim 58, wherein said permanent structure comprises a waveguide segment (806) which is spaced sufficiently from said first primary guiding structure such that substantially no optical energy propagating in said first primary guiding structure is lost by reason of said permanent structure absent further structure (808).
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
139 words
Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein each of said primary guiding structures comprises a primary waveguide aligned with a respective one of said primary optical sources, said primary waveguides extending through a parallel region and into an application region at an entry thereof and having predetermined spacings therebetween at said entry of said application region, wherein said secondary guiding structure comprises a secondary waveguide aligned with said first secondary optical source, said first secondary optical source being disposed between two of said primary optical sources, said secondary waveguide extending into and terminating within said parallel region, and wherein all of said primary waveguides are straight and parallel to each other within said parallel region and have said predetermined spacings therebetween within said parallel region, said secondary waveguide being interleaved between two of said primary waveguides in said parallel region.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of manufacturing a multiple optical source having a plurality of optical outputs for providing optical energy to application structures, for use with a number of optical sources, at least N of which satisfy predetermined functionality criteria, said number of optical sources exceeding N, comprising the steps of: providing in an integrated optical unit a plurality of output waveguides, one for each of said optical outputs; providing information that at least N specified ones of said optical sources satisfy said functionality criteria; and introducing structure into said integrated optical unit, in dependence upon said information, which guides optical energy into each of said output waveguides toward said optical outputs from a respective one of said sources which satisfy said functionality criteria.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of manufacturing a multiple optical source having a plurality of optical outputs for providing optical energy to application structures, for use with a number of optical sources, at least N of which satisfy predetermined functionality criteria, said number of optical sources exceeding N, comprising the steps of: providing in an integrated optical unit a plurality of output waveguides, one for each of said optical outputs; providing information that at least N specified ones of said optical sources satisfy said functionality criteria; and introducing structure into said integrated optical unit, in dependence upon said information, which guides optical energy into each of said output waveguides toward said optical outputs from a respective one of said sources which satisfy said functionality criteria.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 61.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said structure is distinct from said output waveguides.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said step of providing information that at least N specified ones of said optical sources satisfy said functionality criteria, comprises the step of providing an indication of which of said optical sources fail said functionality criteria.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein at least one of said optical sources fails said functionality criteria.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of forming permanent structure.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of permanently activating pre-existing structure.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of activating electrically controllable structure.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
84 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said number of optical sources includes a first optical source which fails said functionality criteria and further includes a second optical source, wherein said plurality of output waveguides includes a first output waveguide arranged in a path to receive optical energy from said first optical source, and wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of introducing structure which guides optical energy from said second optical source into said first output waveguide in a downstream direction.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
77 words
A method according to claim 69, further comprising the step of providing a secondary waveguide arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said second source and terminating without reaching any application structures, wherein said step of introducing structure which guides optical energy from said second optical source comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said secondary waveguide into said first output waveguide in a downstream direction.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method according to claim 70, wherein said step of introducing an optical redirector comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from a first cross-connection waveguide into said first output waveguide, and wherein said step of introducing structure which guides optical energy from said second optical source further comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said secondary waveguide into said first cross-connection waveguide toward said first output waveguide.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 71, wherein all of said optical redirectors are distinct from said output waveguides, from said secondary waveguide, and from said first cross-connection waveguide.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method according to claim 70, wherein said secondary waveguide intersects said first output waveguide, and wherein said step of introducing structure which guides optical energy from said second optical source further comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said secondary waveguide into said first output waveguide.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 73, wherein said optical redirector is distinct from said first output waveguide and from said secondary output waveguide.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
101 words
A method according to claim 61, further comprising the step of providing a plurality of cross-connection waveguides, each arranged in a path to guide optical energy from a respective one of said optical sources, each of said cross-connection waveguides intersecting at least a respective subset of said output waveguides, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of, in dependence upon said information, introducing optical redirectors at selected intersections of said output waveguides and said cross-connection waveguides, each of said optical redirectors being disposed to couple optical energy from one of said cross-connection waveguides into one of said output waveguides.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
91 words
A method according to claim 75, wherein a first one of said optical sources fails said functionality criteria, wherein said plurality of cross-connection waveguides includes a first cross-connection waveguide arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first optical source, and wherein said step of introducing optical redirectors at selected intersections in dependence upon said information, comprises the step of selecting said selected intersections such that all of said optical outputs are in paths to receive optical energy from ones of said sources which satisfy said predetermined functionality criteria.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 69.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 71.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 73.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 75.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 61, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of introducing, in dependence upon said information, optical guiding structures which guide optical energy into each of said output waveguides from respective ones of said optical sources which satisfy said functionality criteria.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method according to claim 81, wherein each of said output waveguides has a respective input spaced from said optical sources, wherein said step of introducing optical guiding structures comprises the step of forming waveguides to the inputs of each of said output waveguides from respective ones of said optical sources, selected in dependence upon said information.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 77.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
212 words
A method of manufacturing a multiple optical source having a plurality of optical outputs for providing optical energy to application structures, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of optical sources, including a plurality of primary sources and a first secondary source, at least a first one of said primary sources failing predetermined functionality criteria; providing in an integrated optical unit a plurality of primary guiding structures each arranged in a path to guide optical energy from a respective one of said primary sources downstream in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective one of said optical outputs, said plurality of primary guiding structures including a first primary guiding structure arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first primary source and further including a second primary guiding structure; providing in said integrated optical unit a first secondary guiding structure arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first secondary source, said first secondary guiding structure intersecting both said first and second primary guiding structures upstream of their respective optical outputs; and introducing structure that is disposed in said integrated optical unit to transfer optical energy from said first secondary source into said first primary guiding structure in a downstream direction and not into said second primary guiding structure.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
212 words
A method of manufacturing a multiple optical source having a plurality of optical outputs for providing optical energy to application structures, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of optical sources, including a plurality of primary sources and a first secondary source, at least a first one of said primary sources failing predetermined functionality criteria; providing in an integrated optical unit a plurality of primary guiding structures each arranged in a path to guide optical energy from a respective one of said primary sources downstream in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective one of said optical outputs, said plurality of primary guiding structures including a first primary guiding structure arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first primary source and further including a second primary guiding structure; providing in said integrated optical unit a first secondary guiding structure arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first secondary source, said first secondary guiding structure intersecting both said first and second primary guiding structures upstream of their respective optical outputs; and introducing structure that is disposed in said integrated optical unit to transfer optical energy from said first secondary source into said first primary guiding structure in a downstream direction and not into said second primary guiding structure.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 84.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of introducing structure distinct from said primary guiding structures and from said first secondary guiding structure.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 84, wherein said step of introducing structure occurs subsequently to said steps of providing a plurality of optical sources and providing a plurality of primary guiding structures.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 84, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of forming permanent structure.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 84, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of permanently activating pre-existing structure.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 84, wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of activating electrically controllable structure.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method according to claim 84, wherein said first secondary guiding structure terminates without reaching any application structures, and wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said first secondary guiding structure into said first primary guiding structure in a downstream direction.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
98 words
A method according to claim 91, wherein said first secondary guiding structure comprises an input waveguide arranged in a path to guide optical energy from said first secondary source, a first cross-connection waveguide which intersects both said first and second primary guiding structures, and an optical redirector disposed to transfer optical energy out of said input waveguide and into said first cross-connection waveguide, and wherein said step of introducing an optical redirector comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said first cross-connection waveguide into said first primary guiding structure.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method according to claim 91, wherein said first secondary guiding structure comprises an input waveguide which is aligned with said first secondary source and which intersects said first primary guiding structure, and wherein said step of introducing structure comprises the step of introducing an optical redirector which is disposed to redirect optical energy from said input waveguide into said first primary guiding structure.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 92.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
10 words
A product produced according to the process of claim 93.
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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) | 2003-04-11 | 2003-10-11 | 2004-04-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-11 | 2007-10-11 | 2008-04-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-11 | 2011-10-11 | 2012-04-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |