Fiber optic relay switch for precise fiber alignment and method

Details Fiber optic relay switch for precise fiber alignment and method Fiber optic relay switch for precise fiber alignment and method

1978-10-30

1981-01-20

Corbin, John K.

65 4A, 350 9615, 350320, G02B 514

Patent

active

042458854

ABSTRACT:
A fiber optic relay switch is provided for switching an optic signal between at least a first optic fiber and at least two other optic fibers, i.e., a second and third optic fiber. The switch comprises a first section housing the first fiber and second section housing the second and third fibers. Each section comprises a central rod and a plurality of rods spiraling helically about the central axis to form a plurality of helically extending cusp-shaped interstitial channels. The sections are aligned and each terminates in a coupling face. The fibers are disposed within pre-selected cusps of the helical channels and with their ends aligned with the contact face of the section in which they are disposed. The sections are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the central rod. When the sections are rotated to a first angular position relative to each other the first fiber is aligned and optically coupled to the second fiber and when the sections are rotated to a second angular position relative to each other the first fiber is aligned and optically coupled to the third fiber.
In one embodiment the cusp-shaped channels spiral helically up to the coupling face. In a preferred embodiment the channels spiral helically only up to a point located to the rear of the coupling face and from that point to the coupling face are linear and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central rod.
Means are provided in either embodiment for effecting the relative rotation between the sections and for holding the sections in position once they are rotated to said position.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4033669 (1977-07-01), Hanson
patent: 4047796 (1977-09-01), Kao et al.
patent: 4099832 (1978-07-01), Warner, Jr.
patent: 4109994 (1978-08-01), Chown
patent: 4123139 (1978-10-01), Sandahl
patent: 4132461 (1979-01-01), Jacques et al.
patent: 4161347 (1979-07-01), Tardy

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