Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Movable coupler
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-20
2001-10-09
Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Movable coupler
C385S026000, C359S900000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301405
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates a multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint and, more particularly, to a rotary joint, as aforesaid, wherein an adjustment mechanism is provided for optimizing the signal strength transmitted through the rotary joint from one set of fiber strands in a bundle to another set of fiber strands in a separate bundle disposed axially from the first mentioned bundle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joints are known in the art and one example thereof is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,076. As is explained in this patent, the extreme tolerances associated with multi-channel rotary joints exhibit high optical loss and variation of that loss with rotation.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint which is capable of effecting an optimization of signal strength through the rotary joint and rendering the signal strength essentially constant during rotation of one end of the rotary joint with respect to the other end.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint, as aforesaid, which facilitates a setting of the alignment for a central one of the fiber strands before facilitating alignment of the strands that are oriented radially outwardly therefrom. It is a further object of the invention to provide a multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint wherein the respective ends of the joints are supported for rotation and when adjustment is needed, the two ends are rotatively linked to facilitate rotation in opposite directions to bring the outer fiber optic strands into an optimal signal strength relation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Other objects and purposes of this invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with apparatus of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is an isometric view of a multi-channel fiber-optic rotary joint embodying the invention;
FIG. 2
a fragmentary isometric view of a fragment of the aforesaid rotary joint;
FIG. 3
is an isometric view of a prism stage;
FIG. 4
is a isometric sectional view of the prism stage;
FIG. 5
is a side view of the control mechanism utilized for rotatively linking the respective ends of the rotary joint;
FIG. 6
is an end view of a hollow shaft containing a plurality of fiber optic strands therein; and
FIGS. 7 and 8
are schematic illustrations of related gear arrangements disclosed herein.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5271076 (1993-12-01), Ames
patent: 5442721 (1995-08-01), Ames
Assaf Fayez
Flynn ,Thiel, Boutell & Tanis, P.C.
Schuberg Darren
The Board of Trustees of Western Michigan University
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