Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-10-02
Palmer, Phan T. H. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
C385S020000, C385S024000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298181
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to spectroscopic studies such as those performed in the practice of dissolution technology, and more particularly, to a mechanical switching arrangement that permits a plurality of optical fiber source light and data channels to be switched.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The processing of optical signals during performance of spectroscopic studies of multiple samples using a single analyzer has required manual switching of source and detector light conduits from sample-to-sample. There is a need for a simple and inexpensive arrangement for effecting such switching automatically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A switching arrangement for optical fibers is provided with a plurality of optical fibers and a photoelectric element for communicating optically with selectable ones of said plurality of optical fibers. A communications arrangement for enables optical communication between the photoelectric element and a selected one of the plurality of optical fibers. Additionally, a controller is provided for controlling the communications arrangement.
In one embodiment of the invention, the communications arrangement is provided with a displaceable carrier for displacing a selected one of the plurality of optical fibers and the photoelectric element. The displaceable carrier is responsive to the controller and displaces the plurality of optical fibers, whereby a selected one of the optical fibers is translated to the vicinity of the photoelectric element for establishing optical communication therewith, in response to the controller. In a practicable embodiment of the invention, the translation of the displaceable carrier is along a circular path. In other embodiments, however, the translation of the displaceable carrier is along a linear path. The translation of the displaceable carrier is responsive to indicia on the carrier, or to data of location stored in the controller, or to communication optimization, whereby fine tuning of the displacement of the carrier is achieved.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a switching arrangement is provided for optical fibers. A plurality of first optical fibers, and a plurality of second optical fibers are provided. A photoemitter element is arranged to communicate optically with selectable ones of the plurality of first optical fibers, and a photodetector element communicates optically with selectable ones of the plurality of second optical fibers. There is additionally provided a communications arrangement for enabling optical communication between the photoemitter ;ad photodetector elements, and respectively selected ones of the first and second optical fibers simultaneously. A controller controls the displacement of the communications arrangement.
In one embodiment of this further aspect of the invention, the controller controls a rotational displacement of the communications arrangement. The plurality of first optical fibers is arranged in substantially semicircular configuration, the plurality of second optical fibers being arranged in substantially semicircular configuration, in diametrical opposition to the plurality of first optical fibers. Preferably, the pluralities of first and second optical fibers are arranged in individually corresponding diametrical opposition with respect to corresponding optical fibers of each of the pluralities.
In a further embodiment, the communications arrangement is provided with a rotatable mirror. Preferably, the rotatable mirror is a dual-sided rotatable mirror.
The communications arrangement controls, in one embodiment, a linear displacement of the communications arrangement. In this embodiment, the plurality of first optical fibers is arranged linearly parallel to the plurality of second optical fibers. The communications arrangement is provided with a rotatable screw shaft that is rotated to effect the linear displacement.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a switching arrangement for optical fibers. A plurality of first optical fibers and a plurality of second optical fibers are provided. A photoemitter element is arranged to communicate optically with a selectable one of the plurality of first optical fibers, and a photodetector element communicates optically with a selectable one of the plurality of second optical fibers. A communications arrangement enables optical communication between the photoemitter and photodetector elements, and respectively selected ones of the first and second optical fibers simultaneously. The communications arrangement has a displaceable portion and a stationary portion. A drive arrangement is coupled to the displaceable portion of the communications arrangement. A controller is coupled to the drive arrangement for controlling a displacement of the displaceable portion of the communications arrangement.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5960134 (1999-09-01), Sakamoto et al.
Analytical Instruments Systems, Inc.
Palmer Phan T. H.
Rohm & Monsanto, PLC
LandOfFree
Optical fiber switching arrangement does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical fiber switching arrangement, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical fiber switching arrangement will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2572789