Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2001-01-30
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
C385S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181847
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to switching and, more particularly, to an illuminated optical switch.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, and aircraft often include multiple electrical switches located on an operator control panel. Each electrical switch independently switches electric current flowing in copper wires to control a vehicle function. Such functions may include turning on a vehicle's lights, operating windows, etc.
It is desirable that a switch be illuminated for improved visibility of the switch. A switch may be illuminated by a lamp located behind the switch. Illumination by a separate lamp introduces additional design and manufacturing costs to account for the lamp while reducing reliability due to possible lamp failure.
Electrical switches function by opening or closing an electrical circuit. A switch is opened by separating a first electrical contact from a second electrical contact. A switch is closed by connecting the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact.
When an electrical switch controls a high current, each opening or closing of the electrical circuit may cause a spark to jump between the two electrical contacts. This spark may blast off a portion of one of the electrical contacts possibly resulting in premature wear and premature failure of the switch. Alternatively, when a switch controls a low current circuit, corrosion may build up on the first and second contacts. Over time, the corrosion may accumulate and a switch may fail because a conductive path is not formed when the first and second electrical contacts are connected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other objects, and in view of its purposes, the present invention provides an optical switch. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first transmitting light pipe has a first end aligned with and spaced from a first end of a first receiving light, forming a first gap therebetween. A switch cap is adapted to be disposed in a first position and in a second position. A first light transmitting tower is coupled to the switch cap and extends from the switch cap into the first gap when the switch cap is disposed in at least one of the first position and the second position. A first opaque blade extends from the switch cap and adjacent to the first light transmitting tower and is adapted to extend into the first gap to prevent light from being transmitted to the first end of the first receiving light pipe in one of the first position or the second position.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch includes a first transmitting light pipe having a first end and a second end. A first illumination source is coupled to the second end of the first transmitting light pipe for transmitting light into the second end and toward the first end of the first transmitting light pipe. A first receiving light pipe has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first receiving light pipe is aligned with and spaced from the first end of the first transmitting light pipe to form a first gap therebetween. A switch cap is adapted to be disposed in a first position and in a second position. The switch cap includes a first cap portion and a second cap portion. A first light transmitting is coupled to the first cap portion and extends from the first cap portion into the first gap when the switch cap is disposed in the first position and into a position away from the first gap when the switch cap is disposed in the second position. When the switch cap is disposed in the first position, light transmitted by the first illumination source into the first transmitting light pipe is transmitted through the first end of the first transmitting light pipe and into the first light transmitting tower to illuminate the first portion of the switch cap. When the switch cap is disposed in the second position, light transmitted by the first illumination source into the first transmitting light pipe is transmitted through the first gap into the first receiving light pipe.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an optical switch is provided. The optical switch includes a switch cap having a first cap portion. The method includes receiving light from a light source. The light is then directed into a gap opposite a receiving light pipe. The optical switch is then selectively actuated to one of a first position in which the light is transmitted across the gap to the light receiving pipe or a second position in which the light is directed away from the light receiving pipe. Light is transmitted from the gap to the first cap portion to illuminate the first cap portion when said switch is in at least one of the first position and the second position.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.
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Baker Robert A.
Chandler Frederick C.
Johnson Tyler L.
Ametek Inc.
Font Frank G.
Lauchman Layla
Ratner & Prestia
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