Remote fiber optic electrical switch

Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch

Patent

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Details

25022723, G02B 632, G02B 634

Patent

active

051631121

ABSTRACT:
A remote switch system for controlling electrical devices, such as electrical lights, from a remote switch location using a single optical fiber to communicate the controlling signal from the remote switch to the device. Typically, the remote switch may be added to a normal switch near the device during modification or remodeling of a building, automobile or the like or installed in during original construction. The fiber optic system includes both an emitter and a detector at the first end of a fiber optic. The emitter sends a light signal through the fiber and the detector detects a reflected signal coming back through the fiber. Conventional switching circuits or relays turn the electrical device, e.g. a light, to a different state, such as "on" or "off" in response to a pulse of light or the presence or absence of a returning signal. The remote switch is located at the second end of the fiber and includes means for moving a retroreflector, preferably a sheet having a large number of very small, closely spaced, cube corner or spherical lens retroreflectors, past or into and out of an operative position relative to the fiber end. Thus, the switch can be used in a pulsed or a continuous reflection mode. Since the fiber is very small, it can be simply taped to wall surfaces and painted over, eliminating the need to feed wires through the wall. Additional remote switches may be added as needed simply and at little expense. Safety is enhanced, since no wires carrying electrical current extend to the remote switch.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4569569 (1986-02-01), Stewart
patent: 4704656 (1987-11-01), Neiger
patent: 4705348 (1987-11-01), Matsunaga
patent: 5046806 (1991-09-01), Kidder et al.

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