Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Particular coupling structure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-06
2001-05-22
Bovernick, Rodney (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Particular coupling structure
C385S025000, C385S047000, C385S901000, C362S552000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236785
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an optical splitter, and more particularly the present invention relates to an optical splitter for guiding a beam of light among a plurality of paths.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
High-power high-luminance light sources, such as a 300 Watt Xenon arc lamp light generator, are used in many important applications, including medical procedures. In this regard, the light source is used to generate light for illuminating a work area, such as a portion of a body involved in surgery. The light source typically supplies light to head gear worn on a surgeon's head. The light is focused onto the work area to aid the surgeon's vision. One drawback to these high-power, high-luminance light sources is that they are very costly. A typical arc lamp light generator can cost in the range of $3000-$4000. Accordingly, there is a need to obtain greater cost efficiencies from such devices, by allowing a single light source to simultaneously supply light to a plurality of tools or instruments. The present invention addresses these and other drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided an optical splitter for distributing input light waves among one or more output light paths.
An advantage of the present invention is the provision of an optical splitter which allows the efficient distribution of light to be selectively varied among a plurality of light output paths.
Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an optical splitter which includes a plurality of adapters for dividing and sub-dividing the distribution of light among a plurality of paths.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an optical splitter which varies the distribution of light among a plurality of paths by modifying the position of a light source relative to the plurality of paths.
Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an optical splitter which variably distributes light among a plurality of fixed light output paths.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provision of an optical splitter which distributes light among a plurality of paths by reflecting light from a light source.
Still other advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.
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Parker Jeffrey R.
Williams Jeffrey B.
Bovernick Rodney
Lumitex, Inc.
Renner , Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
Stahl Michael J.
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