US4193662A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Broadband switching system utilizing optical fiber waveguides
Assignee: Department of National Defence
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Filing: 1978-07-26
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Granted: 1980-03-18
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Expires: 1998-07-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an optical-fiber switch. The switch is used in switching between at least two optical signals which are capable of being modulated with a broadband RF signal including digital signals. The switch is comprised of at least two optical-fiber cables for feeding the at least two optical signals to at least two fixed positions. An optical-fiber output cable is provided having one end which is movable between at least two positions which are directly adjacent said two fixed positions. A drive unit is provided for moving the optical-fiber output cable between the at least two positions, whereby the optical signals are selectively fed to the optical-fiber output cable.
Inventors
- 👤 Elmer H. Hara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:38
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/35; G02B6/354; G02B6/3544; G02B6/3548; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3803; G02B6/3502; G02B6/3504; G02B6/3508; G02B6/3564; G02B6/3568; G02B6/3572; G02B6/358; G02B6/3586; G02B6/359
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
An optical-fiber switch for use in switching a plurality of optical signals which are capable of being modulated with a broadband radio frequency signal, said switch comprising: (a) a plurality of optical-fiber means for feeding respective optical signals to a plurality of fixed positions associated with respective optical-fiber means; (b) a further optical-fiber means having one end which is movable between a plurality of selective positions adjacent and facing said plurality of fixed positions; (c) driving means for moving said further optical-fiber means between said plurality of selective positions to selectively feed said optical signals between one of said plurality of optical-fiber means and said further optical-fiber means; and (d) a plurality of light emitting positioning means each located adjacent a respective one of said plurality of fixed positions, and a light sensitive element adjacent said further optical-fiber means to receive light from said light emitting means, said light sensitive element being associated with said driving means to selectively align said further optical-fiber means with one of said fixed positions associated with respective said light emitting positioning means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
An optical-fiber switch for use in switching a plurality of optical signals which are capable of being modulated with a broadband radio frequency signal, said switch comprising: (a) a plurality of optical-fiber means for feeding respective optical signals to a plurality of fixed positions associated with respective optical-fiber means; (b) a further optical-fiber means having one end which is movable between a plurality of selective positions adjacent and facing said plurality of fixed positions; (c) driving means for moving said further optical-fiber means between said plurality of selective positions to selectively feed said optical signals between one of said plurality of optical-fiber means and said further optical-fiber means; and (d) a plurality of light emitting positioning means each located adjacent a respective one of said plurality of fixed positions, and a light sensitive element adjacent said further optical-fiber means to receive light from said light emitting means, said light sensitive element being associated with said driving means to selectively align said further optical-fiber means with one of said fixed positions associated with respective said light emitting positioning means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said driving means is an electromagnetic relay having a single-pole double-throw switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 2, wherein light absorbing material is arranged directly in front of the other of said plurality of optical-fiber means that are not positioned to feed signals to said further optical-fiber means to reduce reflection between said plurality of optical-fiber means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
86 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of fixed positions are spaced radially about a first circumference of an outer circle, and including a radial arm pivotable about the center of said circle, said further optical-fiber means being an optical-fiber cable secured to said arm, said plurality of selective positions being disposed about a second inner circumference coaxial with and spaced closely to said first circumference, said further optical-fiber cable being selectively in radial alignment with one of said plurality of optical-fiber means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 4 wherein said driving means is a rotary stepping relay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 including a matching oil disposed between said plurality of optical-fiber means and said further optical-fiber means for matching the index of refraction of said optical-fiber means and to lower the insertion loss of said switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of fixed positions are spaced along a linear path, and said further optical fiber means includes a block containing an optical-fiber cable, said driving means moving said cable and block lineraly to selectively align said end with one of said plurality of fixed positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 7 wherein said drive means is a ratchet relay.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 7 wherein said drive means is a linear motor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said driving means includes a power switch and said light sensitive element controls said power switch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 whereiin said optical-fiber means are single optical-fibers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said optical-fiber means are bundles of single optical-fibers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
49 words
The optical-fiber switch according to claim 1 wherein said further optical-fiber means is coupled selectively as an input means for an optical signal when said plurality of optical-fiber-means are coupled as output means and as an output means when said plurality of optical-fiber means are coupled as input means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-03-18 | 1983-09-17 | 1984-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-03-18 | 1987-09-17 | 1988-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-03-18 | 1991-09-17 | 1992-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |