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US4304460A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Optical switching device

Assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Filing: 1979-03-07
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Granted: 1981-12-08
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Expires: 1999-03-07
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Abstract

Abstract Respective end faces of two or more optical waveguides (23 to 29) are connected on one end face of a focussing rod lens (20) and a reflection means (21) having a reflection plane tilted with a specified angle (α) to the normal plane to the lens axis is disposed behind the other end face of the focussing rod lens (20) and angle of reflection plane of the reflection means (21) is varied by rotating the reflection means (21) around the lens axis (203) or by means of a piezo-electric driving device (30), thereby attaining selective switching of the waveguides (from 23 to selected one of 24 to 29) or varying the amount of rays to be transmitted through the waveguides (23 & 24 of FIG. 4), or thereby modulating the rays. By utilizing a semitransparent filter forming another tilted reflection plane, the amount of attenuation for different wavelength or connection of the waveguides are controlled separately.

Inventors

  • 👤 Tsutomu Tanaka
  • 👤 Yoshinobu Tsujimoto
  • 👤 Hiroyuki Serizawa
  • 👤 Katsuji Hattori

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-23 13:07
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/35; G02B6/3586; G02B6/3588; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B6/351; G02B6/3512; G02B6/354; G02B6/3554; G02B6/3558; G02B6/3564; G02B6/3568; G02B6/3578; G02B6/3594

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim 150 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and an additional reflection means provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 150 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and an additional reflection means provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 152 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and an additional reflection means provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 152 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and an additional reflection means provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 225 words
An optical switching device comprising: a first focussing lens, a second focussing lens, respective central axes of said first and second focussing lens being parallel to one another, a first waveguide set having a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said first focussing lens, a second waveguide set having a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said second focussing lens, reflection means disposed at the ends of said first and said second focussing lens furthest from the respective focal planes thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from said first focussing lens and said second focussing lens, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of the end faces of said first waveguide set and transmitted through said first focussing lens, and rays issuing from one of the end faces of said second waveguide set and transmitted through said second focussing lens, being controllably reflected by said reflection means in respective selected direction, including respective specific directions to enter selectively into at least one respective end face of said first waveguide set other than the end face thereof from which rays issued, and into at least one reflective end face of said second waveguide set other than the end face thereof from which rays issued.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 225 words
An optical switching device comprising: a first focussing lens, a second focussing lens, respective central axes of said first and second focussing lens being parallel to one another, a first waveguide set having a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said first focussing lens, a second waveguide set having a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said second focussing lens, reflection means disposed at the ends of said first and said second focussing lens furthest from the respective focal planes thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from said first focussing lens and said second focussing lens, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of the end faces of said first waveguide set and transmitted through said first focussing lens, and rays issuing from one of the end faces of said second waveguide set and transmitted through said second focussing lens, being controllably reflected by said reflection means in respective selected direction, including respective specific directions to enter selectively into at least one respective end face of said first waveguide set other than the end face thereof from which rays issued, and into at least one reflective end face of said second waveguide set other than the end face thereof from which rays issued.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 155 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, a control signal optical waveguide disposed for receiving rays reflected by a semi-transparent reflection means having a reflection plane normal to a central axis of said focussing lens, and control means responsive to an output of said control signal optical waveguide for controlling said means for controllably moving said reflection means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 155 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, a control signal optical waveguide disposed for receiving rays reflected by a semi-transparent reflection means having a reflection plane normal to a central axis of said focussing lens, and control means responsive to an output of said control signal optical waveguide for controlling said means for controllably moving said reflection means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 159 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, said reflection means being semi-transparent for reflecting certain wavelength rays and for transmitting certain other wavelength rays, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, means for collecting the rays transmitted through said reflection means, said collecting means being disposed behind said reflection means, and control means, connected to said collecting means and responsive to an output thereof, for controlling said means for controllably moving said reflection means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 159 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, said reflection means being semi-transparent for reflecting certain wavelength rays and for transmitting certain other wavelength rays, means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, means for collecting the rays transmitted through said reflection means, said collecting means being disposed behind said reflection means, and control means, connected to said collecting means and responsive to an output thereof, for controlling said means for controllably moving said reflection means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 162 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 162 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 168 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 168 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 174 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 174 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 194 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 194 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided between said focussing lens and said reflection means, said additional reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 193 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 193 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 199 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 199 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 205 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 205 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 225 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 225 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, and further comprising: another focussing lens, and another plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said another focussing lens, said focussing lens and said another focussing lens having respective central axes parallel to one another, and said reflection means being disposed at an end of said another focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon issuing from both said focussing lens and said another focussing lens.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 165 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 165 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furtherest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a rotation about a central axis thereof, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 171 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least one specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 171 words
An optical device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means having a planar reflective surface tilted relative to a central axis of said focussing lens and being disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof, for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least one specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 177 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 177 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, the movement being a recurrent change in an angle of said reflection means relative to a central axis of said focussing lens, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected direction, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 197 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 197 words
An optical switching device comprising: a focussing lens, a plurality of optical waveguides having respective end faces disposed on a focal plane of said focussing lens, one of said end faces being centrally disposed relative to the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face, the end faces other than said centrally disposed end face being arranged around said centrally disposed end face with uniform distances therebetween; reflection means disposed at an end of said focussing lens furthest from the focal plane thereof for reflecting rays incident thereupon, and means for controllably moving said reflection means, rays issuing from one of said end faces and transmitted through said focussing lens being controllably reflected by said reflection means in selected directions, including at least a specified direction to enter selectively into at least one respective end face other than the end face from which said rays issued, wherein an additional reflection means is provided on the side of said reflection means opposite said focussing lens, said reflection means being semi-transparent to reflect certain wavelength rays and to transmit certain other wavelength rays, for cooperating with said reflection means to reflect different wavelength rays in respective different directions.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1984-12-07 1985-06-08 1985-12-08 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1988-12-07 1989-06-08 1989-12-08 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1992-12-07 1993-06-08 1993-12-08 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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