Self-aligning fiber optic relay
US4239332A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1979 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3847
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention provides for a relay apparatus for use with optical fibers. A first set of optical fiber ends is mechanically secured in a suitably shaped retainer. A second set of optical fiber ends is secured in a second retainer appropriately shaped to move into one of a plurality of mechanically stable positions with respect to the first retainer when biased against the first retainer. These mechanically stable positions bring members of the first and second set of optical fibers into optical alignment. A switching mechanism is provided for moving the first retainer across the second retainer thereby making and breaking optical connections between the first and second set of optical fiber ends. In one embodiment, the retainers are cooperatively shaped by hemispheres, which define a set of mechanically stable alignment positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.