Plural-channel optical rotary joint
US4643521A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3586
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical rotary joint has a first pair of light beam expanding graded index (GRIN) of refraction lenses coupled to ends of a first pair of lightguide fibers for coupling signals through the rotary joint interface in a first path which is coaxial with the axis of rotation in the interface. A second pair of lightguide fibers are coupled to a second pair of GRIN lenses off-axis and of much smaller diameter than the lenses of the first pair. Prisms couple signals between the off-axis lenses and a second path across the interface and which is also coaxial with the axis of rotation. Also shown is a method for compensating for lens irregularities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.