Rotatable photonic coupling
US4909589A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3604
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rotating coupling for transmitting optical signals across an optical fiber juncture is described which in one preferred embodiment comprises a body member having an axial passageway sized for coaxially receiving a first rotatable optical fiber member and a second optical fiber member in generally axial abutting relationship, the passageway defining a cylindrically shaped first enlargement near a first end of the body member and a generally conically shaped second enlargement axially adjacent the first enlargement, a lubricated rotatable bearing member disposed within the first and second enlargements and having a central bore for receiving the first optical fiber member for rotation therewith and having outer shape defined generally by the first and second enlargements, an axial recess in the second end of the body member for receiving an axially resilient spring for holding the second optical fiber member in axial alignment with the first optical fiber member, and a threaded end cap for the second end of the body member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.