Optical switch
US5018131A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3598
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A switch (10) which uses optical signals propagating through an air media is disclosed. Transmitters (14a-14n) radiate light along projection openings (40) through a solid, opaque housing (12). The projection openings (40) parallel each other and substantially reside in a lower plane (32) within the housing (12). Periscopic plugs (30) reflect such light upward along an intermediate direction (38) within the plugs (30) and out from the plugs (30) into incidence openings (42). The incidence openings (42) parallel each other and substantially reside in an upper plane (34) within the housing (12). Optical receivers (16a-16n) receive light propagating in the incidence openings (42). The incidence openings (42) reside substantially perpendicular to the projection openings (40).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.