Patent · US Expired

Passive, multi-channel fiber optic rotary joint assembly

US5371814A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
5References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 1993
Grant dateDec 6, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/32
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A passive multi-channel optical fiber rotary joint couples optical fiber munication channels via axially bilaterally symmetrically disposed lens housings, or array pieces, for receiving miniature-collimation-lenses to one and the other sides of an image-derotation-prism-and-prism-rotational-drive-subassembly including an image derotation prism which rotates at a predetermined ratio of the relative rotation of the array pieces. This establishes transverse pseudo-planar rotary interfaces respectively between the one and another array piece and the confronting sides of the prism-and-prism-drive-subassembly. Each channel, at the axially outward side of each of one and the other array pieces, includes a fiber and lens junction in which the fiber is attached to the axially outward side of the collimation lens at (i) a predetermined axially bilaterally symmetrical position chosen for maximum coupling of signal power through the joint, and (ii) individual lateral positions relative to the lens chosen to provide coupling with a path of beam propagation perpendicular to the rotary interface at the other side of the collimation lens. Each array piece forms a precision tolerances locality of a…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.