Fiber optic rotary joint
US6104849A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2808
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Unidirectional and bi-directional fiber optic rotary joints are disclosed for coupling at least one optical signal across a rotary interface. The unidirectional joint includes a stator having a waveguide. A rotor is rotatable through a full 360.degree. revolution and is concentric to the stator. Light transmitters are positioned on a first circumference and connected to one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitters emits an optical signal. Light receivers are positioned on a second circumference and connected to the other one of the stator and the rotor. Each of the transmitted optical signals is emitted tangentially into the waveguide and is reflected in short chordal lengths along the waveguide. Each optical signal is received by at least one of the second plurality of light receivers through the full 360.degree. revolution of the rotor. The number of light receivers is greater than the number of light transmitters. Certain receivers do not receive an optical signal during a portion of the 360.degree. revolution of the rotor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.