Fiber mounts for fiber optic harness in a fiber optic-based imaging system
US6148134A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3616
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A digital color printer uses different mounts for holding fibers that transport light from a distribution device to light modulators. One mount, for holding the optical fibers relative to a photosensitive surface, includes a body a body having a plurality of slots therethrough to receive the optical fibers. Each slot is provided with a funnel-shaped opening on an edge of the body. The slots are substantially parallel to each other and angled relative to the edge of the body. The slots have widths selected so that, when placed within the slots, the optical fibers form essentially linear arrays. Another mount, for grouping optical fibers to receive light from a light source, includes an element having a plurality of wells therethrough, each well connecting to an edge of the element by a respective channel section. Each channel section has a funnel-shaped section at the element edge. Each well has a shape selected so that input ends of fibers grouped in the well optimally couple light from the light source. A method of winding a fiber optic harness using the mounts is presented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.