Fiber optic switch actuator

US6898344B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Neptec Optical Solutions · US

Inventors

• Michael L. Smith · Jefferson City, US
• John Carberry · Jefferson City, US
• Roy Guynn · Blacksburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 17, 2003
• Grant date: May 24, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3582
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.