Optical bi-directional rotary hinge
US7376299B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/43
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The specification and drawings present a new method and apparatus for a rotary hinge for transmitting an optical signal (e.g., comprising data) bi-directionally or uni-directionally from one part to another in an electronic device, wherein these parts can rotate relative to each other using the rotary hinge. The optical signal can be transferred from one side to the other side of the hinge independently from light transmitted in the opposite direction. A sending guiding element (e.g., an optical fiber or a light guide) can rotate around a common rotation axis permanently attached to the side sending the optical signal and the emitted optical beam is directed towards the common rotation axis. The receiving guiding element, which collects the optical beam, is concentrically in the center (coinciding with the common rotation axis) of the receiving side and permanently attached to it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.