Harris Corporation

Paul Bryant Koeneman

Timothy Eugene Dimmick

Terry Provo

Carol Ann Gamlen

Steven Robert Snyder

Michael D Pleskach

Charles Michael Newton

Kevin Randolph Harper

Curtis R Niemeier

Brian Ronald Smith

Mihael Pleskach

Paul Pilipovich

Todd E Deese

Actuator systems () are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems () can include actuators () that deflect the waveguide (), and a controller () that controls the actuators () so that the deflections in the waveguide () are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems () can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler () to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems () can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors ().

Actuator systems for deflecting optical waveguides, and devices for processing optical signals comprising same

An electro-fluidic interconnection. The interconnection includes a body () formed of a ceramic material. The body () is provided with an aperture () having a profile suitable for receiving an interconnecting conduit (). The interconnecting conduit () can be formed of the same type of ceramic material as the body (). The conduit () is defined by an outer shell () with a hollow bore () for transporting a fluid. A mating portion () of the conduit has an exterior profile that matches the profile of the aperture. Moreover, the mating portion () of the conduit () can be compression fitted within the aperture (). Conductive traces () on the conduit and the body can be electrically connected to complete the electro-fluidic interconnection.

Electro-fluidic interconnect attachment

A fluid displacement device () having a homopolar motor (). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk () with at least one fluid displacement structure () disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity () defined in a substrate (), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit () can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet () that applies a magnetic field () substantially aligned with an axis or rotation () of the rotatable disk.

Embedded fluid mixing device using a homopolar motor

A fluid pump (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) defining at least one impeller (120). The impeller can include an orifice within the rotatable disk. The rotatable disk can be at least partially disposed within a cavity (145) defined in the substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (335) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (310) that applies a magnetic field (305) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Embedded fluid pump using a homopolar motor

Embedded check-valve manufacturing assembly () for integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (), an inlet port () and an outlet port () formed from at least one layer of an low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape to form a substrate (). A fired LTCC plug () is disposed within the check-valve chamber.

Embedded microfluidic check-valve

Embedded check-valve manufacturing assembly () for subsequent firing and integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (), an inlet port () and an outlet port () formed from at least one layer of an unfired low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape to form a substrate (). A plug () is disposed within the check-valve chamber that is capable of withstanding the LTCC firing process without damage or distortion.

A system for exciting flexural waves on an optical fiber () is provided. The system includes a substrate (), an actuator (), and a mechanical optical fiber coupling (). The actuator is formed of an electromechanical transducer material. The actuator is mounted on the substrate. The mechanical optical fiber coupling (for example, an adhesive media) forms a secure mechanical connection between the actuator and the optical fiber. The mechanical optical fiber coupling is configured for communicating mechanical vibrations from the actuator to the optical fiber. However, it should be understood that the mechanical optical fiber coupling is exclusive of a tapered horn.

Actuator arrangement for excitation of flexural waves on an optical fiber

A microfluidic control valve () comprising a dielectric structure () defining at least one cavity () therein. An electroactive material (), such as an electroactive polymer, is disposed in a portion of the cavity. The electroactive material is operable between a first state in which a dimension of the electroactive material has a first value and a second state in which the dimension has a second value. Two conductors () can be included for applying a voltage potential across the electroactive material to change the electroactive material between the first state and the second state. A first fluidic port () can be located proximate to the electroactive material such that a fluid flows through the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the first state, and the electroactive material at least partially blocks the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the second state.

Embedded control valve using electroactive material

A method for controlling fluid flow. A fluid () can be communicated to a first fluid flow port () disposed adjacent to a first surface () of a rotatable disk () of a homopolar motor. The fluid can flow through at least one orifice () in the rotatable disk to a second fluid flow port (). The rotation of the disk can be selectively controlled to vary a fluid flow rate. Further, the disk can be rotated to align a selected one of the orifices with at least one of the first and second fluid flow ports. In another arrangement, the shape of the orifice can have a radial width that increases in a circumferential direction.

Embedded control valve using homopolar motor

Embedded check-valve assembly () for integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (), an inlet port () and an outlet port () formed from at least one layer of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film to form a substrate (). A plug () is disposed within the check-valve chamber.

Microfluidic check-valve embedded in LCP

An electro-fluidic device may include a substrate having at least one substrate fluid passageway therein, and at least one substrate electrical conductor carried by the substrate. Moreover, an external interface may be spaced from the substrate and include at least one interface electrical conductor. The electro-fluidic device may also include at least one electro-fluidic interconnect extending between the substrate and the external interface. More particularly, the at least one electro-fluidic interconnect may include an interconnect body having at least one interconnect fluid passageway extending therethrough and connected to the at least one substrate fluid passageway, and at least one interconnect electrical conductor carried by the interconnect body. The at least one interconnect electrical conductor may connect the at least one substrate electrical conductor and the at least one interface electrical connector.

Electro-fluidic device and interconnect and related methods

The invention concerns a method and device for using a homopolar machine to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. According to the method, the invention can include the steps of applying a first DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of a primary conductive disc comprising a rotor to produce an electric current, applying a magnetic field aligned with an axis of the rotor to induce a rotation of the rotor about the axis responsive to the electric current, and coupling the rotation of the rotor to at least one secondary conductive disc disposed in the magnetic field to produce at least a second DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of the secondary conductive disc or discs.

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Palm Bay, FL, United States of America

Paul Bryant Koeneman