Lucent Technologies Inc.

Other

Robert George Ahrens

Herman M Presby

David John DiGiovanni

Robert Scott Windeler

John Anthony Tyson

Gerald Edward Tourgee

Michael James LuValle

Joseph Anthony Abate

An apparatus for aligning the cores of the two optical waveguides. The apparatus includes a control loop for receiving an aligning signal launched through the core of one of the optical waveguides. The control loop may effectuate the aligning signal to propagate through the cores of the optical waveguides. The control loop may include a detector for generating a detecting signal in response to detecting the aligning signal. Moreover, the control loop may include a machine-vision system for generating a manipulation signal in response to the detecting signal. The control loops may also include a controller for physically aligning one of the optical waveguides with respect to the other optical waveguide in response to the manipulation signal. The controller may perform the physically alignment by means of a robotic tool. The apparatus may also include a means for splicing the optical waveguides.

Apparatus for splicing optical fibers

A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning and maintaining the alignment of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit in an optical wireless communication system. The receiving unit includes an optical bundle positioned at the focal point of an objective optic element. The optical bundle is comprised of an array of optical fibers, arranged surrounding the receiving fiber. The receiving unit also includes a number of detectors that measure the optical signal strength on a corresponding fiber in the optical bundle. The array of fibers is used to detect the location of the received signal relative to the receiving optical fiber and to provide feedback to adjust the orientation of the optical bundle to optimize the received signal strength. When misalignment occurs between the received signal and the receiving fiber, some of the incident received signal will be captured by one or more of the outer optical fibers. The amplitude of each of the generated signals are then compared to each other, thereby giving a direction in which to drive the optical bundle back into alignment with the received signal. The present invention provides automatic tracking using the information-carrying optical signal, without the need for a separate laser.

Method and apparatus for automatic tracking of an optical signal in a wireless optical communication system

An apparatus for selecting random length boards for nesting into a single row of predetermined lengths includes an accumulating conveyor with longitudinal tracks positioned adjacent a storage rack with the longitudinal channels aligned with the tracks. A scanning assembly is positioned between the accumulating conveyor and storage rack for scanning boards moving between the conveyor and storage rack, to determine the length of each board. The central processor is connected to the scanning assembly, and gates on the accumulating rack and storage rack, to automatically operate the system.

Selection and bundling apparatus for random length materials

Applicants have discovered an apparatus and method effective for use in rendering an optical fiber resistant to losses caused by high-radiation environments such as in outerspace. The apparatus comprises an optical fiber, a housing surrounding the optical fiber defining an enclosed space between the exterior surface of the fiber and the housing, and a concentration of deuterium or hydrogen gases disposed within the enclosed space.

Optical fiber apparatus for high-radiation environments

A method for selecting random length boards for nesting into a single row of predetermined lengths includes the initial step of arranging a plurality of random length boards on an accumulating rack. A plurality of the boards are then conveyed to channels in an adjacent storage rack. The length of each board is determined as the board is conveyed from the accumulating rack to the storage rack, and this information is transmitted to a central processor. The processor calculates combinations of board lengths in the storage rack which will form a single stock row having a combined board length within a predetermined target range. The processor then selects a preferred combination of boards from the possible combinations, and activates gates in the channels to drop the boards to a conveyor and move the selected boards to a stock row accumulating location. The processor then activates gates on the accumulating rack tracks to convey additional boards to empty channels in the storage rack, and repeats the process. The apparatus includes an accumulating conveyor with longitudinal tracks positioned adjacent a storage rack with longitudinal channels aligned with the tracks. A scanning assembly is positioned between the accumulating conveyor and storage rack for scanning boards moving between the conveyor and storage rack, to determine the length of each board. The central processor is connected to the scanning assembly, and gates on the accumulating rack and storage rack, to automatically operate the system.

Selection and bundling method for random length materials

A method for controlling a bore diameter of an optical fiber ferrule is disclosed. The diameter of the bore is controlled by collapsing the ferrule around a rod inserted in an over-sized bore formed therein. The diameter of the rod is selected to match the diameter of the optical fiber to be supported by the ferrule. Thus, after the rod is subsequently immersed in liquid nitrogen removed from the ferrule, the ferrule has a bore diameter which is defined by the diameter of the rod. Suitable materials for the ferrule and the rod include glass and metal, respectively.

Method of making ferrule connectors for optical fibers

Interior shields for protecting structure openings such as windows and doors are described. The shields which are to be positioned on the inside of a window include metal pane backing, metal reinforcement channel members, a metal flange frame, and sealing gasket material on the inside edges of the flange frame. The shields are held in place by compressive fasteners that include a metal cam type wheel with a flat side portion, an axial-hole off center and a side opening for an adjustment rod. A bolt can fit through the axial opening to hold the wheel against the side interior frame of a window. The bolt can be held in place by a concrete anchor and metal sleeve. Rotating the adjustment rod attaches and detaches the shield from the window. When attached, the gasket material forms a watertight seal between the shield and the window. For wooden frames a lag bolt can be substituted for the bolt. Materials for the shield and compressive fastener can include aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel or the like. A second embodiment for using the shield with double windows is disclosed wherein two shields can be bolted together side by side. A third embodiment includes overlaying novel shield panels that do not have side flanges nor reinforcing members. These alternative shield panels can include a roll formed raised corrugated metal panel which overlies a moulded seal-gasket backing material, a rolled formed metal panel with a surface having parallel curved indentations formed from like material overlying a moulded seal-gasket backing material, an extruded corrugated plastic panel, and a sheet moulded fiberglass layer panel overlying a seal-gasket backing material. Each of the alternative shield panels of the third embodiment can be attached and compressed to the inside of the door and window opening in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. Using this invention limits the damage caused by storms to be generally limited to replacing window glass. It is a small matter to replace glass after a storm compared to damage done by wind and water entering an opening during a storm.

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Chatham, NJ, United States of America

Robert George Ahrens