The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 16, 1988
Filed:
Sep. 16, 1985
William W Spencer, Waverley, CA;
John B Oliver, Dartmouth, CA;
Nova Scotia Research Foundation Corp., Dartmouth, CA;
Abstract
The invention relates to a multiple pass optical rotary joint which can simultaneously transmit optical signals along two or more channels in either of two directions. The joint uses a rotor and a stator to each of which is connected a plurality of optical fibers. Within the joint reflecting mirrors are used to redirect off-axis optical signals onto the joint axis, with relative rotation occurring while the signals are on-axis. A rotating member for each channel has a mirror for reflecting the on-axis signal portion off-axis to a receptor fiber. Alignment between the rotating member and the receptor fiber, as well as drive for the rotating member, is provided by a pair of magnets of opposite polarity, one being secured to the rotating member and the other being secured to the rotor. The magnetic interaction ensures synchronous rotation of the rotor and the rotating member. Specific embodiments in which transmission losses can be minimized are also disclosed.