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. 09, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 29, 1991
Gary J Grimes, Thornton, CO (US);
Allen L Larson, Thornton, CO (US);
AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ (US);
Abstract
A structure for providing an N by N optical switch includes input and output structures disposed on either side of a planar electronic shutter array. Each of the input and output structures, which respectively provide optical signal splitting and combining, is realized by the stacking of N molded optical elements. Each element is formed of a plurality of molded materials with one providing an optical waveguide and the other providing a supporting structure for such waveguides. Advantageously, both the input and output structures utilize the same molded optical element and are fabricated in an identical manner. After such fabrication, the one structure to be designated as the output structure is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the input structure prior to abutment against the planar electronic shutter array.