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:
Jun. 26, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 30, 1998
John M. Haake, St. Charles, MO (US);
McDonnell Douglas Corporation, St. Louis, MO (US);
Abstract
A micro-aligner for precisely aligning an optical fiber with an optical device, and methods of making and using same. The micro-aligner includes a carrier having a surface plane and holds an optical fiber to be positioned in alignment with an optical device. Spring biased first and second microactuators are provided on the carrier for effecting in-plane movement and alignment of the optical fiber with an optical device in either or both of two orthogonal in-plane directions when either or both of said in-plane microactuators is activated. Backstops are located on the carrier in respective association with each of the first and second microactuators, respectively, such that the first and second backstops delimit the amount of return in-plane movement of the respective beam after either of the respective first or second microactuator is de-activated. A third microactuator also is provided on the carrier which, when activated, effectively deflects the carrier upward in a direction away from the base.