Device and method for optical signal switching
First Claim
1. An opto-mechanical switch for selectively switching an optical input signal from an input fiber optic cable between a plurality of output fiber optic cables, the opto-mechanical switch including a discrete re-directing fiber optic cable that is spaced apart from both the input and output fiber optic cables, the re-directing fiber optic cable being adapted to receive the optical input signal, the re-directing fiber optic cable mounted within a housing, the re-directing fiber optic cable and the housing being selectively positionable to transmit the optical input signal to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fiber optic cables, wherein the re-directing fiber optic cable is distinct from the input fiber optic cable and the output fiber optic cables.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An opto-mechanical switching device for selectively switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers. The opto-mechanical switching device includes a re-directing fiber adapted to receive the optical input. The re-directing fiber is disposed within a re-directing fiber housing. The re-directing fiber housing is selectively positionable via a stepper motor to transmit the optical input to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fibers. A method for switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers is also provided.
-
Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An opto-mechanical switch for selectively switching an optical input signal from an input fiber optic cable between a plurality of output fiber optic cables, the opto-mechanical switch including a discrete re-directing fiber optic cable that is spaced apart from both the input and output fiber optic cables, the re-directing fiber optic cable being adapted to receive the optical input signal, the re-directing fiber optic cable mounted within a housing, the re-directing fiber optic cable and the housing being selectively positionable to transmit the optical input signal to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fiber optic cables, wherein the re-directing fiber optic cable is distinct from the input fiber optic cable and the output fiber optic cables.
-
10. An opto-mechanical switch comprising:
-
a plurality of output fiber optic cables;
a separator member for spacing the plurality of output fiber optic cables apart and positioning each of the plurality of output fiber optic cables in a predetermined position;
a drive mechanism; and
a discrete re-directing fiber optic cable coupled to the drive mechanism and adapted to receive an optical input signal from an input fiber optic cable, the input fiber optic cable being spaced apart from the opto-mechanical switch, and the re-directing fiber optic cable mounted within a housing rotatable by the drive mechanism; and
wherein the drive mechanism is operable for selectively positioning the housing and the re-directing fiber optic cable such that the re-directing fiber optic cable transmits the optical input signal to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fiber optic cables wherein the re-directing fiber optic cable is independently movable relative to the input fiber optic cable. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method for switching an optical signal, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a plurality of output fiber optic cables;
providing an optical input signal from an input optical fiber cable;
providing a discrete re-directing fiber optic cable between the plurality of output fiber optic cables and the input optical fiber cable;
providing the discrete re-directing fiber optic cable within a housing;
positioning the re-directing fiber optic cable and the housing to transmit the input signal to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fiber optic cables;
wherein the re-directing fiber optic cable does not contact the output fiber optic cable or the input optical cable. - View Dependent Claims (18)
-
Specification