George Michael Grant

US Patent:

55217010, May 28, 1996

Filed:

Jan 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/375083

Inventors:

Hubert T. Felger - Lake Hiawatha NJ
George R. Grant - West Orange NJ

Assignee:

General Fiber Optics, Inc. - Cedar Grove NJ

International Classification:

G01N 2188

US Classification:

356218

Abstract:

A modular optical power meter is provided which comprises a plurality of modules, each of which contains a matched, compatible set of elements consisting of a terminal connector, a source of optical power and a sensor for sensing optical power. These elements are configured for compatibility with each other and with the type of fiber optic system for which the particular elements comprising the module are intended for use. Each module can be separately calibrated and, upon insertion into the optical power meter's mainframe unit, automatically informs this unit of the module's optical characteristics. These modules are easy to use and avoid complications and errors in use. Errors resulting from temperature gradients also are eliminated because the source and sensor comprising each module always are maintained in close proximity to each other and are stored and installed as a unit. The mainframe unit can independently house, and independently operate with, a plurality of such modules to separately control the source, and separately display the optical power sensed by the sensor, comprising each module.