James E Peck

US Patent:

56664486, Sep 9, 1997

Filed:

Sep 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/532194

Inventors:

Jeffrey S. Schoenwald - Thousand Oaks CA
Stephen W. Clausi - Huntington Beach CA
James L. Peck - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Rockwell International Corporation - Seal Beach CA

International Classification:

G02B 632

US Classification:

385 44

Abstract:

A variable splitting optical coupler includes a first port assembly, a second port assembly, a movable deflecting element assembly and a third port assembly. The first port assembly includes a first lensing element and receives a first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element and emits a variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The movable deflecting element assembly includes a movable deflecting element positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third leasing element. The movable deflecting element is so positionable and the third port assembly is so positioned and arranged so that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The variable transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element. The transmitted and deflected portions of the first optical signal are expanded and collimated, while passing through the optical coupler by appropriate positioning of the lensing elements to provide efficient and accurate control of the first optical signal.

US Patent:

57579946, May 26, 1998

Filed:

Sep 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/532195

Inventors:

Jeffrey S. Schoenwald - Thousand Oaks CA
Stephen W. Clausi - Huntington Beach CA
James L. Peck - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

Boeing North American, Inc. - Seal Beach CA

International Classification:

G02B 626

US Classification:

385 44

Abstract:

The optical coupler includes first, second and third port assemblies and a deflecting element. The first port assembly receives a first optical signal, the first port assembly including a first lensing element. The second port assembly emits a predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal. The second port assembly includes a second lensing element. The deflecting element is positioned between the first and second port assemblies. The third port assembly includes a third lensing element. The deflecting element and the third port assembly are so positioned and arranged such that a deflected portion of the first optical signal is deflected from the deflecting element and directed through the third port assembly. The predetermined, transmitted portion of the first optical signal is directed through the second port assembly without being deflected by the deflecting element. The transmitted and deflected portions of the first optical signal are expanded and collimated while passing through the optical coupler by appropriate positioning of the lensing elements to provide efficient and accurate control of the first optical signal.