Couplers for electro-optical elements
AssigneeInternational Telephone and Telegraph Corporation
InventorsJames E. Goell, H. David Brandt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Rapid interconnection between electro-optical elements and optical fibers is provided by a two-piece coupler. One element consists of a light conducting fiber within a rigid support tube which is secured both to the electro-optical element support and to the electro-optical element cap. The other element consists of a dual diameter connector tube which fits over the support tube at one end and accommodates an optical fiber at the other end. Insertion of the optical fiber within the connector tube provides close optical coupling between the electro-optical element and the optical fiber by means of the light conducting fiber within the support tube.
Claims20
A coupler for connecting between optical fibers and electro-optical elements of the type having a supporting header comprising:
- first coupling means for providing optical connection with said electro-optical elements a connector optical fiber within a support tube fixedly attached to the header;
- and
- second coupling means for connecting between said optical fibers and said electro-optical elements when said fibers are connected with said second coupling means and said second coupling means are connected with said first coupling means, said second coupling means comprising a dual diameter tube for receiving the support tube at one end and at least one optical fiber at the other end for providing optical continuity between said at least one electro-optical element and said at least one optical fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.