Optical signal communicating apparatus

Abstract

A noncontacting data-transmission system for transmitting data between rotating and nonrotating members includes at least one light source capable of transmitting modulated light signals disposed in one of the members. At least one light detector arranged along the same optical axis as the source and along an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating members is located in the other of the members. A lens having an optical center lying on an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating member is interposed between the light source and detector. The detector is located at the conjugate of the light source, such that an image of the light source is formed by the lens at the detector. The central portion of the lens may be modified, such as by forming a central opening in the lens, such that only an annular portion of the lens is utilized to form the image of the light source on the detector. In an embodiment of the invention disclosed, a plurality of data-transmitting light sources and detectors are coaxially arranged at conjugate positions in the members undergoing relative rotation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.