Socket for a detachable plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber and detector arrangement to a light source
AssigneeU.S. Philips Corporation
InventorLothar P. Mannschke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a socket for a plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber used in optical telecommunication systems. The socket comprises a light detector for converting the light radiated adjacent the optical fiber into an electrical signal for controlling the power dissipation of the light source.
Claims7
A socket provided with a light source, for a detachable plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber to the light source, comprising:
- an intermediate member, having a light source end near the light source and having a plug end, said member having a fiber guide therein extending from the light source end to the plug end, said light source emitting light such that a first portion of the light is emitted in a direction toward the fiber guide such that, in the absence of intervening obstacles, the first portion of light will enter the fiber guide, and a second portion of the light is emitted in a direction away from the fiber guide such that regardless of whether or not there are intervening obstacles the second portion of light will not enter the fiber guide;
- and
- a light detector disposed adjacent to the fiber guide at the light source end in such a manner as to receive at least part of the second portion of light emitted by the light source.
A socket provided with a semiconductor light source, for a detachable plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber to the semiconductor light source, comprising:
- an intermediate member, having a light source end near the light source and having a plug end, said member having a fiber guide therein extending from the light source end to the plug end;
- and
- a disc-shaped semiconductor light detector disposed adjacent to the fiber guide at the light source end and having a hole in which the fiber guide ends.
A socket provided with a light source, for a detachable plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber to the light source, comprising:
- an intermediate member, having a light source end near the light source and having a plug end, said member having a fiber guide therein extending from the light source end to the plug end, said light source emitting light such that a first portion of the light is directed into the fiber guide, and a second portion of the light is directed away from the fiber guide;
- a light detector disposed adjacent to the fiber guide at the light source end in such a manner as to receive at least part of the second portion of light emitted by the light source;
- an outer can;
- an inner member disposed in the outer can, said inner member including the intermediate member, said outer can comprising mounting means for mounting the socket on a support for the light source;
- and
- adjusting means for positioning the inner member with respect to the light source;
- wherein the outer can has a bearing surface and the inner member has a flange which bears upon the bearing surface, the adjusting means being set screws fitted in the outer can and whose ends engage the inner member, said socket further comprising a ring-shaped resilient element spaced between the set screw ends and the flange of the inner member.
A socket provided with a semiconductor light source, for a detachable plug and socket connection for coupling an optical fiber to the semiconductor light source, comprising:
- an intermediate member, having a light source end near the light source and a plug end, said member having a fiber guide therein extending from the light source end to the plug end;
- a disc-shaped semiconductor light detector disposed adjacent to the fiber guide at the light source end and having a hole in which the fiber guide ends;
- an outer can;
- an inner member disposed in the outer can, said inner member including the intermediate member, said outer can comprising mounting means for mounting the socket on a support for the light source;
- and
- adjusting means for positioning the inner member with respect to the light source;
- wherein the outer can has a bearing surface and the inner member has a flange which bears upon the bearing surface, the adjusting means being set screws fitted in the outer can and whose ends engage the inner member, said socket further comprising a ring-shaped resilient element spaced between the set screw ends and the flange of the inner member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.