초록 ▼

Fiber optic rotary coupler apparatus is disclosed in which a light signal formed in a continuous ring in a plane is transmitted between a barrel and a surrounding sleeve within which the barrel is rotatably mounted. The light signal ring is produced by a light source and an associated light transmit

Fiber optic rotary coupler apparatus is disclosed in which a light signal formed in a continuous ring in a plane is transmitted between a barrel and a surrounding sleeve within which the barrel is rotatably mounted. The light signal ring is produced by a light source and an associated light transmitting fiber wound on the barrel in at least one complete circular loop of a radius such that a portion of a light signal introduced into an end thereof is transversely radiated from the fiber. Light detector means, which may include a further optical fiber for transmitting light signals to a remote detector, is carried on the sleeve. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical and electrical signal channels are incorporated into a single device.

대표청구항 ▼

Fiber optic rotary coupler apparatus for transmitting light signals between first and second bodies, one of which is rotatable relative to the other about an axis of rotation, comprising: a first light transmitting fiber of a type through which light is longitudinally transmitted by total internal r

Fiber optic rotary coupler apparatus for transmitting light signals between first and second bodies, one of which is rotatable relative to the other about an axis of rotation, comprising: a first light transmitting fiber of a type through which light is longitudinally transmitted by total internal reflection if said fiber is maintained at a radius no smaller than a predetermined critical radius, and from which light escapes transverse to the length of said fiber if said fiber is bent into a radius within a predetermined range of radii smaller than the critical radius; a first member adapted to be fixed to the first body, and adapted to carry said light transmitting fiber so that it is maintained in at least one complete circular loop having a radius within the predetermined range, the loop being centered on the axis of rotation and generally lying in a first plane perpendicular thereto; a first light source fixed relative to the first body and oriented to project a light signal into an end of said first light transmitting fiber; first light detector means; and a second member adapted to be fixed to the second body, and adapted to carry at least part of said first light detector means so that it is positioned to receive light signals which escape from said first light transmitting fiber.