Appeal No. 2005-0560
Application No. 09/873,127
The disclosed invention pertains to a method and
apparatus for switching beams of light directly between selected
ones of N input optical fibers and M output optical fibers.
Representative claim 1 is reproduced as follows:
1. A non-blocking mechanical fiberoptic matrix switch,
comprising:
N input optical fibers;
M output optical fibers;
a first plurality of stages each supporting an end portion
of a corresponding one of the N optical fibers;
a second plurality of stages each supporting an end portion
of a corresponding one of the M optical fibers;
means for translating the stages along a plurality of
overlapping paths to align a facet of a selected one of the N
input optical fibers with a facet of a selected one of the M
output optical fibers; and
a plurality of collimating lenses, each for transmitting a
beam of light between aligned input and output fibers.
The examiner relies on the following references:
Mock 5,664,034 Sep. 02, 1997
Kobayashi et al. JP 6-258584 Sep. 16, 1994
(Kobayashi)
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