Terry Alan Franks

US Patent:

48984450, Feb 6, 1990

Filed:

Sep 9, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/243055

Inventors:

Edwin R. Newell - Wake Forest NC
Terry E. Franks - Leicester NC

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

G02B 636

US Classification:

350 9620

Abstract:

A fiber-optic switch uses a single optical fiber for two-way communication with light. A switching mechanism has no electrical part and is thus appropriate for placement in an area having explosive or combustible materials. The optical fiber can be cut to length in the field and can be installed without special tools or training. The fiber is held in place by a clip that is constrained to compress the fiber and grip it securely. A snap-action mirror reflects light back into the fiber in one position and does not reflect it in another position. The mirror is maintained in one of the two positions by a spring force. An electronic circuit provides pulsed light and determines coincidence of sent and received pulses to discriminate against operation of the switch by ambient light or other spurious signals.

US Patent:

49115170, Mar 27, 1990

Filed:

Sep 9, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/242359

Inventors:

Edwin R. Newell - Wake Forest NC
Terry E. Franks - Leicester NC

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

G02B 636
G02B 726

US Classification:

350 9620

Abstract:

A fiber-optic switch uses a single optical fiber for two-way communication with light. A switching mechanism has no electrical part and is thus appropriate for placement in an area having explosive or combustible materials. The optical fiber can be cut to length in the field and can be installed without special tools or training. The fiber is held in place by a clip that is constrained to compress the fiber and grip it securely. A snap-action mirror reflects light back into the fiber in one position and does not reflect it in another position. An electronic circuit provides pulsed light and determines coincidence of sent and received pulses to discriminate against operation of the switch by ambient light or other spurious signals.

US Patent:

49033379, Feb 20, 1990

Filed:

Sep 9, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/243049

Inventors:

Edwin R. Newell - Wake Forest NC
Terry E. Franks - Leicester NC
Jinde Liu - Lenoir NC

Assignee:

Square D Company - Palatine IL

International Classification:

H04B 900

US Classification:

455605

Abstract:

A fiber-optic switch uses a single optical fiber for two-way communication with light. A switching mechanism has no electrical part and is thus appropriate for placement in an area having explosive or combustible material. The optical fiber can be cut to length in the field and can be installed without special tools or training. The fiber is held in place by a clip that is constrained to compress the fiber and grip it securely. A snap-action mirror reflects light back into the fiber in one position and does not reflect it in another position. An electronic circuit provides pulsed light and determines coincidence of sent and received pulses to discriminate against operation of the switch by ambient light or other spurious signals.