Patent ID: 6128426
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: B64G,G02B,H04B

Abstract:
An optical rotary joint having a relatively movable member positioned on a rotational axis and co-axial with a relatively stationary member, both the movable and stationary members having a communication surface for interfacing with each other, and a central axial portion intermediate the two members, the optical rotary joint comprising:a transmitter adapted to transmit information in an optical signal from a part of a first communication surface positioned outside the central axial portion, the central axial portion having a rotational axis, the optical signal directed through at least one communication path having an optical axis generally parallel to the rotational axis of the central axial portion and then onto a part of a second communication surface also positioned outside the central axial portion to thereby create a communication area on a part of the second communication surface;a detector on the second communication surface adapted to detect the optical signal within the communication area, the detector having at least one detection area of a size less than that of the communication area and whereby at least one communication area projects onto at least one detection area at all points in the rotation of the movable member and whereby a communication path with a communication area intersecting a detection area creates a communication link; anda controller adapted to determine a relative angular position of one of the members with respect to the other member and to actuate one of the transmitter and the detector whereby at least one communication link exists at all points in the rotation of the movable member.