Patent ID: 8340527
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G02B,H01H,H01L,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for coupling an optical signal via at least one optical cable selected from a group comprising lightguide, optical fiber and a combination thereof to a semiconductor circuit contained in a packaged plastic enclosure of an integrated lightguide coupler for monitoring and communicating data pertaining to a current drawn through one of an AC power line and an AC power outlet including one of reporting and controlling the consumed power by an electrical appliance; said packaged plastic enclosure of said integrated lightguide coupler further contains at least one optical access made of a plastic molded structure, and at least one photo element selected from a group comprising a photo diode, a photovoltaic cell, a photo diac, a photo thyristor, a photo triac, a photo transistor, a photo MOSFET, an LED, a laser and combinations thereof, said at least one photo element being integrated with said semiconductor circuit, and said semiconductor circuit being selected from a group comprising a current sensor, a current data processor and a combination thereof; said optical access providing for directly attaching and optically linking said at least one optical cable with said at least one photo element, at least one holder selected from a group comprising a structured holder within said enclosure, an attachable holder and a combination thereof for holding a terminated end of said optical cable attached to said access, said method comprising the steps of: