Patent Publication Number: US-2012039597-A1

Title: Fiber optic cross connect with non-intrusive monitoring and circuit tracer

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to non-intrusive monitoring signals between two lines of fiber optic communication utilizing two opposed collimators wherein part of the collimated light may be monitored without interrupting the service during transmission of optical information data. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fiber optics distribution frames, patch panels and termination devices today do not offer cost-effective, non-intrusive, bi-directional (transmit/receive) monitoring capabilities. Currently, an active line is monitored by disconnecting it and attaching a monitor line to its end. Another solution utilizes a splitter which requires expensive tooling and extra spacing with an additional box. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens, wherein the parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of a receiving fiber optic line. 
     A mirror disposed in the tunnel, between the two lenses, preferably with at 45° relative to the lens axis, and facing the emitting fiber optic line, reflects and diverts part of the parallel beam of light to a diverting tunnel. A periscope-like second diverting mirror, preferably at 45° relative to the diverting tunnel axis directs the reflected beam into a second diverting tunnel wherein it is collimated by a third lens, disposed in the second diverting tunnel, to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines, wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens, wherein the parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of the receiving fiber optic line. 
     A rotatable mirror disposed in that tunnel, between the two lenses, preferably at 45° relative to the lens axis, and facing the emitting fiber optic line, is rotatable by a lever to face the emitting fiber optic line. The mirror reflects and diverts part of the parallel beam of light to a diverting tunnel. A periscope-like second diverting mirror, preferably at 45° relative to the diverting tunnel axis directs the reflected beam into a second diverting tunnel wherein it is collimated by a third lens, disposed in the second diverting tunnel, to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines, wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens, wherein the parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of the receiving fiber optic line. 
     Two side-by-side mirrors disposed in the tunnel, between the two lenses, preferably each at 45° relative to the lens axis and each facing one of the emitting fiber optic lines, reflect and divert part of the parallel beam of light to a diverting tunnel. A periscope-like second diverting mirror, preferably at 45° relative to the diverting tunnel axis directs the reflected beam into a second diverting tunnel wherein it is collimated by a third lens, disposed in the second diverting tunnel, to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention accordance, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens, wherein the parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of the receiving fiber optic line. 
     A semi-reflecting mirror is disposed in the tunnel, between the two lenses, preferably at 45° relative to the lens axis, reflects and diverts part of the coming light from one side of the semi-reflecting mirror to a diverting tunnel. A periscope-like second diverting mirror, preferably at 45° relative to the diverting tunnel axis directs the reflected beam into a second diverting tunnel wherein it is collimated by a third lens, disposed in the second diverting tunnel, to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. If the emitted light comes from the other side of the semi-reflecting mirror, then part of the light is reflected from the other side of the semi-reflecting mirror face onto a mirror disposed below the semi-reflecting mirror whose reflecting face is parallel to the lens axis, which reflects this light through the semi-reflecting mirror to the above diverting tunnel. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens were that parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of the receiving fiber optic line. 
     A double-faced mirror with two reflecting sides is disposed in the tunnel, between the two lenses, preferably each at 45° relative to the lens axis, and reflects light coming from any side from any of the fiber optic lines by the relevant side of the double faced mirror, to the diverting tunnel according to the fiber optic that serves as the transmitter. A periscope-like second diverting mirror, preferably at 45° relative to the diverting tunnel axis directs the reflected beam into a second diverting tunnel wherein it is collimated by a third lens, disposed in the second diverting tunnel, to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a non-intrusive monitoring optical connection is provided between two fiber optic lines wherein the emitted light from a sending fiber optic end is collimated to a larger diameter parallel beam of light by a first lens. The parallel larger diameter beam of light goes in a tunnel wherein a second lens focuses the light to the end of the receiving fiber optic line. A reflecting device according to any embodiment of the invention reflects the light in the diverting tunnel, wherein it is collimated by a fourth lens to the end of a monitoring fiber optic line. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention (wherein the system can be built in accordance with any or all of the above configurations), the monitoring port, when not connected to a monitoring fiber optic line, is covered by a transparent cap which is illuminated by the reflecting beam from the light emitted by the active fiber optic line, thus indicating visually whether the service and or line is active and operative. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention (wherein the system can be built in accordance with any or all of the above configurations), the monitoring port, when not connected to a monitoring fiber optic line, is covered by a transparent cap whose color changes in accordance with illumination by the reflecting beam from the laser light emitted by the active fiber optic line thus indicating visually whether the service and or line is active and operative. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed technique will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1-1  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber, wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and a mirror diverts part of the light to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1-2  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system of  FIG. 1-1 . 
         FIG. 2-1  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber, wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and a rotatable mirror diverts part of the light coming from left fiber optic line to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2-2  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system of  FIG. 2-1  wherein the rotatable lens reflects light coming from right fiber optic line to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port. 
         FIG. 3-1  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and side-by-side mirrors divert part of the light, according to the emitting light side, to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port. 
         FIG. 3-2  is a schematic cut from top view illustration of the system of  FIG. 3-1 . 
         FIG. 3-3  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system of  FIG. 3-1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and a semi-reflecting mirror and parallel mirrors divert part of the light coming from either the left fiber or right optic line to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port. 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and a double faced mirror with two reflecting sides diverts part of the light coming from either the left fiber or right optic line to another mirror reflecting the light, via another lens, to a monitoring port. 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system including an optical connection between one in-line fiber optic to an out-line fiber wherein the light is collimated and focused again by two opposed lenses and a mirror diverts part of the light coming from either the left fiber or right optic line wherein another lens focuses the light to a monitoring port. 
         FIG. 7-1  is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system with a cap on the monitoring port. 
         FIG. 7-2  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 7-1  in the monitoring area. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1-1  in which an optical connection between emitting fiber optic line  2  and receiving fiber optic line  3  with a non-intrusive fiber optic line  1  may measure operational performance. The emitting fiber optic line  2  is connected to the connection box  7  via a mechanical connection  5  wherein the tip  14  of emitting fiber optic line  2  goes in a light cone  20  to be collimated by lens  17  to a parallel beam  21  and that parallel beam  21  is focused to the tip  15  of the receiving fiber optic line  3  that is mechanically connected to the connection box  7  by a connection  6 . Mirror  27  reflects part of the parallel beam  21  and diverts the reflection  12  onto a mirror  28  in tunnel  26  wherein it is reflected and diverted to a lens  19  disposed in tunnel  13  wherein lens  19  focuses the parallel beam  21  onto the tip end  16  of the monitoring fiber optic line  1  that is connected to the connection box by a mechanical connector  4 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1-2  which is a sectional view of  FIG. 1-1  along arrows  8  and  9  in  FIG. 1-1 , wherein mirror  27  covers only part of the parallel beam  21  and wherein the second mirror  28  is disposed in tunnel  12 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2-1  in which an optical connection between emitting fiber optic line  2  and receiving fiber optic line  3  with a non-intrusive fiber optic line  1  may measure operational performance as in FIG.- 1 . After the light emitted from fiber optic line  2  is collimated it is reflected by a rotatable mirror  42  into beam  25  wherein it is diverted by mirror  28  to be focused again to the monitoring line  1 . The rotatable mirror  42  may rotate in the direction indicated by arrows  40  and  41 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2-2  which is the same as  FIG. 2-1  but with the rotatable mirror  42  rotated to the other emitting fiber  3  and the reflecting beam  44  reflected from the new position of the rotatable mirror  42 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3-1  in which an optical connection between emitting fiber optic line  2  and receiving fiber optic line  3  or between emitting fiber optic line  3  and receiving fiber optic line  2  with a monitoring non-intrusive fiber optic line  1  may measure operational performance as in FIG.- 1  wherein after the light emitted from fiber optic line  2  goes in its natural dispersed cone  57  and is collimated to a parallel beam  56  wherein part of that parallel beam  56  is reflected by side-by-side mirror face  52 . Alternatively, light emitted from fiber optic line  3  goes in its natural dispersed cone  51  and is collimated to a parallel beam  55  wherein part of that parallel beam  55  is reflected by side-by-side mirrors face  53  and then, as in FIG.- 1 - 1 , the reflected beam is reflected and focused on the monitoring fiber optic line  1 . 
       FIG. 3-2  which illustrates the side-by-side mirror faces  52  and  53 .  FIG. 3-3  illustrates the side-by-side mirror faces  52  and  53 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4-1 , which is a simplified sectional view illustration of the system in  FIG. 1-1  wherein a semi-reflecting mirror  60  reflects part of the collimated light  56  from line  2  to the reflecting mirror  28 . Semi-reflecting mirror  60  reflects part of the collimated light  55  from line  3  along line  62  to a parallel mirror  61  wherein it reflects back through the semi-reflecting mirror  60  to the reflecting mirror  28 . 
       FIG. 4-2  illustrates the system with a semi-reflecting mirror. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5 , in which an optical connection between fiber optic line  2  and fiber optic line  3  with a non-intrusive fiber optic line  1  may measure operational performance. If the emitting fiber optic line is line  2 , then the light leaves the tip  14  of line  2  and goes in its natural dispersed cone  71  and is collimated to a parallel beam  72 . Part of that parallel beam  72  is reflected by a double faced mirror  73  at left face  74 , wherein the reflected beam  77  is reflected by mirror  28  to be focused by lens  19  to the tip  16  of monitoring line  1 . 
     When the emitting fiber optic line is line  3 , then the light leaves the tip  15  of line  3  and goes in its natural dispersed cone  23  and is collimated to a parallel beam  72 . Part of parallel beam  72  is reflected by double faced mirror  73  at right face  75 , wherein the reflected beam  76  is reflected by mirror  28  to be focused by lens  19  the tip  16  of monitoring line  1 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , in which an optical connection between fiber optic line  2  and fiber optic line  3  with a non-intrusive fiber optic line  1  may measure operational performance. If the emitting fiber optic line is line  2 , then the light leaves the tip  14  of line  2  and goes in its natural dispersed cone  71  and is collimated to a parallel beam  72  wherein part of parallel beam  72  is reflected by a double faced mirror  73  at left face  74 , wherein the reflected beam  77  is focused by a fourth lens  84  in a cone  85  onto tip  86  of monitoring line  1 . 
     When the emitting fiber optic line is line  3 , then the light leaves the tip  15  of line  3  and goes in its natural dispersed cone  23  and is collimated to a parallel beam  72 . Part of parallel beam  72  is reflected by double faced mirror  73  at right face  75 , wherein the reflected beam  76  is focused by a fourth lens  84  in a cone  85  onto tip  86  of monitoring line  1 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7-1 . The system has a cap on the monitoring port. The reflected beam  29  goes in tunnel  13  and is focused by the forth lens  19  and illuminates the cap  90  on the monitoring port  4 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7-2 , which is an enlarged view of  FIG. 7-1  in the monitoring area. The reflected light  29  goes in tunnel  13  wherein it is focused by lens  19  to point  94 . Since in this instance the monitoring port is covered by a cap  91 , the light focused in point  94  goes in its natural dispersed angle  93  in tunnel  92  wherein it illuminates the cap  90  on area  91 .