Patent ID: 8260097

Claim:
A method for aligning one or more lenses with one or more opto-electronic devices, comprising: providing an aligner device, the aligner device having a substantially cylindrical body with a base and an outer ring, the base having a first opto-electronic device opening and a second opto-electronic device opening, the first opto-electronic device opening having a substantially circular shape coaxial with the outer ring and coaxial with a central axis of the aligner device; placing a first opto-electronic device in the first opto-electronic device opening, the first opto-electronic device having a periphery of dimensions providing a transitional fit within the first opto-electronic device opening, a periphery of the first opto-electronic device opening providing an alignment surface, the alignment surface of the first opto-electronic device opening aligning the first opto-electronic device with respect to the central axis and retaining the first opto-electronic device against movement with respect to the aligner device away from the central axis; placing a second opto-electronic device in the second opto-electronic device opening, the second opto-electronic device having a periphery of dimensions providing a transitional fit within the second opto-electronic device opening; and mating a lens device to the outer ring of the aligner device, the lens device including a first lens and a second lens, the lens device and outer ring having mating alignment surfaces, the mating alignment surfaces aligning the first lens with the first opto-electronic device, aligning the second lens with the second opto-electronic device, and retaining the lens device against movement with respect to the aligner device.