Importance

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Abstract

An optical switch for transmitting light between a first location and a selected one of a plurality of second locations. The switch includes a mirror having a concave, reflective surface and an axis. The switch also includes a plurality of fiber optic cables, one of which is disposed at the first location and the remainder of which are disposed at the second locations, each cable having a light transmission face at their respective locations. The light transmission face at the first location is substantially parallel to the focal plane of the mirror. The light transmission face at each of the second locations is at an angle which intersects with the axis. A motor connected to the mirror for eccentric rotation thereof with respect to its axis to direct light between the first location and individual ones of the second locations depending upon the rotational position of said mirror about the axis to complete the light switch. The light transmission face at the first location is substantially parallel to the focal plane of the mirror and substantially perpendicular to the axis thereof, and the light transmission face at each of the second locations is at a defined angle to the focal plane. The mirror is preferably spherically concave, or elliptically concave, or parabolicly concave.

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First Claim