(under subclass 115) Subject matter wherein multiple information beams are separated by the use of a switch to selectively direct individual information portions of a light beam to either separate individual light conductive elements or separate directions in space.
(1) Note. This subject matter may include a waveguide with a switch as a subcombination thereof (see Search Class Note for Class 385).
(2) Note. The optical telemetry of Class 340, subclasses 853+ and Class 340, subclasses 870.28+, include the combination of an optical communication system, as in this subclass or the indents thereunder, combined with a particular claimed sensor. The optical communication systems of this and indented subclasses transfer optical data from
one location to another via a data link, but no specific sensor is set forth in the claims. For example, wellbore teleme-try using any type of energy (i.e., radio, acoustic, magnetic, optic, etc.) belongs in the single art area, presently located in Class 340, subclasses 553+, since the wellbore environment is important for searching. Telemetry having a specified claimed sensor belongs with the type of sensing or in Class 340, subclasses 870.28+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
385, Optical Waveguides,
16+, for the combination of a waveguide and switch not included in an optical communications system.
