Air bearing for an optical fiber

Details Air bearing for an optical fiber Air bearing for an optical fiber

1990-07-26

1991-08-27

Sikes, William L.

Optical waveguides

Accessories

385 53, G02B 636, G02B 726

Patent

active

050428993

ABSTRACT:
A curvilinear bearing (10) is provided for guiding an optical fiber (14) along a curved path. The bearing (10) has a first ribbon (16) with an open-bottom channel (20) of such dimensions and geometry to conform to a fiber (14) received therein. A second ribbon (18) has a central channel (22) formed in one surface with a pair of inlet passages (24, 26), one on each side of the central channel, and generally parallel to the channel. Several connecting passages (28, 30, 32, 34) extend between the central channel (22) and each inlet passage (24, 26). The second ribbon (18) is assembled to the first ribbon (16), the central channel (22) and open bottom of channel (20) being aligned. The ribbon assembly can be formed about a cylindrical substrate (37). Pressurized air added to the inlet passages (24, 26) forms a cushion of air in the channel (20) to support the fiber (14). Optionally, a pair of ribbons ( 42, 50) can be spirally wound onto each other to form a spiral bearing path (52) between edges of the outer ribbon (50).

REFERENCES:
patent: 4521072 (1985-06-01), Cholley et al.
patent: 4776910 (1988-10-01), Taylor et al.

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