Glass manufacturing – Processes – Forming product or preform from molten glass
Patent
1981-12-15
1983-11-15
Fisher, Richard V.
Glass manufacturing
Processes
Forming product or preform from molten glass
65152, C03B 3710, C03B 3714
Patent
active
044153473
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention concerns a device to prepare cables comprising a number of optical fibres, so that they can be joined fibre by fibre. More specifically, this device is designed to allow the connecting of two cables, each containing ten fibres, positioned in spiral grooves round the circumference of a central insulating core, so that the fibres form a twisted cluster.
The best way of splicing two optical cables is to position the fibres on the same plane, cut them along perfectly straight cross-sections, which are perfectly aligned, then weld them by placing the two prepared cables end to end, with each pair of fibres in contact.
It is a very difficult technique to apply accurately, and this invention describes a device to prepare optical cables for connection in this way, by spreading out the fibres along a portion of each cable on a single plane. This device comprises a comb, containing indentations which engage with the fibres situated on one side of a diametrical plane of the cable, and a second comb, which engages similarly with the fibres on the other side of this diametrical plane, and further comprises means of positioning on a single plane all the fibres thus engaged by separate rotation of these combs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide such a device, comprising one or more combs containing indentations separated by teeth, the profile of each such indentation being adapted to suit the profiles of the adjoining teeth, and these indentations being capable of engaging with the cable fibres.
Another object of this invention is to provide such a device in which the base of each indentation is equidistant from the bases of adjacent indentations in each comb.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a device, comprising two combs, one such comb being intended to engage with the group of fibres situated on one side of a diametrical plane through the cable, and the second being intended to engage with the group of fibres situated on the other side of this diametrical plane.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a device, in which the profile of the teeth of each comb is designed to prevent disturbing the group of fibres on the other side of the diametrical plane.
Another object of the invention is to provide such a device, in which each comb is supported by an arm, attached to a comb handle, each arm being mobile in relation to the other arm, around the same axis of rotation, in order to spread out both groups of fibres on a single horizontal plane.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features of the invention will be made clear by the following description of one possible embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying illustrations:
FIGS. 1 to 4, showing the different phases of engagement of the optical fibers in the comb indentations;
FIGS. 5 and 6, showing part of the system of operating the combs, seen from different angles;
FIG. 7, showing mechanical means of operating the combs, and accompanying components;
FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, showing the means of gripping the cable and the fibres emerging from it, seen from different angles; and
FIGS. 11 to 14, showing the different phases illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, using one recommended form of comb.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the fibres 1 to 10 of an optical cable (the other parts of which are not shown here). The cable has first been stripped to disengage the ten fibres, and the central insulating core has been cut across in the stripped portion. Means that will be described later are used to immobilize the unstripped part, and the fibres are repositioned in a circular pattern at the end of the cable.
The fibres are separated into two groups, on each side of a vertical plane AA, by inserting two blades 100 and 200. The combs and blades are offset along the cable, to prevent them interfering with one another. This is shown more clearly in FIG. 5, which shows a second comb 102
REFERENCES:
patent: 3793117 (1974-02-01), Brooks
patent: 4017013 (1977-04-01), Hawk et al.
patent: 4028162 (1977-06-01), Cherin et al.
patent: 4146301 (1979-03-01), Cherin et al.
patent: 4345137 (1982-08-01), Mignien et al.
Lamarche Dominique
Malinge Jean L.
Soster Marie C.
Fisher Richard V.
Socapex
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