Optical waveguides – Accessories – External retainer/clamp
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-21
2001-07-24
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
External retainer/clamp
C385S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266469
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the art of fiber optics and, particularly, to a fiber optic cable pulling device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In fiber optic transmission systems, signals are transmitted along optical fibers by optical frequency waves (light) generated from a source thereof. Optical fibers typically are fabricated of glass materials and are very delicate or fragile. An optical fiber may be on the order of 125 microns in diameter.
Fiber optic connectors are employed to terminate optical fiber cables and to facilitate connection of the cables to other cables or other optical fiber transmission devices. A typical optical fiber connector includes a ferrule which mounts and centers the optical fiber within the connector. The ferrule may be mounted in some form of ferrule holder which is assembled within another body member of the connector. The ferrule may be fabricated of such material as ceramic, and the ferrule holder may be molded from plastic material.
In some fiber optic transmission systems, connectors of the general character described above, terminated to respective fiber optic cables, must be installed through ducts, conduits or the like. It is preferred to pull a connector and its terminated cable through the duct work. This must be done in a manner to protect the delicate connector and terminated cable while maintaining the connector and cable clean and free of any dust, dirt or other debris which often accumulates in the ducts or conduits. The present invention is directed to providing a very simple yet extremely efficient and reusable device for pulling a fiber optic cable through duct work or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved fiber optic cable pulling device.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device includes a base having a cavity for receiving a connector terminated to the fiber optic cable. A cover is provided for assembly to the base to close the cavity and capture the connector therewithin, with the cable extending outwardly from the base. Complementary interengaging clamp means are provided between the base and the cover for clamping onto at least one of the cable and connector when the cover is assembled to the base.
As disclosed herein, the clamp means includes a channel in the base through which the cable extends outwardly of the base. A clamping boss is provided on the cover for projecting into the channel in clamping engagement with the cable therewithin. The clamping boss may have a serrated surface for positively gripping the cable. A novel feature of the invention is to provide a deformable ring about the fiber optic cable for clamping purposes. The ring may be positioned in the channel in the base. In the preferred embodiment, the deformable ring is fabricated of a heat shrinkable rubber material which is shrunk around the cable, and the rubber ring is deformed tightly about the cable within the channel in the base but not so tight as to damage the fiber.
The base and cover of the device are elongated, with the clamp means at one end thereof, and including grasping means at the other end thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the grasping means is provided by a pulling cord in the form of a loop extending through a hole in the base. A crimp ring is crimped onto free ends of the pulling cord to form the loop thereof. The crimp ring is larger than the through hole and is captured within the base to prevent the loop from pulling out of the base.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4684211 (1987-08-01), Weber et al.
patent: 5039196 (1991-08-01), Nilsson
patent: 5807026 (1998-09-01), Valette
patent: 5863083 (1999-01-01), Giebel et al.
Font Frank G.
Molex Incorporated
Mooney Michael P.
Tirva A. A.
LandOfFree
Fiber optic cable pulling device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fiber optic cable pulling device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fiber optic cable pulling device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2537990