Fiber optic splice enclosure

Details Fiber optic splice enclosure Fiber optic splice enclosure

1999-02-19

2001-03-13

Palmer, Phan T. H. (Department: 2874)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Splice box and surplus fiber storage/trays/organizers/ carriers

C385S137000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06201921

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fiber optic splice enclosure for various types of fiber optic cables. The enclosure provides a contained environment that protects the spliced cables from exposure at the splice points once splicing is completed. Further, the enclosure provides a removable drawer that accommodates various splice trays designs and can be easily transported to an environment suitable to perform the required splicing. Further, the enclosure accommodates many tray simultaneously. Such splice enclosures are secured to poles, towers or other fiber optic cable support structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fiber optic cables are widely used for data transmission. These cables are suspended from support structures such as existing high tension electrical towers. Often these fiber optic cables need to be spliced during initial installation to connect different cable runs, and once in operation, for adding additional cable runs, rerouting, maintenance or repair. It is important that this splicing does not interrupt the total data transmission of the cables involved. Because each of these fiber optic cables typically carry hundreds of thousands of different transmission lines via individual fibers, a complete disruption of the cable continuity is not acceptable when access to, for instance, a single fiber is desired. Thus, access must be provided to the individual transmission lines or fibers to implement a new splice at a portion of a fiber optic cable without totally disrupting the continuity of all the associated bundled fibers.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,007,701 ('701 patent) and 5,479,554 ('554 patent) both disclose a splice closure apparatus in which a rigid, cylindrical and weather impervious outer structure is open at both ends. A pair of end caps each include an elastomeric sealing material sandwiched between a pair of rigid plates. At least one of the end caps has openings for the passage of cables into the interior of the closure where an anchoring member is positioned to receive the cable ends and secure a splice. The elastomeric sealing material in each end cap is compressed against the sides of the outer cylinder by the plates on either side when a number of through bolts are tightened, thus forming a weather tight seal between each end cap and the cylinder wall. In addition, in each end cap with cable openings, the elastomeric material is simultaneously urged tightly against the cables, thus also forming a weather tight seal between the end cap and the cables. While use of the elastomeric sealing material is suitable under typical weather conditions, it often is not suitable under extreme weather conditions. After exposure to extreme cold or hot temperature, the elastomeric material loses its ability to contract and expand properly. Other disadvantages to existing splice enclosures include a lack of ease of splicing together adjoining cables or cable connections.
There is a need for a splice enclosure that includes plentiful fiber unit storage, large fiber space capacity and can accommodate various types and sizes of cables. Further, a splice enclosure is needed that is easy to use and that minimizes disturbance to previously spliced cables contained within the device when additional spliced cable are added or existing spliced cables are serviced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The splice enclosure of this invention provides an environmentally safe means for splicing, or joining together, two or more fiber optic cables. This particular enclosure is designed to handle re-entry for possible future splicing of cables not currently active, the addition of more cables or servicing of the existing cables. Further, the enclosure can be mounted to a support structure via mounting plates and fasteners or can be banded to the support structure.
The enclosure includes a weather and impact resistant casing and a covered drawer that can be easily removed from the casing and taken to an area wherein splicing can be conducted. A gasket affixed to the drawer, provides a seal between the drawer and the casing without the use of messy sealants and retains the required assembly hardware thus minimizing loose parts.
The drawer includes a splice tray retaining area that can accommodate several splice trays at a time. Further, the drawer includes a buffer tube storage area where the stored buffer tubes will not exceed their desired bend radius. The drawer also includes a strength member support. A variety of cable strength members, including strength member typically used with ADSS, Opt-GW and HFC cable, may be tied off, or rigidly attached with this design.
Compared to existing splice enclosures, this invention exhibits a higher fiber count capacity, weighs and costs less to manufacture, is more corrosion resistant, accommodates larger diameter cables and may be pressurized for environmental sealability and verification of proper installation.
An objective of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure capable of accommodating various types and sized cables.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a lightweight splice enclosure.
Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure having the ability to accommodate high fiber count.
A further objective of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure that can be fastened or banded to a support structure.
A further objective still of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure that can be easily installed, and can be accessed and re-accessed without disturbing previously installed splices.
Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure capable of accommodating various splice trays.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a splice enclosure that is bullet resistant.


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