Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
2007-08-14
2007-08-14
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2883)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S053000, C385S056000, C385S092000, C385S060000
Reexamination Certificate
active
10988965
ABSTRACT:
A load adapter and method for terminating an optical fiber in a small form factor connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material, and a housing. The load adapter includes a thermally conductive body having a base section and a connector mounting section extending axially therefrom. The base section is adapted to be inserted/placed in an oven port of a portable heat source. The connector mounting section has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to surround a substantial portion of the small form factor connector housing and includes at least one slot. The connector mounting section includes a mount adapted to receive the small form factor connector. The mount includes a stem having a substantially cylindrical structure adapted to slidably receive the ferrule portion of the small form factor connector, where an end of a received ferrule portion of the small form factor connector extends beyond an edge of an inner wall of the stem. An optical fiber is inserted through the connector housing and ferrule portion such that an end of the optical fiber extends beyond the end of the ferrule portion. The load adapter can then be removed from the heat source, cooled, and the end of the optical fiber can be polished. The load adapter and method can thus provide for practical field termination of an optical fiber in a small form factor fiber connector.
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U.S. Application entitled “Small Form Factor Optical Connector With Thermoplastic Adhesive”, filed Mar. 26, 2004, having U.S. Appl. No. 10/811,437.
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Product Manual, “SC, FC and ST* Hot Melt Fiber Optic Connectors—Instructions”; (1998); 3M Company, Austin, TX.
Cox Larry R.
Hardcastle David S.
Lurie Edward B.
Morgan Eric M.
3M Innovative Properties Company
Font Frank G.
Rosenblatt Gregg H.
Wong Eric
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