Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Assembling or joining
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-10
2001-12-04
Bryant, David P. (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Assembling or joining
C029S516000, C385S055000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324742
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of uniting a number of optical fibers into a bundle.
An optical fiber bundle has been widely used for transmitting illumination light in an endoscope. The optical fiber bundle is obtained by uniting or joining at least opposites ends of a number of optical fibers. Generally, tubular members have conventionally been used for this uniting operation. More specifically, the end portions of a number of optical fibers to which an adhesive has been applied are inserted into the tubular members, and the optical fibers are united together upon solidification of the adhesive. It is preferred that as many optical fibers as possible be inserted into the tubular member so as to increase the density of filling of the optical fibers. In the above method, however, when trying to insert as many optical fibers as possible into the tubular member, the optical fibers are rubbed by the inner surface of the tubular member, and are damaged. Therefore, to increase the density of filling of the optical fibers has been limited.
Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Application No. 59-43903 discloses a method of uniting optical fibers together, in which a number of optical fibers are first inserted into a tubular member of a circular cross-section, and then a wedge member is inserted into the tubular member, thereby increasing the density of filling of the optical fibers. However, when the wedge member is inserted into the tubular member, the wedge member rubs the optical fibers, and therefore may damage them.
In some cases, optical fibers in a bent condition are united together. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 59-34239 shows in FIG. 5 a front end structure of an endoscope of a side-viewing type. End portions of optical fibers are bent generally right-angularly or perpendicularly, and in this condition they are united together by a uniting member. Although not described in detail in this publication, this uniting member is composed of two halves, and a pair of curved grooves are formed respectively in opposed surfaces of the two halves. The optical fibers are received in these grooves, and the two halves are connected together, with the two grooves mated together, thereby uniting the optical fibers. In this uniting method, the density of filling of the optical fiber is low, and the uniting operation is quite cumbersome.
A pamphlet “KSM alloy”, published by Kanto Tokushuko K. K, discloses a joint for connecting two pipes together. This joint has a tubular shape, and is made of a shape memory alloy. Opposed ends of the two pipes are inserted respectively into the opposite end portions of the joint, and then heat is applied to the joint to return it to its memorized configuration, that is, a smaller diameter, thereby connecting the two pipes together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a method of uniting optical fibers with a high filling density without damaging the optical fibers.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of uniting a number of optical fibers comprising the steps of:
(a) processing a tubular member of a shape memory alloy with a reception space in such a manner that the cross-sectional area of the reception space is larger than that in a memorized shape of the tubular member;
(b) inserting a number of optical fibers into the tubular member; and
(c) subsequently heating the tubular member to return the same to its memorized shape to reduce the cross-sectional area of the reception space, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of uniting a number of optical fibers comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting an inner tubular member and a number of optical fibers into an outer tubular member, the outer and inner tubular members forming a reception space therebetween in which the optical fibers are received, and at least one of the outer and inner tubular member being made of a shape memory alloy; and
(b) subsequently heating the one tubular member to return the same into its memorized shape to reduce a cross-sectional area of the reception space, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the reception space.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of uniting a number of optical fibers comprising the steps of:
(a) inserting a partition plate and a number of optical fibers into a tubular member, so that an internal space of the tubular member is divided into two sections, one of the two sections serving as a reception space for receiving the optical fibers, and the partition plate being made of a shape memory alloy; and
(b) subsequently heating the partition plate to return the same to its memorized shape to reduce a cross-sectional area of the reception space, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the reception space.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3579805 (1971-05-01), Kast
patent: 3580775 (1971-05-01), Siegmund
patent: 3834008 (1974-09-01), Witt et al.
patent: 3914015 (1975-10-01), McCartney
patent: 4198081 (1980-04-01), Harrison et al.
patent: 4352542 (1982-10-01), Tydings
patent: 4597632 (1986-07-01), Mallison
patent: 4631796 (1986-12-01), Inomata et al.
patent: 4743084 (1988-05-01), Manning
patent: 4894906 (1990-01-01), Huang
patent: 4921323 (1990-05-01), Delahanty et al.
patent: 5150516 (1992-09-01), Boero et al.
patent: 5231681 (1993-07-01), Bergqvist
patent: A-2 025 084 (1978-06-01), None
patent: 2053766 (1981-02-01), None
patent: 2185923 (1987-08-01), None
patent: 59-34239 (1984-02-01), None
patent: 59-43903 (1984-03-01), None
patent: 0121006 (1984-07-01), None
patent: 64-59304 (1989-03-01), None
patent: 1-109310 (1989-04-01), None
“KSM Alloy”, published by Kanto Tokushuko K.K., date unknown.
European Search Report dated Jun. 14, 1994.
Bryant David P.
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Machida Endoscope Co., Ltd.
LandOfFree
Method of uniting optical fibers does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of uniting optical fibers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of uniting optical fibers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2591201