Optical waveguides – With splice – Alignment of fiber ends prior to splicing
Patent
1993-12-02
1995-11-21
Lee, John D.
Optical waveguides
With splice
Alignment of fiber ends prior to splicing
385 97, 385 72, G02B 638
Patent
active
054695228
ABSTRACT:
Optical fibers typically used for data signal transmission are connected to each other in an orientation which provides self-aligning of the fiber ends. An alignment cavity is used to accept two optical fibers and guide them to a precise position with accurate alignment of the cores of the fibers. A housing unit may be employed to secure the optically aligned, joined fibers in an isolated, fixed orientation. The alignment cavity can be re-positioned automatically by the fibers entering to assure a preferred optimum alignment of the fiber ends in a vee groove internal configuration. Retaining elements are crimped to secure the fiber ends in the preferred orientation. The retaining elements may have an opening through which the optical fibers, bare or buffered may pass. Retaining elements may also capture the strength members of the optical fiber cables. The method of joining the fibers includes fiber end preparation, buffer stripping and strength member/cable jacket preparation, placement of retaining members, crimping and/or heat activation of joining members, and fixing the fibers/cables within a protective housing. Retaining of the buffered fibers and/or of cable in housing ends maintains fiber-to-fiber alignment in a fixed relationship with the housing, while transferring all tensile cable stress to the rigid housing, keeping the optical fibers isolated from any tensile stresses.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3919037 (1975-11-01), Miller
patent: 4179186 (1979-12-01), Tynes
patent: 4248499 (1981-02-01), Liertz et al.
patent: 4773724 (1988-09-01), Bjornlie
patent: 4818055 (1989-04-01), Patterson
patent: 5029972 (1991-07-01), Lukas et al.
patent: 5042902 (1991-08-01), Huebscher et al.
patent: 5061034 (1991-10-01), Fujikawa et al.
patent: 5081695 (1992-01-01), Gould et al.
patent: 5085494 (1992-02-01), Wesson et al.
patent: 5127076 (1992-06-01), Lepri et al.
patent: 5134470 (1992-07-01), Ravetti
patent: 5138689 (1992-08-01), Merlo et al.
patent: 5157751 (1992-10-01), Maas et al.
patent: 5159653 (1992-10-01), Carpenter et al.
patent: 5249246 (1993-09-01), Szanto
Lee John D.
LiteCom, Inc.
Palmer Phan T. H.
LandOfFree
Optical fiber splice interconnection and usage method does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical fiber splice interconnection and usage method, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical fiber splice interconnection and usage method will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1144373