Optical waveguides – Accessories – External retainer/clamp
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-07
2001-06-19
Ngo, Hung N. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
External retainer/clamp
C385S099000, C385S059000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249635
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of fiber optic cable management and, more particularly, to fiber optic cable splice holders.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
It is envisioned that one day, all telephone wires will be replaced by fiber optic cables. To be able to properly identify a particular fiber optic cable in a central office, or other station where there may be hundreds to thousands of such cables, fiber optic cable management is necessary, wherein bundles of cables/single cables are passed through holders, guides, etc., to and from terminal points. In this manner, a technician may readily identify a particular cable needing servicing or replacement by its path.
In the prior art, various devices and techniques have been developed to manage standard copper telephone wiring. However, fiber optic cables are physically much weaker and more brittle than copper wiring. Additionally, splices of fiber optic cables are particularly susceptible to failure and require special consideration.
There are basically two types of fiber optic cable splices: fusion splices and array ribbon splices. A fusion splice is used to join one fiber optic cable to another, wherein the two cables are fused together. An array ribbon is a flat ribbon formed by a plurality of joined fiber optic cables (sheaths disposed about the cables are joined, not the cables themselves). In an array ribbon splice, two array ribbons are mass fused with cables of both ribbons being individually joined. To prevent damage to, and possible failure of, the fused joint, a reinforcing bar is typically provided. Additionally, the reinforcing bar and the fused joint are invaginated within a protective sheath.
In a final state, with reinforcing bar and all, the diameter of a fusion splice is much smaller in size than the diameter of an array ribbon splice. (As used herein, the term “splice” refers to the assembly of a fused joint of fiber optic cables, and generally, although not necessarily, a reinforcing bar, and a protective sheath.) As such, a holder designed to hold fusion splices will not accommodate array ribbon splices, and vice versa.
It is an object of the subject invention to a provide a splice holder for accommodating both fusion splices and array ribbon splices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforementioned object is met by a splice holder formed with several upwardly extending walls, a plurality of deflectable fusion splice arms, and a plurality of deflectable array ribbon splice arms. At least one fusion splice arm and at least one array ribbon splice arm are disposed to face each wall and define a splice receiving channel therewith. The wall coacts with the associated fusion splice arm to engage and hold a fusion splice or, alternatively, coacts with the associated array ribbon splice arm to engage and hold an array ribbon splice.
The fusion splice arm and the array ribbon splice arm are similarly shaped but differently dimensioned. In most instances, splices have circular cross-sectional shapes. Specifically, both types of arms are formed with a stem and depending detent; however, the array ribbon splice arm has a longer stem and a larger detent as compared to the fusion splice arm to facilitate engagement of a larger diameter splice. In this manner, the array ribbon splice arm is formed to engage and latch onto an array ribbon splice, whereas, the fusion splice arm is formed to engage and latch onto a fusion splice.
The spacing between the respective arms and the associated wall is dictated by the diameter of the splice to be engaged. Thus, the fusion splice arm is located at a shorter distance from the associated wall to define a smaller width portion of the splice receiving channel sized to accommodate a fusion splice, as compared to a larger width portion of the splice receiving channel defined between the array ribbon splice arm and the wall, which is sized to accommodate an array ribbon splice.
In a preferred embodiment, the wall is formed with a protruding limiting wall section that extends towards and faces the fusion splice arm. The limiting wall section performs two principal functions. First, the limiting wall section cooperatively defines a passage with the fusion splice arm to accommodate a fusion splice. As such, the fusion splice arm is located further from the wall, as compared to if no limiting wall section was provided. This location of the fusion splice arm defines a more unobstructed passage for an array ribbon, as described below. Second, the limiting wall acts as a stop against axial movement of an engaged array ribbon splice.
In arranging the arms, it is preferred that the fusion splice arms be located closer to the longitudinal ends of the splice holder than the array ribbon splice arms. Because the smaller width portions of the splice receiving channels are too small to accommodate array ribbon splices, an array ribbon splice, which is to be engaged and held by the splice holder, must be formed sufficiently short enough to fit between longitudinally spaced apart fusion splice arms, but yet have sufficient length to be engaged and held by the array ribbon arms. Array ribbons extending from an engaged array ribbon splice are disposed to pass between the fusion splice arms and corresponding limiting wall sections. The fusion splice arms and the limiting wall sections act to limit movement of the array ribbons. The passages defined between the limiting wall sections and the fusion splice arms are respectively centered with engaged array ribbon splices, thus, in each instance, defining a minimally obstructed passages for array ribbons extending from the engaged splice.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings, which are not to scale, are designed solely for the purpose of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5222184 (1993-06-01), Fose
patent: 5796908 (1998-08-01), Vicory
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Ngo Hung N.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
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