Optical fiber connection system

US11194100B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Nathaniel S. Shonkwiler · Austin, US
• Richard L. Simmons · Leander, US
• Donald K. Larson · Cedar Park, US
• William J. Clatanoff · Travis, US
• Janet A. Kling · Manor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 15, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 7, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 15, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3821
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical fiber connection system (600) configured to interconnect a plurality of first and second optical fibers (54, 54′) is described. The connection system comprises a first bare fiber holder (620) that includes a clamping plate (540) having an interconnection portion (544) with a generally planar surface, wherein bare ends of the plurality of first optical fibers (54) are disposed adjacent to interconnection portion (544) and wherein the plurality of first optical fibers (54) are secured in the first bare fiber holder (620) at a first distance from the bare ends of the plurality of first optical fibers (54) and a second bare fiber holder (620′) that includes a splicing plate (580) having a plurality of alignment channels (585), wherein a bare end of each of the second optical fibers (54′) extend at least partially into one of the plurality of alignment channels (585) and wherein the plurality of second optical fibers (54′) are held at a second distance from the bare ends of the plurality of second optical fibers (54′).