Method and apparatus for suppressing flow instabilities in an optical fiber draw system
US11554980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B2205/91
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A furnace system includes a muffle defining a furnace cavity. A lower heater is coupled to the muffle and is configured to create a hot zone within the furnace cavity having a temperature of about 1900° C. or greater. An upper muffle extension is positioned above the muffle and defines a handle cavity. A downfeed handle is positioned within the handle cavity such that a gap is defined between an outer surface of the downfeed handle and an inner surface of the upper muffle extension. An upper heater is thermally coupled to the upper muffle extension and configured to heat the gap. A gas screen is positioned in the upper muffle extension and is configured to inject a process gas into the handle cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.