Optical fiber tap utilizing reflector and resilient closure
US5029962A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4285
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tap for coupling light from an intermediate portion of an optical fiber core and a light element by passing light through a side of the optical fiber includes an optical coupler in contact with an outside surface of an optical fiber which is bent and disposed in a plane. A light reflector extending transverse to the plane deflects the withdrawn light towards the end surface of a light element disposed completely outside the plane. The tap may be used as a read tap to withdraw light, or as a write tap to inject light in optical fiber networks. A spring biased closure member urges the optical fiber to be maintained in bent registration with the optical coupler within the plane. A rail and channel is used to conveniently guide a tap closure member against the optical fiber. Simple tools and general craft training and knowledge may be applied to insert into and remove the optical fiber from the tap.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.