Optical fiber tap utilizing reflector and resilient closure
US5037170A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 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 A light reflector extending transverse to the plane deflects the withdrawn light towards the end surface of a light element disposed completely outside the plane.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 maintained in bent registration with the optical coupler within the plane. 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.