Optical fiber splice and method of use
US5042902A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2558
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method of use for splicing the free ends of a pair of optical fibers together. The device comprising a two-section housing and a capillary tube. One section of the housing includes a pair of groove supports and a recess for receipt of the capillary tube. The other section includes a pair of cantilevered arms. Each support groove is disposed adjacent a respective end of the capillary tube and aligned with a longitudinally extending portion of the passageway extending through the capillary tube. The cantilever arms are disposed over the respective support grooves to form respective spaces through with the free ends of the optical fibers may be passed to guide the fibers into the capillary tube passageway where they abut each other. The cantilever arms hold the fibers securely in the support grooves. An ultraviolet-ray-activated, index matched, adhesive is provided in the housing before the fibers are inserted so that when the fibers are inserted they may readily slide into the capillary tube to abut each other. Then the adhesive is activated to cause it to set to encapsulate and lock the various components of the splice in place against disconnection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.