Wedge-actuated multiple optical fiber splice
US5151964A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3839
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a splice element having two plates with fiber receiving V-grooves formed in the inner surface of one of the plates, and a splice body having a wedge to actuate the splice element by clamping the plates together. The splice body includes a jacket and a cap, there being a slot in the jacket for receiving the splice element and a cavity adjacent the slot for receiving the wedge. The cavity has a ramped surface which causes the wedge to move toward the splice element and clamp the plates as the wedge is moved forward on the ramp surface. A tongue, formed integrally with the cap, is preferably interposed between the wedge and the splice element to prevent deformation of the plates which might result from direct contact between the plates and the wedge as it slides forward. The wedge and tongue advantageously apply the clamping force only at the center of the splice element, allowing the ends thereof to remain slightly flexed, thereby providing gradual clamping of the fibers which reduces signal loss.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.