Plastic fiber optic terminator
US5168145A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/18
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Portable apparatus is provided for terminating a plastic fiber optic cable mounted in a terminal connector by melting the fiber ends to form a smooth, flat end surface on each. The apparatus comprises a housing having a pistol grip, a holder for positioning a connector with the fiber ends protruding therefrom, and a heater. A polished plate is mounted on a trigger-operated holder for movement between a biased position normally engaging the heater and a position engaging the fiber ends. A heater switch energizes the heater; a temperature detector senses when the heater has reached a predetermined high temperature and illuminates an L.E.D. The operator then actuates the trigger to move the plate into engagement with the fiber ends to melt them. When the plate has cooled to a predetermined low temperature, indicating that the fiber ends are solidified, the L.E.D. extinguishes and the trigger can be released. A spring then moves the plate back into contact with the heater and the connector can be removed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.