Optical fiber splice interconnection and usage method
US5469522A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3888
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical fibers typically used for data signal transmission are connected to each other in an orientation which provides self-aligning of the fiber ends. An alignment cavity is used to accept two optical fibers and guide them to a precise position with accurate alignment of the cores of the fibers. A housing unit may be employed to secure the optically aligned, joined fibers in an isolated, fixed orientation. The alignment cavity can be re-positioned automatically by the fibers entering to assure a preferred optimum alignment of the fiber ends in a vee groove internal configuration. Retaining elements are crimped to secure the fiber ends in the preferred orientation. The retaining elements may have an opening through which the optical fibers, bare or buffered may pass. Retaining elements may also capture the strength members of the optical fiber cables. The method of joining the fibers includes fiber end preparation, buffer stripping and strength member/cable jacket preparation, placement of retaining members, crimping and/or heat activation of joining members, and fixing the fibers/cables within a protective housing. Retaining of the buffered fibers and/or of cable in housing ends …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.