Apparatus for reducing deformation of a coating on a coated optical fiber
US5647884A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B37/032
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A capstan belt (80) is mounted on a pair of pulleys (82,83) for engagement with the surface of a draw capstan (75), the capstan belt (80) being driven for rotation on the pair of pulleys (82,83) by rotational movement of the capstan (75). A coated optical fiber (35) is drawn between the capstan (75) and the capstan belt (80). At least a surface of the capstan belt (80) is manufactured of a very low modulus material which easily deforms when contacting the coated optical fiber (35) such that the belt material deforms rather than the coating on the fiber during contact between the belt and the coated fiber. An idler belt (78) may surround the capstan (75) and an idler pulley (79), at least the surface of the idler belt (78) being manufactured of the same or similar material as the capstan belt (80). The belt material has a modulus of elasticity in the range of 10 to 200 PSI (0.07 to 1.38 MPa) at 10% strain and 200 to 5000 PSI (1.38 to 34.5 MPa) at 100% strain. Additionally, the abrasion resistance of the belt material when tested in accordance with ASTM C501 (1,000 cycles at 1,000 gram load) is in the range of 10 to 200. The tear properties of the belt material (as measured in accord…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.