Cold coupling apparatus and method
US6217205A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4298
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cold coupling apparatus for receiving light from a source of illumination and transmission to the ends of one or more light-guiding fibers comprises a coupler body having one or more lenses are typically disposed within the coupler body; a compression fitting is engaged with the retention means; a collet is typically disposed within the compression fitting, as are one or more ferrules, and one or more rods, or a slug. The coupler body may be actively cooled, or may have heat sink fins attached to its exterior. A method of cooling a plurality of light-guiding fibers comprises the steps of inserting a plurality of fibers and a corresponding plurality of ferrules, along with a plurality of rods, into a thermally conductive coupler body. Each ferrule is placed over the end of a corresponding fiber, so as to expose the fiber end, and partially cover the fiber jacket. The ferrules are also placed in physical contact with the rods, which are in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axes of the fibers. The coupler body engages with a compression fitting so as to create a continuous thermal path from the fibers to the coupling body, by securing the fibers, ferrules, and rods within the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.