Draw furnace sealing assembly and method
US6381990B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly constructed and arranged to removably cover the top of the draw furnace while mating with the downfeed handle. The apparatus includes an elongated sleeve having a base and a sealing mechanism positioned on the sleeve at a location remote from the base. The sleeve defines a chamber for receiving the downfeed handle, and the sealing mechanism is arranged with respect to the sleeve to mate with the downfeed handle received in the chamber. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further includes an inert gas purge for providing an inert atmosphere within the chamber. A method of sealing the top of an optical waveguide draw furnace is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.