Apparatus and method for assembling and aligning a plurality of optical fibers
US6421493B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3839
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention include an optical uniform spacing assembly for aligning a multipitch plurality of optical fibers into a uniform pitch linear array of optical fibers. The assembly includes an organizer body having a slot formed therein that extends longitudinally along the body. A portion of the slot has a width dimensioned to allow only one optical fiber at a time therethrough simultaneously and a depth dimensioned to align a multipitch plurality of optical fibers into a uniform pitch linear array of optical fibers. The assembly provides sufficient alignment for transitioning from, e.g., an optical fan-out arrangement such as a plurality of individual optical fibers to, e.g., an optical fan-in arrangement such as a ribbon cable arrangement. The assembly provides a compact, easily assembled apparatus and method for overcoming size mismatch and other conventional problems associated with transitioning between differing arrangements. Alternatively, the spacing assembly includes a transition assembly coupled to the front end thereof for providing additional alignment to, e.g., a multipitch array of optical fibers, prior to their alignment within the organizer body. Also, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.