Optical fiber splice sleeve and method for applying same
US6454471B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/2558
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A splice sleeve to protect fused or jointed optical fibers at and adjacent their point of fusion against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength by creating a suitable reinforcement at the splice after the fusion. The splice sleeve preferably includes an inner tube, a strengthening rod, an outer tube, and an activatable heat source including one or more substances. Preferably, the strengthening rod and the heat source are disposed between inner tube and outer tube. In use, the splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The substances are exposed to each other, preferably inside of the heat shrinkable tube. This produces a chemical reaction that gives off heat sufficient to affix the splice sleeve to the fused fibers and reinforce the fibers at their point of fusion. In one arrangement, one substance is a chemical selected from the group of Be, Li, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Fr, and Ra and another substance is an aqueous solution contained in a bladder inside of said heat shrinkable tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.