Patent · US Expired

System and method for the vacuum assisted insertion of optical fibers

US6487359B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
2References
17Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 13, 2001
Grant dateNov 26, 2002
Priority date—
Expiry dateApr 13, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/3644
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system and method for the vacuum assisted insertion of optical fibers includes a plate with one or more fiber alignment holes and a vacuum-sealed region on the exit end of the alignment holes. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum-sealed region and creates a partial vacuum which draws air through the alignment holes creating an airstream into the alignment hole. As a fiber is moved toward the alignment hole, the airstream converging on the hole creates a centering force which acts to pull the fiber into alignment with the hole and the fiber passes directly into the hole. The use of a vacuum produces a precise alignment of a fiber or fibers that can be automated and is significantly quicker and more efficient than any other existing apparatus.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.