Transmission cable optical fiber protector and method

US6496625B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kenneth P. Falkowich · Coventry, US
• Christopher Chestnut · Ellington, US
• Christopher T. Chipman · Scotland, US
• Thomas Engel · Munich, DE
• Robert Markoja · Cheshire, US
• Phillip E. Pruett · Richmond, US
• Robert A. Rubino · Tolland, US
• Jeffrey A. Bonja · Avon, US
• Edward Laffitte · Middletown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 3, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 3, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3801
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fiber optic transmission cable fiber protector includes a splice tube positioned over the ends of a pair of fiber optic cables having an outer capillary tube containing at least one optical fiber within an inner capillary tube. The optical fiber protector includes a pair of optical fiber strain relief mechanism positioned near the ends of the optical fibers; the strain relief mechanisms are captured within a heat sink tube that is inserted into each end of the outer capillary tubes. The splice tube is welded to the outer capillary tubes. Heat generated by the welding process dissipated by the heat sink and gases generated during the welding process are vented through a hole in the outer capillary tube into the optical fiber splice area. In an alternate embodiment a weld coupling is welded to each end of the splice tube and is further welded to the outer capillary tubes. A sealing mechanism is positioned on the inner capillary tubes within the outer capillary tubes forming a seal therebetween. A splice protection sleeve is positioned over the optical fiber splice area to protect the splice during assembly of the protector. In an alternative embodiment an optical fiber protector as…