System and methods for providing under-wrap access to optical fiber wound onto spools
US6533216B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/5122
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optical fiber shipping spool, winding system and method for allowing automated winding of an accessible lead meter portion of optical fiber onto the spool. The spool comprises primary and lead meter barrels separated by an outboard flange. The outboard flange has a slot extending to its periphery, the slot providing a path for fiber between the lead meter and primary barrels, the slot having an inlet facing the lead meter barrel and an outlet facing the primary barrel. The slot is angled such that when fiber being wound onto the lead meter barrel comes into contact with the slot inlet, the fiber is automatically drawn into the slot and then guided by the slot onto the primary barrel. According to another aspect, a high-strength rib configuration is disclosed including a plurality of curved, intersecting ribs formed on a flange of the spool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.