Magnetic clamp for holding ferromagnetic elements during connection thereof
US6607304B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/422
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A drive towards automation, particularly in the fiber optics industry, has necessitated the use of materials and methods better suited for use by machines. The present invention takes advantage of the magnetic properties of these materials to create a strong magnetic bond between separate elements while they are being connected. Two independently controllable chucks are used to align the elements in accordance with design requirements. After proper alignment, the elements are magnetically attracted together and then permanently fixed using any one of a variety of standards methods, such as welding. In the embodiment of the invention used specifically in the fiber optics industry, the alignment process includes measuring the light transmitted or reflected by the two elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.