Y-branch splittable connector
US6619697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 27, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49716
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An existing protective duct contains a bundle of guide tubes through which fiber optic cables are run to customers at existing service locations. In order to run a cable to a new customer at a different service location, the duct is cut at a branch point and a short section of the duct is removed to expose the guide tubes. An unused guide tube is cut and serially connected to a branch guide tube leading to the new service location. The protective duct sidewall is restored at the branch point by a splittable Y-branch connector that includes complementary housing sections, an inlet opening, an outlet opening and at least one branch opening. Splittable coupling collars seal the branch connector housing sections around the respective cut end portions of the existing duct. The Y-branch connector also includes a branch stub that is sealed around the branch guide tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.