Method and apparatus for automatically forming a coiled segment of optical fiber
US6669128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4457
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for automatically processing an optical fiber to create a fiber coil. In one embodiment, the fiber is wound about a continuously curved winding surface. In another embodiment, the winding surface ensures that a minimum bending radius of the optical fiber is not violated. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a rotating winding surface including a gripper spaced from the winding surface and rotatable therewith. In another embodiment, the coil is transferred to a transport medium comprising an engagement feature that engages the coil. In another embodiment, the coil is stripped from the winding surface and inserted in the transport medium without gripping the fiber. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a mandrel and stripped by moving the coil relative to the mandrel axis. In other embodiments, the coil is stripped by applying equal stripping force to the coil about an entire circumference of the winding surface, and/or by contacting the coil with a stripper that has a contour that matches a contour of the winding surface. In another embodiment, the coil is moved in a single direction to strip it from the winding surface and insert it in the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.