Methods for drawing optical fibers using a fluid bearing

US7937971B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CORNING INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• John Joseph Costello · Corning, US
• James Henry Faler · Wilmington, US
• Andrey V. Filippov · Corning, US
• Steven Joseph Gregorski · Corning, US
• Bruce Warren Reding · Elmira, US
• John Christopher Thomas · Elmira, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2007
• Grant date: May 10, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C03B2205/56
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods for producing optical fibers along nonlinear paths include incorporating fluid bearings. An optical fiber is drawn from a preform along a first pathway, contacted with a region of fluid cushion of a fluid bearing, and redirected along a second pathway as the fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion.