Measurement of optical attenuation along the length of bent optical fibers

Claim 2

A process for simulating and measuring the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from the introduction of curvature into the optical fiber during use, comprising the steps of: furnishing a loss measurement apparatus that bends a segment of a length of an optical fiber into a curved shape; introducing an optical fiber into the loss measurement apparatus; measuring the loss of transmitted light energy resulting from the curvature produced by the loss measurement apparatus; and passing the length of the optical fiber progressively through the loss measurement apparatus to bend successive segments of the optical fiber, while continuing to measure the loss of light energy from the optical fiber.

Claim 3

The process of claim 1, wherein the loss measurement apparatus includes a mandrel around which the optical fiber is wound.

Claim 4

The process of claim 1, wherein the loss measurement apparatus includes means for introducing light into the optical fiber from an end thereof.

Claim 5

The process of claim 1, wherein the loss measurement apparatus includes means for introducing light into the optical fiber from a side thereof.

Claim 6

The process of claim 1, wherein the loss measurement apparatus bends the optical fiber into a shape simulating that produced in the optical fiber as it is dispensed from an optical fiber canister, and the measurement of light attenuation is over that simulated bend.

Claim 7

The process of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is fed from a supply spool and taken up by a takeup spool during the step of passing.

Claim 8

The process of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber is moved continuously during the step of passing.

Claim 9

The process of claim 1, wherein the step of measuring is performed continuously during the step of passing.

Claim 10

A process for simulating and testing the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from peel point bending as it is dispensed from a canister, comprising the steps of: bending an optical fiber into a bent shape simulating the peel point bending of an optical fiber; measuring the loss of transmitted light energy resulting from the curvature of the bent shape; and propagating the bent shape along the length of the optical fiber, and repeating the step of measuring.

Claim 11

A process for simulating and testing the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from peel point bending as it is dispensed from a canister, comprising the steps of: bending an optical fiber into a bent shape simulating the peel point bending of an optical fiber; measuring the loss of transmitted light energy resulting from the curvature of the bent shape; and propagating the bent shape along the length of the optical fiber, and repeating the step of measuring.

Claim 12

A process for simulating and measuring the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from the introduction of curvature into the optical fiber during use, comprising the steps of: furnishing a loss measurement apparatus that bends an optical fiber into a curved shape, the apparatus including means for bending the optical fiber into the curved shape, means for introducing into the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in one direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape, means for receiving light from the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in the other direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape, and means for determining the attenuation of light due to the presence of the curved shape in the optical fiber; introducing an optical fiber into the loss measurement apparatus; measuring the loss of transmitted light energy using the means for introducing, the means for receiving, and the means for determining; and passing the length of the optical fiber progressively through the loss measurement apparatus, while continuing to measure the loss of light energy from the optical fiber.

Claim 13

A process for simulating and measuring the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from the introduction of curvature into the optical fiber during use, comprising the steps of: furnishing a loss measurement apparatus that bends an optical fiber into a curved shape, the apparatus including means for bending the optical fiber into the curved shape, means for introducing into the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in one direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape, means for receiving light from the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in the other direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape, and means for determining the attenuation of light due to the presence of the curved shape in the optical fiber; introducing an optical fiber into the loss measurement apparatus; measuring the loss of transmitted light energy using the means for introducing, the means for receiving, and the means for determining; and passing the length of the optical fiber progressively through the loss measurement apparatus, while continuing to measure the loss of light energy from the optical fiber.

Claim 14

Apparatus for simulating and measuring the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from the introduction of a curvature into a length of the optical fiber during use, as that curved length is moved through the optical fiber, comprising: means for bending a length of the optical fiber into a preselected curved shape; means for passing the optical fiber progressively through the means for bending; means for introducing light into the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in one direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape; means for receiving light from the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in the other direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape; and means for determining the attenuation of light due to the presence of the curved shape in the optical fiber.

Claim 15

Apparatus for simulating and measuring the optical signal attenuation of an optical fiber resulting from the introduction of a curvature into a length of the optical fiber during use, as that curved length is moved through the optical fiber, comprising: means for bending a length of the optical fiber into a preselected curved shape; means for passing the optical fiber progressively through the means for bending; means for introducing light into the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in one direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape; means for receiving light from the optical fiber in a portion of the optical fiber separated in the other direction along the optical fiber from the length currently bent into a curved shape; and means for determining the attenuation of light due to the presence of the curved shape in the optical fiber.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for passing and the means for determining may operate simultaneously.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for bending includes a mandrel.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for passing includes a supply spool from which optical fiber is unwound prior to entering the means for bending and a takeup reel upon which the optical fiber is wound after passing through the means for bending.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for introducing includes a laser that injects light into the end of the optical fiber.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the means for introducing includes a laser that injects light into the side of the optical fiber.