Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A passive coupler for fibre-optics of the type which enables at least two optical fibres contained therein to be coupled, comprising an inner tubular element within which said at least two optical fibres are fusion-spliced, a centering element supporting said tubular element, and an outer tubular element containing both said inner tubular element and said centering element, wherein said at least two optical fibres, both in entering and in leaving said inner tubular element, are arranged separate from each other and pass through a pair of internal elements which close said outer tubular element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said inner tubular element is of quartz construction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said internal closure elements through which said at least two optical fibres pass are constructed of heat-shrinkable material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A coupler am claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said internal closure elements through which said at least two optical fibres pass are constructed of a metal material bonded to said outer tubular element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said at least two optical fibres, both in entering and in leaving, are supported within said closure elements by the interposition of an external tube of heat-shrinkable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said centering element is of silicone rubber construction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said at least two optical fibres emerging from said pair of internal closure elements and directed towards said inner tubular element are covered with at least one cable of protective material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said at least one cable of protective material is of teflon construction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said at least one cable of protective material is constructed of teflon covered with kevlar thread and enclosed in a sheath of plastics material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that portions of said at least two optical fibres passing through and supported within said pair of internal closure elements are contained within a sheath of protective material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that a portion of said external tube of heat-shrinkable material extends towards said inner tubular element, a filling material being arranged within said said portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A coupler as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that said at least two optical fibres contained within said portion of said external tube are themselves contained in protective cables.