Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A method for applying a connector to an optical fiber ribbon (10) comprising a parallel array of optical fibers (12) held in position and encapsulated by a plastic ribbon encapsulation (11), said method characterized by the steps of: selectively removing the ribbon encapsulation (11) from a middle portion of the optical fiber ribbon while leaving intact separated ribbon portions (14, 15) and first optical fiber portions (12) extending between said separated ribbon portions; containing the first optical fiber portions between a pair of first optical fiber support members (18, 19) on opposite sides thereof; cutting transversely to the first optical fiber portions through the first support members and the first optical fiber portions; polishing exposed ends (27) of the first optical fiber portions; and aligning and abutting second optical fibers (32) contained between opposite second optical fiber support members with said first optical fiber portions such that optical energy can be transmitted from the first optical fiber portions to the second optical fibers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: after the containing step, encapsulating the support members in a plastic encapsulation (24); and wherein the cutting step further comprises the step of cutting through the plastic encapsulation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the optical fiber support members are made of crystalline material; and individual grooves for supporting the optical fiber portions are made in the support members by photolithographic masking and etching.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the optical fiber support members define an alignment aperture (20) that extends substantially parallel to said first optical fiber portions; and the second optical fiber support members supporting the second optical fibers contain an alignment pin (29) adapted to be inserted into said alignment aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method of claim 2 wherein: the first optical fiber support members define an alignment aperture that extends substantially parallel to the first optical fiber portions, but which is substantially sealed from the environment during the encapsulating step, whereby no plastic is injected into the alignment aperture; the cutting step further comprises the step of cutting through the alignment aperture, thereby to expose the alignment aperture; and the aligning step comprises the step of inserting an alignment pin into the alignment aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 5 wherein: the encapsulating step comprises the step of enclosing the first optical fiber support members in a mold (22); and injecting a plastic material (24) into said mold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: a plurality of middle portions of the ribbon encapsulation are etched while leaving intact optical fiber portions extending across each of said middle portions; containing each of the exposed optical fiber portions of each of the middle portions between a pair of optical fiber support members; encapsulating each pair of optical fiber support members in a second encapsulation; and cutting transversely to the optical fiber portions through each second encapsulation, each pair of support members and each of the optical fiber portions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 7 wherein: after the encapsulation step, but before the cutting step, winding said ribbon about a spool (35), whereby said ribbon may be stored and unwound prior to cutting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: after the aligning and abutting step, a clamp member is applied (FIG. 13) for exerting an axial force pressing the first optical fiber support members against the second optical fiber support members.