US3734594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber connector
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1972-03-29
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1992-03-29
Abstract
Abstract An optical fiber connector comprises a deformable, annular core disposed between a pair of metallic pressure plates. The two fibers to be spliced are inserted into opposite ends of the core, and a longitudinal force applied to the plates. This causes the core to deform radially, simultaneously aligning and mechanically securing the fibers. Removing the pressure releases the fibers. A core with a plurality of holes can be used to connect the fibers of a fiber cable.
Inventors
- 👤 R Trambarulo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:16
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3806; G02B6/3628; G02B6/3632; G02B6/3644; G02B6/3664; G02B6/3672
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
An optical fiber connector comprising: a deformable core having a hole therethrough for receiving the fibers to be connected; a pair of pressure plates disposed along opposite sides of said core; and means for applying a force to said plates in a direction parallel to said fibers for radially deforming said core, thereby simultaneously aligning and mechanically securing said fibers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
An optical fiber connector comprising: a deformable core having a hole therethrough for receiving the fibers to be connected; a pair of pressure plates disposed along opposite sides of said core; and means for applying a force to said plates in a direction parallel to said fibers for radially deforming said core, thereby simultaneously aligning and mechanically securing said fibers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said core has a plurality of holes for connecting the fibers of a pair of fiber cables.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said core hole is of uniform diameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein each pressure plate has aperture having an outer diameter D, and a smaller inner diameter d equal to the diameter of said core.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The connector according to claim 2 wherein the diameters of said core holes are uniform; wherein each pressure plate has an equal plurality of holes aligned with said core holes; and wherein the diameter of hole in each of said pressure plate increases from a first diameter, equal to said core holes, at its inner surface, to a second, larger diameter at its outer surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said core is made of silicone rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein the fibers to be connected are solid core fibers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein the fibers to be connected are liquid core fibers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |