Optical fiber drawing apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for drawing a fused multiple fiber component comprising: a hollow chamber within which an elongated bundle of lightconducting fibers may be suspended for heating and drawing into the fused multiple fiber component, said chamber having normally closed opposite ends at least one of which may be selectively opened for receiving a bundle of light-conducting fibers to be heated and drawn within said chamber; heating means within said chamber; a removable cover forming the closure for one end of said chamber; a liquid gland in said cover, said liquid gland including an elongated orifice into which a multiple fiber component drawn from said bundle may be directed and extended outwardly of said chamber when said cover is in place on said chamber, said orifice being of a diametral size greater than that of a component to be drawn from said bundle, and said gland further including an inlet to said orifice from externally of said chamber through which a liquid sealant may be introduced into said orifice peripherally about a multiple fiber component being drawn therethrough for sealing said orifice against leakage of gas directed into said chamber under pressure; and said chamber having inlet means for receiving and directing gas under pressure into said chamber.