US3977855A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making fiber optic device
Assignee: American Optical Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-11
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Granted: 1976-08-31
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Expires: 1991-06-11
Abstract
Abstract A shortened image inverter formed of a plurality of light-conducting fibers arranged in side-by-side relationship with each other as a bundle having opposite image-receiving and image-emitting faces; the bundle being twisted intermediately of its opposite end faces by the amount of 180° and compressed axially for shortening.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry B. Cole
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:12
CPC Classifications
C; C03; C03B; C03B37/00; C03B37/10; C03B37/14; C03B37/15; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G02B6/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
The method of making a fiber optic image inverter comprising the steps of: forming a bundle of a multiplicity of individual light-conducting fibers arranged in side-by-side parallel relationship with each other and all fused together with corresponding opposite ends of the fibers substantially geometrically identically patterned as opposite image-receiving and image-emitting end faces of the bundle, said bundle being substantially longer than the ultimate finished length of said image inverter; heating a major portion of the length of said bundle intermediately of said opposite faces thereof to a softening temperature suitable for axial twisting thereof; axially twisting said bundle sufficiently to invert one of said end faces 180° relative to the other end face; compressing said bundle axially an amount sufficient to substantially shorten its length between said opposite end faces; and cooling said bundle to a hardened state; said step of compressing being effected at any preselected stage of processing between said steps of heating and cooling said bundle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
160 words
The method of making a fiber optic image inverter comprising the steps of: forming a bundle of a multiplicity of individual light-conducting fibers arranged in side-by-side parallel relationship with each other and all fused together with corresponding opposite ends of the fibers substantially geometrically identically patterned as opposite image-receiving and image-emitting end faces of the bundle, said bundle being substantially longer than the ultimate finished length of said image inverter; heating a major portion of the length of said bundle intermediately of said opposite faces thereof to a softening temperature suitable for axial twisting thereof; axially twisting said bundle sufficiently to invert one of said end faces 180° relative to the other end face; compressing said bundle axially an amount sufficient to substantially shorten its length between said opposite end faces; and cooling said bundle to a hardened state; said step of compressing being effected at any preselected stage of processing between said steps of heating and cooling said bundle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of compressing said bundle is effected prior to said axial twisting thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of compressing said bundle is effected during said step of axial twisting thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said step of compressing said bundle is effected subsequent to said step of axial twisting thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein opposite ends of said bundles of fibers are maintained at substantially lower temperatures than said intermediate portion thereof during said steps of twisting and compressing said bundle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein thermostatic control of heating said intermediate portion and opposite ends of said bundle is utilized to effect said respective differential heating.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein heat is dissipated from said opposite ends of said bundle to effect said differential heating.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 7 wherein dissipation of said heat is caused to occur mainly from outermost fibers of said bundle adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-08-31 | 1980-03-01 | 1980-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-31 | 1984-03-01 | 1984-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-31 | 1988-03-01 | 1988-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |