US4057322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Precision surface optical fibers
Assignee: U S Holding Co Inc
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Filing: 1975-11-05
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Granted: 1977-11-08
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Expires: 1995-11-05
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming a precision three-dimensional surface to clad optical fibers. One embodiment provides means for deforming the fiber end to conform to the geometry of the interstice formed between three tangential and parallel cylinders. The precision three-dimensional fiber end enables accurate low loss coupling between the fibers to be achieved through the accurate reference planes presented.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles K. Kao
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:39
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/24; G02B6/25; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3803
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
A precision formed optical fiber comprising: cylindrical core means for transmitting light energy through said fiber; cladding means for promoting total internal reflection within said fiber; and at least three intersecting reference planes formed on the surface of the cladding for providing low light loss connection with said fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
A precision formed optical fiber comprising: cylindrical core means for transmitting light energy through said fiber; cladding means for promoting total internal reflection within said fiber; and at least three intersecting reference planes formed on the surface of the cladding for providing low light loss connection with said fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber of claim 1 wherein said at least three reference planes are defined by the interstices formed by at least three tangential cylinders.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fiber of claim 2 wherein said at least three reference planes provide a quasi-triangular configuration to the fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fiber of claim 1 wherein said at least three reference planes are formed from a deformable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The fiber of claim 4 wherein said deformable material comprises said cladding means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fiber of claim 4 wherein said deformable material comprises a plactic layer on the fiber surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber of claim 1 wherein said at least three reference planes are formed by the isostatic distortion of the fiber cladding.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The fiber of claim 1 wherein said at least three reference planes further include ferrule means enclosing said at least three reference planes on at least one end of said fiber for providing structural support to said fiber end.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber of claim 8 wherein said ferrule means comprises a metallic sleeve having the same geometric configuration as the formed fiber ends.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fiber of claim 8 wherein said ferrule means comprises a plastic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber of claim 2 wherein said reference planes are defined by the interstices formed by four tangential cylinders of equal radius.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fiber of claim 11 wherein said at least three reference planes comprise a quasi-rectangular configuration.
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) | 1980-11-07 | 1981-05-09 | 1981-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-11-07 | 1985-05-09 | 1985-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-11-07 | 1989-05-09 | 1989-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |