US4061484A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for producing gradient fibers
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1977-03-30
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Granted: 1977-12-06
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Expires: 1997-03-30
Abstract
Abstract A process for the production of gradient fibers of glass by depositing layers of glasses having selected indices of refraction and then drawing fibers therefrom. The process is carried out by sequentially introducing a plurality of glass masses to form layers having progressively higher refractive index of refractions. The resulting layers are formed into an unitary body which is drawn into an optic fiber.
Inventors
- 👤 Hubert Aulich
- 👤 Josef Grabmaier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:21
CPC Classifications
C; C03; C03B; C03B19/00; C03B19/04; C03B37/00; C03B37/01; C03B37/02; C03B37/022; C03B37/023; C03B37/025; C03B37/027; C03B2201/00; C03B2201/06; C03B2201/30; C03B2201/50; C03B2203/00; C03B2203/10; C03B2203/22; C03B2203/26; C03B2205/00; C03B2205/02; C03B2205/12; C03B2205/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A process for producing a gradient glass fiber having a changing index of refraction radially comprising the steps of A. introducing successively into the rotating, cylindrically-walled heated melting crucible a plurality of glass masses which differ from one another progressively as respects respective indices of refraction thereof, the glass mass introduced initially having the smallest index of refraction of said plurality and the glass mass introduced last having the greatest refractive index of said plurality, so that each individual such glass mass forms a successive cylindrical layer on said cylindrical crucible walls, and B. pulling a glass fiber having a radially changing index of refraction from the resulting heated cylindrically layered glass structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A process for producing a gradient glass fiber having a changing index of refraction radially comprising the steps of A. introducing successively into the rotating, cylindrically-walled heated melting crucible a plurality of glass masses which differ from one another progressively as respects respective indices of refraction thereof, the glass mass introduced initially having the smallest index of refraction of said plurality and the glass mass introduced last having the greatest refractive index of said plurality, so that each individual such glass mass forms a successive cylindrical layer on said cylindrical crucible walls, and B. pulling a glass fiber having a radially changing index of refraction from the resulting heated cylindrically layered glass structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said plurality of glass masses is characterized by having the refractive index of each individual glass mass of said plurality be determined by the relative portion of one component thereof, such individual glass masses of said plurality otherwise having similar respective compositions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The process of claim 1 wherein, after step A, said resulting cylindrical layered glass structure in said crucible is solidified while said crucible is so rotating, then an axially narrow annular region of such glass structure is continuously heated to a pulling temperature, and finally a fiber is pulled from the so heated glass structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The process of claim 1 wherein, after step A, said resulting cylindrical layered glass structure in said crucible is cooled from its formation temperature to a pulling temperature, and then a glass fiber is then pulled directly from said rotating crucible.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said crucible is comprised of a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum and iridium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said crucible is inductively heated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the temperature during said introducing ranges from about 1,000° to 1,300° C and wherein the temperature during said pulling ranges from about 700° to 1000° C.
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) | 1980-12-05 | 1981-06-06 | 1981-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-05 | 1985-06-06 | 1985-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-05 | 1989-06-06 | 1989-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |