US4147402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Process for manufacturing an optical fiber termination
Assignee: International Standard Electric Corp
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Filing: 1977-06-30
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Granted: 1979-04-03
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Expires: 1997-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A process is disclosed for manufacturing a lens termination for an optical fiber using laser machining to form a cavity which centers the fiber in the termination.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin Chown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 01:25
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4204; G02B6/4206; G02B6/26; G02B6/32; G02B6/322; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4219; G02B6/4228; G02B6/423; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S359/00; Y10S359/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A process for manufacturing a lens termination for an optical fiber comprising the steps of: providing a plastic preform comprising a tube member with a coaxial bore and having one end closed by a lens, said bore and lens being arranged such that the focal plane of said lens lies just below the surface of the base of said bore; and directing light from a laser through said lens so as to focus the light onto said base of said bore thus evaporating a portion of the plastic material to form a cavity in said base opening to said surface and of a diameter less than that of said bore, said cavity thus formed being dimensioned to receive the bared end of an optical fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A process for manufacturing a lens termination for an optical fiber comprising the steps of: providing a plastic preform comprising a tube member with a coaxial bore and having one end closed by a lens, said bore and lens being arranged such that the focal plane of said lens lies just below the surface of the base of said bore; and directing light from a laser through said lens so as to focus the light onto said base of said bore thus evaporating a portion of the plastic material to form a cavity in said base opening to said surface and of a diameter less than that of said bore, said cavity thus formed being dimensioned to receive the bared end of an optical fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A process as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said lens is a graded refractive index self-focusing lens, the rearward surface of which is coated with a layer of plastic material, said cavity being formed in said layer by said laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said lens is a plastic Fresnel lens.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An optical fiber lens termination made by the process of claim 1.
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) | 1982-04-02 | 1982-10-02 | 1983-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-04-02 | 1986-10-02 | 1987-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-04-02 | 1990-10-02 | 1991-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |