US4158477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber splice
Assignee: International Standard Electric Corp
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Filing: 1977-07-22
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Granted: 1979-06-19
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Expires: 1997-07-22
Abstract
Abstract An optical fiber splice is formed by means of a pair of watch jewels concentrically aligned within a cylindrical ferrule. The plastic is stripped back from a pair of fibers to expose their cores and each core is inserted into one of the jewels for precise alignment.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Phillips
- 👤 John D. Archer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:02
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/381; G02B6/3818; G02B6/382; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3835; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3874
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A splice arrangement for coupling a pair of optical fibers comprising: a tubular ferrule for receiving the fibers to be spliced; a pair of spaced apart watch jewels within said ferrule having a central hole for receiving one end of the fibers to be spliced, such that the fiber ends abut between said spaced apart jewels; and means for permanently securing the fibers in said ferrule.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A splice arrangement for coupling a pair of optical fibers comprising: a tubular ferrule for receiving the fibers to be spliced; a pair of spaced apart watch jewels within said ferrule having a central hole for receiving one end of the fibers to be spliced, such that the fiber ends abut between said spaced apart jewels; and means for permanently securing the fibers in said ferrule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The splice arrangement as set forth in claim 1, further including a refractive index matching liquid surrounding said abutted fiber ends thereby achieving a low loss coupling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The splice arrangement as set forth in claim 1, further including a protective plastic outer sleeve over said ferrule.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The splice arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a softenable material coating said fibers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The splice arrangement as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pair of watch jewels comprise X-jewels.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The splice arrangement as set forth in claim 1 wherein said coupling is a permanent coupling.
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) | 1982-06-18 | 1982-12-18 | 1983-06-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-06-18 | 1986-12-18 | 1987-06-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-06-18 | 1990-12-18 | 1991-06-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |