US4219274A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers
Assignee: Times Fiber Communications Inc
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Filing: 1978-07-27
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Granted: 1980-08-26
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Expires: 1998-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A packaging apparatus for optical fiber is disclosed. The apparatus allows the fiber to be tested while in the packaged condition. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical reel and means for mechanically reducing the circumference of the reel comprising a flexible sheath fastened longitudinally to a portion of the reel, thereby defining a longitudinal cavity bounded by said sheath and the surface of a portion of the reel and at least one longitudinally removable spacer member disposed with said sheath, abutting the reel.
Inventors
- 👤 Franklin W. Dabby
- 👤 Ronald B. Chesler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:44
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4439; G02B6/4457; B; B65; B65H; B65H75/00; B65H75/02; B65H75/18; G01; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/08; G01M11/088; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/30; B65H2701/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A device for packaging optical fibers comprising: (a) a cylindrical reel; and, (b) means for mechanically reducing the circumference of said reel comprising: (i) a flexible sheath fastened longitudinally to a portion of said reel, thereby defining a longitudinal cavity bounded by said sheath and the surface of a portion of said reel; and, (ii) at least one longitudinally removable spacer member disposed with said sheath, abutting said reel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
69 words
A device for packaging optical fibers comprising: (a) a cylindrical reel; and, (b) means for mechanically reducing the circumference of said reel comprising: (i) a flexible sheath fastened longitudinally to a portion of said reel, thereby defining a longitudinal cavity bounded by said sheath and the surface of a portion of said reel; and, (ii) at least one longitudinally removable spacer member disposed with said sheath, abutting said reel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as defined by claim 1, further comprising optical fiber wound around the circumference of said device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein the surface of said cylindrical reel is coated with a foamed elastomer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein said flexible sheath runs longitudinally from one end of said reel to the other end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein said at least one removable spacer member protrudes from at least one end of said cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein said flexible sheath is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polymeric material, paper and woven or non-woven fabric.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein said at least one longitudinally removable spacer member is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of cardboard, plastic, hard rubber, and wood.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein a plurality of longitudinally removable spacer members are disposed within said sheath in a radially adjacent configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device as defined by claim 1, wherein said cylindrical reel is attached to side supports at each end, said side supports having a diameter slightly larger than that of the reel and including a notched opening to allow said spacer members to be longitudinally removed from said sheath.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for testing optical fiber wound around a storage reel comprising: (a) winding the optical fiber on a device comprising: (i) a cylindrical reel, (ii) a flexible sheath fastened longitudinally to a portion of said reel, thereby defining a longitudinal cavity bounded by said sheath and the surface of a portion of said reel, and, (iii) at least one longitudinally removable spacer member disposed within said sheath, abutting said reel; (b) removing at least one of said spacer members from its position within said sheath, thereby loosening the fibers wound on the reel; and, (c) conducting the desired test or tests on the loosened optical fibers.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for testing optical fiber wound around a storage reel comprising: (a) winding the optical fiber on a device comprising: (i) a cylindrical reel, (ii) a flexible sheath fastened longitudinally to a portion of said reel, thereby defining a longitudinal cavity bounded by said sheath and the surface of a portion of said reel, and, (iii) at least one longitudinally removable spacer member disposed within said sheath, abutting said reel; (b) removing at least one of said spacer members from its position within said sheath, thereby loosening the fibers wound on the reel; and, (c) conducting the desired test or tests on the loosened optical fibers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as defined by claim 10, wherein said at least one spacer member is re-inserted into said sheath, thereby tightening the optical fibers against the surface of said reel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined by claim 10, wherein a plurality of spacer members are sequentially removed from said sheath, thereby providing varying levels of tension for the optical fiber.
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) | 1983-08-26 | 1984-02-25 | 1984-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-02-25 | 1988-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-26 | 1992-02-25 | 1992-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |