Optical fiber dispenser

Claim 1

An optical fiber dispenser adapted for mounting on a missile to be directed to a remote location from a first location for establishing a communication link between said locations comprising a housing, an orifice provided at one end of said housing, a supply of optical communication fiber mounted in said housing and wound about a central open area, the free end of a strand from the supply of optical fiber extending through said orifice and adapted to be secured externally at said first location while the supply of fiber in said housing is unwound and payed out through said orifice by movement of said missile toward said remote location, a source of pressurized gas mounted in said housing adjacent said supply of optical fiber at an end of said central area spaced from said orifice, and valve means operatively connected to said pressurized gas source for releasing the gas from said source upon lift-off of said missile allowing the gas to flow through said central area and supply of optical fiber and through said orifice around the strand of optical fiber as the fiber is unwound and payed out through said orifice, the gas escaping through said orifice forming an air bearing for the optical fiber to minimize contact with the sides of said orifice and reduce stress and strain on the optical fiber as it is dispensed from the housing.