US4424174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fabrication of optical connectors
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1982-06-18
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Granted: 1984-01-03
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Expires: 2002-06-18
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a method of forming a molded, field-installable optical connector. The method uses a support assembly which includes a wire mandrel, (10), a mandrel holder, (11), surrounding a portion of the wire, and a mandrel sleeve, (12), surrounding a portion of the mandrel holder and including an end surface, (15). Positioned at the end surface is a watch bearing jewel, (16), with an aperture, (17), through which the wire is inserted. As backbone insert, (19), is also located around a portion of the mandrel sleeve. The assembly is positioned within a molding apparatus including a precision frusto-conical die, (25), by inserting the wire through a second jewel, (26), mounted in the die. After molding, the connector, which includes the first jewel embedded at one end of the molded part and the backbone insert as a strength member, is removed from the support assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis E. Howarth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:14
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3865; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3835; G02B6/3855
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of fabricating an optical fiber connector comprising the steps of: providing a support assembly comprising an alignment wire mandrel, a mandrel holder formed around at least a portion of the wire and having an outer surface concentric therewith, a mandrel sleeve located around at least a portion of said wire and holder and having an outer surface concentric therewith, said sleeve including an end surface for receiving a first precision jewel with an aperture therein, at least a portion of which aperture is concentric with the outer surface of the jewel; inserting said wire through the aperture in said jewel so that a portion of the wire extends therethrough; forming a backbone insert around a portion of the mandrel sleeve; inserting the resulting assembly in molding apparatus including a frusto-conical die which includes at one end wall a second jewel with an aperture which essentially coincides with the axis of the die, the wire being inserted through the aperture in the second jewel; forming a molded piece-part around the backbone insert and a portion of the first jewel; and removing the support assembly from the molded part and insert to form a frusto-conical connector including the first jewel at the end surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of fabricating an optical fiber connector comprising the steps of: providing a support assembly comprising an alignment wire mandrel, a mandrel holder formed around at least a portion of the wire and having an outer surface concentric therewith, a mandrel sleeve located around at least a portion of said wire and holder and having an outer surface concentric therewith, said sleeve including an end surface for receiving a first precision jewel with an aperture therein, at least a portion of which aperture is concentric with the outer surface of the jewel; inserting said wire through the aperture in said jewel so that a portion of the wire extends therethrough; forming a backbone insert around a portion of the mandrel sleeve; inserting the resulting assembly in molding apparatus including a frusto-conical die which includes at one end wall a second jewel with an aperture which essentially coincides with the axis of the die, the wire being inserted through the aperture in the second jewel; forming a molded piece-part around the backbone insert and a portion of the first jewel; and removing the support assembly from the molded part and insert to form a frusto-conical connector including the first jewel at the end surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein force is applied to the support assembly during molding of the piece-part to keep at least a portion of the surface of the first jewel in intimate contact with the end wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the first jewel forms a precision lapping surface at the end of the connector for removing excess portions of fiber subsequently inserted through the aperture in the jewel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein one end of the mandrel sleeve is coupled by means of a spring to a cylindrical member, and force is applied to the member during molding.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the material used to form the molded piece-part comprises an epoxy molding compound.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein molding is done at a temperature of 250°-350° F. for a time of 2-5 minutes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the apertures in the jewels are flared at the surfaces facing toward the support assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the mandrel sleeve includes a seat into which is placed a third jewel thereby forming the end surface for receiving the first jewel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-01-02 | 1987-07-04 | 1988-01-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-02 | 1991-07-04 | 1992-01-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-02 | 1995-07-04 | 1996-01-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |