US4544231A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of joining plastic optical fibers and connections obtained
Assignee: United States Department of Health and Human Services
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Filing: 1983-06-29
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Granted: 1985-10-01
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Expires: 2003-06-29
Abstract
Abstract Plastic optical fibers are joined by heat-flaring their ends in a first tubular sleeve and joining the flared ends within a tubular sleeve of about the same size with a U.V.-curable optical cement. The fibers may be joined side-by-side or end-to-end. Different diameter tubes may also be joined together by the method of the present invention.
Inventors
- 👤 John I. Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:35
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/241; G02B6/26; G02B6/262; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of making a plastic optical fiber connection, comprising: providing non-wettable first tubular means, and first and second optical fibers; placing one end of each of said first and second fibers in said tubular means; heating the ends of the fibers within said tubular means to cause said fibers to expand and fill the inside diameter of said tubular means, and, when said fiber ends have been placed in said tubular means in a side-by-side relationship, fusing said fiber ends; causing the expanded end of said first optical fiber to be within a tubular sleeve so that a space remains within said tubular means; filling the space remaining within said tubular sleeve with ultraviolet-curing optical cement; contacting, within said tubular expanded end of said sleeve, said second fiber with said optical cement; and curing said cement.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of making a plastic optical fiber connection, comprising: providing non-wettable first tubular means, and first and second optical fibers; placing one end of each of said first and second fibers in said tubular means; heating the ends of the fibers within said tubular means to cause said fibers to expand and fill the inside diameter of said tubular means, and, when said fiber ends have been placed in said tubular means in a side-by-side relationship, fusing said fiber ends; causing the expanded end of said first optical fiber to be within a tubular sleeve so that a space remains within said tubular means; filling the space remaining within said tubular sleeve with ultraviolet-curing optical cement; contacting, within said tubular expanded end of said sleeve, said second fiber with said optical cement; and curing said cement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of placing comprises inserting said fiber ends in the same end of said tubular means in side-by-side relationship, whereby said connection is a dual-fiber connection which may be used to construct a dual-fiber sensor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said step of fusing comprises heat-expanding said fiber ends by applying heat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said step of curing comprises exposing said tubular means and inserted fiber ends to ultraviolet light.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 2, and further comprising the steps of removing said first tubular means, providing second tubular means having a predetermined internal diameter, inserting said dual-fiber connection in one end of said second tubular means, providing a third optical fiber, inserting one end of said third optical fiber in the opposite end of said second tubular means, heating the ends of said fibers within said second tubular means expanding said ends to substantially said internal diameter, filling the remaining space within said second tubular means with ultraviolet-curing optical cement, and curing said cement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of placing comprises inserting said fiber ends in opposite ends of said tubular means in end-to-end relationship.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6, wherein at least one of said first or second fibers comprises two optical fibers fused in side-by-side parallel relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first or second fibers comprises two optical fibers fused in side-by-side parallel relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 2.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 3.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 4.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 5.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 6.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 7.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connection between plastic optical fibers made in accordance with the method of claim 8.
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) | 1988-09-30 | 1989-04-01 | 1989-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-30 | 1993-04-01 | 1993-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-30 | 1997-04-01 | 1997-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |