US4575182A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dielectric optical waveguide connecting device
Assignee: Post Office
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Filing: 1980-03-12
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Granted: 1986-03-11
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Expires: 2000-03-12
Abstract
Abstract Two optical fibres to be coupled end-to-end are respectively located within a cluster of straight rigid elements. The meeting ends of the elements are tapered to provide docking ramps which ensure precise axial alignment of the clusters.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul C. Hensel
- 👤 Geoffrey W. Gillings
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:50
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3841; G02B6/3873
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A device for interconnecting optical fibres in precise end-to-end relationship, such device comprising two clusters of straight rigid elements in side-by-side abutting relationship, each element in each cluster being tapered at the connecting end into a straightsided docking ramp, the connecting ends being laterally aligned and the ramps in one cluster being complementary to the ramps in the other, thereby achieving precise axial alignment of two optical fibres one positioned in the center of each cluster respectively, when the clusters are docked against one another.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A device for interconnecting optical fibres in precise end-to-end relationship, such device comprising two clusters of straight rigid elements in side-by-side abutting relationship, each element in each cluster being tapered at the connecting end into a straightsided docking ramp, the connecting ends being laterally aligned and the ramps in one cluster being complementary to the ramps in the other, thereby achieving precise axial alignment of two optical fibres one positioned in the center of each cluster respectively, when the clusters are docked against one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each cluster comprises three identical cylindrical rods are symmetrically tapered to define a docking cone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
An optical fibre connection comprising docked clusters of the device as claimed in claim 2, each cluster axially locating a fibre wherein the diameter of each rod is approximately 61/2 times the diameter of the fibre with a small allowance for assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A connection as claimed in claim 3 wherein each cluster is contained in a fitting tubular member and threaded means are provided for securing the tubular members together.
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) | 1989-03-10 | 1989-09-09 | 1990-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-10 | 1993-09-09 | 1994-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-10 | 1997-09-09 | 1998-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |