US4636032A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fibre connector
Assignee: Telecom Italia SpA
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Filing: 1984-11-08
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Granted: 1987-01-13
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Expires: 2004-11-08
Abstract
Abstract The connector ensures the alignment between the two fibres ends (9, 10) thanks to the force exerted by a locally generated magnetic field (5, 6, 7, 8) on a ferromagnetic fluid placed between the side fibre surface and a small tube (1) with a diameter greater than fibre diameter.
Inventors
- 👤 Giorgio Grego
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 18:28
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3803; G02B6/3806; G02B6/381; G02B6/3818; G02B6/382; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3886; G02B6/26; G02B6/35; G02B6/3502; G02B6/354; G02B6/3544; G02B6/3548; G02B6/3552; G02B6/3564; G02B6/3568; G02B6/3572
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A connector for optical fibres, in which fibres end alignment is obtained by the effect of a magnetic field and refractive index matching is accomplished by means of a matching liquid, characterized in that it is composed of a small tube of nonferromagnetic material, with a diameter exceeding that of the fibres, into which the fibre ends are inserted together with a ferromagnetic fluid after covering the end faces with said index-matching liquid, as well as of elements apt to generate a magnetic field with an intensity minimum in correspondence with said small-tube axis and intensity increasing in radial direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A connector for optical fibres, in which fibres end alignment is obtained by the effect of a magnetic field and refractive index matching is accomplished by means of a matching liquid, characterized in that it is composed of a small tube of nonferromagnetic material, with a diameter exceeding that of the fibres, into which the fibre ends are inserted together with a ferromagnetic fluid after covering the end faces with said index-matching liquid, as well as of elements apt to generate a magnetic field with an intensity minimum in correspondence with said small-tube axis and intensity increasing in radial direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic field is obtained by permanent magnets symmetrically arranged around said small tube, so as to present towards the tube axis the same magnetic polarity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic field is generated by electromagnets.
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) | 1990-01-12 | 1990-07-14 | 1991-01-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-12 | 1994-07-14 | 1995-01-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-12 | 1998-07-14 | 1999-01-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |