US4691985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic connector
Assignee: Corning Cable Systems Puerto Rico Inc
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Filing: 1985-09-23
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Granted: 1987-09-08
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Expires: 2005-09-23
Abstract
Abstract An optical fiber lens-connector assembly includes a plastic lens body joined to a connector of a low thermal expansion metal. The connector includes a glass capillary tube formed of a material (e.g., a borosilicate glass) having a substantially similar expansion coefficient. The assembly provides greater temperature stability when cycled over a wide temperature range.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffrey B. Shank
- 👤 Steve E. Swanson
- 👤 Barry J. Opdahl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3855; G02B6/26; G02B6/32; G02B6/322
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A connector for joining an optical fiber to an expanded beam lens, said connector comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, said body being formed of a metallic material having a low thermal expansion coefficient; said body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween; said first end having a longitudinal cavity formed therein having a given diameter; said intermediate portion having a longitudinal cavity therein having a diameter less than said given diameter; and a borosilicate glass tube having a longitudinal aperture therethrough fitted into said longitudinal cavity in said intermediate portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A connector for joining an optical fiber to an expanded beam lens, said connector comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, said body being formed of a metallic material having a low thermal expansion coefficient; said body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween; said first end having a longitudinal cavity formed therein having a given diameter; said intermediate portion having a longitudinal cavity therein having a diameter less than said given diameter; and a borosilicate glass tube having a longitudinal aperture therethrough fitted into said longitudinal cavity in said intermediate portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said aperture in said glass tube has a diameter substantially identical to the diameter of an optical fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 2 wherein said aperture has a diameter of about 0.0055 inches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
171 words
An optical fiber lens-connector assembly comprising: a lens body formed of transparent material, said lens body including a head end having a lens formed therein, a tail end of substantially cylindrical configuration having an axial cavity therein formed to receive an elastomeric fiber holder, and a shoulder formed intermediate said head end and said tail end and projecting radially outward from said lens body; and a connector for joining an optical fiber to said lens body, said connector comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, said body being formed of a metallic material having a low thermal expansion coefficient and having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween; said first end having a longitudinal cavity of a given diameter formed to fittingly receive said tail end of said lens body; said intermediate portion having a longitudinal cavity therein having a diameter less than said given diameter; and a borosilicate glass tube having a longitudinal aperture therethrough fitted into said longitudinal cavity in said intermediate portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
171 words
An optical fiber lens-connector assembly comprising: a lens body formed of transparent material, said lens body including a head end having a lens formed therein, a tail end of substantially cylindrical configuration having an axial cavity therein formed to receive an elastomeric fiber holder, and a shoulder formed intermediate said head end and said tail end and projecting radially outward from said lens body; and a connector for joining an optical fiber to said lens body, said connector comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, said body being formed of a metallic material having a low thermal expansion coefficient and having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween; said first end having a longitudinal cavity of a given diameter formed to fittingly receive said tail end of said lens body; said intermediate portion having a longitudinal cavity therein having a diameter less than said given diameter; and a borosilicate glass tube having a longitudinal aperture therethrough fitted into said longitudinal cavity in said intermediate portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lens-connector assembly of claim 4 wherein an axially apertured elastomeric fiber holder is positioned in said tail end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lens-connector assembly of claim 5 wherein an optical fiber is positioned in said borosilicate glass tube and penetrates said elastomeric fiber holder to abut against a functional surface of said lens body.
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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) | 1990-09-07 | 1991-03-09 | 1991-09-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-09-07 | 1995-03-09 | 1995-09-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-09-07 | 1999-03-09 | 1999-09-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |