US4708431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic solderable bulkhead fitting
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1985-10-03
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Granted: 1987-11-24
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Expires: 2005-10-03
Abstract
Abstract Fiber optic solderable bulkhead fitting has a plated-on built-up metal body of a material which minimizes local stresses thereby minimizing microbending losses in the optical fiber. The body is sealed by solder within an opening in a bulkhead to provide a sealed passthrough for the optical fiber. In another embodiment, two optical fibers have plated-on built-up bodies thereon which serve to align the optical fibers in a connector. The connector is then sealed in a bulkhead as was done in the first embodiment.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph L. Pikulski
- 👤 O. Glenn Ramer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:57
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4415; G02B6/4427; G02B6/4428; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/32; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4248
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
A fiber optic solderable bulkhead fitting comprising: a bulkhead having an opening therethrough; a connector positioned within said opening and sealed with respect thereto, said connector having end faces positioned on opposite sides of said bulkhead; a member having optical transmissivity extending through said connector and terminating in said end faces; first and second optical fibers each having an end; and first and second metallic built-up bodies respectively on said fibers adjacent the ends thereof, said metallic built-up bodies being of a fine metallic grain structure to minimize microbending of said optical fiber and being of a thickness to provide a rigid structure which is resistant to engagement forces with said connector, said bodies each having a mating surface thereon so that when said metallic built-up bodies are engaged with said end faces on said connector, said optical fibers are in optical communication through said member having optical transmissivity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
A fiber optic solderable bulkhead fitting comprising: a bulkhead having an opening therethrough; a connector positioned within said opening and sealed with respect thereto, said connector having end faces positioned on opposite sides of said bulkhead; a member having optical transmissivity extending through said connector and terminating in said end faces; first and second optical fibers each having an end; and first and second metallic built-up bodies respectively on said fibers adjacent the ends thereof, said metallic built-up bodies being of a fine metallic grain structure to minimize microbending of said optical fiber and being of a thickness to provide a rigid structure which is resistant to engagement forces with said connector, said bodies each having a mating surface thereon so that when said metallic built-up bodies are engaged with said end faces on said connector, said optical fibers are in optical communication through said member having optical transmissivity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fiber optic solderable bulkhead fitting of claim 1 wherein said built-up bodies are metallic copper bodies electroplated onto said optical fibers adjacent the ends thereof.
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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) | 1990-11-23 | 1991-05-25 | 1991-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-23 | 1995-05-25 | 1995-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-23 | 1999-05-25 | 1999-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |