US4741616A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Test instrument for optical fiber connectors
Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
•
Filing: 1986-07-07
•
Granted: 1988-05-03
•
Expires: 2006-07-07
Abstract
Abstract Light reflected at an optical fiber connector is monitored to test the connector. Light entering an optical fiber via the connector under test is attenuated in the fiber to prevent undesired reflections.
Inventors
- 👤 Vincent C. Y. So
- 👤 Paul J. Vella
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/30; G01M11/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
A test instrument for testing optical fiber connectors, comprising: holding means for receiving an optical fiber connector to be tested and for supplying an optical signal thereto; source means for supplying an optical signal; continuously monitoring means for continuously monitoring an optical signal; and coupling means for coupling an optical signal supplied by the source means to the holding means and for coupling any reflected optical signal from the holding means to the monitoring means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
A test instrument for testing optical fiber connectors, comprising: holding means for receiving an optical fiber connector to be tested and for supplying an optical signal thereto; source means for supplying an optical signal; continuously monitoring means for continuously monitoring an optical signal; and coupling means for coupling an optical signal supplied by the source means to the holding means and for coupling any reflected optical signal from the holding means to the monitoring means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A test instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring means is responsive to the optical power of any reflected optical signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A test instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the source means comprises a light-emitting diode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A test instrument as claimed in claim 2 wherein the source means comprises a light-emitting diode.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of testing an optical fiber connector comprising the steps of: connecting the connector to an optical fiber connector holder; supplying an optical signal via the holder to the connector and thus to an optical fiber connected thereby; attenuating the optical signal in the optical fiber; and continuously monitoring any optical signal reflected by the connector.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of testing an optical fiber connector comprising the steps of: connecting the connector to an optical fiber connector holder; supplying an optical signal via the holder to the connector and thus to an optical fiber connected thereby; attenuating the optical signal in the optical fiber; and continuously monitoring any optical signal reflected by the connector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the monitoring step comprises monitoring the optical power of any reflected optical signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the optical signal is attenuated in the optical fiber by bending the optical fiber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the optical signal is attenuated in the optical fiber by bending the optical fiber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4309105A
Cited
JPS6049239A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-03 | 1991-11-02 | 1992-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-03 | 1995-11-02 | 1996-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-03 | 1999-11-02 | 2000-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |