US4810054A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fusion splicing method for optical fibers
Assignee: KDDI Corp
•
Filing: 1986-09-03
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Granted: 1989-03-07
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Expires: 2006-09-03
Abstract
Abstract A fusion splicing method for optical fibers in which optical fibers are fusion spliced in an inert gas atmosphere after water adsorbed on their surfaces is removed by decomposition in a plasma of an inert gas containing a halogen.
Inventors
- 👤 Osamu Shinbori
- 👤 Yoshinori Mimura
- 👤 Hideharu Tokiwa
- 👤 Tetsuya Nakai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 09:47
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/255; G02B6/2551
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers comprising the steps of: removing water adsorbed on surfaces of optical fibers to be fusion spliced including end surfaces of the optical fibers by confining end portions of the optical fibers in a plasma of a gas containing a halogen and effecting decomposition of the water adsorbed; and fusion splicing abutted ends of the end portions of the optical fibers in an atmosphere of dry gas.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers comprising the steps of: removing water adsorbed on surfaces of optical fibers to be fusion spliced including end surfaces of the optical fibers by confining end portions of the optical fibers in a plasma of a gas containing a halogen and effecting decomposition of the water adsorbed; and fusion splicing abutted ends of the end portions of the optical fibers in an atmosphere of dry gas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said plasma is generated through a radio frequency glow discharge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said fusion splicing is effected by subjecting said abutted ends to an arc discharge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said end portions of the optical fibers are stripped of coatings prior to subjecting them to said plasma.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said plasma and said end portions are confined in a vessel, and to which said vessel a vacuum is applied prior to introduction of gas for generating said plasma.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said plasma is effective to decompose said water and other impurities at a low temperature.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said optical fibers are fluoride glass optical fibers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said optical fibers are quartz optical fibers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
Spliced optical fibers fusion spliced by the method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method of fusion splicing optical fibers according to claim 1, in which said gas containing a halogen is an inert gas containing a halogen.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4666247A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-03-06 | 1992-09-05 | 1993-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-06 | 1996-09-05 | 1997-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-06 | 2000-09-05 | 2001-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |