US4856865A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tunable splice for fiber optics
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1988-01-19
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Granted: 1989-08-15
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Expires: 2008-01-19
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic splice includes two cylindrical ferrules of different diameters and having bores parallel to, but offset from, the major axes of the ferrules. The ferrules are inserted into a deformable housing where they rest in a V-groove. When external pressure is applied to the housing it is deformed in a predetermined manner, allowing the ferrules to rotate and when the pressure is removed, the ferrules are held in place.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas A. Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/264; G02B6/266; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3803; G02B6/3807; G02B6/381; G02B6/3818; G02B6/382; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3843; G02B6/3869; G02B6/3871; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3874; G02B6/3881
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A tunable fiber optic connector comprising a deformable housing; a V-groove block in said housing; and first and second ferrules inserted in said housing and lying in said V-groove such that when said housing is deformed in a predetermined manner by externally applied pressure said ferrules may be rotated and when said pressure is released, said ferrules are held in place, said ferrules having first and second diameters respectively, said first and second diameters being unequal, and each of said ferrules having a major axis and a bore for receiving and holding an optical fiber parallel to but offset from said major axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A tunable fiber optic connector comprising a deformable housing; a V-groove block in said housing; and first and second ferrules inserted in said housing and lying in said V-groove such that when said housing is deformed in a predetermined manner by externally applied pressure said ferrules may be rotated and when said pressure is released, said ferrules are held in place, said ferrules having first and second diameters respectively, said first and second diameters being unequal, and each of said ferrules having a major axis and a bore for receiving and holding an optical fiber parallel to but offset from said major axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said ferrules are of a ceramic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 2 wherein said housing is of a plastic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 3 wherein said plastic material is a thermoplastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 4 wherein said thermoplastic is acetal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector of claim 3 wherein said V-groove block is an integral part of said housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said V-groove block is an integral part of said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 7 wherein said housing is of a plastic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 8 wherein said plastic material is a thermoplastic.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 9 wherein said thermoplastic is acetal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said V-groove block is of a ceramic material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 11 wherein said ferrules are of a ceramic material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 11 wherein said housing is of a plastic material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 13 wherein said plastic material is a thermoplastic.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 14 wherein said ferrules are of a ceramic material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said V-groove block is of metal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 16 wherein said ferrules are of a ceramic material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 16 wherein said housing is of a plastic material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 18 wherein said plastic material is a thermoplastic.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 19 wherein said ferrules are of a ceramic material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said housing is of a plastic material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 21 wherein said plastic material is a thermoplastic.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 22 wherein said thermoplastic is acetal.
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) | 1992-08-14 | 1993-02-13 | 1993-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-14 | 1997-02-13 | 1997-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-14 | 2001-02-13 | 2001-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |