US4973126A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber connector
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1989-12-07
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Granted: 1990-11-27
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Expires: 2009-12-07
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optical end connector is disclosed, comprising a grooved base member having mounted thereupon a grooved silicon block, and means for holding optical fibers in the grooves on the base member and on the silicon block.
Inventors
- 👤 Yinon Degani
- 👤 Robert M. Kimball
- 👤 Richard T. Kraetsch
- 👤 Robert M. Lien
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; G02B6/3806; G02B6/3628; G02B6/3632; G02B6/3636; G02B6/3803; G02B6/3648; G02B6/3652; G02B6/3684; G02B6/3692
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A fiber optical connector for connecting at least one pair of optical fibers end-to-end, comprising: a base member having first and second ends and an upper surface; a first groove disposed in the upper surface, the first groove extending essentially in a straight line from the first end toward the second end; a second groove disposed in the upper surface, the second groove essentially collinear with the first groove and extending from the second end toward the first end; a third groove intermediate and collinear with the first and second grooves; and means for holding optical fibers in the first, second, and third grooves, characterized in that the connector further comprises a silicon block mounted on the upper surface intermediate the first and second ends, the silicon block having a top surface, and the third groove being disposed in the top surface of the silicon block.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A fiber optical connector for connecting at least one pair of optical fibers end-to-end, comprising: a base member having first and second ends and an upper surface; a first groove disposed in the upper surface, the first groove extending essentially in a straight line from the first end toward the second end; a second groove disposed in the upper surface, the second groove essentially collinear with the first groove and extending from the second end toward the first end; a third groove intermediate and collinear with the first and second grooves; and means for holding optical fibers in the first, second, and third grooves, characterized in that the connector further comprises a silicon block mounted on the upper surface intermediate the first and second ends, the silicon block having a top surface, and the third groove being disposed in the top surface of the silicon block.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The connector of claim 1, wherein the upper surface includes a recess intermediate the first and second ends, and the silicon block lies within the recess.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 1, wherein the third groove is crystallographically etched.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second grooves are each adapted for supporting a buffered optical fiber, and the third groove is adapted for supporting a pair of stripped optical fiber end portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The connector of claim 4, further comprising a cover plate adapted to cover a pair of stripped fiber end portions lying in the third groove.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 1, wherein the holding means are not hinged.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The connector of claim 1, wherein the holding means are spring chips.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1993-11-26 | 1994-05-28 | 1994-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-11-26 | 1998-05-28 | 1998-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-11-26 | 2002-05-28 | 2002-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |