US4990033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for blowing an optical fibre member
Assignee: Corning Ltd
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Filing: 1988-11-22
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Granted: 1991-02-05
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Expires: 2008-11-22
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus is provided for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel for receiving the optical fiber member, the vessel either containing compressed air or other gas or being provided with an inlet by means of which compressed gas can be introduced. The vessel is connected to the passageway via a fiber-introducing device, e.g. a venturi or a mechanical device, which creates slack in the optical fiber member.
Inventors
- 👤 Graham R. Handley
- 👤 Neville J. Ditchfield
- 👤 Ronald B. Radcliffe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:40
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/44; G02B6/4479; G02B6/4485
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, the vessel either containing a gas under super-atmospheric pressure or being provided with an inlet by means of which such gas can be introduced; means defining a path for the optical fiber member to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting a fluid dynamic force on the optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as it travels along said path.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, the vessel either containing a gas under super-atmospheric pressure or being provided with an inlet by means of which such gas can be introduced; means defining a path for the optical fiber member to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting a fluid dynamic force on the optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as it travels along said path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fiber introducing means comprises a venturi.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a reel disposed within the pressure vessel, on which reel the optical fiber member is held.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said gas is air.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the path-defining means comprises at least one flexible member.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising; a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, said vessel further containing a gas at super-atmospheric pressure; means defining a path for the optical fiber member and said gas to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting by said traveling gas a fluid dynamic force on the surface of said optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as said fiber member and gas travel along said path.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising; a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, said vessel further containing a gas at super-atmospheric pressure; means defining a path for the optical fiber member and said gas to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting by said traveling gas a fluid dynamic force on the surface of said optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as said fiber member and gas travel along said path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fiber introducing means includes a venturi.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a reel disposed within the pressure vessel, on which reel the optical fiber member is held.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said gas is air.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the path-defining means includes at least one flexible member.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising; a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, the vessel being provided with an inlet through which pressurized gas can be introduced to said vessel; means defining a path for the optical fiber member and said gas to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting by said traveling gas a fluid dynamic force on the surface of said optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as said fiber member and gas travel along said path.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising; a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, the vessel being provided with an inlet through which pressurized gas can be introduced to said vessel; means defining a path for the optical fiber member and said gas to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means for exerting by said traveling gas a fluid dynamic force on the surface of said optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as said fiber member and gas travel along said path.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising: a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, said vessel having a gas at super-atmospheric pressure; conduit means defining a path for the optical fiber member to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means in said conduit means for exerting a fluid dynamic force on the optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as it travels along said path.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
87 words
An apparatus for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway, comprising: a pressure vessel for containing a supply of the optical fiber member, said vessel having a gas at super-atmospheric pressure; conduit means defining a path for the optical fiber member to travel from the vessel into the tubular passageway; and fiber introducing means in said conduit means for exerting a fluid dynamic force on the optical fiber member to create slack in the optical fiber member as it travels along said path.
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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) | 1994-02-04 | 1994-08-06 | 1995-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-04 | 1998-08-06 | 1999-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-04 | 2002-08-06 | 2003-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |