US4998796A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of assembling multi-grooved silicon chip fiber optic terminations
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1990-02-27
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Granted: 1991-03-12
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Expires: 2010-02-27
Abstract
Abstract Described is a method for assembling multi-fiber array connectors. V-grooved silicon chips are placed in a holder which allows the chips to "float" with respect to each other and adjust to varying fiber diameters. Once the fibers are inserted, the chips are clamped and cemented together with the fibers fixed in the grooves.
Inventors
- 👤 Rocco Bonanni
- 👤 William J. Parzygnat
- 👤 Roger E. Weiss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:02
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3855; G02B6/3858; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3838; G02B6/3839; G02B6/3861; G02B6/3869
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of fabricating optical connectors where an array of optical fibers is held within grooves formed in facing major surfaces of a pair of chips comprising the steps of: providing a holder including said chips, said holder comprising a cantilevered section which aligns the chips but permits a variable space between the facing major surfaces of the chips. inserting an array of optical fibers in the grooves in the facing surfaces of the chips: clamping the chips so that the fibers are held within the grooves formed in the facing surfaces of the chips; and bonding the facing surfaces of the chips together.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of fabricating optical connectors where an array of optical fibers is held within grooves formed in facing major surfaces of a pair of chips comprising the steps of: providing a holder including said chips, said holder comprising a cantilevered section which aligns the chips but permits a variable space between the facing major surfaces of the chips. inserting an array of optical fibers in the grooves in the facing surfaces of the chips: clamping the chips so that the fibers are held within the grooves formed in the facing surfaces of the chips; and bonding the facing surfaces of the chips together.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the holder includes said cantilevered section at one end and an enlarged opening at an opposite end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the chips comprise silicon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein between the cantilevered section and enlarged opening is a wall which is chamfered.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of pulling on the array after lightly clamping the chips and prior to bonding the chips in order to test for broken fibers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a housing surrounding said holder subsequent to bonding said chips so that the resulting assembly can be mated with a similar assembly to couple light between the fibers of the assemblies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between the major surfaces of the chips can vary within the range of 0 to 80 percent of the fiber diameter prior to insertion of the fibers therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the cantilevered section includes a pair of opposite cantilevered arms, each including a seat within which one of said chips is mounted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the entrance edges of the chips comprise a chamfer and an enlarged fiber guidance groove.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between the major surfaces of the chips can vary within the range 12 to 100 82 m during the insertion of the fibers.
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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) | 1994-03-11 | 1994-09-10 | 1995-03-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-03-11 | 1998-09-10 | 1999-03-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-03-11 | 2002-09-10 | 2003-03-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |