US5006201A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of making a fiber optic array
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1989-11-22
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Granted: 1991-04-09
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Expires: 2009-11-22
Abstract
Abstract A method is disclosed for making a fiber optic array for use in an optical scanning device. The array includes a substrate and rows of optical fibers stacked on the substrate. The optical fibers are all of a predetermined diameter. In order to precisely space the fibers relative to each other, the fibers in the first row are arranged in grooves in the substrate, and each succeeding row of fibers is disposed on the fibers of the preceding row.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Y. Kaukeinen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 10:46
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/3628; G02B6/3664; G02B6/3672; G02B6/04; G02B6/06; G02B6/3632; G02B6/3636; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3838; G02B6/3839; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4249; G02B6/44; G02B6/4479; G02B6/448; H; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/024; H04N1/028; H04N1/03; H04N1/0306; H04N1/031; H04N1/0311; H04N1/0312; G02B6/3684; G02B6/3692; G02B6/3855; G02B6/3861; H04N2201/00; H04N2201/024; H04N2201/02487
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of making a fiber optic array, said array having stacked rows of optical fibers, said method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of grooves in a first substrate, said grooves extending to a first end of the substrate; placing an optical fiber of a predetermined diameter in each of said grooves to form a first row of fibers in which the spacing of the fibers is determined by the pitch of said grooves; cementing the fibers in the grooves; forming a plurality of grooves in a second substrate; cementing an optical fiber of a predetermined diameter in each of the grooves in said second substrate to form a second row of fibers in which a portion of each of said fibers extends beyond one end of said second substrate; placing said second substrate and the fibers therein over said first substrate such that the fibers in the two substrates are in contact with each other and the spacing of said portions of the fibers in said second row is determined by the spacing of the fibers in said first substrate and the diameters of said fibers; and cementing the fibers in said second substrate to the fibers in said first substrate.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of making a fiber optic array, said array having stacked rows of optical fibers, said method comprising the steps of: forming a plurality of grooves in a first substrate, said grooves extending to a first end of the substrate; placing an optical fiber of a predetermined diameter in each of said grooves to form a first row of fibers in which the spacing of the fibers is determined by the pitch of said grooves; cementing the fibers in the grooves; forming a plurality of grooves in a second substrate; cementing an optical fiber of a predetermined diameter in each of the grooves in said second substrate to form a second row of fibers in which a portion of each of said fibers extends beyond one end of said second substrate; placing said second substrate and the fibers therein over said first substrate such that the fibers in the two substrates are in contact with each other and the spacing of said portions of the fibers in said second row is determined by the spacing of the fibers in said first substrate and the diameters of said fibers; and cementing the fibers in said second substrate to the fibers in said first substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein said substrates are silicon wafers and the grooves are formed therein by photolithographic means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein a teflon-coated glass plate is placed over said fibers prior to cementing the fibers in said grooves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method, as defined in claim 3, wherein an ultraviolet light curable epoxy is introduced between said plate and a substrate during said cementing steps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method, as defined in claim 4, wherein said epoxy is partially cured by directing ultraviolet light through said plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method, as defined in claim 5, wherein said plate is removed after said partial curing and ultraviolet light is directed on said epoxy to fully cure the epoxy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method, as defined in claim 6, wherein a second glass plate is placed over the second row of fibers, and an epoxy is introduced between said second plate and said first substrate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method, as defined in claim 7, wherein an end of the array is removed by cutting through said second glass plate and said fibers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein said second substrate is shorter than said first substrate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein said grooves in each of said substrates are formed in sets of grooves separated by generally planar areas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein an end of each of said fibers is of a reduced diameter relative to the remainder of the fiber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method, as defined in claim 1, wherein grooves are formed in a third substrate, fibers are mounted in the grooves of the third substrate to form a third row of fibers in which portions of the fibers extend from one end of the substrate, and said third substrate is mounted over said second substrate such that the fibers in the third row contact the fibers in said second row.
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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) | 1994-04-08 | 1994-10-08 | 1995-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-08 | 1998-10-08 | 1999-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-08 | 2002-10-08 | 2003-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |