US5208883A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of reinforcing optical fiber coupler
Assignee: Sumiden Opcom Ltd
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Filing: 1992-08-03
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Granted: 1993-05-04
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Expires: 2012-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A method of reinforcing a multiple optical fiber coupling unit is provided including the steps of removing a portion of longitudinal coatings of optical fibers of the multiple optical fiber coupling unit to expose glass portions of said optical fibers; fusing a portion of the exposed glass portions so as to optically couple the optical fibers; extending the fused portion to a predetermined state; fixing non-extended portions of the exposed glass portions on a first reinforcing substrate with a first adhesive; and fixing the first reinforcing substrate on a second reinforcing substrate with a second adhesive. The multiple optical fiber unit coupler made by this method has a transmission characteristic that does not substantially change even with a temperature change and under high humidity.
Inventors
- 👤 Tomoyuki Hattori
- 👤 Hiroshi Suganuma
- 👤 Hiroaki Takimoto
- 👤 Kazuhiko Arimoto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 05:23
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804; G02B6/2821; G02B6/2835; G02B6/36; G02B6/2856
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of reinforcing a multiple optical fiber coupling unit comprising the steps of: removing a portion of longitudinal coatings of optical fibers of the multiple optical fiber coupling unit to expose glass portions of said optical fibers; fusing a portion of said exposed glass portions so as to optically couple said optical fibers; extending the fused portion to a predetermined state; fixing non-extended portions of said exposed glass portions on a first reinforcing substrate with a first adhesive; and fixing said first reinforcing substrate on a second reinforcing substrate with a second adhesive.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of reinforcing a multiple optical fiber coupling unit comprising the steps of: removing a portion of longitudinal coatings of optical fibers of the multiple optical fiber coupling unit to expose glass portions of said optical fibers; fusing a portion of said exposed glass portions so as to optically couple said optical fibers; extending the fused portion to a predetermined state; fixing non-extended portions of said exposed glass portions on a first reinforcing substrate with a first adhesive; and fixing said first reinforcing substrate on a second reinforcing substrate with a second adhesive.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second adhesive is a soft adhesive with Young's modulus thereof being no larger than 0.1 kg/mm 2 at -40° C..
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first adhesive is one of a thermosetting and ultraviolet-setting adhesive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A multiple optical fiber coupler unit comprising: a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled by fusing ends thereof; a first substrate being affixed to said optical fibers near said fused ends by a first adhesive so as to reinforce the coupled optical fibers; and a second substrate being affixed to said first substrate by a second adhesive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A multiple optical fiber coupler unit comprising: a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled by fusing ends thereof; a first substrate being affixed to said optical fibers near said fused ends by a first adhesive so as to reinforce the coupled optical fibers; and a second substrate being affixed to said first substrate by a second adhesive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first substrate is made from one of quartz and liquid crystal polymers having a coefficient of linear expansion substantially equal to a coefficient of linear expansion of said optical fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second substrate is made from one of liquid crystal polymers and Invar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second substrate is of cylindrical configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second substrate is of box-like configuration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first adhesive is one of a thermosetting and ultraviolet-setting adhesive.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second adhesive is flexible silicon rubber adhesive.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A multiple optical fiber coupling unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein Young's modulus of said second adhesive at -40° C. is not larger than 0.1 kg/mm 2 .
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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) | 1996-05-03 | 1996-11-02 | 1997-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-03 | 2000-11-02 | 2001-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-03 | 2004-11-02 | 2005-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |