US5290398A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synthesis of tapers for fiber optic sensors
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1992-12-21
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Granted: 1994-03-01
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Expires: 2012-12-21
Abstract
Abstract The end region of a fiber optic sensor is tapered by suspending a fiber in a container. Etchant is added to the container at a controlled rate in order to etch a taper into the fiber. The taper size and shape are controlled by the selection of the size and shape of the container, as well as by the rate of adding etchant to the container.
Inventors
- 👤 Sandra F. Feldman
- 👤 Emily Y. Shu
- 👤 John Y. Gui
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:09
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4203; C; C03; C03C; C03C25/00; C03C25/66; C03C25/68; G02B6/245; G02B6/36; G02B6/3628; G02B6/3632; G02B6/3644
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
38 words
A method for tapering the end of a fiber, comprising the steps of: suspending said fiber in a container; and providing etchant in said container at a controlled rate in order to etch a taper into said fiber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
38 words
A method for tapering the end of a fiber, comprising the steps of: suspending said fiber in a container; and providing etchant in said container at a controlled rate in order to etch a taper into said fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said fiber is selected from the group consisting of glass and quartz.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said etchant comprises hydrofluoric acid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 3, wherein said container comprises plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, further including, as a final step, etching said fiber using an etchant vapor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said fiber is suspended in said container through a supporting hole in a sheet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 6, wherein said sheet comprises polytetrafluoroethylene, and further including the step of adding silicone about said fiber in the region of said sheet to support said fiber firmly in said supporting hole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 6, wherein said sheet is situated against said container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing said etchant in said container is accomplished by dripping said etchant into said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said dripping occurs at a constant infusion rate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said container comprises a container selected from the group consisting of cylindrical and conical containers.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said dripping occurs at a nonlinear infusion rate.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for tapering the end of a fiber optic sensor, comprising the steps of: suspending a fiber, selected from the group consisting of glass and quartz, in a plastic container; and dripping hydrofluoric acid into said container in a gradual manner in order to etch a taper into said fiber.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for tapering the end of a fiber optic sensor, comprising the steps of: suspending a fiber, selected from the group consisting of glass and quartz, in a plastic container; and dripping hydrofluoric acid into said container in a gradual manner in order to etch a taper into said fiber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said dripping occurs at a constant infusion rate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said dripping occurs at a nonlinear infusion rate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said fiber is suspended in said container through a supporting hole in a sheet.
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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) | 1997-02-28 | 1997-08-30 | 1998-03-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-02-28 | 2001-08-30 | 2002-03-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-02-28 | 2005-08-30 | 2006-03-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |