US5388174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber connector techniques
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
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Filing: 1994-01-27
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Granted: 1995-02-07
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Expires: 2014-01-27
Abstract
Abstract A first optical fiber support member (30) is held in a first fixture (35) having a first alignment pin (40) extending therefrom perpendicularly to an optical fiber array (32) and also having a first alignment aperture (43). A second support member (31) is held in a second fixture (37) having a second alignment aperture (41) and a second alignment pin (42) extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array. When the two support members are clamped on opposite sides of the optical fiber array, they are aligned by engaging the first alignment pin (40) with the second alignment aperture (41) and engaging the second alignment pin (42) with the first alignment aperture (43). With the support members clamped, fluid adhesive is applied through an aperture (61) to bond the support members (30, 31) and optical fiber array (32) together. The first and second support members (30, 31) are made of plastic and are made by plastic molding. As a consequence, a third alignment projection (50 ) and a third alignment aperture (52) can be made in the first support member (30), and a fourth alignment projection (51) and a fourth alignment aperture (53) can be made in the opposing face of the second support member (31). These projections are much smaller than the first and second alignment pins, and when the support members are clamped together, engagement of the third alignment projection with the fourth alignment aperture and engagement of the fourth alignment projection with the third alignment aperture gives a finer and more precise degree of alignment.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard A. Roll
- 👤 Muhammed A. Shahid
- 👤 George J. Shevchuk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 14:04
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/245; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3838; G02B6/3839; G02B6/3865; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3885; G02B6/3897; G02B6/44; G02B6/4439; G02B6/4457; G02B6/4479; G02B6/4482; G02B6/3608; G02B6/3855; G02B6/3861; G02B6/389; G02B6/42; G02B6/43
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for applying connectors to a parallel array of optical fibers that are adhered to first and second displaced substrate portions and which extend between the displaced substrate portions, comprising the step of containing the array of optical fibers between first and second optical fiber support members on opposite sides of said array and cutting transversely through the first and second support members and the optical fiber array: holding the first optical fiber support member in a first fixture having a first alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array and a first alignment aperture; holding the second optical fiber support member in a second fixture having a second alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array and a second alignment aperture; aligning the first and second support members by engaging the first alignment pin with the second alignment aperture, and engaging the second alignment pin with the first alignment aperture; applying fluid adhesive between the first and second support members and to the optical fibers and clamping together the first and second support members as the adhesive dries.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for applying connectors to a parallel array of optical fibers that are adhered to first and second displaced substrate portions and which extend between the displaced substrate portions, comprising the step of containing the array of optical fibers between first and second optical fiber support members on opposite sides of said array and cutting transversely through the first and second support members and the optical fiber array: holding the first optical fiber support member in a first fixture having a first alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array and a first alignment aperture; holding the second optical fiber support member in a second fixture having a second alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array and a second alignment aperture; aligning the first and second support members by engaging the first alignment pin with the second alignment aperture, and engaging the second alignment pin with the first alignment aperture; applying fluid adhesive between the first and second support members and to the optical fibers and clamping together the first and second support members as the adhesive dries.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the first and second support members are of plastic and are made by plastic molding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 2 wherein: the first support member has a third alignment projection and a third alignment aperture; the second support member has a fourth alignment projection and a fourth alignment aperture; and the alignment step comprises engaging the third alignment projection with the fourth alignment aperture and the fourth alignment projection with the third alignment aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 wherein: the first and second support members contain matching arrays of parallel grooves for containing the optical fiber array.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 4 wherein: the first and second optical fiber support members are each made by: (a) making an array of V-grooves in monocrystalline material by photolithographic masking and etching; (b) depositing metal on the V-grooves; (c) removing the monocrystalline material; and (d) using the deposited metal as mold portions for molding a plurality of identical support members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 5 wherein: the distance between successive V-grooves in the monocrystalline material is initially made larger than the intended distance between successive V-grooves in the first and second support members to compensate for shrinkage of the plastic after injection molding.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein: the plastic is predominantly polyphenylene sulfide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 2 wherein: the first support member comprises a first latch element, and the second support member comprises a second latch element; and after alignment of the first and second member, the first and second support members are forced together such that the first latch element engages the second latch element, thereby to perform the clamping step.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 8 wherein: the second latch element comprises an upper cam surface that is engaged when the first and second support members are forced together to deflect the second latch element, the second latch element then engaging a step of the first latch element and being forced against the step by a spring bias.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 9 wherein: the second support member contains an injection aperture extending therethrough; and the step of applying adhesive comprises the step of injecting adhesive into the injection aperture such that the adhesive can contact the optical fiber between the first and second members.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 10 wherein: the first and second support members contain matching arrays of parallel grooves for containing the optical fiber array; and the adhesive has an appropriate viscosity to move along the optical fibers by capillary action.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 3 wherein: the third and fourth alignment projections each has a maximum diameter of less than one-tenth the diameter of either the first or second alignment pins.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 12 wherein: the third and fourth alignment projections are substantially cone-shaped.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
192 words
The method of claim 1 wherein: the first and second displaced substrate portions are part of an optical backplane including a plurality of first and second displaced substrate portions arranged in a straight line with an array of optical fibers extending between each first and second displaced substrate portion; supporting the optical backplane on a flat member having an elongated aperture such that each of the arrays of optical fibers overlies the aperture; after the first and second support members have been applied to an array of optical fibers and before cutting the array of optical fibers to which they are applied, moving the flat member in the direction of the straight line until a second array of optical fibers lies between the first and second fixtures; locating a second pair of support members in the first and second fixtures and using the first and second fixtures to apply the second pair of support members to the second array of optical fibers; and successively repeating the moving, locating and applying steps to apply at least a third and fourth pair of support members respectively to third and fourth arrays of optical fibers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 14 wherein: each array of optical fibers is substantially identical to each other array of optical fibers; and each pair of support members is substantially identical to each other pair of support members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 15 wherein: each pair of support members contains matching arrays of parallel grooves for containing the optical fiber array to which it is applied.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 16 wherein: each pair of optical fibers contains an injection aperture; the step of applying adhesive comprises the step of injecting adhesive into the injection aperture such that the adhesive can contact the optical fiber contained by the pair of support members; and the adhesive has appropriate viscosity to move along the optical fibers of the array by capillary action.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
248 words
A method for applying optical fiber connectors to each of a plurality of arrays of optical fibers, each array being supported on a substrate and extending between first and second substrate portions, comprising the steps of: supporting the substrates on a flat horizontal member having an aperture; arranging the substrate such that all of the arrays are parallel and at least one of the arrays overlies the aperture; locating respectively above and below the aperture first and second fixtures each adapted to hold a support member having therein an array of V-grooves; placing a first pair of support members in the first and second apertures such that the arrays of V-grooves of the support members face the optical fiber array; moving the substrate such that a first array of optical fibers is between the first pair of support members; moving first and second fixtures together to clamp together the first pair of support members such that each optical fiber of the first array is held within matching V-grooves of the first pair of support members; bonding together the first pair of support members with the first array of optical fibers contained therebetween; moving the substrate such that a second array of optical fibers overlies the aperture and is located between the first and second fixtures; using the first and second fixtures to apply a second pair of support members to the second array of optical fibers; and thereafter cutting the optical fibers of the first and second arrays.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
248 words
A method for applying optical fiber connectors to each of a plurality of arrays of optical fibers, each array being supported on a substrate and extending between first and second substrate portions, comprising the steps of: supporting the substrates on a flat horizontal member having an aperture; arranging the substrate such that all of the arrays are parallel and at least one of the arrays overlies the aperture; locating respectively above and below the aperture first and second fixtures each adapted to hold a support member having therein an array of V-grooves; placing a first pair of support members in the first and second apertures such that the arrays of V-grooves of the support members face the optical fiber array; moving the substrate such that a first array of optical fibers is between the first pair of support members; moving first and second fixtures together to clamp together the first pair of support members such that each optical fiber of the first array is held within matching V-grooves of the first pair of support members; bonding together the first pair of support members with the first array of optical fibers contained therebetween; moving the substrate such that a second array of optical fibers overlies the aperture and is located between the first and second fixtures; using the first and second fixtures to apply a second pair of support members to the second array of optical fibers; and thereafter cutting the optical fibers of the first and second arrays.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 18 wherein: prior to the cutting step, moving the substrate such that a third array of optical fibers is included between the first and second fixtures; using the first and second fixtures to apply a third pair of support members to the third array of optical fibers; and thereafter cutting the optical fibers of the first, second and third arrays.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method of claim 19 wherein: the first fixture has a first alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the flat horizontal member, and the second fixture has a second alignment pin extending therefrom perpendicularly to the flat horizontal member; and when the first and second members are moved together, the first alignment pin engages a second alignment aperture of the second fixture, and the second alignment pin engages a first alignment aperture of the first fixture.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 20 wherein: each support member of each pair of support members contains, on the same surface that contains the V-grooves, an alignment projection and an alignment aperture; each alignment projection being significantly smaller than each alignment pin; and when each pair of support members are compressed together, the alignment projection of one support member engages the alignment aperture of the other support member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 21 wherein: at least one support member of each pair of support members contains an injection aperture extending therethrough; and after the first and second members of each pair are forced together, liquid adhesive is applied to the injection aperture to contact the array of optical fibers contained between the pair of support members, the adhesive having appropriate viscosity to propagate along the optical fibers by capillary action.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 22 wherein: one support member of each pair comprises a latch member and the other support member comprises a latch step; and when the pair of support members are forced together, the latch member engages the latch step.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 23 wherein: the latch member comprises an upper cam surface that is engaged when the pair of support members are forced together to deflect the latch member, the first latch member engaging the latch step and being forced against the step by a spring bias.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 24 wherein: each support member is made by: making an array of V-grooves in monocrystalline material by photolithographic masking and etching; plating the V-grooves with metal; removing the monocrystalline material; and using the plated metal as a mold portion for making the support member by injection molding.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 25 wherein: each support member is made entirely of plastic, is made by plastic injection molding, and comprises predominantly polyphenylene sulfide.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
99 words
A connector for supporting therebetween an array of optical fibers, comprising: first and second support members each having on a first surface thereof a parallel array of grooves; the grooves of the first and second support members adapted to contain therebetween an array of optical fibers; the first surface of the first support member having an alignment projection adapted to engage an alignment aperture in the first surface of the second member to align together the first and second support members; the first and second support members being substantially entirely of plastic and being made by plastic injection molding.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
99 words
A connector for supporting therebetween an array of optical fibers, comprising: first and second support members each having on a first surface thereof a parallel array of grooves; the grooves of the first and second support members adapted to contain therebetween an array of optical fibers; the first surface of the first support member having an alignment projection adapted to engage an alignment aperture in the first surface of the second member to align together the first and second support members; the first and second support members being substantially entirely of plastic and being made by plastic injection molding.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 27 wherein: the alignment projection has a conical configuration and the alignment aperture has a conical configuration of the same dimension as that of the alignment projection.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
52 words
The connector of claim 27 wherein: each support member is made by: making an array of V-grooves in monocrystalline material by photolithographic masking and etching; depositing metal on the array of V-grooves; removing the monocrystalline material; and using the deposited metal as a mold portion for making the support member by molding.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The connector of claim 29 wherein: the support members are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherimide, and liquid crystal polymers.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The connector of claim 30 wherein: each support member is made of polyphenylene sulfide; and the V-grooves made in the monocrystalline material are 0.4 percent larger than the grooves of the support member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
The connector of claim 27 wherein: the first support member comprises a latch member and the second support member comprises a latch step; the latch member being adapted to engage the latch step.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
52 words
The connector of claim 32 wherein: the latch member comprises an upper cam surface that is engaged when the first and second support members are forced together to deflect the latch member, the first latch member thereafter engaging the latch step and being forced against the latch step by a spring bias.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 33 wherein: the alignment projection has a conical configuration, and the alignment aperture has a conical configuration of the same dimension as that of the alignment projection.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-02-06 | 1998-08-08 | 1999-02-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-02-06 | 2002-08-08 | 2003-02-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-02-06 | 2006-08-08 | 2007-02-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |