US4687293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Metal-encased light conductor
Assignee: Mirion Technologies Conax Nuclear Inc
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Filing: 1985-12-27
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Granted: 1987-08-18
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Expires: 2005-12-27
Abstract
Abstract A metal-encased light conductor having a continuous pressure boundary seal capable of use to transmit light signals in an environment having a pressure up to about 5000 psi based on a sealing length of a minimum of 6 inches and a temperature falling in the range of from about -40 DEG C. to about 250 DEG C., and comprising a core/clad optical fiber, coated with polyimide, surrounded by a jacket of thermoplastic resin on which there is a cured film of epoxy resin, and compressed by a surrounding mechanically reduced ductile metal sheath.
Inventors
- 👤 Matthew J. Randazzo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:00
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4402; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4436
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A metal-encased light conductor having a continuous pressure boundary seal capable for use in an environment having a pressure up to about 5000 pounds per square inch based on a sealing length of a minimum of 6 inches and a temperature falling in the range of from about -40° C. to about 250° C., comprising: an optical fiber including a core surrounded by a cladding, a buffer coating said cladding composed of a polyimide, a uniform jacket surrounding said buffer composed of thermoplastic material having a melting point above 200° C., an epoxy film on said jacket cured at a temperature of at least 100° C., and a mechanically reduced ductile metal sheath surrounding said film and compressing said jacket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A metal-encased light conductor having a continuous pressure boundary seal capable for use in an environment having a pressure up to about 5000 pounds per square inch based on a sealing length of a minimum of 6 inches and a temperature falling in the range of from about -40° C. to about 250° C., comprising: an optical fiber including a core surrounded by a cladding, a buffer coating said cladding composed of a polyimide, a uniform jacket surrounding said buffer composed of thermoplastic material having a melting point above 200° C., an epoxy film on said jacket cured at a temperature of at least 100° C., and a mechanically reduced ductile metal sheath surrounding said film and compressing said jacket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A light conductor according to claim 1 in which the cross sectonal area of the thermoplastic jacket has been reduced about 15 to 25% in order to attain effective sealing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A light conductor according to claim 1 in which said epoxy material is epichlorohydrin/aromatic amine cured at a temperature of about 100° C. for about 2 hours.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A light conductor according to claim 1 in which said epoxy material is bis-phenol A/anhydride cured at a temperature of about 220° C. for about 4 hours.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A light conductor according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 in which the thermoplastic material for said jacket is selected from the group consisting of (1) a copolymer combining the carbon-fluorine backbone of fluorocarbons with perfluoroalkoxy side chains, (2) a polyether ether ketone, and (3) an ethylene-tetra-fluoroethylene copolymer.
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) | 1990-08-17 | 1991-02-16 | 1991-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-17 | 1995-02-16 | 1995-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-17 | 1999-02-16 | 1999-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |