US4844580A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic lens
Assignee: Corning Cable Systems Puerto Rico Inc
•
Filing: 1988-05-16
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Granted: 1989-07-04
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Expires: 2008-05-16
Abstract
Abstract A lens for an optical fiber is formed on the end of a capillary glass tube which is then fitted over an optical fiber. The lens can be formed by mounting a capillary tube in a spindle, and rotating and heating the end of the tube until centrifugal force forms the lens as a bulbous portion.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Lynch
- 👤 Rudolph A. Montgelas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 00:28
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/32; G02B6/322; G02B6/262; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4202; G02B6/4203; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S359/00; Y10S359/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
27 words
An expanded beam lens for an optical fiber comprising: an elongated, capillary glass tube having a longitudinally located, fiber receiving bore terminating in an integral, bulbous portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
An expanded beam lens for an optical fiber comprising: an elongated, capillary glass tube having a longitudinally located, fiber receiving bore terminating in an integral, bulbous portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The expanded beam lens of claim 1 wherein the end of said tube opposite said bulbous portion is formed as a fiber receiving funnel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The expanded beam lens of claim 2 wherein said bore is substantially cylindrical for a major part of its length.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The expanded beam lens of claim 3 wherein said bore terminates in a cone adjacent said bulbous portion.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of making an expanded beam lens for an optical fiber comprising the steps of: forming an elongate glass capillary tube; mounting said tube in a spindle; rotating said spindle and said tube; and heating one end of tube to melt said glass and form a bulbous portion.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
49 words
A method of making an expanded beam lens for an optical fiber comprising the steps of: forming an elongate glass capillary tube; mounting said tube in a spindle; rotating said spindle and said tube; and heating one end of tube to melt said glass and form a bulbous portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said spindle is rotated at from 150 to 200 rpm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said tube is heated to a glass lens forming temperature of between about 925° C. to 975° C.
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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) | 1992-07-03 | 1993-01-02 | 1993-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-03 | 1997-01-02 | 1997-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-03 | 2001-01-02 | 2001-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |