US5222171A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fused optical fiber splice element
Assignee: JDS Fitel Inc
•
Filing: 1991-10-21
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Granted: 1993-06-22
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Expires: 2011-10-21
Abstract
Abstract Opposed ends of optical fibers are fused within a holding member, by heating the fiber ends by means positioned in, or on, the member. A self-contained package can be provided to which an electric current is applied, or some other heating method.
Inventors
- 👤 Jozef Straus
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:17
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/255; G02B6/2551; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3841
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A splice element for the fusing of opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers, comprising a holding member having axial alignment means, for alignment of opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers, said splice element including means for applying heat to said opposed ends to fuse them at an intermediate position in said bore, and including an enlarged bore at each end for reception of a protective coated portion of a fiber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A splice element for the fusing of opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers, comprising a holding member having axial alignment means, for alignment of opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers, said splice element including means for applying heat to said opposed ends to fuse them at an intermediate position in said bore, and including an enlarged bore at each end for reception of a protective coated portion of a fiber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 1, said axial alignment means comprising means defining a bore for reception of said opposed ends of said fibers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 1, including a transverse bore in said holding member at said intermediate position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 3, including spaced electrodes positioned at said transverse bore, for formation of an arc in said transverse bore.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 4, said spaced electrodes positioned in said transverse bore.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 4, said spaced electrodes positioned at outer ends of said transverse bore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 1, including a heating means adjacent to said opposed ends, at said intermediate position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 7, said heating means comprising an electric resistor heater.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 8, said electric resistor heater comprising a tubular carbon member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 3, including a metal strip electrode on an outer circumference of said holding member at each end of said transverse bore, each strip including a hole aligned with said transverse bore, whereby an arc can be formed between said strips.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
46 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 3, including a metal strip extending along each side of said holding member on an outer surface thereof, and a bore in each metal strip aligned with said transverse bore for production of an arch through said transverse hole.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 11, including a layer of heat activated adhesive in each enlarged bore, heating of said metal strips actuating said adhesive.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A splice element as claimed in claim 2, said means defining said bore comprising a plurality of rod-like elements positioned side by side in said holding member.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of fusing opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers comprising positioning said ends at an intermediate position in a holding member, retaining said ends in alignment in said holding member and producing heating at said intermediate position to fuse said opposed ends, and activating a heating member in said tubular member.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of fusing opposed ends of a pair of optical fibers comprising positioning said ends at an intermediate position in a holding member, retaining said ends in alignment in said holding member and producing heating at said intermediate position to fuse said opposed ends, and activating a heating member in said tubular member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as claimed in claim 14, said heating member comprising an electric resistor.
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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) | 1996-06-21 | 1996-12-21 | 1997-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-21 | 2000-12-21 | 2001-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-21 | 2004-12-21 | 2005-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |