USH551H
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical package with improved fiber alignment fixture
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1987-06-15
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Granted: 1988-12-06
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Expires: 2007-06-15
Abstract
Abstract An optical package includes a two-piece fiber subassembly which allows for separate axial and radial alignment of the fiber to the active optical device. The subassembly consists of an inner ferrule encasing the fiber and an outer sleeve which holds the ferrule. The ferrule is moved axially within the sleeve to perfect the axial alignment of the fiber and the device. The sleeve includes a number of openings around its circumference to expose the ferrule. Once axial alignment is achieved, the outer sleeve is attached to the ferrule through these openings to fix the axial alignment.
Inventors
- 👤 Ghazi M. Chaoui
- 👤 Charles R. Fegley
- 👤 Jan Lipson
- 👤 Ralph S. Moyer
- 👤 Thomas S. Stakelon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:26
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4219; G02B6/422; G02B6/4225; G02B6/26; G02B6/32; G02B6/4236; G02B6/4237
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An optical package comprising: an optical subassembly including an active optical device located on a mounting structure, and focusing means located between the optical device and the exterior of the package; and a fiber subassembly including an optical fiber encased in a ferrule, the ferrule being located within a cylindrical sleeve and capable of axial motion within said sleeve to achieve optimum axial alignment between the optical subassembly and the fiber subassembly, said sleeve including at least one opening therethrough to expose said ferrule to allow attachment of said ferrule to said sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An optical package comprising: an optical subassembly including an active optical device located on a mounting structure, and focusing means located between the optical device and the exterior of the package; and a fiber subassembly including an optical fiber encased in a ferrule, the ferrule being located within a cylindrical sleeve and capable of axial motion within said sleeve to achieve optimum axial alignment between the optical subassembly and the fiber subassembly, said sleeve including at least one opening therethrough to expose said ferrule to allow attachment of said ferrule to said sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An optical package as defined in claim 1 wherein laser welds are used to attach the ferrule to the sleeve.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
An optical package as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the sleeve to allow for a plurality of attachment sites of the ferrule to said sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
An optical package as defined in claim 3 wherein laser welds are used in each opening of the plurality of openings to attach the sleeve to the ferrule.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An optical package as defined in claim 4 wherein a plurality of laser welds are formed in each opening of the plurality of openings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optical package as defined in claim 3 wherein a plurality of four symmetrically disposed openings are formed in the sleeve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical package as defined in claim 1 wherein the active optical device comprises a semiconductor laser which is positioned on a mount in the optical subassembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
94 words
An optical fiber subassembly comprising: a cylindrical ferrule for encasing an optical fiber; and A cylindrical outer sleeve surrounding the ferrule, the inner diameter of said sleeve being slightly greater than the outer diameter of said ferrule so as to allow said ferrule the ability to move in an axial direction within said sleeve, said sleeve including at least one opening completely therethrough to expose said ferrule, the ferrule and sleeve being permanently joined through said at least one opening upon achievement of axial alignment of the fiber subassembly with an associated optical device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
94 words
An optical fiber subassembly comprising: a cylindrical ferrule for encasing an optical fiber; and A cylindrical outer sleeve surrounding the ferrule, the inner diameter of said sleeve being slightly greater than the outer diameter of said ferrule so as to allow said ferrule the ability to move in an axial direction within said sleeve, said sleeve including at least one opening completely therethrough to expose said ferrule, the ferrule and sleeve being permanently joined through said at least one opening upon achievement of axial alignment of the fiber subassembly with an associated optical device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical fiber subassembly of claim 8 wherein laser welds are used to join the sleeve to the ferrule.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical fiber subassembly of claim 8 wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the sleeve.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical fiber subassembly of claim 10 wherein a plurality of four, symmetrically disposed openings are formed around the circumference of the sleeve.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical fiber subassembly of claim 11 wherein a series of laser welds are formed in each opening of the sleeve.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The optical fiber subassembly of claim 8 wherein a gap in the range of 0.001-0.002 inches exists between the ferrule and the sleeve.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of achieving axial alignment between an optical device mounted on a subassembly and a fiber encased in a ferrule surrounded by an outer sleeve member, the sleeve member including at least one opening through its sidewall so as to expose the ferrule, the method including the steps of: a. activating the optical device b. viewing the output from the optical device through the fiber; c. moving the ferrule axially within the sleeve until optimum light output is achieved; and d. attaching the ferrule to the sleeve in the optimum position through the at least one opening in the sleeve.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of achieving axial alignment between an optical device mounted on a subassembly and a fiber encased in a ferrule surrounded by an outer sleeve member, the sleeve member including at least one opening through its sidewall so as to expose the ferrule, the method including the steps of: a. activating the optical device b. viewing the output from the optical device through the fiber; c. moving the ferrule axially within the sleeve until optimum light output is achieved; and d. attaching the ferrule to the sleeve in the optimum position through the at least one opening in the sleeve.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 14, wherein in performing step (d), laser welding is used to attach the sleeve to the ferrule.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the sleeve includes a plurality of symmetrically disposed openings such that in performing step (d), a series of attachments are performed in each opening.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 16 wherein in performing step (d), laser welding is used to form each attachment of the plurality of attachments.
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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) | 1991-12-06 | 1992-06-06 | 1992-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-12-06 | 1996-06-06 | 1996-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-12-06 | 2000-06-06 | 2000-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |