Automated method and system for making capillary splice
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsHoa Dempsey, James G. Fagan, William J. Miller, Stephen R. Ormbsy, Terry L. Taft
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of making a capillary splice includes applying pressure to a bore in a tube, applying heat to a portion of the tube to soften the portion of the tube, and forming a bubble within the bore in the heated portion under the influence of the pressure and heat. While forming the bubble, a diameter of the bore at the heated portion is measured to determine when the bubble has enlarged to a target size. When the bubble has enlarged to the target size, a force is applied along an axial axis of the tube to shape the bubble to a desired size.
Claims19
A method of making a capillary splice, comprising:
- applying pressure to a bore in a tube;
- applying heat to a portion of the tube to soften the portion of the tube;
- forming a bubble within the bore in the heated portion under the influence of the pressure and heat;
- while forming the bubble, measuring a diameter of the bore at the heated portion to determine when the bubble has enlarged to a target size;
- and
- when the bubble has enlarged to the target size, applying a force along an axial axis of the tube to shape the bubble to a desired size.
An automated system for making a capillary splice, comprising:
- a pressure system that controls pressure in a bore of a tube to a predetermined level;
- a heating system that applies localized heat to the tube;
- a motion system operable to apply a force along an axial axis of the tube;
- and
- a vision system that initiates the motion system to apply the force to the tube based on a desired size of a bubble formed within the bore.
An apparatus for making a capillary splice, comprising:
- means for applying a predetermined pressure to a bore in a tube;
- means for locally heating the tube;
- means for capturing an image of the portion of the tube;
- means for deducing a diameter of the bore from the image of the bore;
- and
- means for applying a force along an axial axis of the tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.