Optical fiber centering device

Abstract

A centering device, for holding an optical fiber along an axis, includes three sections of fiber receiving means, and a receiving member. The receiving member has a cylindrical recess, concentric with the axis, for holding the sections in assembly. The sections are substantially identical, each having a uniform cross-sectional configuration at right angles along a major portion of its length forming a boundary of fixed perimeter. One portion of the boundary of one section contacts another section. Another portion of the boundary contacts a different section. A third portion contiguous to the first two portions is adapted to engage an optical fiber along its length. A fourth portion contiguous to the first two, but not to the third, engages the cylindrical wall defined by the concentric recess of the receiving member. The recess terminates with a planar wall perpendicular to the axis. It can have an axially oriented depression. The fourth portion of the boundary engages differing amounts of a cylindrical wall depending upon the shape of the fourth portion. The sections include elastomeric material of sufficient resilience for a passageway defined by the third portions of assembled sections to expandably receive an optical fiber dimensioned larger than the passageway. The passageway can have a substantially triangular cross-section for receiving a fiber having a substantially circular cross-section. It can flare outwardly from a position interior the fiber receiving means to respective ends thereof. Passageway flaring can have a triangular, a hexagonal, or a circular configuration. The device can have a fiber receiving means with a polygonal shaped external surface. The receiving member can be transparent. The fiber receiving means can be held within the recess of the member by a force fit. The radius of the three sections, when assembled but prior to insertion into the recess, is greater than the radius of the recess.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.