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US 4,537,466 AGranted
Optical fiber chuck including a cover comprising an idler wheel and a V-shaped insert
AssigneeRaychem Corporation
InventorsMarc F. Moisson, Martin L. Wisecarver
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical fiber chuck for use in an optical fiber splicer may be both accurate and inexpensive because the fiber moves through a stationary chuck rather than a moving chuck carrying the fiber. The fiber slides between precision V-grooves, and is advanced and retracted by frictional engagement with a drive wheel.
Claims7
An optical fiber chuck, comprising:
- (a) a chuck body having on its upper surface a straight V-groove into which an optical fiber can be loaded;
- (b) a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the chuck body such that a portion of its circumference intersects the V-groove in the chuck body to such an extent that it will engage a fiber loaded into the V-groove;
- (c) drive means for rotating the drive wheel;
- (d) a chuck cover pivotably mounted on the chuck body between a loading position and an operating position;
- (e) an idler wheel rotatably mounted on the chuck cover such that when the chuck cover is in its operating position and a fiber is loaded into the V-groove of the chuck body, the idler wheel presses the fiber against the drive wheel to ensure adequate friction between the fiber and the drive wheel;
- (f) a chuck cover insert mounted in the chuck cover and having a V-shaped lower surface such that when the chuck cover is in its operating position the V-shaped lower surface of the insert enters the V-groove of the chuck body, the apex of the V-shaped lower surface being so shaped that it cooperates with the V-groove of the chuck body to hold a fiber which has been loaded into the V-groove;
- and
- (g) means for urging the chuck cover against the chuck body when the chuck cover is in its operating position.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.