Method and apparatus for terminating a fiber-optic cable without adhesive
AssigneeOptical Fiber Technologies, Inc.
InventorSoren Grinderslev
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adhesiveless optical fiber termination employs an outer element having a through passage that receives an optical fiber. A tubular inner element fits over the cable and telescopically seats in the passage of the outer element. An elastomeric compressive system is seated within the passage substantially encircling the optical fiber and is radially inwardly deformed into secure engagement with the optical fiber therein in response to compressive engagement between the outer element and the inner element.
Claims35
Apparatus for terminating a fiber optic cable by mechanical engagement, said apparatus comprising:
- A. A terminating element having a passage extending axially therethrough, said passage having a first forward section axially forward of and coaxial with a second rearward section, said passage being adapted for receiving a buffered optical fiber extending axially therein with a forward portion of said optical fiber extending within said forward section,
- B. a compressive system disposed within said passage for engagement circumferentially about said forward portion of said optical fiber, said compressive system being radially inwardly deformable, and
- C. selectively movable actuating means axially slidably movably seated relative to said terminating element and arranged for radially inwardly deforming said compressive system within said passage into engagement with said forward portion of said optical fiber.
Apparatus for terminating a fiber optic cable by mechanical engagement and comprising:
- A. an inner element having an axially extending tubular passage therethrough concentrically within a tubular outer surface, said inner passage being adapted for receiving a buffered optical fiber and having a compressively acting surface at a first forward end,
- B. an outer terminating element having an axially extending tubular passage therethrough with radial constriction means between a first forward passage section for receiving an optical fiber and a second passage section, said inner element being telescopically received in said second passage section and being axially slidable therein, and
- C. a compressive system disposed in said section passage section of said outer terminating element axially forward of said compressively-acting surface for encircling an optical fiber received in said passage of said inner terminating element, said compressive system being elastically deformable, upon compression between said constriction means and said compressively-acting surface, from a first shape to a different second shape for compressively engaging the optical fiber.
A method for terminating a fiber optic cable by mechanical engagement, said method comprising the steps of
- A. providing a terminating element having axially-forward wall means and having an axially extending tubular passage therethrough, and wherein said passage is arranged for receiving a buffered optical fiber extending axially therein with a portion of said fiber extending therefrom within said passage at said forward wall means,
- B. providing a compressive system disposed within said passage for substantially encircling said portion of said optical fiber closely adjacent the passage thereof through said forward wall means, said compressive system being radially inwardly deformable from a first shape to a different second shape,
- C. seating a buffered optical fiber extending axially within said passage and said portion of said optical fiber extending therefrom within said passage within said forward wall means, and
- D. deforming said compressive system to said second shape, using axially applied forces, radially inward into supporting and retaining engagement with said portion of said optical fiber closely adjacent to the passage thereof through said forward wall means.
Apparatus for terminating a fiber optic cable by mechanical engagement, said apparatus comprising
- A. a terminating element having a passage extending axially therethrough, said passage having a first forward section axially forward of and coaxial with a second rearward section, said passage being adapted for receiving a buffered optical fiber extending axially therein with a forward portion of said optical fiber extending within said forward section,
- B. a compressive system disposed within said passage for engagement circumferentially about said forward portion of said optical fiber, said compressive system being radially inwardly deformable from a first shape to a different second shape, and
- C. selectively movable actuating means movably seated relative to said terminating element and arranged for radially inwardly deforming said compressive system within said passage to said second shape and into engagement with said forward portion of said optical fiber.
A method for terminating a fiber optic cable comprising the steps of
- providing a compressive system that substantially encircles a portion of the cable and that is compressively elastically deformable, and
- compressively deforming said compressive system by axially telescoping an inner terminating element within an outer element, so as to mechanically engage said compressive system radially inward with said portion of said cable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.