Reinforced multiple optical fiber splice having preanodized element
AssigneeMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
InventorDonald K. Larson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of aluminum material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line. The aluminum is anodized prior to embossing the fiber receiving grooves. The element is inserted into the slot of a splice body formed of an injection moldable material. The splice body may be reinforced by insert molding a steel tube therein, surrounding the slot.
Claims17
A device for splicing a first plurality of optical fibers to a second plurality of optical fibers, the device comprising:
- a splice body having a slot therein;
- splice element means located in said slot of said splice body for holding the first and second plurality of optical fibers;
- actuation means for clamping said splice element means;
- and
- means for reinforcing said splice body, said reinforcing means including a metallic tube located inside said body, said tube surrounding said slot.
An element for splicing a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber, the element comprising:
- a first aluminum plate member;
- a second aluminum plate member adjacent said first aluminum plate member, forming a pair of opposing surfaces, one on each of said plate members, each said opposing surface having an anodized layer;
- and
- said opposing surface of said first plate member having a fiber receiving groove therein, said anodized layer being fractured along said fiber receiving groove as a result of said groove being formed after said opposing surfaces have been anodized.
A method of manufacturing an element for splicing a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber, comprising the steps of:
- anodizing a strip of aluminum material;
- cutting said strip into first and second plate members, each having an opposing surface;
- embossing a fiber receiving groove in said opposing surface of said first plate member;
- and
- placing said opposing surfaces of said first and second members next to each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.