Method of forming optical fiber connectors
AssigneeAT&T Corp.
InventorsRichard A. Roll, Muhammed A. Shahid
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved method is provided for applying optical fiber support members (17, 18) to a pair of fixtures such as vacuum chucks (24, 25) such that the fixtures can thereafter be used to clamp the support members to opposite sides of an array of optical fibers (14). The improvement comprises arranging the optical fiber support members in a magazine (29, 30) and bringing the two fixtures into proximity with a magazine. Automatic apparatus (33, 34) is used for urging a pair of optical fiber support members from the magazine onto the two fixtures such that the support members adhere to the fixtures. After placement of the support members on the fibers, the cycle is repeated.
Claims19
A method for applying optical fiber support members to an array of optical fibers comprising the steps of:
- using a pair of fixtures to hold a pair of optical fiber support members each having an array of grooves;
- using the pair of fixtures to clamp the optical fiber support members on opposite sides of an array of optical fibers such that each optical fiber is contained within matching grooves of the two support members;
- wherein the improvement comprises:
- arranging the optical fiber support members in a magazine;
- bringing the fixtures into proximity with the magazine;
- urging optical fiber support members from the magazine onto the fixtures;
- and thereafter causing the support members to adhere to the fixtures.
Apparatus for applying optical fiber support members to arrays of optical fibers comprising:
- first and second fixtures each adapted to hold therein an optical fiber support member having an array of grooves;
- means for forcing together the fixtures on opposite sides of an array of optical fibers such that each optical fiber is supported within matching grooves of two support members;
- wherein the improvement comprises:
- means comprising a magazine for holding a plurality of optical fiber support members in proximity to said first and second fixtures;
- means for urging optical fiber support members from the magazine onto the fixtures;
- and means for causing the support members to adhere to the fixtures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.