US 6,607,304 B1 · Magnetic clamp for holding ferromagnetic elements during connection thereof

Abstract

A drive towards automation, particularly in the fiber optics industry, has necessitated the use of materials and methods better suited for use by machines. The present invention takes advantage of the magnetic properties of these materials to create a strong magnetic bond between separate elements while they are being connected. Two independently controllable chucks are used to align the elements in accordance with design requirements. After proper alignment, the elements are magnetically attracted together and then permanently fixed using any one of a variety of standards methods, such as welding. In the embodiment of the invention used specifically in the fiber optics industry, the alignment process includes measuring the light transmitted or reflected by the two elements.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of connecting two elements together, comprising the steps of:

securing a first element, having a first ferromagnetic connecting portion, in a first holding means;
securing a second element, having a second ferromagnetic connecting portion, in a second holding means;
aligning said first element with said second element by moving at least one of said first and second holding means to position the first and second elements in a desired alignment;
magnetizing the first ferromagnetic connecting portion to attract the second ferromagnetic connecting portion to the first ferromagnetic connecting portion;
releasing the second element from the second holding means, whereby magnetic attraction between the first and second ferromagnetic connecting portions hold the first and second elements together;
and
fixing the first and second elements together.

4 more elements

An apparatus for connecting two elements together, comprising:

a first holding means for securing a first element therein, said first element having a first ferromagnetic connecting portion;
a second holding means for securing a second element therein, said second element having a second ferromagnetic connecting portion
aligning means for moving at least one of said first and second holding means to position the first and second elements in a desired alignment;
magnetizing means for magnetizing the first ferromagnetic connecting portion, whereby the second ferromagnetic connecting portion is attracted;
and
fixing means for fixing the first element relative to the second element;
whereby, when the aligning means moves the two elements into alignment, the magnetizing means is activated, the second element is released from the second holding means, and magnetic attraction between the first and second ferromagnetic connecting portions holds the first and second elements together while the fixing means fixes the first element to the second element.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic clamp for holding ferromagnetic elements during connection thereof

Life of this patent

Magnetic clamp for holding ferromagnetic elements during connection thereof

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20