Forming Connector Or Coupler (e.g., Fiber Link, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/1.25)
-
Patent number: 7413688Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide or an optical assembly includes molding a waveguide material, optionally in alignment with one or more optical components. The one or more optical components are aligned in a precision mold that is also used to form the waveguide. A cladding and encapsulation material can also be molded. The molded materials can be used to hold the components together in alignment in a single assembly. A connector structure can be molded as part of the assembly or can be prefabricated and incorporated into the molded assembly to facilitate connecting the assembly to other components without requiring active alignment or polishing of optical fiber ends.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Inventors: Kenneth Noddings, Daniel Marshall Andrews, Michael Anthony Olla, Thomas Alan Bishop
-
Patent number: 7413353Abstract: A device for transmitting data between two structural units connected to one another by an articulated joint has a long service life which permits a high transmission rate in conjunction with particularly small dimensions. The first structural unit includes a first optoelectronic component and the second structural unit includes a second optoelectronic component, the first optoelectronic component being connected to the second optoelectronic component via at least one optical fiber. One end of the optical fiber is brought into contact with the first optoelectronic component via a molded interconnect device (MID) plug connection and the other end is brought into contact with the second optoelectronic component via another MID plug connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Gottfried Beer, Jochen Dangelmaier, Cyrus Ghahremani, Jean Schmitt
-
Patent number: 7412130Abstract: A termination is formed on an optical fiber by securing the fiber in a mold which defines a cavity for forming the termination. A liquid is injected into the cavity, which solidifies to form the termination. At least a portion of the mold is removed to expose the termination.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: X-Rite, Inc.Inventors: Weston Lee Harness, John E. Calow
-
Patent number: 7399420Abstract: Provided are a stamper fabricated by using an embossing master and a focusing grating coupler fabricated by using the stamper, which is applicable to a subminiature pickup head for a mobile optic disk, whereby it is possible to reduce a weight and a volume of the pickup head with a simple process and low cost and to apply for mass production.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Mun Cheol Paek, Dong Woo Suh, Ho Jun Ryu, Hyeon Bong Pyo, Yong Woo Park
-
Publication number: 20080149841Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for radiation treatment are disclosed herein. The device may include a light gathering element having an outer surface, a portion of the outer surface of the light gathering element being substantially omni-directional. A portion of the outer surface of light gathering element is coupled to an optical fiber at substantially the base of the optical fiber. The device may include a cartridge having an opening therein for receiving the optical fiber, the light gathering element positioned at an end of the cartridge. A detector, coupled with the optical fiber, may be in the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Theresa J. Sims, Russell D. Schroder, Norman C. Franklin, Eric J. Earnst
-
Publication number: 20080145015Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
-
Publication number: 20080124027Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
-
Publication number: 20080124033Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle coupled to one and only one different information network, each receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for coupling with the different receptacles, each plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Michael L. Gurreri, David D. Erdman, Bryan T. Edwards, Eric J. Hopkins, David R. Baechtle
-
Patent number: 7373029Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical fiber impulse sensor having an optical fiber and a molded portion molded around the perimeter of the optical fiber. The method forms, in the molded portion, an optical fiber insertion hole and an optical fiber insertion slit for inserting the optical fiber into the optical fiber insertion hole. The method inserts the optical fiber from the slit into the optical fiber insertion hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignees: Hitachi Cable, Ltd., Denso CorporationInventors: Morihisa Fukushi, Yasuyuki Hishida, Akira Suzuki, Shigenori Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Ryotaro Kachu
-
Publication number: 20080098772Abstract: The present invention provides process for fabricating an optical fiber assembly that includes two or more integral optical fiber elements having different interface characteristics, where at least one of the elements is a fiber optic device (fiber grating, in-fiber polarizer, coupler, mode filter, etc.), and where the length, and thus the cost, of each fiber optic device is advantageously optimized. The inventive process utilizes a two-stage approach, where at a first process stage, one or more optical fibers are spliced to one or more predetermined optical fiber device preforms (usable to fabricate one or more optical fiber devices), and where at a second process stage, one or more preform processing techniques (such as one or more of: drawing, twisting, etching, wrapping, etc.), are applied to the one or more preforms, to fabricate one or more corresponding optical fiber devices that are already integral with the optical fibers on one or both ends, thus forming the desirable optical fiber assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Victor Il'ich Kopp, Victor Tchourikov, Jonathan Singer, Daniel Neugroschl
-
Publication number: 20080085122Abstract: An optical data transceiver (100) comprises an integrated circuit (101), having provided on one side thereof a light sensing emitting means (104). A reflecting and receiving means (102), is mounted on the same surface of integrated circuit (101) as the light sensing or emitting means (104). The reflector means is open at both ends and has shaped and reflective internal surfaces (103). The reflecting and receiving means (102) is adapted at one end to receive a Plastic Optical Fibre (POF) (150) into connection therewith and at the other end is aligned with the light sensing or emitting means (104). In this way, the reflecting and receiving means is operable to direct light proceeding from the end of the fibre (150) to the light sensing means (104),or direct light from the light emitting means (104) to the end of the fibre (150), and is further operable to retain the POF (150) in position relative to the light sensing or emitting means (104).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2004Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: Melexis NVInventor: Piet De Pauw
-
Publication number: 20080036103Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique making it possible to easily manufacture a multi-channel optical module in which optical elements are air-sealed. In the optical module, a package 111 with optical elements mounted thereon is sealed with a transparent plate 109. Above a sealing window of the package, a lens plate 105 having holes 104 or grooves 201 and engagement pins 101 are engaged and optically aligned with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Takuma Ban, Yasunobu Matsuoka, Masato Shishikura
-
Patent number: 7270465Abstract: A light system, includes a light guide, an attachment structure, and an optically active element. The light guide has first and second major surfaces and an edge surface. The attachment structure is insert molded to the light guide at the edge surface of the light guide, wherein the light guide is molded around at least a portion of the attachment structure. The optically active element is attached to the attachment structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Kean Loo Keh, Chin Hin Oon, Chai Liang Loke
-
Patent number: 7261469Abstract: A precision mold insert and method for manufacturing angled or angled and bumpered multi-fiber ferrules. The precision mold insert includes an angled end face forming portion, one or more optional bumper forming portions, one or more fiber bores for receiving one or more fiber bore forming pins, and one or more guide pin holes for receiving one or more guide pin hole forming pins. A method for manufacturing a precision mold insert for molding angled or angled and bumpered multi-fiber ferrules utilizing electrical discharge machining (EDM) process and/or a poly crystalline diamond (PCD) grinding tool is provided. The mold insert is used to produce a multi-fiber ferrule having a pre-molded angled end face that is not machined, polished or otherwise altered subsequent to the molding process. The ferrule may also include bumpers for polishing end portions of optical fibers positioned within the fiber bores without altering the angled end face.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: David L. Dean, Jr., Alan J. Malanowski, Joseph T Cody
-
Patent number: 7226220Abstract: Packaging for optical components. A package for packaging multiple fiber optical components can include a bottom portion comprising at least two cavities. The cavities can include a first cavity that is sized and configured to receive a first fiber optic component, and a second cavity that is sized and configured to receive a different fiber optic component. The package can also include a lid portion. The lid can be secured in a closed position with the bottom portion. The cavity can receive a first optical component and a second optical component. The package can also include identification information integrated with at least one of the bottom portion and the lid portion for describing the package or a component held within the package.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventors: Chan Kam Choy, Poon Hin Fook, Andy Lenss
-
Patent number: 7200313Abstract: A method for the preparation of an optical waveguide device characterized in that it comprises a first step for forming a first resin film on a substrate provided thereon with a lower clad layer; a second step for patterning the first resin film into a shape of an optical waveguide to thus form a core layer; a third step for forming a second resin film by coating the surfaces of the lower clad layer and the core layer with a solution containing a material for forming the second resin film according to the spin-coating method in such a manner that the thickness of the resulting film as measured from the upper surface of the lower clad layer and as determined after drying ranges from 3 to 10 times the thickness of the core layer and then drying the coated layer; and a fourth step for removing the second resin film in such a manner that the thickness of the second resin film as determined from the upper surface of the lower clad layer is less than 3 times that of the core layer and that the second resin film thuType: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Kuroda, Madoka Kondou
-
Patent number: 7160033Abstract: A ferrule for a light guide comprises a continuous metal sleeve which has a first tubular section and, at an axial spacing therefrom, a coaxial second tubular section which are connected to one another via an intermediate section, and a first plastic molded part formed around the free end of the first tubular section and a second plastic molded part which is provided at an axial spacing therefrom and which is formed around the ends of the two tubular sections adjacent to the intermediate section and around the intermediate section.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Juergen Roeder, Martin Herlitz, Peter P. Schekalla, Juergen Pscheidt
-
Patent number: 7111994Abstract: A fiber optic module includes a first housing insert molded with an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, an optoelectronic subassembly mounted in the first housing, and a second housing mounted to the first housing to enclose the optoelectronic subassembly. The EMI shield includes a conductive mesh and conductive contact fingers. The first housing includes a non-conductive housing floor, non-conductive housing sidewalls, and a non-conductive nose defining at least one connector receptacle, wherein the housing floor and the housing sidewalls are injection molded through the mesh of the EMI shield to be integral with the nose and so that the fingers at least partially surround the nose.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Ptd. Ltd.Inventors: Matthew K. Schwiebert, R. Sean Murphy
-
Patent number: 7108809Abstract: An optical coupler arrangement which is employed for replicating surface features of diverse types of optical devices. Also disclosed is to a novel method of accurately replicating surface features of optical devices; particularly through the utilization of the novel optical coupler arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Benson Chan, Richard R. Hall, How T. Lin, Christopher J. Majka, John H. Sherman
-
Patent number: 7029607Abstract: A process for producing a polymer optical waveguide, including the steps of: preparing a mold; bringing into close contact with a cladding substrate which has good adhesiveness to the mold; introducing, by capillarity, a curable resin; and curing the introduced curable resin, wherein one through hole or multiple through holes arranged at regular intervals in a longitudinal direction of the core portion are opened to form the one or more resin input ports or one or more resin output ports in order for both the cut ends to be used as resin output portions; and after the curable resin is introduced into the concave portion, a resin pushing member is inserted into each of the one or more resin input ports and/or the one or more resin output ports, to thereby perform the step of introducing the curable resin into the concave portion of the mold by capillarity.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keishi Shimizu, Shigemi Ohtsu, Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Eiichi Akutsu
-
Patent number: 7005090Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flow cell with a cell housing having a bore for the passage of sample, and with an inner layer of a totally reflecting polymer material for guiding radiation through the bore for the analysis of the sample, comprises the steps of: a) providing a tube of the polymer material in the bore of the cell housing, and b) applying a force on the walls of the tube from the interior of the tube for pressing the walls of the tube against the cell housing. The force may be applied by any suitable means, for example by drawing a mandrel through the interior of the tube, or by using pressurized gas or liquid. The resulting flow cell has a smooth inner surface with improved optical properties.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jochen Mueller, Beno Mueller
-
Patent number: 6964523Abstract: An optical switch is provided with an optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 in which a plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a extending along radial directions of a virtual circle are radially formed in a predetermined surface of a base material, a plurality of array-side optical fibers 2 arrayed in the plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a of the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1, and a moving-side optical fiber 4 to be selectively optically connected to either of the plurality of array-side optical fibers 2; the moving-side optical fiber 4 and the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 are rotated relative to each other about a center axis 1o of the virtual circle, and the moving-side optical fiber 4 is selectively optically connected to the array-side optical fiber 2 selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kohda, Kazuhito Saito, Takeo Komiya
-
Patent number: 6942398Abstract: There is provided an optical module capable of improving assembling efficiency and reducing the number of parts to reduce production costs, and an optical connector having the same. The optical module has a holder 3, a lens 12 and a diffraction grating 13 for damping the quantity of light. The holder 3, the lens 12 and the diffraction grating 13 are formed of a resin material so as to be integrated with each other. The diffracting grating 13 is designed to prevent high-order diffracted light beams from being coupled with an optical fiber 8.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Shimpei Morioka
-
Patent number: 6936194Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming an optical coupling device on a substrate by disposing a material onto the substrate that is polymerizable in response to actinic radiation. A stack of the material is formed by contacting the material with a template having a stepped-recess formed therein. The material is then solidified into an optically transparent body with a surface having a plurality of steps by subjecting the stack to actinic radiation. To that end, the material may comprise an acrylate component selected from a set of acrylates consisting essentially of ethylene dio diacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, bisphenol A diacrylate, acrylate terminated polysiloxane, polydifluoromethylene diacrylate, perfluoropolyether diacrylates and chlorofluorodiacrylates. Alternatively, the material may include a silylated component selected from a group consisting essentially of (3-acryloxypropyltristrimethylsiloxy) silane.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.Inventor: Michael P. C. Watts
-
Patent number: 6870976Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer optical system component that is passively aligned upon assembly is disclosed. The optical system includes a lens block and a mirror-filter block. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed to the mirror-filter block using a positioning tool. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed on a support structure which has been etched to receive the optical filters. The mirror-filter block is a block having flat surfaces, one of which is a flat reflecting surface. The lens block is formed by injection molding and includes a barrel for holding and positioning an optical fiber, placement for a collimating lens, and placements for focusing lenses such that, when assembled, light incident on each of the focusing lenses propagates along the optical axis of the focusing lens. In some embodiments, the collimating lens and the focusing lenses are integrally formed with the lens block.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Opnext, Inc.Inventors: Yeou-Yen Chen, Joseph Vanniasinkam, Jon Meyer, Chris Carroll, Joseph Wai, Christopher Viray, Bill Reysen, Bor-Long Twu
-
Publication number: 20040178522Abstract: The invention provides a process of manufacturing an optical waveguide for optically connecting a plurality of optical devices, comprising the steps of: disposing a resin composition between two or more optical devices, the resin composition comprising a resin and a 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, forming an optical path through the resin composition between the optical devices by light having a wavelength capable of inducing a structural change in the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative, and removing the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative from the resulting resin composition. Also disclosed is a connection structure obtained by the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Kunishige Oe, Kenichi Yamashita, Kazunori Mune, Amane Mochizuki, Ryuusuke Naitou
-
Patent number: 6740264Abstract: A method of making an optical component wherein an optical component carrier is introduced through an opening (2) into a mold (1). The carrier is aligned relative to the mold (1) by means of at least one positioning means. A removable closure member (4) is introduced into a coupling portion of the mold to form an optical window surface (3). A light transmissive moldable material is filled into the mold (1) and cured. The closure member (4) is then removed to complete the optical component.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AGInventor: Dirk Reifel
-
Patent number: 6738552Abstract: A capillary optic produced by impression has a mold with an external profile figured for radiation transmission along an axis used as a mandrel for impression. The mold often takes the form of a precisely etched wire. At least one soft plate is used for impressing the mold into the soft plate. The mold is removed from the soft plate to leave a vacant impression figured for radiation transmission in the soft plate along an axis. The impression is then closed to provide for radiation transmission along the axis of the impression. In the most common embodiment, two relatively soft plates having identical compositions with flat and highly polished initial surfaces are used. The impression(s) can be coated with reflective materials. Disclosure of an optical connector and emitter is included.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: Gregory Hirsch
-
Publication number: 20040076376Abstract: A method of fabricating a coupler for an optical fiber includes generating a beam of photonic energy and imaging a feature of the first mask onto the beam of photonic energy. The method also includes irradiating a substrate with the shaped beam, thereby ablating material from the substrate to create a feature. During the irradiating step, the shaped beam simultaneously irradiates the entire feature of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Michael A. Pate
-
Patent number: 6719927Abstract: An optical connector ferrule 1A is mounted on the distal end of a fiber optic ribbon cable 2 to form an optical connector Ca. A mating surface 11 of the optical connector Ca opposes an optical connector Cb to be mated. Fiber accommodating holes 13 are formed in the mating surface 11 so as to accommodate optical fibers, and a pair of guide projections 10 are formed on the mating surface 11 so as to be positioned with the optical connector Cb. The ferrule 1A is integrally molded with a resin. This provides an optical connector ferrule allowing the easy manufacturing of an optical connector with good transmission performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Sakurai, Hiroshi Katsura, Toshiaki Kakii, Masahiro Shibata
-
Publication number: 20040046271Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming an optical coupling device on a substrate by disposing a material onto the substrate that is polymerizable in response to actinic radiation. A stack of the material is formed by contacting the material with a template having a stepped-recess formed therein. The material is then solidified into an optically transparent body with a surface having a plurality of steps by subjecting the stack to actinic radiation. To that end, the material may comprise an acrylate component selected from a set of acrylates consisting essentially of ethylene dio diacrylate, t-butyl acrylate, bisphenol A diacrylate, acrylate terminated polysiloxane, polydifluoromethylene diacrylate, perfluoropolyether diacrylates and chlorofluorodiacrylates. Alternatively, the material may include a silylated component selected from a group consisting essentially of (3-acryloxypropyltristrimethylsiloxy) silane.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Michael P.C. Watts
-
Patent number: 6702962Abstract: A ferrule for a multi optical connector is formed by filling a cavity in a mold with melted resin and the ferrule is pushed out of the cavity by pressing a face on the side in which an adhesive pouring port is formed of the formed ferrule. Two positions on both outer sides with respect to a center line in the arrangement direction of the fiber or three or more positions including those two positions, near a joint end face on a face on the side in which the adhesive pouring port is formed, are pressed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Kihara, Katsuki Suematsu, Masao Shinoda
-
Patent number: 6688870Abstract: An optical fiber coating device that recoats a coating removed portion of an optical fiber with light-curing resin has an observation window through which a mold inside of a shielding lid that covers the mold can be confirmed in a state where the shielding lid remains closed. There is provided an open/close lid that can open/close the observation window. An optical shielding guard plate is provided around the observation window. A filter that cuts off the external light having a specific wavelength is provided on the observation window. There is provided a photo sensor that can detect the amount of light of a light source that irradiates a light onto the light-curing resin, and the amount of light can be automatically adjusted on the basis of the detected result of the photo sensor. An alarm that urges to exchange the light source is raised on the basis of the detected result of the photo sensor. There is provided a TV camera that can capture the interior of the mold and other portions to be observed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Shibata, Hideki Watanabe, Hidekazu Kojima
-
Publication number: 20030142931Abstract: In a method for molding an optical fiber fusion spliced portion, a mold coating is formed on a bare fiber portion of a fusion spliced portion of the optical fibers, using a resin compound having the characteristics where in a cured state, the tensile elongation is 70% or more and the tensile strength is 20MPa or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazumasa Oishi, Rei Koike
-
Patent number: 6583390Abstract: A system and method for quickly heating a shrinkable casing around a relatively non-shrinkable object. As one example, the present invention may be used to shrink a sleeve around a strand, such as fiber or copper. A contact approach to heating the a loaded sleeve is used wherein a predetermined temperature profile is applied to prevent the trapping of air during shrinking. The thermal profile may be selectively controlled by the application of a fluid to the junction where heat is applied to the loaded sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Carmine J. Vetrano, Robert G. Wiley, Mathew W. Reed
-
Patent number: 6578388Abstract: An add/drop filter for optical wave energy incorporates a Bragg grating in a very narrow waist region defined by merged lengths of elongated optical fibers. Light is propagated into the waist region via adiabatically tapered fibers and is transformed from two longitudinally adjacent fibers into two orthogonal modes within the air-glass waveguide of the waist and reflected off the grating from one fiber into the other. The geometry of the waist region is such that the reflected drop wavelength is polarization independent, without lossy peaks in the wavelength band of interest. Additionally, back reflection are shifted out of the wavelength band of interest. High strength gratings are written by photosensitizing the waist region fibers by constantly in-diffusing pressurized hydrogen or deuterium. For narrow spectral bandwidth gratings, dimensional variations must be minimized or compensated, and the grating is apodized by both a.c. and d.c. variations in writing beams at a net constant power.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Arroyo Optics Inc.Inventors: Anthony S. Kewitsch, George A. Rakuljic, Phil A. Willems, Xiaolin Tong
-
Patent number: 6576165Abstract: The specification describes a connector for joining optical elements, especially optical fibers. The connector is a sleeve made of a Simple Shaped Memory Polymer (SSMP) into which the optical fiber is inserted and the sleeve heated to collapse the sleeve around the optical fiber. The SSMP materials are not crosslinked and can be manufactured by a variety of techniques including extrusion. Various methods for forming the bore of the connector and expanding the size of the bore from the memory state to the metastable state are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Charles Joseph Aloisio, Ray R. Cammons
-
Patent number: 6576163Abstract: A method of manufacturing a medical instrument for diffusing light from an optical fiber is provided. The medical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal portion including a cladding layer surrounding the core and a distal portion having a diffuser tip comprising a protective coating made of acrylic or methylpentene surrounding the core, an optical coupling layer, and a sleeve. The protective coating strengthens the distal end of the optical fiber so that it can withstand a higher bending moment at failure than the uncladded core. At the same time, the protective layer has an index of refraction that is between the indices of refraction of the core and the optical coupling layer to direct light out of the core through to the optical coupling layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Indigo Medical, IncorporatedInventor: Steven H. Mersch
-
Patent number: 6565267Abstract: An optical receiving device including a lead frame, a printed wiring board mounted on the lead frame and having a ground pattern, a ferrule assembly fixedly mounted on the lead frame and having a ceramic capillary, and a photodetecting element fixedly mounted on an end surface of the ceramic capillary. The optical receiving device further includes a preamplifier IC mounted on the printed wiring board, a wire for connecting the photodetecting element and the preamplifier IC, and an internal shield fixedly mounted on the ground pattern of the printed wiring board for covering the preamplifier IC and the wire. These components except a part thereof are enclosed by a resin mold package.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Akio Abe, Kazuya Sasaki
-
Publication number: 20030053770Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide or an optical assembly includes molding a waveguide material, optionally in alignment with one or more optical components. The one or more optical components are aligned in a precision mold that is also used to form the waveguide. A cladding and encapsulation material can also be molded. The molded materials can be used to hold the components together in alignment in a single assembly. A connector structure can be molded as part of the assembly or can be prefabricated and incorporated into the molded assembly to facilitate connecting the assembly to other components without requiring active alignment or polishing of optical fiber ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Kenneth Noddings, Daniel Marshall Andrews, Michael Anthony Olla, Thomas Alan Bishop
-
Patent number: 6522806Abstract: A novel optical fiber, and a method for its production, having a diffuser portion and continuous unitarily-constructed outer sleeve, which is adapted for the transmission of light to a treatment locale. More particularly, a medical instrument has an optical fiber including a diffuser portion at a distal end wherein an alignment sleeve for the optical fiber extends uninterruptedly in a single piece from a connector for a laser light source to at least the distal end of the core of the optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgury, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin F. James, IV, Gregory Bakos, Donald E. Nitsche
-
Publication number: 20030031426Abstract: The optical module comprises a ferrule, an optical fiber inserted into the ferrule, an optical communication functional unit for making the optical communication with the optical fiber, and a resin molded portion covering a part of the ferrule and the optical communication functional unit. The ferrule is provided with one or more concave grooves in a region exposed from the resin molded portion. Since this concave portion serves as a resin reservoir at the time of molding, the resin is prevented from adhering and covering on the outer surface of ferrule exposing from the resin molded portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Hiromi Nakanishi, Yoshiki Kuhara, Takeshi Okada, Nobuyuki Sakaue
-
Patent number: 6516121Abstract: The present invention is directed to a methodology, structure and process (200) for routing connecting, and forming optical fibers between optical ports such as optical transmitters and receivers/detectors to create optical pathways for signal transfer therebetween. More particularly, when connecting timed optoelectronic chips on a Multi Chip Module, an optical fiber is aligned above an optical port (202), the fiber and the port surface are heated (204), (206) and contacted (208) creating an adhesion bond therebetween. The fiber is then routed (210) to another optical port for connection (214). The fiber may then be connected to additional ports (218) or severed (220). Once severed, the optical pathway may be adjusted to synchronize timing between optoelectronic chips. If a chip's timing is advanced or delayed, the connecting optical pathway may be lengthened (224) or shortened (226). Last, the optical fibers are annealed (228) to relieve internal stresses and cure surface defects.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Interconnect Technology LLCInventor: Herzel Laor
-
Patent number: 6510709Abstract: Disclosed are a shaping mold for producing an optical fiber guide block which permits highly accurate positioning and fixing of optical fibers, an optical fiber guide block having such excellent properties, processes for the production of these, and an optical fiber array.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Hoya CorporationInventors: Teruo Yamashita, Kaoru Kagami, You Ohgami
-
Patent number: 6503422Abstract: A method of fabricating a device for engaging and holding two ferrules of respective optical fiber connectors in axial alignment for transmission of a beam from the fiber of one ferrule to the other. A pair of ferrules made to close tolerances and having no fibers in their central, axial passageways are inserted into a corresponding pair of cylindrical split sleeves in end-to-end relation, and a precision gauge in the form of an elongated wire having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the ferrule passageways is inserted therethrough. The two sleeves are then positioned and permanently fixed within a surrounding structure. In a first embodiment, the sleeves are placed in a mold cavity into which a potting agent is injected to surround the sleeves. When the potting agent hardens, it is removed, together with the sleeves, ferrules and gauge, from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: NuVisions InternationalInventors: Paul Chudoba, Jerome Polizzi
-
Manufacturing method for optical connector ferrule and forming mold used in the manufacturing method
Publication number: 20030001297Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical connector ferrule according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing an optical connector ferrule where a plurality of fiber holes are arranged between two guide pin holes, wherein melted material resin is injected from one resin injection port into a cavity of a forming mold where two forming pins for forming the guide pin holes and a plurality of forming pins for forming the fiber hole are arranged in parallel to one another. A forming mold according to the present invention is provided with a cavity where a plurality of forming pins can be arranged in parallel to one another, and one resin injection port through which melted material resin can be injected into the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Katsuki Suematsu, Yasushi Kihara, Takashi Shigematsu -
Patent number: 6495803Abstract: A system and method for quickly heating a shrinkable casing around a relatively non-shrinkable object. The system may be referred to as a sleeve shrinking quick dip heat system. As one example, the present invention may be used to shrink a sleeve around a strand, such as fiber or copper. In the electrical and electronic fields, the present invention may be used to shrink sleeves or tubing around, for example, copper strands, wires, connectors, or components. A contact approach to heating the a loaded sleeve is used wherein a predetermined temperature profile is applied to prevent the trapping of air during shrinking. Ramp-up time is eliminated by use of a heater block that remains near or at heat shrinking temperatures, while selectively transferring heat to the sleeve according to the desired temperature profile.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Carmine J. Vetrano
-
Publication number: 20020181889Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a resin ferrule, for use in an optical fiber connector, is provided including: a capillary 1 having an axial part 2; and a flange 13 protruding from the axial part 2; the ferrule having an optical fiber insertion hole 3 axially passing through the capillary 1. The capillary 1 and the flange 13 are integrated into a monolithic structure with thermoplastic resin. The capillary 1 has a planar-shaped front end surface 11, and a front end part 10 extending towards the front end surface 11, in a convergent fashion where the front end part 10 has the outer diameter of the radial cross-section thereof reduced along the axial direction thereof towards the front end surface 11 with the cross-section kept concentric. According to another aspect of the present invention, a die is provided for molding a resin ferrule, for use in an optical fiber connector, as defined above.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Katsumi Ozeki, Keiji Takahashi, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Norio Shinoki
-
Publication number: 20020181899Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating optoelectronic devices provides for accurately positioning and shaping an encapsulant by actively referencing the device die upon which the optoelectronic devices are formed. A molding tool is accurately aligned to the optoelectronic devices in the x, y and &thgr; directions using mechanical guides and is aligned in the z direction by actively referencing the device die. The shaped encapsulant is preferably an angled wedge having a minimum thickness over the optoelectronic devices to provide a high coupling efficiency and an increased thickness in other portions to fully encapsulate wire bond connections, for example. The method also provides for using the mechanical guides to align and couple optical fibers to the optoelectronic devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the end face of the optical fiber forms a conterminous interface with the top surface of the encapsulant, and the interface is obliquely angled with respect to the surface of the device die.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Michael L. Tartaglia, Carl Embry, Mark Stiehl, Timothy Bingaman
-
Publication number: 20020159716Abstract: There is provided a subminiature optical connector comprising a subminiature single head optical plug having its sleeve of 2.5 mm in outside diameter corresponding to a subminiature single head plug for only electric signal use and having its sleeve of 2.5 mm in outside diameter which is in practical use, the optical plug being able to use together with a receptacle in practical use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohbayashi, Keiji Mine, Hiroshi Nakagawa