Fusion Splicing Patents (Class 385/96)
  • Publication number: 20150023639
    Abstract: A side pump fiber and a method of making a side pump fiber are provided. A plurality of pump fibers can be joined to a side of a signal fiber, at different locations. The method includes creating a lengthwise, tapered, concave pocket cut in a pump (or side pump) fiber, inserting the signal fiber in the pocket cut, and then coupling the side pump fiber to the center fiber at the pocket cut. Optical amplifiers and lasers, as examples, can be made using the above method and side pump fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Robert G. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20150010277
    Abstract: An optical device includes a first medium which (i) has a refractive index lower than (a) a refractive index of an outermost shell part in a first outer shell removed area of a first optical fiber and (b) a refractive index of an outermost shell part in a second outer shell removed area of a second optical fiber and (ii) surrounds an entire side surface of the first outer shell removed area. Moreover, the optical device includes a second medium which (i) has a refractive index higher than a refractive index of an outermost shell part in the second outer shell removed area and (ii) surrounds at least a part of a side surface in the second outer shell removed area. The second outer shell removed area has a diameter larger than a diameter in the first outer shell removed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Hidenori Miyauchi
  • Patent number: 8920049
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas, Adam Murano, William Dietz, Alex Richard, Jose Mozota
  • Patent number: 8911161
    Abstract: Provided is a thermal mechanical diffusion system and method. In accordance with the present invention, one end of a fiber under tension is vibrated while a portion of the fiber is heated. A push-pull action of one end of the fiber forces increased (or rapid) diffusion of dopants in the portion of the fiber that is in a heat zone, which receives the heat. By controlling the amplitude and frequency of the vibration, a diffusion profile of one or more fibers can be dictated with precision. Heat sources having narrower thermal profiles can enable greater precision in dictating the diffusion profile. As an example, this can be particularly useful for creating a diffusion taper within a fiber to be spliced, where the taper is a result of thermal expansion of the fiber core. Diffusion can occur much more rapidly than is typical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, John Lower
  • Publication number: 20140363133
    Abstract: A method for aligning non-circular clad fiber whereby the alignment of the cross sectional profiles of non-circular fiber is accurately aligned before splicing. A method is provided to determine the correct rotational orientation of a fiber with non-circular cladding geometry so that the on screen position of the fiber core may be adjusted to present the flat side of the fiber cladding perpendicular to the imaging axis of the sensor. Once the fiber is clamped into the splicing apparatus multiple images at a series of different known rotational angles are captured. The images are processed to locate key fiber structural features. The relationship between the relevant structures is then processed mathematically to calculate a rotational angle that corresponds to a symmetrical positioning of the core as within the cladding image. The fiber is then rotated to the calculated rotational angle and the splice is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Pieter Schwarzenbach, Matthew J. Silva Sa, Peter Reeves-Hall
  • Patent number: 8903157
    Abstract: A fusion splicer includes an imaging unit configured to take a lateral transmission image by illuminating a target optical fiber from a lateral direction of the target optical fiber; a determination module configured to create a target luminance distribution in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the target optical fiber using the lateral transmission image so as to determine a type of the target optical fiber, by comparing the target luminance distribution with preliminarily registered data of a reference luminance distribution of a reference optical fiber; and a registration module configured to create a message when the target luminance distribution is determined to be outside a tolerance of the reference luminance distribution and to display the message to an operator so that the operator can decide whether or not to register the target luminance distribution of the target optical fiber as a new reference luminance distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu Onozaki, Noriyuki Kawanishi, Tomohiro Konuma
  • Patent number: 8888384
    Abstract: At least two single-mode optical fibers are fused together such that their cores are separated by only a few microns to serve as a capture element of an incoming beam of light in an optical terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Juan C. Juarez, David W. Young, Joseph E. Sluz
  • Patent number: 8861907
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Richard P. Tumminelli
  • Patent number: 8858096
    Abstract: A side pump fiber and a method of making a side pump fiber are provided. A plurality of pump fibers can be joined to a side of a signal fiber, at different locations. The method includes creating a lengthwise, tapered, concave pocket cut in a pump (or side pump) fiber, inserting the signal fiber in the pocket cut, and then coupling the side pump fiber to the center fiber at the pocket cut. Optical amplifiers and lasers, as examples, can be made using the above method and side pump fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20140286615
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. The ribbons are spliced together such that the corresponding spliced fibers at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector may include or even consist essentially of an adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice. The splice protector may be at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140248023
    Abstract: The fiber component of the present invention has a fusion splice section for connecting optical fibers. The optical fiber as the receiver of transmitted light is coated with at least two-layer resin. In the vicinity of the fusion splice section for connecting optical fibers, the innermost layer of a resin-coat section is uncovered with other resin coat at the boundary between the resin-coat section and resin-coat removed section of the optical fiber coated with two-layer resin. The structure effectively releases light and suppresses increase in temperature of the resin-coat section, protecting the optical fibers from burn-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nishimura, Hideaki Itoh, Doukei Nagayasu, Rintaro Nishina
  • Publication number: 20140241678
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a distribution cable and a tether cable. The distribution cable includes a jacket having a generally flat profile such that the periphery of the distribution cable, when viewed in cross-section, includes two major surfaces of the jacket that are generally flat and are connected by arcuate end surfaces of the jacket. The jacket defines a cavity therein. Further, the distribution cable includes strength members embedded in the jacket and positioned on opposing sides of the cavity. The distribution cable includes a plurality of optical fibers extending through the cavity. The tether cable includes an optical fiber that is fusion spliced to one of the optical fibers of the distribution cable by way of an opening in a side of the jacket of the distribution cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Anne Germaine Bringuier, Julian Latelle Greenwood, III, David Alan Seddon, Kimberly Dawn Slan, Kenneth Darrell Temple, JR.
  • Patent number: 8811788
    Abstract: A multi-core optical fiber according to the present invention includes plural single-core optical fibers, and comprises an intermediate portion in which a side surface of each single-core optical fiber is covered with a resin layer, and a terminal portion in which the each single-core optical fiber is exposed from the resin layer. In the terminal portion of the multi-core optical fiber, the single-core optical fibers are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Tomoyuki Hattori
  • Patent number: 8794852
    Abstract: A pigtail cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers, a mid-section, a first end section and a second end section is disclosed. The plurality of optical fibers are separated from the fiber optic cable at the first end section. One of the plurality of the optical fibers at the second end section is adapted to be connected to a single fiber splice at a second end when single fiber splicing is intended. A sever site is located on the mid-section. The second end section may be severed from the mid-section at the sever site when mass splicing is intended. When the second end section is separated from the mid-section at the sever site the mid-section of the fiber optic cable is adapted to be connected to a mass splice at the sever site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David Lopez Barron, Gabriela Medellin Ramos Clamont, William Julius McPhil Giraud
  • Patent number: 8768113
    Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measurement of parameters, in particular for measuring the temperature, in molten masses, in particular in molten metal or molten cryolite masses having a melting point above 500° C. The measuring device has an optical fiber for receiving radiation from the molten mass and a cable reel having an external circumference for winding up the optical fiber and an internal space surrounded by the external circumference. A distributor and a mode filter for the optical fiber are arranged in the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Cuypers, Marc Straetemans, Valère Indeherberge, Maurice Houbregs
  • Patent number: 8764317
    Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes fixing two portions of an optical fiber, heating and fusing the optical fiber between the two fixed portions, to form a first heat fusion region, heating and fusing the optical fiber fixed between the two fixed portions unit while fixing the two fixed portions, moving a heat fusion unit from a side of the first heat fusion region toward a base end side of the optical fiber, and pushing a heat fusion portion of the optical fiber in a direction of shortening a length of the heat fusion portion, to form a second heat fusion region continuous to the first heat fusion region and in which the air holes of the optical fiber disappear; and removing the first heat fusion region by cutting the optical fiber within the second heat fusion region after the second heat fusion forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Tachikura, Noribumi Shiina, Tatsuo Teraoka, Yoshiyuki Hiramoto, Mitsumasa Zobuchi, Fumi Miyata
  • Patent number: 8757891
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: WellDynamics, B.V.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, Jr., David O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140169747
    Abstract: A method of coupling optical fibers containing cores or other structures that twist about the axis of one or both fibers. The fiber end faces are aligned axially to confront one another, and side view images of end regions of the fibers including the contained cores or structures are produced. For each fiber, a brightness profile of a side view image is obtained at an axially offset position from the fiber end face. One or both fibers are rotated about their axes until the brightness profiles for each fiber indicate certain cores or structures in the fibers are aligned. For each fiber, an additional amount of twist from the offset position to the fiber end face is determined. One or both fibers are rotated again to compensate for the additional twist in each fiber, so that the fibers are aligned optimally when coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth S Feder, Yue Liang
  • Patent number: 8740479
    Abstract: An optical connector to which an optical fiber cord including an optical fiber ribbon and a sheath is to be attached includes: a ferrule member a fusion splice protection sleeve, housing and a fixing member. The ferrule member holds a plurality of embedded fibers which are to be fusion-spliced respectively to a plurality of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon. The fusion splice protection sleeve protects a fusion-spliced portion. The housing houses the ferrule member and the fusion splice protection sleeve. The housing has, at the rear end, a recess for receiving a bifurcated portion of the sheath. The fixing member fixes the sheath to the housings and by holding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Shitama, Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Yoshio Ukita, Motoyoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8721196
    Abstract: A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Patent number: 8702326
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Faulkner, Lars K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140102148
    Abstract: In certain embodiment, a fiber fusion apparatus for mitigating polarization dependent splice loss include a first fiber guide operable to maintain alignment of a first optical fiber relative to a center axis and a second fiber guide operable to maintain alignment of a second optical fiber relative to the center axis. The apparatus further includes three or more electrodes evenly-spaced around the center axis. Each of the three or more electrodes is operable to apply heat to adjacent ends of the first and second optical fibers in order to fuse the first and second optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Youichi Akasaka
  • Patent number: 8654800
    Abstract: A high power fiber laser is configured with a multimode active fiber and input and output single mode passive fibers butt-spliced to respective opposite ends of the active fiber. If the input passive and active fibers do not have substantially matched diameters, a SM radiation coupled into the active fiber may excite fundamental and high order modes which, while interfering with one another, create a non-uniform distribution of refractive index in each of forward and backward light propagation directions along the resonator of the laser. The variable longitudinal perturbation components of the refractive index in respective forward and backward directions along an optical path in the active fiber are distributed in accordance with respective cosine functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IPG Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Roman Yagodkin, Nikolai Platanov, Mikhail Meleshkevich
  • Patent number: 8622625
    Abstract: A method for closing the holes on the end face of a nano-engineered fiber having a core, a cladding with non-periodically disposed voids, and at least one of a coating and a buffer, comprises the steps of: (i) cleaving the fiber portion, thereby forming a cleaved end face; and (ii) applying a predetermined amount of energy via a laser beam to the cleaved end face, the amount of energy being sufficient to collapse and seal the voids exposed at the cleaved end face only to a depth of less than 11 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Seldon David Benjamin, Robert Stephen Wagner, Percil Watkins
  • Publication number: 20130336621
    Abstract: An enclosure system for enclosing a fiber optics splicer so that the fiber optic splicer can be used in hazardous area is disclosed. The enclosure system comprises of an enclosure wherein the top side of the enclosure is adapted to become door of the enclosure and a purging unit connected to the enclosure for performing pressure purging within the enclosure system, wherein the purging unit comprises a pressure purge unit, an air-pumping device, and pressure gauges. A fusion splicer and fiber optic cables to be spliced are installed inside the enclosure and the top side of the enclosure is locked and sealed using a sealing unit. The sealing unit is made of soft materials that conforms around the fiber optic cables to be spliced, hence do not damage the fiber optic cables. Using the purging unit of the enclosure system, flammable gas inside the fiber optics enclosure system is displaced with non-flammable air or inert gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AMRTUR Corporation Sdn. Bhd
    Inventors: Amir Zaxquarim, Vilas Nabaji Koinkar, Mahmod Yakop, Yeow Yock San
  • Patent number: 8596887
    Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer (1) includes a body (10); a joining part (20) disposed on the top portion of the body (10) to join ends of two optical fibers (2); a heating part (30) disposed on the top portion of the body to fuse a sleeve pipe (3) to the optical fibers, which are joined to each other; a monitor (40) disposed on the top portion of the body to monitor the connection state of the optical fibers; an operating part (50) disposed in the body to operate the joining part, the heating part (30) and the monitor (40); and a fixing part (60) detachably disposed on the top surface of the body so as to be positioned on one portion of the joining part. The sleeve pipe (3), which will be fused to the optical fibers (2), is fitted on the fixing part (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ilsintech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seop Song, Sang Chul Jun, Young Bae Seo
  • Publication number: 20130315544
    Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing heating device 6A is equipped with a base part 12, while the base part 12 is provided with a sleeve accommodation groove that contains a fiber reinforcement sleeve and a heater having a U-shaped cross section, which heats the fiber reinforcement sleeve. A pair of fiber holders 19 that holds and clamps fusion-spliced optical fibers 3 are disposed on both end sides of the sleeve accommodation groove. A lid part 23 that covers the fiber accommodation groove 13 is attached openably and closably to the base part 12 through a rotary axis. A protector 24 for windbreak and heat insulation is joined to the lid part 23 through a rotary axis 25. The protector 24 is a member for preventing winds from entering the sleeve accommodation groove from a gap between a side wall of the base part 12 and the lid part 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Ryuichiro Sato, Hisao Yui, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Publication number: 20130301997
    Abstract: A method for connecting an optical waveguide embedded in a fibre composite component, in particular of an aircraft and spacecraft, to an external optical waveguide, comprising the following steps: ascertaining a path of the embedded optical waveguide in the fibre composite component; determining a nodal position at which the embedded optical waveguide is to be coupled with the external optical waveguide; exposing, at least in portions, the embedded optical waveguide at the nodal position by removing at least part of the fibre composite component around the embedded optical waveguide; severing the exposed embedded optical waveguide; aligning relative to each other an end portion of the severed, embedded optical waveguide and an end portion of the external optical waveguide; and splicing the mutually aligned end portions of the optical waveguides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas E. Brownjohn, Stefan Osternack
  • Publication number: 20130279863
    Abstract: Other end of a built-in optical fiber of a ferrule with one end of the built-in optical fiber matched with a splicing end surface and other end of the built-in optical fiber protruded from an end portion opposite to the splicing end surface and one end of a splicing optical fiber to be spliced are placed is fusion-sliced with the one end of the splicing optical fiber. After that, the ferrule is held by inserting a cylindrical portion of the ferrule into a holding unit of a ferrule holder from the splicing end surface. The ferrule is transferred while holding a stem extended on an opposite side of the holding unit of the ferrule holder and the splicing optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Tomohiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8550721
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: WellDynamics, B.V.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, Jr., David O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8550722
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: WellDynamics, B.V.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, Jr., David O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130251317
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael T. Faulkner, Lars K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20130251318
    Abstract: A method for connecting optical fibers and a connection structure of optical fibers capable of suppressing axial misalignment between cores in end-to-end connection of optical fibers at least one of which has a clad for a non-circular shape. A core of at least one optical fiber has a circular shape and a clad thereof has a non-circular shape, and in the optical fiber having the clad of the non-circular shape, the clad is formed to have a more circular shape at and near a splice than at another portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taya
  • Patent number: 8534932
    Abstract: A splicer comprises a positioning device, in which the fiber ends in general have a residual offset. A memory stores a predetermined relationship between the possible offset and a parameter which controls the application of heat. The parameter which controls the application of heat, for example the splicing time for a predetermined splicing current, is defined on the basis of an actual offset which can be recorded by means of cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Karsten Contag
  • Publication number: 20130236145
    Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer includes positioning members and clamping members. Each clamping member clamps the bare fiber. A first guiding portion protrudes from the top surface of each positioning member and guides a distal end portion of the bare fiber toward the groove. A concave face of the first guiding portion has a V-shaped cross section. Each clamping member includes a second guiding portion, which guides a base portion of the bare fiber toward the groove of the corresponding positioning member, and a pressing member, which presses the bare fiber against the top surface of the fiber positioning member. A concave face of the second guiding portion has an inverted-V-shaped cross section. The fusion splicer can clamp bare fibers while the bare fibers are received by the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20130236146
    Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer includes optical fiber holders that hold optical fibers. Each optical fiber holder includes a base, a cover, and a connecting portion. The base includes a setting table on which an optical fiber F is placed so as to be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the base. The cover has pressing members that press the optical fiber F placed on the setting table against the setting table. The connecting portion joins the cover to the base such that the cover is openable away from and closeable over the base and movable in the longitudinal direction of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO LTD
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takayanagi, Ryuichiro Sato, Yasuhiro Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20130230286
    Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing heating device has a base part, to which a first lid part for covering a sleeve accommodation groove for containing a fiber reinforcement sleeve covering a fusion-splicing part of optical fibers is attached so as to be openable and closable. A pair of fiber holders for holding and securing the optical fibers are disposed on both end sides of the first lid part. Each fiber holder has a second lid part which is attached to a fiber container so as to be openable and closable and presses the optical fiber against the fiber container. A switch lever which is movable longitudinally of the sleeve accommodation groove is disposed on the upper face of the second lid part built in with a pin adapted to move in conjunction with the switch lever. A joint hole adapted to engage the pin is formed within the first lid part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Ryuichiro Sato, Hisao Yui, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8511907
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: WellDynamics, B.V.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, Jr., David O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8515278
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mode coupler configured to couple a plurality optical signals into a plurality of modes, and a receiver coupled to the mode coupler and configured to detect the modes to obtain the optical signals, wherein the optical signals are coupled from single mode fibers. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a plurality of single mode waveguides configured to transport a plurality of single mode signals, and a detector coupled to the single mode waveguides and configured to detect the single mode signals, wherein the single mode signals are substantially coupled without loss from the single mode waveguides to the detector. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving a plurality of single mode optical channels, coupling the single mode optical channels into a multimode channel, and detecting the optical modes corresponding to the channels in the multimode channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ning Cheng, Frank J. Effenberger
  • Publication number: 20130208283
    Abstract: Variable Sensitivity optical sensors can have a respective actual sensitivity of one or more portions of the sensor corresponding, at least in part, to a selected environment of each respective sensor portion. Some disclosed sensors have a plurality of optical conduits extending longitudinally of the sensors. At least one of the optical conduits can have at least one longitudinally extending segment having one or more optical and/or mechanical properties that differs from the optical properties of an adjacent longitudinally extending segment, providing the conduit with longitudinally varying signal propagation characteristics. An optical sensor having such optical conduits can exhibit a longitudinally varying actual sensitivity. Nonetheless, such a sensor can exhibit a substantially constant apparent sensitivity, e.g., when each respective portion of the sensor exhibits an actual sensitivity corresponding to a selected environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FIBER SENSYS, INC.
    Inventor: Edward Tapanes
  • Patent number: 8506178
    Abstract: The invention provides and apparatus for mechanically splicing fiber optic cables and method for performing the process. The apparatus comprises an inventive segmented track with a middle track segment containing a splicer mount, and first and second rotating track segments on opposed sides of a middle segment, the rotating segments moving from a cleaving orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with a respective flat edge angled cleaver and a rounded edge angled cleaver, to a splicing orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with the middle track segment. First and second fiber key holders securely holding partially stripped fiber optic cables move along the respective first and second track segment for cleaving by the cleavers and then toward the middle track segment where their cleaved tips come into controlled aligned contact within a splicer joint contained in the splicer joint mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Publication number: 20130195409
    Abstract: A method for fusion splicing of a holey optical fiber with a cladding having a large number of air holes along the axis thereof to another optical fiber includes the use of arc discharge heating. First, the method uses arc discharge heating such that the temperature of a position rearward of an end surface of the holey optical fiber is higher than the temperature of the end surface, thereby making a tip portion of the holey optical fiber transparent. Next, the cores are aligned with one another. Then the method includes performing fusion splicing by second arc discharge heating. The first arc discharge heating is performed between discharge electrodes positioned rearward of the end surface of the holey optical fiber. The arc heating time of the first arc discharge heating is preferably 200 to 400 milliseconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Soichi Endo, Osamu Ikejima, Kazunari Hattori
  • Patent number: 8496388
    Abstract: A fusion-splicing device, including a fusion-splicing operation element that fuses ends of opposing optical fiber segments to form a spliced optical fiber; a ferrule holding device that receives and holds a ferrule holder in a predetermined position, the ferrule holder having an open end that receives a ferrule therein and an opposite end from which a string-like stem extends. The ferrule having an optical fiber segment that extends away from the open end of the ferrule holder when the ferrule is disposed in the ferrule holder, one end of the ferrule holding device being open to allow an end of the optical fiber segment of the ferrule to be held at a position to be fused to an end of an opposing optical fiber, and an opposite end of the ferrule holding device being shaped to accommodate the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8494322
    Abstract: A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Kersey, John L. Maida
  • Patent number: 8491201
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguide sections is in the form of a handheld splicer. The splicer comprises a preprocessing unit, which may comprise a plurality of processing devices for carrying out removal, cleaning and cutting steps. The optical waveguide sections are clamped in a holding apparatus and are prepared in the preprocessing unit. The holding apparatuses are inserted with the prepared optical waveguide sections into a splicing unit, where they are spliced. The spliced optical waveguide sections can be fed by means of a transfer station to a shrinking oven for shrinking a shrink sleeve on. The preprocessing unit, the splicing unit and the shrinking oven can be controlled by means of one hand of an operator, while the splicer is held with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Matthias Kossat, Bert Zamzow
  • Patent number: 8459877
    Abstract: An optical fiber handler for optical connector termination systems and other devices are disclosed herein. The optical fiber handler attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a mechanical splice connector for making the optical connection. Additionally, after the optical fiber handler is attached to the mechanical splice connector it may be easily removed by the craft if necessary to reposition and reterminated the mechanical splice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Kevin C. Beach, Ashley W. Jones, Greg J. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130121653
    Abstract: An optical connector to which an optical fiber cord including an optical fiber ribbon and a sheath is to be attached includes: a ferrule member a fusion splice protection sleeve, housing and a fixing member. The ferrule member holds holding a plurality of embedded fibers which are to be fusion-spliced respectively to a plurality of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon. The fusion splice protection sleeve protects a fusion-spliced portion. The housing houses the ferrule member and the fusion splice protection sleeve. The housing has, at the rear end, a recess for receiving a bifurcated portion of the sheath. The fixing member for fixing fixes the sheath to the housings and by holding it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicants: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Shitama, Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Yoshio Ukita, Motoyoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8408817
    Abstract: A controlled radius splice protector includes a first fiber optic fiber, a second fiber optic fiber, a fiber splice connecting the first fiber optic fiber and the second fiber optic fiber, a hot melted splice tubing extending over the fiber splice and a jacket tubing receiving the hot melted splice tubing and pre-formed to a selected bend radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Noddings, Terry L. Holcomb, Mahmood A. Majid
  • Patent number: 8408813
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector for making a mechanical splice with an optical fiber secured in an optical fiber handler is disclosed. The fiber optic connector provides the craft with a simple, fast and reliable way for terminating the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Joshua D. Raker, Greg J. Scherer, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 8388242
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector and a fiber optic cable. The connector includes a housing having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. A ferrule is disposed in the housing. A plurality of optical fibers is mounted in the ferrule. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket defining a fiber passage that extends longitudinally through the outer jacket and a window that extends through the outer jacket and the fiber passage. First and second strength members are oppositely disposed about the fiber passage in the outer jacket. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed in the fiber passage. The optical fibers are joined at splices to the optical fibers of the connector. A splice sleeve is disposed over the splices. The splice sleeve is disposed in the window of the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Kachmar, Ronald J. Kleckowski