Search Patents
  • Side pump fiber, method of making same, and optical devices using same
    Patent number: 8979396
    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: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Wiley
  • Sleeve shrinking system with forced fluid adjusted thermal profile
    Patent number: 6583390
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmine J. Vetrano, Robert G. Wiley, Mathew W. Reed
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    Patent number: 9086539
    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: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Self-learning fiber processing system and method
    Patent number: 11613494
    Abstract: Provided is a system for and a method of processing an optical fiber, such as tapering an optical fiber. The method includes receiving fiber parameters defining characteristics of an optical fiber, modeling an idealized fiber based on the fiber parameters to establish modeled data, and establishing processing parameters. A processing operation is performed on the optical fiber according to the processing parameters to produce a resultant fiber. Aspects of the resultant fiber are measured to establish measured data. The measured data and the modeled data are normalized to a common axis and a difference between the two is determined. The processing parameters are adjusted based on the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, John Lower, Brett Clark
  • Self-learning fiber processing system and method
    Patent number: 11926553
    Abstract: Provided is a system for and a method of processing an optical fiber, such as tapering an optical fiber. The method includes receiving fiber parameters defining characteristics of an optical fiber, modeling an idealized fiber based on the fiber parameters to establish modeled data, and establishing processing parameters. A processing operation is performed on the optical fiber according to the processing parameters to produce a resultant fiber. Aspects of the resultant fiber are measured to establish measured data. The measured data and the modeled data are normalized to a common axis and a difference between the two is determined. The processing parameters are adjusted based on the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, John Lower, Brett Clark
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    Patent number: 9632252
    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: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    Patent number: 9377584
    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 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Compact, active alignment fusion splicer with automatic view-angle compensation
    Patent number: 7712981
    Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, provided is an extremely compact, simple, and cost-effective approach for aligning optical fibers in an optical fiber fusion splicer. The basis of this alignment method is an “S”-Curve Piezo Bending Actuator. The device comprises a thin strip of elastically flexible material (such as spring steel, beryllium copper, or fiber reinforced polymer) that is coated in four areas with a piezoelectric material (such as barium titanate or other known compounds).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett G. Clark, Jared Meitzler
  • MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20110277511
    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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    Patent number: 9952386
    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: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • MULTI-ELECTRODE SYSTEM WITH VIBRATING ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20100135621
    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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    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
  • LIQUID METAL CLAMP AND FIBER CLEAVING USING SAME
    Publication number: 20110052135
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid metal clamp, and a clamp system and method including same. A clamp system includes a first clamp configured to hold a first portion of a set of fibers and a second clamp configured to hold a second portion of the set of fibers, the second clamp comprising a liquid metal that takes a liquid form at a first temperature for receipt of the second portion of the set of fibers and that takes a solid form at a second temperature to secure the second of the set of fibers. The set of fibers can be a single fiber or a plurality of fibers. The fiber or fibers can have a circular or non-circular cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared Meitzler, Jeremy Dawkins
  • Liquid metal clamp and fiber cleaving using same
    Patent number: 8977098
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid metal clamp, and a clamp system and method including same. A clamp system includes a first clamp configured to hold a first portion of a set of fibers and a second clamp configured to hold a second portion of the set of fibers, the second clamp comprising a liquid metal that takes a liquid form at a first temperature for receipt of the second portion of the set of fibers and that takes a solid form at a second temperature to secure the second of the set of fibers. The set of fibers can be a single fiber or a plurality of fibers. The fiber or fibers can have a circular or non-circular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared Meitzler, Jeremy Dawkins
  • Multi-electrode system with vibrating electrodes
    Patent number: 7985029
    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: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • THERMAL MECHANICAL DIFFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150096968
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, John Lower
  • THERMAL MECHANICAL DIFFUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20120183265
    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: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: 3SAE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, John Lower
  • Method and apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers
    Publication number: 20060263016
    Abstract: An apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers includes an airtight enclosure, a vacuum pump for evacuating the enclosure, first and second electrodes positioned within the enclosure, and a power source separate from an external to the enclosure for applying a voltage to the first electrode for generating an arc between the electrodes that is used to splice the first and second optical fiber portions together. Also, a method of fusion splicing optical fibers includes receiving first and second fiber portions within an airtight enclosure, evacuating the airtight enclosure, and applying a voltage to a first electrode within the enclosure from a source located separate from and external to the enclosure to cause the generation of an arc between the first electrode and a second electrode within the enclosure that is used to splice the first and second optical fiber portions together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wiley, Donald Grasso, Steven Valle, Roberto Rivera, Jared Meitzler, Clyde Troutman
  • Thermal mechanical diffusion system and method
    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
  • Method and apparatus for generating an electrical arc
    Patent number: 7342198
    Abstract: A method of generating an electrical arc includes steps of providing a first electrode and a second electrode, determining a dielectric strength of a gap region between the electrodes, determining a desired dielectric strength change based on the determined dielectric strength, injecting an amount of ions into the gap region, wherein the amount of ions is controlled based on the desired dielectric strength change, and providing a voltage to the first electrode, the voltage causing the electrical arc to be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Preferably, the amount of ions injected into the gap region causes the dielectric strength of the gap region to be changed by an amount substantially equal to the desired dieletric strength change. The method may be implemented in an apparatus employing an electrician arc, such as, without limitation, a fusion splicer or an apparatus for preparing an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Wiley
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