US4229197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for making multiple optical core fiber
Assignee: U S Holding Co Inc
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Filing: 1978-06-12
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Granted: 1980-10-21
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Expires: 1998-06-12
Abstract
Abstract A multiple optical core fiber and method for manufacturing it. Two or more chemical vapor deposition type preforms are fused with a hydrogen-oxygen torch and then etched in a solution of 50% hydrofluoric and 50% nitric acid. A hollow quartz tube is subjected to internal gas pressure while a hydrogen-oxygen torch is passed along it. This expands and cleans the tube. The chemical vapor deposition preforms are inserted within the expanded tube which is again subjected to the torch to collapse it about the preforms. A nearly solid glass rod with two or more optical waveguide cores is thereby formed. This multiple core preform may then be drawn into a multiple core fiber which can be utilized for the transmission of light pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 DeWayne A. Streng
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:34
CPC Classifications
C; C03; C03B; C03B37/00; C03B37/01; C03B37/012; C03B37/01205; C03B37/01211; C03B37/01222; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/04; C03B2203/00; C03B2203/34; G02B6/02; G02B6/02042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of producing a multiple optical core preform which can be drawn into a light-conducting fiber, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material; assembling said preforms into a bundle; fusing said bundle of preforms; providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end; expanding said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat; inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube; and collapsing said silica tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of producing a multiple optical core preform which can be drawn into a light-conducting fiber, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material; assembling said preforms into a bundle; fusing said bundle of preforms; providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end; expanding said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat; inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube; and collapsing said silica tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
A method as described in claim 1 further including the steps of attaching a second tube to said first end of said fused silica tube; attaching a third tube to said second end of said fused silica tube, said second and third tubes having, respectively, larger and smaller diameters than said fused silica tube, the second and third tubes being attached such that the interiors of the tubes are in fluid communication with each other; directing gas into said third tube to maintain the interiors of the tubes under pressure; and applying heat to said fused silica tube to expand it.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for producing a multiple optical core fiber, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material; assembling said preforms into a bundle; fusing said bundle of preforms; providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end; extending said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat; inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube; collapsing said tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform; and drawing said preform to form a multiple optical core fiber.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for producing a multiple optical core fiber, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of preforms having central portions of fiber core material and outer portions of fiber cladding material; assembling said preforms into a bundle; fusing said bundle of preforms; providing a fused silica tube having a first end and a second end; extending said fused silica tube by means of internal gas pressure and heat; inserting said fused bundle into said expanded silica tube; collapsing said tube about said bundle to form a substantially solid multiple optical core preform; and drawing said preform to form a multiple optical core fiber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
A method as described in claim 3 further including the steps of attaching a second tube to said first end of said fused silica tube; attaching a third tube to said second end of said fused silica tube, said second and third tubes having, respectively, larger and smaller diameters than said fused silica tube, the second and third tubes being attached such that the interiors of the tubes are in fluid communication with each other; directing gas into said third tube to maintain the interiors of the tubes under pressure; and applying heat to said fused silica tube to expand it.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as described in claim 1 further including the step of attaching a rod to one end of the multiple core preform which may be chucked to a draw tower.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as described in claim 3 further including the step of etching said fused silica tube prior to expanding it.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as described in claim 3 further including the step of etching said preforms prior to its insertion within the fused silica tube.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-10-21 | 1984-04-21 | 1984-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-21 | 1988-04-21 | 1988-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-04-21 | 1992-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |