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US4383736A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure formed fiber optic connector
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1980-11-24
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Granted: 1983-05-17
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Expires: 2000-11-24
Abstract
Abstract A connector for holding and aligning optical fiber waveguides is produced subjecting a tube encompassing a wire mandrel to a high-energy forming process which forms the tube into an arcuate shape having a bore for receiving the ends of the waveguides.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald B. Forman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:24
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3801; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49194; Y10T29/49195; Y10T29/49199
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of fabricating an apparatus for holding and aligning a pair of aligned optical fibers, comprising the steps of: providing an annular tube of deformable material, the deformable material is a metal having a stable spring coefficient; preforming the tube into an oval cross-sectional shape; inserting a mandrel of predetermined dimensions within the oval-shaped tube; placing the oval tube and inserted mandrel into an arcuately concave mold; forming the tube by a high energy process, such as cold working into two arcuately-shaped nested sheets having a circular cross-sectional, longitudinal bore where the nested sheets have been formed around the mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of fabricating an apparatus for holding and aligning a pair of aligned optical fibers, comprising the steps of: providing an annular tube of deformable material, the deformable material is a metal having a stable spring coefficient; preforming the tube into an oval cross-sectional shape; inserting a mandrel of predetermined dimensions within the oval-shaped tube; placing the oval tube and inserted mandrel into an arcuately concave mold; forming the tube by a high energy process, such as cold working into two arcuately-shaped nested sheets having a circular cross-sectional, longitudinal bore where the nested sheets have been formed around the mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of fabricating an apparatus for holding and aligning a pair of aligned optical fibers, comprising the steps of: providing an annular tube of deformable material, the deformable material is a metal having a stable spring coefficient; preforming the tube into an oval cross-sectional shape; inserting a mandrel of predetermined dimensions within the oval-shaped tube, the mandrel is a hardened steel wire; placing the oval tube and inserted mandrel into an arcuately concave mold; forming the tube by a high energy process, such as cold working into two arcuately-shaped nested sheets having a circular cross-sectional, longitudinal bore where the nested sheets have been formed around the mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of fabricating an apparatus for holding and aligning a pair of aligned optical fibers, comprising the steps of: providing an annular tube of deformable material, the deformable material is a metal having a stable spring coefficient; preforming the tube into an oval cross-sectional shape; inserting a mandrel of predetermined dimensions within the oval-shaped tube, the mandrel is a hardened steel wire; placing the oval tube and inserted mandrel into an arcuately concave mold; forming the tube by a high energy process, such as cold working into two arcuately-shaped nested sheets having a circular cross-sectional, longitudinal bore where the nested sheets have been formed around the mandrel; and removing the mandrel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein the forming is electromagnetic cold forming.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method as in claim 2 wherein the forming is hydroforming.
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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) | 1986-05-16 | 1986-11-15 | 1987-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-16 | 1990-11-15 | 1991-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-16 | 1994-11-15 | 1995-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |