CA1041334A - Fiber optic tubular star connector - Google Patents
Fiber optic tubular star connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1041334A CA1041334A CA240,185A CA240185A CA1041334A CA 1041334 A CA1041334 A CA 1041334A CA 240185 A CA240185 A CA 240185A CA 1041334 A CA1041334 A CA 1041334A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spindle
- fibers
- connector
- fiber
- interface element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/40—Mechanical coupling means having fibre bundle mating means
- G02B6/403—Mechanical coupling means having fibre bundle mating means of the ferrule type, connecting a pair of ferrules
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
- G02B6/2804—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers
- G02B6/2808—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals forming multipart couplers without wavelength selective elements, e.g. "T" couplers, star couplers using a mixing element which evenly distributes an input signal over a number of outputs
Abstract
FIBER OPTIC TUBULAR STAR CONNECTOR
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A multi-fiber optical cable connector including a star coupler employing a generally axially elongated spindle tapered at both extremi-ties to form a pointed end at each extremity, these points lying substantially on the axial centerline of said spindle. An annular sleeve of transparent elastomer optical interface material surrounds the center portion of the spindle and both are contained in a coaxial sleeve having an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the said elastomer element. Then the connector shells holding the two optical fiber ends to be connected are mated, the tapered ends of the spindle feed into the fiber bundle essentially on the axial centerline and force the fibers outward and around the spindle body to a point of abutment against the annular elastometer piece from both sides.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A multi-fiber optical cable connector including a star coupler employing a generally axially elongated spindle tapered at both extremi-ties to form a pointed end at each extremity, these points lying substantially on the axial centerline of said spindle. An annular sleeve of transparent elastomer optical interface material surrounds the center portion of the spindle and both are contained in a coaxial sleeve having an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the said elastomer element. Then the connector shells holding the two optical fiber ends to be connected are mated, the tapered ends of the spindle feed into the fiber bundle essentially on the axial centerline and force the fibers outward and around the spindle body to a point of abutment against the annular elastometer piece from both sides.
Description
R. L. McCartney-E A. Landgreer 5-1 ~0~1~3~
FIBER OPTIC TUBULAR STAR CONNECTOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to connectors for fiber optic cables.
Description of the Prior Art The employment of fiber optic cables or light guides, also some-times referred to as optlcal communication fibers, for the transmlssion of lnformation-bearing light signals, is now an established art. Much develop-ment work has been devoted to the provision of practical low-loss glass materials and production techniques for producing glass fiber cables with protective outer cDatings or jackets. The jacket makes them resemble ordinary metallic-core electrical cable upon superficial external inspection.
Obviously, if flber optic cables are to be used in practical signal transmissionand processing systems, practical connectors for the connection and discon-nectlon of fiber optlc cables must be provided~
Before the prlor art in respect to connectors, per se, is dlscussed, some references will be given for the benefit of the skilled reader in under-standing the state of fiber optic art in general.
An article entitled "Fiber Optlcs" by Narinder S. Kapan~, published in the "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN", Vol. 203, Pages 72-81, dated November 1960, provldes a useful background in respect to some theoretical and practical aspects of fiber optic kansmission, Of considerable relevance to the problem of developing practical . . . .
fiber optic connectors, is the question of transfer efficiency at the connector.
Various factors, including separation at the point of abutment, and lateral separation or offset, are among the factors effecting the light transfer :i efficiency at a connector. In this connection, attention is directed eO the Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 50, No. l0, December 1971, specifically :; ' ~"' .~~
. "
- .. , .:.~ ~ , . . ...
, , ~ , .. . ~, . . . .
`
R. L. McCartney-E, A. Landgreen ~-1 ~0~34 to an artlcle by D. I . Bisbee, entitled "Measurement of Loss Due To Offset, and End Separations of Optical Flbers" . Another Bell System Technical Journal article of interest appeared in Vol. 52, No. 8, October 1973, and was entitled IlEffect of Misalignments on Coupling Efficiency S on Single-Mode Optical Fiber Butt Joints" by J. S. Cook, W. L. Mammel and R. J. Grow.
The patent literature also contains much information relative to - the state of this art. For example, U. S. Patent 3,624,816 describes a "Flexible Fiber Optic Conduit" . The device described therein uses a plurality of light conducting fibers in a flexible cable type arrangement.
; ~ Concerning the utility of fiber optic cables and therefore the~, utility of connectors for such cables, various systems are described in the patent literature which employ fiber optic cables. One example of such a utilization system is described in U. S. Patent 3,80~,9080 Yet another patent of lnterest ls entltled "Glass Fiber Optlcal - Devices", U. S. Patent 3,589,793. That reference relates to the fiber , optlc bundles and the glass fibers themselves, as well as to a method of ~` fabrication for the fiber optic elements themselves.
A selection of U. S. patents relating more partlcularly to optical ' 20 cable connectors includes U. S. Patents 3,790,791; 3,734,594, 3,637,284;
, ~ 3,572,891; 3,806,225; 3,758,189 and 3,508,807 are representatlve of the connector prior art.
The bulk of the multi-fiber connectors presently in use employ the butt contact design. There are many variations falling under this general category, ranging from those employlng optically polished ends whlch are - brought together with a minimum interface, on the one hand, tc the employment ~ ` of matching broken-end faces within an index matching gel. Other variations " on the above approach, i.e., on the butt contact principle, employ not only ~' ''' ' - .
. . .
' .':' ~, , `~ ,' ' ,''' . . .
R.L. McCar~ne~-E A.Landgreen 5-1 16~4~334 the index matching gel, but a transparent elastomer interface member to preventabrasive deterioration of end faces of the optic fibers, particu-larly after a number of connect and disconnect cycles.
It is known that the consolidation and orientation of fibers in a closed hexagonal package (hexagon cross-sectional shape) at the point of abutment provides an optimized light-transmitting capability. To lmple-ment such an opti~um configuration, a predetermined number of fibers in a given iber optic cable must be present in order to geo~etrically form ~ -into such ahexagonal array. The number of fibers which may be thus con-strained into a hexagonal array is given b~ the formula:
P = 1 ~ 3N ~N ~ 1), where N - the number of circumferential layers about (-ln addition to) the single center fi~er.
From'the EoregoIng equation'and a vlsuallzation of the ~exagonal cross-sectional shape, it wIll be apparent that t~e hexagon ~lùst contaln elther 7, 19, 37', 61, 91, 127, etc.~ fi~ers. ~areoYe~, any optical fiber bundle haYing a num~er of'fibers other than these "perfect" numbers cannot ~- be constrained into the optim~m hexagonal package.
For'very small fibers such as those'on'the order of'0.001 inches diameter, it would take 15 layers to produce a bundle 1/32 of an inch in ;
diameter, and that bundle would contain 721 indi~idual ibers. One dis-advantage of using such a large number of IndiYIdual ibers in a fiber optic cable is the relati~ely high cost of handling and protecting against ~' fiber breakage and the loss of information transmittal resulting thererom.
Fiber optic cables with fewer larger fibers may ~e used, but it has ' been commonly considered impractical because of the problem of orientation ~ ;
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R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgre~n 5-1 ~
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and the diff~culty of provlding sufficient redundancy in the case of individual fiber breakage. Larger lndividual fibers can be more easily handled in assembly, and obviously have strength and stability advantages if they can be connected efficiently.
The manner in which the present invention deals with the disadvan-tages of the prior art will be evident as this desc~iption proceeds"
SUMMAR~ OF THE IN~ENTIQN
In accordance with the foregoing prlor art discussion, it may be said to have been the general objective of the pr~sent invention to produce a connector or coupler most adaptable to fiber optic bundles having a relatively small number of relatively large individual fibers, where the i . . .
design of the connector can be made to accommodate any integral number of ~ -' ! fibers in a given bundle. ` ; ?
' The present invention employs a "star coupler". The two fiber optic cables to be connectqd are each heid in corresponding connector shells i, . . . . .
so that when the shells are mated the optical connection is made. Actually, there may be a plurality of cable pairs connected in accordance with the present invention. It will be evident that this can be accomplished in a larger connector shell configuration, once the concept oi the present inventlon is understood.
The "star coupler" of the present invention comprises an outer tube . , .
and an lnner spindle. The lnner spindle is of generall~ circular cross-section,;is elongated, and tapered to a point ateLther end. The greatest outside diameter of the spindle is less thasl the inside diameter of the outer tube.
.
Within the said outer tube, and extending along a portion of the axial length c~f the spindle about the axial center thereof, is a tubular sleeve or cylln-~ ,, . :.~,. .
drical shell of a light-transmissive index matching elastomer interface material .
'', ' . '' - .:.:
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' :' ' R. L. ~cCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-1 ~04~L334 The tubular " star coupler" is an integral part of the connector, and is preferably permanently attac:hed to one or the other of the connector sheIls,Within that connector shell, a fiber optic bundle is advanced (as the connector shells are mated) with the point of the spindle at the axis of the fiber optic bundle, so that the bundle spreads and "rides up'l over the conical surface of the corresponding spindle end portion. An additional interface material comprising an optical gel may also be used as the opposing optical iibers make optical connection through the transparent elastomer sleeve and the said gel (if used). The use of the gel has several aàvantages, among these being the relief of axial tolerances in that, with the gel, a good optical connection may be made without bringing the opposing fibers directly against the elastomer sleeve.
A cross-sectLon of the fiber ends ad~acent to the point of abutment into the gel would reveal a distribution of fibers about a closed ring or annulus ,~ 15 bounded by the body of the spindle and the inside diameter of the outer tube.
:: .
The invention also provides for alignment grooves generally axially ` in at least a portion of the tapered spindle ends to achieve a one-for-one -optical fiber aIignment.
The manner in which the invention may be advantageously const~ucted , ~ 20 will be more iully understood from the iollowing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW~INGS
Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away view of a pair of mateable connector shells including a "star coupler" in accordance with the present invention.
.
Fig. 2 is a detail of the star coupler of Fig. 1.
Fig . 3 is a sectional view taken from Fig. 2, showing the details of optical fiber alignment adjacent to the point of abutment with the interface ~ , * material.
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~` R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen S-l 1(~4~
DES(:RIPTIOi!~ OF THE PRE,FEEU~ED FM80r)IMENT
Referring now to Fig. 1, a typical connector arrangement embodylng the present inventlon is illustrated, generally at 10, in partial cutaway form.
A single pair of fiber optic cables comprisin~ the fiber bundles 11 and 13, is illustrated as the optical cable pair to be connected. The usual jacket 12 is shown in connection with the fiber bundle 11 and it will be realized that a similar ~acket would exist on the fiber bundle 13. These c`ables are essentially- an article o~ commerce as will be realized from the prior art discussion. ~' -pair of connector shells as represented by a first cannector shell 16 and a 1~ second connector shell 14. From inspection of Fig. l it will be realized that the coupling nut 17 is essentially part of the connector shell 16 and serves to effect the intended connection by engagement of the internal threads 18 over the external threads 15, the latter on the external perimeter of the body of the second connector shell 14.
, lS It will be evident from Fig. 1 that the mating of the first and second connector shells by the aforementioned thread engagement results from an inwardly directed thrust applied by the nut 17 against the internal shoulder 19.The so-called "star coupler", according to the invention, comprises the double-ended conical spindle 21 which has a more-or-less cylindrical' (untapered) central portion. The transparent elastomer interface member 22, which is actually in the shape of a cylindrical shell itself, plus the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21, comprise the star coupler. This outer tube 20 may' ~ `-be press-it into a coaxial bore wLthin second connector shell 1~. This is shownmore clearly at 27 in Fig. 2.
:: .
From this point forward in this description, it is helpful to refer bac~ '-and forth between Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1, the connec,tor is in pvsition such , " that the mating of 14 and 16 may be accomplished by axial translation of these ' ', two connector shell parts toward each other until the engagement of the afore- ;, mentioned threads can be effected. Fig, 2 illustrates those details of the star ;' - 6 -~
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R, L. McCartney-E. A. I.andgreen S-l ~ 04~;~39L
connector assumming the connector shells aforementioned are fully mated~
Thus, the inward pro~ectLng tubular portion of connector shell 16 has an inside diameter 23 which is sized to provide a sliding fit of the part 20 therein. The inward end of that part may be chamfered at 28 in order to provide an easy entry for outer tube 20 with the bore 23. The said chamfered end 28 comes to rest against the inside shoulder 29. In Fig. 2, this r~la-tionship is quite clear. The transparent elastomer illterfa~e part ~2 actually supports the spindle 21 within the outer tube 20, either by means of a press-fit or with the aid of adhesives between the internal surface of the outer tube 20 and the part 22, as well as between 22 and the spindle 21.
It will be realized from Fig. 2 that the central p~rtion of the spindle 21,over which the part 22 fits, may actually have somewhat of an undercut.
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That is, the diameter of the spindle in this central generally cylindrlcal pertion, may actually be slightly less than the diameter of the two tapered conical end portlons thereof in a plane nearest the said central portion. In this way an additional mechanical axial constraint can be provided in the .
form of a retaining groove in 21.
~; The optical fibers themselves, which in this art, may be of quartz glass or similar glass material, exhibit very little creep or permanent set and are relatively flexible. Thus, in the process of assembly, the strands of the fiber bundle 13 are forced outward over the surfaGe of the spindle 21 and brought to bear against the facing surface of the part 22. The clearance betweenthe inside diameter of the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21 immediately adjacentthis point of fiber abutment against 22, is just sufficient to allow for the indi-, vidual fiber diameter which now arrange themselves around the ring or annulus ~, comprising this interface.
AccDrding tG the foregoing, as this embodiment is described,it is assumed that the interface between the fiber optic bundle 13 and the part 22 is ~'",', ' ' ~
~'' ~,''.. ' ''' ...
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R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-i i~41334 perrnanent and remains undisturbed throughout the connection or disconnection prt~cess. Tne fiber optic bundle 11, ~n the other hand, because of the afore-mentloned ch~acteristics of the glass fibers, will spread out over the corre-sponding sptndle cone surface and abut the part 22 from the other side during mating. After disconnectiont the fibers will "spring back" to their more-or-less original bundle shape, much as illustrated Ln Fig. 1.
As a matter of design, the internal surEace 24 of connector shell 16 serves to provide some mechanLcal pressure holding the optic fibers against the spindle surface. This may, of course, also be true in respect to the cable fibers 13 within part 14. As a more or less incidental point, it is noted that the jackets of the fiber optic cables could be retainecl within the outer sleeves of the connector shell parts 16 and 14, for example, at 25, in respect to the jacket 12 of the optical bundle 11. Due to the internal shape of these connector shell parts, a cavity, typlcally 26, can provide for the introduction of an adhesive material or a potting resin to provide additional axlal stability for the cables themselves within the respective connector shells .
Of course, it will be evident that the "star coupler", in accordancs with the present invention, could be applied to larger connectors providing plural connections. The connector shell arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1 is not unlike those universally familiar in the electrical connector art, and, of course, there are multiple connection shells in that art which could be adapted to the plural connection situatlon herelnbefore reierred to.
Moreuver, once the concept of the present inventlon is understood, various other modificatlons will suggest themselves to those skilled in this -art, for example, there is some obvious design choice in the axial length of the outer tube 20. It may be shortened so that its projection on either side of part 22 is considerably less than the length of the corresponding spindle ` tapered portion.
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R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-1 .: ' Although it is anticipated that the tapered ends of the spindle 21 would be linear conical sections, i.e., llnearly tapered, some va~iation af that surface shape is obviously possible. In fact, if the conical surface tended to flatten out as it approached the central cylindrical section, there would be more of a tendancy for the optical fiber ends to abut the interface - transparent elastomer part 22 more nearly normal to the annular end surfaces of part 22.
The introduction of a gel in the vicinity oE the fiber abutments against the part 22 wauld be a normal expedient otherwise known in this art. Relief from axial tolerances is thereby gained in that the fibers need not tightly abut 22 if the gel is present, and the hazard of mechanical damage to the fiber ends is reduced.
Referring now to Fig. 3, the section 3-3, as taken through Fig.2, shows a number of generally axial grooves in the tapered or conical surfaces of the spindle ends. If the number of such groc~ves equals the number of fibers in the corresponding fiber bundle, an additional means is provided which permits and facilitates a one-to-one optic fiber relationship as the fibers face each other from opposite annular surfaces of 22. These grooves - -need only extend part way toward the pointed end of the conical spindle on either side, as will be obvious from Fig~ 2.
Since there are no requLrements for materials of exceedingly high strength or other unusual characteristics, the connector shells, the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21 may be fabricated from metals or other materials ~ -otherwise suitable for the environment in which the connectar must function.
j~ 25 The spindle itself could be metal, glass or any one of a number of other - reIatively stable materials. Considerable design choice exists in that connection .
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;~ The interface transparent elastomer part 22 may be made from RTV, ~ -: . , : ., _ g _ i . , ':,. ~ , . . :
, . ,.: :
R, L. McCartney-E. A. Carlson 5-1 ~()41334 a transparen; silicon rubber, to give one example.
The drawings ancl the foregoiny description are intended to be lllus~rative a.~Q typical only and should not be regarded as limitations on the sco?e o~ the lnvention.
, WTO:dr : . November 11, 1974 , .
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FIBER OPTIC TUBULAR STAR CONNECTOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to connectors for fiber optic cables.
Description of the Prior Art The employment of fiber optic cables or light guides, also some-times referred to as optlcal communication fibers, for the transmlssion of lnformation-bearing light signals, is now an established art. Much develop-ment work has been devoted to the provision of practical low-loss glass materials and production techniques for producing glass fiber cables with protective outer cDatings or jackets. The jacket makes them resemble ordinary metallic-core electrical cable upon superficial external inspection.
Obviously, if flber optic cables are to be used in practical signal transmissionand processing systems, practical connectors for the connection and discon-nectlon of fiber optlc cables must be provided~
Before the prlor art in respect to connectors, per se, is dlscussed, some references will be given for the benefit of the skilled reader in under-standing the state of fiber optic art in general.
An article entitled "Fiber Optlcs" by Narinder S. Kapan~, published in the "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN", Vol. 203, Pages 72-81, dated November 1960, provldes a useful background in respect to some theoretical and practical aspects of fiber optic kansmission, Of considerable relevance to the problem of developing practical . . . .
fiber optic connectors, is the question of transfer efficiency at the connector.
Various factors, including separation at the point of abutment, and lateral separation or offset, are among the factors effecting the light transfer :i efficiency at a connector. In this connection, attention is directed eO the Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 50, No. l0, December 1971, specifically :; ' ~"' .~~
. "
- .. , .:.~ ~ , . . ...
, , ~ , .. . ~, . . . .
`
R. L. McCartney-E, A. Landgreen ~-1 ~0~34 to an artlcle by D. I . Bisbee, entitled "Measurement of Loss Due To Offset, and End Separations of Optical Flbers" . Another Bell System Technical Journal article of interest appeared in Vol. 52, No. 8, October 1973, and was entitled IlEffect of Misalignments on Coupling Efficiency S on Single-Mode Optical Fiber Butt Joints" by J. S. Cook, W. L. Mammel and R. J. Grow.
The patent literature also contains much information relative to - the state of this art. For example, U. S. Patent 3,624,816 describes a "Flexible Fiber Optic Conduit" . The device described therein uses a plurality of light conducting fibers in a flexible cable type arrangement.
; ~ Concerning the utility of fiber optic cables and therefore the~, utility of connectors for such cables, various systems are described in the patent literature which employ fiber optic cables. One example of such a utilization system is described in U. S. Patent 3,80~,9080 Yet another patent of lnterest ls entltled "Glass Fiber Optlcal - Devices", U. S. Patent 3,589,793. That reference relates to the fiber , optlc bundles and the glass fibers themselves, as well as to a method of ~` fabrication for the fiber optic elements themselves.
A selection of U. S. patents relating more partlcularly to optical ' 20 cable connectors includes U. S. Patents 3,790,791; 3,734,594, 3,637,284;
, ~ 3,572,891; 3,806,225; 3,758,189 and 3,508,807 are representatlve of the connector prior art.
The bulk of the multi-fiber connectors presently in use employ the butt contact design. There are many variations falling under this general category, ranging from those employlng optically polished ends whlch are - brought together with a minimum interface, on the one hand, tc the employment ~ ` of matching broken-end faces within an index matching gel. Other variations " on the above approach, i.e., on the butt contact principle, employ not only ~' ''' ' - .
. . .
' .':' ~, , `~ ,' ' ,''' . . .
R.L. McCar~ne~-E A.Landgreen 5-1 16~4~334 the index matching gel, but a transparent elastomer interface member to preventabrasive deterioration of end faces of the optic fibers, particu-larly after a number of connect and disconnect cycles.
It is known that the consolidation and orientation of fibers in a closed hexagonal package (hexagon cross-sectional shape) at the point of abutment provides an optimized light-transmitting capability. To lmple-ment such an opti~um configuration, a predetermined number of fibers in a given iber optic cable must be present in order to geo~etrically form ~ -into such ahexagonal array. The number of fibers which may be thus con-strained into a hexagonal array is given b~ the formula:
P = 1 ~ 3N ~N ~ 1), where N - the number of circumferential layers about (-ln addition to) the single center fi~er.
From'the EoregoIng equation'and a vlsuallzation of the ~exagonal cross-sectional shape, it wIll be apparent that t~e hexagon ~lùst contaln elther 7, 19, 37', 61, 91, 127, etc.~ fi~ers. ~areoYe~, any optical fiber bundle haYing a num~er of'fibers other than these "perfect" numbers cannot ~- be constrained into the optim~m hexagonal package.
For'very small fibers such as those'on'the order of'0.001 inches diameter, it would take 15 layers to produce a bundle 1/32 of an inch in ;
diameter, and that bundle would contain 721 indi~idual ibers. One dis-advantage of using such a large number of IndiYIdual ibers in a fiber optic cable is the relati~ely high cost of handling and protecting against ~' fiber breakage and the loss of information transmittal resulting thererom.
Fiber optic cables with fewer larger fibers may ~e used, but it has ' been commonly considered impractical because of the problem of orientation ~ ;
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~.
,. , , ~ . , : ' _ 3 ~ ~
."' ~ ' , .
., ., . . . , ~ .
R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgre~n 5-1 ~
1~41~
and the diff~culty of provlding sufficient redundancy in the case of individual fiber breakage. Larger lndividual fibers can be more easily handled in assembly, and obviously have strength and stability advantages if they can be connected efficiently.
The manner in which the present invention deals with the disadvan-tages of the prior art will be evident as this desc~iption proceeds"
SUMMAR~ OF THE IN~ENTIQN
In accordance with the foregoing prlor art discussion, it may be said to have been the general objective of the pr~sent invention to produce a connector or coupler most adaptable to fiber optic bundles having a relatively small number of relatively large individual fibers, where the i . . .
design of the connector can be made to accommodate any integral number of ~ -' ! fibers in a given bundle. ` ; ?
' The present invention employs a "star coupler". The two fiber optic cables to be connectqd are each heid in corresponding connector shells i, . . . . .
so that when the shells are mated the optical connection is made. Actually, there may be a plurality of cable pairs connected in accordance with the present invention. It will be evident that this can be accomplished in a larger connector shell configuration, once the concept oi the present inventlon is understood.
The "star coupler" of the present invention comprises an outer tube . , .
and an lnner spindle. The lnner spindle is of generall~ circular cross-section,;is elongated, and tapered to a point ateLther end. The greatest outside diameter of the spindle is less thasl the inside diameter of the outer tube.
.
Within the said outer tube, and extending along a portion of the axial length c~f the spindle about the axial center thereof, is a tubular sleeve or cylln-~ ,, . :.~,. .
drical shell of a light-transmissive index matching elastomer interface material .
'', ' . '' - .:.:
,,.,, . :~
ll 4 -.:~ .' !
, '-:j . ' . ,:
,. ,, ' ' ' . '.~ '. .
' :' ' R. L. ~cCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-1 ~04~L334 The tubular " star coupler" is an integral part of the connector, and is preferably permanently attac:hed to one or the other of the connector sheIls,Within that connector shell, a fiber optic bundle is advanced (as the connector shells are mated) with the point of the spindle at the axis of the fiber optic bundle, so that the bundle spreads and "rides up'l over the conical surface of the corresponding spindle end portion. An additional interface material comprising an optical gel may also be used as the opposing optical iibers make optical connection through the transparent elastomer sleeve and the said gel (if used). The use of the gel has several aàvantages, among these being the relief of axial tolerances in that, with the gel, a good optical connection may be made without bringing the opposing fibers directly against the elastomer sleeve.
A cross-sectLon of the fiber ends ad~acent to the point of abutment into the gel would reveal a distribution of fibers about a closed ring or annulus ,~ 15 bounded by the body of the spindle and the inside diameter of the outer tube.
:: .
The invention also provides for alignment grooves generally axially ` in at least a portion of the tapered spindle ends to achieve a one-for-one -optical fiber aIignment.
The manner in which the invention may be advantageously const~ucted , ~ 20 will be more iully understood from the iollowing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW~INGS
Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away view of a pair of mateable connector shells including a "star coupler" in accordance with the present invention.
.
Fig. 2 is a detail of the star coupler of Fig. 1.
Fig . 3 is a sectional view taken from Fig. 2, showing the details of optical fiber alignment adjacent to the point of abutment with the interface ~ , * material.
.,. , . . ' ~ .
:, , .
... .
.,:-~ . . :, '.
." . .
~ : . . ' . . . ' .
~` R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen S-l 1(~4~
DES(:RIPTIOi!~ OF THE PRE,FEEU~ED FM80r)IMENT
Referring now to Fig. 1, a typical connector arrangement embodylng the present inventlon is illustrated, generally at 10, in partial cutaway form.
A single pair of fiber optic cables comprisin~ the fiber bundles 11 and 13, is illustrated as the optical cable pair to be connected. The usual jacket 12 is shown in connection with the fiber bundle 11 and it will be realized that a similar ~acket would exist on the fiber bundle 13. These c`ables are essentially- an article o~ commerce as will be realized from the prior art discussion. ~' -pair of connector shells as represented by a first cannector shell 16 and a 1~ second connector shell 14. From inspection of Fig. l it will be realized that the coupling nut 17 is essentially part of the connector shell 16 and serves to effect the intended connection by engagement of the internal threads 18 over the external threads 15, the latter on the external perimeter of the body of the second connector shell 14.
, lS It will be evident from Fig. 1 that the mating of the first and second connector shells by the aforementioned thread engagement results from an inwardly directed thrust applied by the nut 17 against the internal shoulder 19.The so-called "star coupler", according to the invention, comprises the double-ended conical spindle 21 which has a more-or-less cylindrical' (untapered) central portion. The transparent elastomer interface member 22, which is actually in the shape of a cylindrical shell itself, plus the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21, comprise the star coupler. This outer tube 20 may' ~ `-be press-it into a coaxial bore wLthin second connector shell 1~. This is shownmore clearly at 27 in Fig. 2.
:: .
From this point forward in this description, it is helpful to refer bac~ '-and forth between Figs. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1, the connec,tor is in pvsition such , " that the mating of 14 and 16 may be accomplished by axial translation of these ' ', two connector shell parts toward each other until the engagement of the afore- ;, mentioned threads can be effected. Fig, 2 illustrates those details of the star ;' - 6 -~
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R, L. McCartney-E. A. I.andgreen S-l ~ 04~;~39L
connector assumming the connector shells aforementioned are fully mated~
Thus, the inward pro~ectLng tubular portion of connector shell 16 has an inside diameter 23 which is sized to provide a sliding fit of the part 20 therein. The inward end of that part may be chamfered at 28 in order to provide an easy entry for outer tube 20 with the bore 23. The said chamfered end 28 comes to rest against the inside shoulder 29. In Fig. 2, this r~la-tionship is quite clear. The transparent elastomer illterfa~e part ~2 actually supports the spindle 21 within the outer tube 20, either by means of a press-fit or with the aid of adhesives between the internal surface of the outer tube 20 and the part 22, as well as between 22 and the spindle 21.
It will be realized from Fig. 2 that the central p~rtion of the spindle 21,over which the part 22 fits, may actually have somewhat of an undercut.
: , . . ~ .
That is, the diameter of the spindle in this central generally cylindrlcal pertion, may actually be slightly less than the diameter of the two tapered conical end portlons thereof in a plane nearest the said central portion. In this way an additional mechanical axial constraint can be provided in the .
form of a retaining groove in 21.
~; The optical fibers themselves, which in this art, may be of quartz glass or similar glass material, exhibit very little creep or permanent set and are relatively flexible. Thus, in the process of assembly, the strands of the fiber bundle 13 are forced outward over the surfaGe of the spindle 21 and brought to bear against the facing surface of the part 22. The clearance betweenthe inside diameter of the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21 immediately adjacentthis point of fiber abutment against 22, is just sufficient to allow for the indi-, vidual fiber diameter which now arrange themselves around the ring or annulus ~, comprising this interface.
AccDrding tG the foregoing, as this embodiment is described,it is assumed that the interface between the fiber optic bundle 13 and the part 22 is ~'",', ' ' ~
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R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-i i~41334 perrnanent and remains undisturbed throughout the connection or disconnection prt~cess. Tne fiber optic bundle 11, ~n the other hand, because of the afore-mentloned ch~acteristics of the glass fibers, will spread out over the corre-sponding sptndle cone surface and abut the part 22 from the other side during mating. After disconnectiont the fibers will "spring back" to their more-or-less original bundle shape, much as illustrated Ln Fig. 1.
As a matter of design, the internal surEace 24 of connector shell 16 serves to provide some mechanLcal pressure holding the optic fibers against the spindle surface. This may, of course, also be true in respect to the cable fibers 13 within part 14. As a more or less incidental point, it is noted that the jackets of the fiber optic cables could be retainecl within the outer sleeves of the connector shell parts 16 and 14, for example, at 25, in respect to the jacket 12 of the optical bundle 11. Due to the internal shape of these connector shell parts, a cavity, typlcally 26, can provide for the introduction of an adhesive material or a potting resin to provide additional axlal stability for the cables themselves within the respective connector shells .
Of course, it will be evident that the "star coupler", in accordancs with the present invention, could be applied to larger connectors providing plural connections. The connector shell arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1 is not unlike those universally familiar in the electrical connector art, and, of course, there are multiple connection shells in that art which could be adapted to the plural connection situatlon herelnbefore reierred to.
Moreuver, once the concept of the present inventlon is understood, various other modificatlons will suggest themselves to those skilled in this -art, for example, there is some obvious design choice in the axial length of the outer tube 20. It may be shortened so that its projection on either side of part 22 is considerably less than the length of the corresponding spindle ` tapered portion.
:~ .
. ...
, .
: , . , . , - -:: :. : .
R. L. McCartney-E. A. Landgreen 5-1 .: ' Although it is anticipated that the tapered ends of the spindle 21 would be linear conical sections, i.e., llnearly tapered, some va~iation af that surface shape is obviously possible. In fact, if the conical surface tended to flatten out as it approached the central cylindrical section, there would be more of a tendancy for the optical fiber ends to abut the interface - transparent elastomer part 22 more nearly normal to the annular end surfaces of part 22.
The introduction of a gel in the vicinity oE the fiber abutments against the part 22 wauld be a normal expedient otherwise known in this art. Relief from axial tolerances is thereby gained in that the fibers need not tightly abut 22 if the gel is present, and the hazard of mechanical damage to the fiber ends is reduced.
Referring now to Fig. 3, the section 3-3, as taken through Fig.2, shows a number of generally axial grooves in the tapered or conical surfaces of the spindle ends. If the number of such groc~ves equals the number of fibers in the corresponding fiber bundle, an additional means is provided which permits and facilitates a one-to-one optic fiber relationship as the fibers face each other from opposite annular surfaces of 22. These grooves - -need only extend part way toward the pointed end of the conical spindle on either side, as will be obvious from Fig~ 2.
Since there are no requLrements for materials of exceedingly high strength or other unusual characteristics, the connector shells, the outer tube 20 and the spindle 21 may be fabricated from metals or other materials ~ -otherwise suitable for the environment in which the connectar must function.
j~ 25 The spindle itself could be metal, glass or any one of a number of other - reIatively stable materials. Considerable design choice exists in that connection .
,. : j . . .
;~ The interface transparent elastomer part 22 may be made from RTV, ~ -: . , : ., _ g _ i . , ':,. ~ , . . :
, . ,.: :
R, L. McCartney-E. A. Carlson 5-1 ~()41334 a transparen; silicon rubber, to give one example.
The drawings ancl the foregoiny description are intended to be lllus~rative a.~Q typical only and should not be regarded as limitations on the sco?e o~ the lnvention.
, WTO:dr : . November 11, 1974 , .
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Claims (11)
1. A fiber optic connector for dismountably joining at least first and second fiber optic cables each including a fiber bundle having a plurality of individual light transmissive fibers, said connector including first and second mateable connector shells in which said first and second cables are respectively secured and positioned colinearly, comprising the combination of:
an axially elongated spindle having an axially defined central portion and first and second tapered end portions the surfaces of said spindle ends converging substantially to corresponding points on the axis of said colinearly positioned cables;
an optical interface element comprising an annular sleeve of a transparent elastomer material positioned about said spindle central portion and having an axial dimension at least a fraction of the axial dimension of said central portion;
means for mechanically securing the outside circum-ferential surface of said interface element with respect to one of said connector shells, thereby to provide distribution of the fibers of said cables over the surface of said spindle tapered end portions to bring said fibers into axial contact each with a corresponding axially facing end of said interlace element in a single circumferential fiber layer.
an axially elongated spindle having an axially defined central portion and first and second tapered end portions the surfaces of said spindle ends converging substantially to corresponding points on the axis of said colinearly positioned cables;
an optical interface element comprising an annular sleeve of a transparent elastomer material positioned about said spindle central portion and having an axial dimension at least a fraction of the axial dimension of said central portion;
means for mechanically securing the outside circum-ferential surface of said interface element with respect to one of said connector shells, thereby to provide distribution of the fibers of said cables over the surface of said spindle tapered end portions to bring said fibers into axial contact each with a corresponding axially facing end of said interlace element in a single circumferential fiber layer.
2. A fiber optic connector for dismountably joining at least first and second fiber optic cables including corresponding first and second fiber bundles of plural individual light transmissive fibers, said connector including first and second mateable connector shells in which said first and second cables are respectively scoured and colinearly positioned, comprising the combination of:
an axially elongated spindle having an axially defined central portion of substantially cylindrical surface shape and first and second end portions tapered substantially to corresponding points along the axis of said colinearly positioned cables;
an optical interface element comprising a transparent elastomer in the shape of a cylindrical shell, said interface element being secured at least frictionally about said spindle central portion, said interface element having an axial length not exceeding the axial length of said spindle central portion;
a guide sleeve of generally tubular shape and of substantially annular cross-sectional shape, said sleeve having an inside diameter, at least within a central portion thereof, as compared to the outside diameter of said interface element such that said interface element and said spindle are secured at least frictionally within said guide sleeve central portion;
means including a bore within said second connector shell whereby said guide sleeve is axially and colinearly secured with respect to said axis of said cables, said spindle second end portion defined as being on the side toward said second cable, said second cable fibers being diverged outward over the surface of said spindle second end portion within said guide sleeve to a position of secured contact with the corre-sponding axial end of said interface element, and said first cable fibers diverging outward over the surface of said spindle first end portion within said guide sleeve to a position of contact with the corresponding axial end of said interface element when said first and second connector shells are mated.
an axially elongated spindle having an axially defined central portion of substantially cylindrical surface shape and first and second end portions tapered substantially to corresponding points along the axis of said colinearly positioned cables;
an optical interface element comprising a transparent elastomer in the shape of a cylindrical shell, said interface element being secured at least frictionally about said spindle central portion, said interface element having an axial length not exceeding the axial length of said spindle central portion;
a guide sleeve of generally tubular shape and of substantially annular cross-sectional shape, said sleeve having an inside diameter, at least within a central portion thereof, as compared to the outside diameter of said interface element such that said interface element and said spindle are secured at least frictionally within said guide sleeve central portion;
means including a bore within said second connector shell whereby said guide sleeve is axially and colinearly secured with respect to said axis of said cables, said spindle second end portion defined as being on the side toward said second cable, said second cable fibers being diverged outward over the surface of said spindle second end portion within said guide sleeve to a position of secured contact with the corre-sponding axial end of said interface element, and said first cable fibers diverging outward over the surface of said spindle first end portion within said guide sleeve to a position of contact with the corresponding axial end of said interface element when said first and second connector shells are mated.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 in which said interface element axial length is substantially equal to said axial length of said spindle central portion.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 in which said guide sleeve is defined as having an axial length greater than the axial length of said spindle central portion.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 2 in which said guide sleeve is defined as having an axial length not exceeding the overall axial length of said spindle.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 4 in which said spindle tapered ends are linearly tapered.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 4 in which said interface element has a wall thickness substantially equal to the diameter of an individual fiber of either of said cables plus an allowance for radial tolerances, thereby to produce a single circumferential layer of said fibers at said point of contact with said interface element.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 2 in which said spindle tapered end portions have axial grooves along an axial distance extending outward from said spindle central portion over at least a portion of the lengths of said end portions.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 4 in which said spindle tapered end portions have surface grooves extending generally axially over a fraction of said spindle end portions outward from said spindle central portion, thereby to provide guide means whereby said fibers are uniformly circumferentially distributed at said point of contact with said interface element.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9 in which each of said surface grooves on one end portion of said spindle is circum-ferentially matched with a corresponding groove on the other end portion of said spindle, thereby to provide fiber-to-fiber alignment between aid fibers of said first and second cables, the number of said grooves equalling the number of fibers in the corresponding cable.
11. A fiber optic connector for dismountably joining a fiber optic cable, including a fiber bundle having a plurality of individual light transmissive fibers, with a second light transmitting element, said connector including first and second mateable connector shells in which said cable and element are respectively secured and positioned colinearly, comprising the combination of:
an axially elongated spindle having at least one tapered end portion converging substantially to a point on the axis of said colinearly positioned cable and element;
said element being constructed to transmit light in an annular pattern; and means for surrounding said spindle distributing the fibers of said cable over said spindle tapered end portion in an annular array colinear with said light pattern when said connector shells are mated.
an axially elongated spindle having at least one tapered end portion converging substantially to a point on the axis of said colinearly positioned cable and element;
said element being constructed to transmit light in an annular pattern; and means for surrounding said spindle distributing the fibers of said cable over said spindle tapered end portion in an annular array colinear with said light pattern when said connector shells are mated.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US526270A US3910678A (en) | 1974-11-22 | 1974-11-22 | Fiber optic tubular star connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1041334A true CA1041334A (en) | 1978-10-31 |
Family
ID=24096636
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA240,185A Expired CA1041334A (en) | 1974-11-22 | 1975-11-21 | Fiber optic tubular star connector |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3910678A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5426383B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1041334A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2551465A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES442855A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2292245A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1460549A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1054656B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7513430A (en) |
Families Citing this family (45)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2456552C2 (en) * | 1974-11-29 | 1983-12-01 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Connection of two fiber optic bundles and method of making the connection |
| JPS51139642U (en) * | 1975-04-30 | 1976-11-10 | ||
| DE2522740C3 (en) * | 1975-05-22 | 1981-05-14 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Device for connecting an incoming fiber optic cable with a continuing and method for producing the device |
| DE2522763A1 (en) * | 1975-05-22 | 1976-12-02 | Siemens Ag | DEVICE FOR CONNECTING TWO FIBER OPTIC CABLES AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE DEVICE |
| FR2333257A1 (en) * | 1975-11-26 | 1977-06-24 | Noane Georges Le | CONNECTION PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL FIBER CABLES WITH TRUNK MARKING |
| US4110000A (en) * | 1976-03-01 | 1978-08-29 | Amp Incorporated | Fiber optic connector |
| FR2346731A1 (en) * | 1976-03-31 | 1977-10-28 | Lenoane Georges | PROCEDURE AND APPARATUS FOR ON-SITE CONNECTION OF OPTICAL FIBER CABLES |
| US4047797A (en) * | 1976-06-09 | 1977-09-13 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Fiber optic connector |
| US4073050A (en) * | 1976-08-31 | 1978-02-14 | Applied Fiberoptics, Inc. | Method of making fiberoptic cable assembly |
| FR2382706A1 (en) * | 1977-03-02 | 1978-09-29 | Labo Cent Telecommunicat | CONNECTION DEVICE FOR OPTICAL SYSTEM |
| US4140366A (en) * | 1977-04-19 | 1979-02-20 | Bunker Ramo Corporation | Fiber optic connector assembly |
| US4182545A (en) * | 1977-05-27 | 1980-01-08 | Harris Corporation | Optical coupler system |
| US4168108A (en) * | 1978-03-01 | 1979-09-18 | Itt Industries, Inc. | Fiber optic connector |
| FR2420777A1 (en) * | 1978-03-24 | 1979-10-19 | Lignes Telegraph Telephon | Splicing lay=up bench for fibre=optic cables - employs Peltier cells to immobilise individual optical lines |
| US4217028A (en) * | 1978-07-24 | 1980-08-12 | International Telephone And Telegraph Corporation | Fiber optic electromechanical submarine cable termination |
| US4330172A (en) * | 1978-08-15 | 1982-05-18 | Bunker Ramo Corporation | Optical fiber connector having transversely mateable plug portions |
| US4218113A (en) * | 1978-08-21 | 1980-08-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Optical fiber connector apparatus |
| US4273413A (en) * | 1979-02-26 | 1981-06-16 | Amp Incorporated | Photoelectric element/optical cable connector |
| US4398789A (en) * | 1979-04-13 | 1983-08-16 | Diffracto Ltd. | Opto-electronically controlled bathing systems |
| US4367011A (en) * | 1979-05-09 | 1983-01-04 | Bunker Ramo Corporation | Optical fiber connector and means and method for centering optical fibers |
| US4221461A (en) * | 1979-05-17 | 1980-09-09 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Fiber connector gap material |
| US4320938A (en) * | 1979-12-26 | 1982-03-23 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Resilient optical fiber connector |
| US4413880A (en) * | 1981-01-02 | 1983-11-08 | Bowmar/Ali, Inc. | Adaptable connector for a fiber optic testing device |
| US4461539A (en) * | 1981-06-01 | 1984-07-24 | Switchcraft, Inc. | Fiber optic connector assembly with slidable spacer |
| JPS59141308U (en) * | 1983-03-10 | 1984-09-21 | 第一電子工業株式会社 | Multi-core optical fiber cable connector |
| FR2585139B1 (en) * | 1985-07-17 | 1987-09-25 | Lignes Telegraph Telephon | BREAKING HEAD OF A FIBER OPTICAL OR FIBER HARNESS CABLE |
| DE3531693C2 (en) * | 1985-09-05 | 1996-05-23 | Rheydt Kabelwerk Ag | Adapter for adapting fiber optic cables in bundle construction to those with a star structure |
| FR2587126B1 (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1987-10-23 | Lignes Telegraph Telephon | DEVICE FOR BREAKING A BEAM OF OPTICAL FIBERS INTO UNIT OPTICAL FIBERS |
| FR2597616B1 (en) * | 1986-04-17 | 1988-08-05 | Telecommunications Sa | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPENING OPTICAL FIBERS FROM A CABLE TO BE CONNECTED |
| US4854664A (en) * | 1986-11-17 | 1989-08-08 | Rockwell International Corporation | Multi-fiber optic cable connector and cable apparatus |
| US6965815B1 (en) | 1987-05-27 | 2005-11-15 | Bilboa Instruments, Inc. | Spa control system |
| US5361215A (en) | 1987-05-27 | 1994-11-01 | Siege Industries, Inc. | Spa control system |
| GB2207525A (en) * | 1987-07-30 | 1989-02-01 | Stc Plc | Single mode multiport couplers using annular mixer guide |
| SE462408B (en) * | 1988-11-10 | 1990-06-18 | Pharmacia Ab | OPTICAL BIOSENSOR SYSTEM USING SURFACE MONITORING RESONSE FOR THE DETECTION OF A SPECIFIC BIOMOLIC CYCLE, TO CALIBRATE THE SENSOR DEVICE AND TO CORRECT FOUND BASELINE OPERATION IN THE SYSTEM |
| US4883336A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1989-11-28 | Conseil National De Recherches Du Canada | Method and leadthrough system for laying out optical fibres across an aperture of a container shell |
| US5395362A (en) * | 1992-01-14 | 1995-03-07 | Summit Technology | Methods and apparatus for distributing laser radiation |
| IL106302A (en) * | 1993-07-09 | 1996-12-05 | Univ Ramot | Hollow waveguide tips for controlling beam divergency and methods of making such tips |
| US5724466A (en) * | 1995-11-16 | 1998-03-03 | Raytheon E-Systems | Ruggedized blind mating connector for optical fibers |
| US5633963A (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1997-05-27 | Raytheon Company | Optical rotary joint for single and multimode fibers |
| JP3653402B2 (en) * | 1998-05-27 | 2005-05-25 | シャープ株式会社 | Optical transceiver module |
| EP1134600A1 (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2001-09-19 | Morgan-Rekofa GmbH & Co. KG | Multiple path rotary optical connector |
| US7118287B2 (en) * | 2000-07-19 | 2006-10-10 | The Johns Hopkins University | Fiber optic coupler with in-line optical component |
| JP3922085B2 (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2007-05-30 | ヤマハ株式会社 | Optical fiber bundle holding structure |
| US7517157B1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-04-14 | The Boeing Company | All-plastic optical mini-connector |
| US20110097039A1 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2011-04-28 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Optoelectronic interconnection system |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3770342A (en) * | 1971-05-07 | 1973-11-06 | R Dudragne | Device for lighting and examining a cavity |
| US3846010A (en) * | 1973-07-05 | 1974-11-05 | Corning Glass Works | Optical waveguide connector |
-
1974
- 1974-11-22 US US526270A patent/US3910678A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-11-15 DE DE19752551465 patent/DE2551465A1/en active Pending
- 1975-11-18 NL NL7513430A patent/NL7513430A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1975-11-19 IT IT29414/75A patent/IT1054656B/en active
- 1975-11-20 GB GB4776675A patent/GB1460549A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-20 JP JP13973175A patent/JPS5426383B2/ja not_active Expired
- 1975-11-21 FR FR7535626A patent/FR2292245A1/en active Granted
- 1975-11-21 ES ES442855A patent/ES442855A1/en not_active Expired
- 1975-11-21 CA CA240,185A patent/CA1041334A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2551465A1 (en) | 1976-05-26 |
| US3910678A (en) | 1975-10-07 |
| IT1054656B (en) | 1981-11-30 |
| NL7513430A (en) | 1976-05-25 |
| GB1460549A (en) | 1977-01-06 |
| ES442855A1 (en) | 1977-09-16 |
| FR2292245B1 (en) | 1979-04-27 |
| JPS5426383B2 (en) | 1979-09-04 |
| JPS5192633A (en) | 1976-08-13 |
| FR2292245A1 (en) | 1976-06-18 |
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