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.
Various aspects of the present invention relate to a micro-positioner, comprising: a carriage comprising a plurality of walls defining an internal volume; and a plurality of actuators extending from the plurality of walls toward the internal volume and configured to support and move a workpiece. The plurality of walls and actuators include at least one active actuator extending from a first carriage wall and at least one passive actuator extending from a second carriage wall, opposite the first carriage wall. The micro-positioner has myriad applications and can be used, for example, in a fiber optic processing machine to finely position one or more fibers and/or fiber ends.
B23Q 1/26 - Movable or adjustable work or tool supports characterised by constructional features relating to the co-operation of relatively movable members; Means for preventing relative movement of such members
A multi-axis positioning stage or positioner includes a top plate supported and manipulatable by a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having four or five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) with the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or four or five DOF actuator joints, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift to move the top plate. The actuators can be disposed between at least one base plate or base structure, and can be fixed thereto.
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
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.
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
G02B 6/25 - Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
A multi-axis positioning stage or positioner includes a top plate supported and manipulatable by a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having four or five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) with the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or four or five DOF actuator joints, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift to move the top plate. The actuators can be disposed between at least one base plate or base structure, and can be fixed thereto.
A multi-axis positioning stage or positioner includes a top plate supported and manipulatable by a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having four or five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) with the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or four or five DOF actuator joints, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift to move the top plate. The actuators can be disposed between at least one base plate or base structure, and can be fixed thereto.
A multi-axis positioning stage or positioner includes a top plate supported and manipulatable by a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having four or five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) with the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or four or five DOF actuator joints, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift to move the top plate. The actuators can be disposed between at least one base plate or base structure, and can be fixed thereto.
G02B 6/25 - Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
G02B 6/25 - Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
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.
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.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Fiber optic equipment, namely, fiber positioning equipment;
Mechanical and electro-mechanical support and positioning
equipment for use with optical fibers and cables (terms
considered too vague by the International Bureau - rule 13
(2) (b) of the Common Regulations); Multi-axis platform for
use in mechanical and electro-mechanical support and
alignment of optical fibers and cables (terms considered too
vague by the International Bureau - rule 13 (2) (b) of the
Common Regulations); High-precision micro-positioning
equipment.
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
G02B 6/25 - Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
H02N 2/02 - Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction producing linear motion, e.g. actuators; Linear positioners
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
H02N 2/02 - Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction producing linear motion, e.g. actuators; Linear positioners
A parallel position manipulator includes a top plate, a baseplate and a plurality of prismatic joint actuators. Each actuator includes an actuator joint having five Degrees of Freedom (DOF) at either the base plate or the top plate. When one or more of the actuators extends or contracts, the pivot points, or five DOF actuator joint, of the remaining actuators are allowed to shift in any axis other than that actuator's primary axis of motion.
G02B 6/25 - Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
F16M 11/12 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting in more than one direction
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F16M 11/32 - Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
A torsion-free fiber clamp may employ a substrate in combination with an epoxy, for example, or the like, to clamp at least one fiber. The substrate may be relatively flat or it may include a groove into which the fiber is placed. The epoxy may be a relatively fast-acting adhesive. The clamp may be employed in a fiber cleaving system and operation wherein it provides a substantially torsion-free clamp of the at least one optical fiber to provide a low cleave angle.
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.
An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided.
G02B 6/12 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
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.
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a calorimeter for detecting the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. The calorimeter can include a support structure, a hermetically-sealed, thermally decoupled central reaction zone associated with the support structure, at least one droplet transport region, and detection electronics. The at least one droplet transport region can be associated with the support structure and configured to merge a reagent droplet with a sample droplet including the fluid sample to form a reaction droplet in the central reaction zone. The detection electronics can be in electrical and/or thermal communication with the central reaction zone and associated with the support structure. The calorimeter can be configured to detect a heat of reaction produced by a reaction event between the target analyte and a capture reagent upon formation of the reaction droplet.
G01N 25/20 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating the development of heat, i.e. calorimetry, e.g. by measuring specific heat, by measuring thermal conductivity
G01N 33/543 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
G01N 25/48 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating the development of heat, i.e. calorimetry, e.g. by measuring specific heat, by measuring thermal conductivity on solution, sorption, or a chemical reaction not involving combustion or catalytic oxidation
An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided.
An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided.
An electrical discharge, suitable for heating optical fibers for processing, is made in a controlled partial vacuum, such that saturation of available ionizable gas molecules is reached. The workpiece temperature is thereby made to be a stably controlled function of the absolute air pressure and is insensitive to other conditions. A system and method accomplishing the foregoing are provided.
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.
A multi-stage fiber processing system comprises first (20) and second (22) fiber holders configured to hold respective portions of at least one fiber (10) and a plurality of heat sources (HS1, HS2 ) arranged between the first and second fiber holders and configured to provide a heat zone (50) that axially extends about the at least on fiber. The first and second fiber holders can be configured to translate away from each other for tapering. The plurality of heat sources can include two 3 electrode heat sources that deliver an extended, substantially isothermic heat field axially about the fiber. All but one heat source can be turned off to splice the fiber. The two 3 electrode heat sources can generate 9 arcs to from the heat zone, wherein arcs between the two 3 electrode heat sources can be rotated about the at least one fiber.
G02B 6/255 - Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
G02B 6/28 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
A multi-stage fiber processing system comprises first and second fiber holders configured to hold respective portions of at least one fiber and a plurality of heat sources arranged between the first and second fiber holders and configured to provide a heat zone that axially extends about the at least on fiber. The first and second fiber holders can be configured to translate away from each other for tapering. The plurality of heat sources can include two 3 electrode heat sources that deliver an extended, substantially isothermic heat field axially about the fiber. All but one heat source can be turned off to splice the fiber. The two 3 electrode heat sources can generate 9 arcs to from the heat zone, wherein arcs between the two 3 electrode heat sources can be rotated about the at least one fiber.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
A fiber holder platform includes a support, a clamp configured to secure a cable to the support, and a securing mechanism configured to detachably secure the platform to a fiber holder and alternatively to a heat oven. A fiber holder assembly includes the fiber holder platform and the fiber holder, in a detachable or integral configuration.
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 dielectric 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.
A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
C03B 37/018 - Manufacture of preforms for drawing fibres or filaments made entirely or partially by chemical means by glass deposition on a glass substrate, e.g. by chemical vapour deposition
C03C 25/00 - Surface treatment of fibres or filaments made from glass, minerals or slags
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Scientific and/or optical apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; optical fiber preparation and treatment systems comprising optical splicers, strippers and annealers for thermal processing of optical fibers for splicing, annealing, diffusion, stripping, tapering and ablation; parts and fittings for the aforesaid.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Optical fiber preparation and treatment systems comprising optical splicers, strippers and annealers for thermal processing of optical fibers, namely, for splicing, annealing, diffusion, stripping, tapering and ablation
44.
METHOD OF CLEANING AND STRIPPING AN OPTICAL FIBER USING AN ELECTRICAL ARC, AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS
A method and apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes generating a continuous or pulsed arc in a first area wherein the arc creates a plasma in one or more gases in the first area. The method further includes positioning a portion of the fiber in a second area adjacent to and outside of the plasma region, wherein coating material that is present on the optical fiber portion is removed when the plasma is present. Alternatively, in the case of a pulsed arc, the optical fiber portion may be positioned at least partially within the plasma region. The positioning step may be performed prior to or subsequent to the arc generating step. The method and apparatus may be utilized in a system that also strips and cleaves optical fibers. Also, a method for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes by injecting negative ions into the area between the electrodes.
H02G 1/12 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for removing insulation or armouring from cables, e.g. from the end thereof
A method and apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes generating a continuous or pulsed arc in a first area wherein the arc creates a plasma in one or more gasses in the first area. The method further includes positioning a portion of the fiber in a second area adjacent to and outside of the plasma region, wherein coating material that is present on the optical fiber portion is removed when the plasma is present. Alternatively, in the case of a pulsed arc, the optical fiber portion may be positioned at least partially within the plasma region. The positioning step may be performed prior to or subsequent to the arc generating step. The method and apparatus may be utilized in a system that also strips and cleaves optical fibers. Also, a method for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes by injecting negative ions into the area between the electrodes.
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 external to the enclosure to cause the generation of an arc between the first electrode and a second electrode with the enclosure that is used to splice the first and second optical fiber portions together.
