U.S. patent application number 11/998848 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for quick terminated fiber optic termini and fiber optic cable, and method for making.
Invention is credited to Vincent A. Wouters.
Application Number | 20090060427 11/998848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39492820 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090060427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wouters; Vincent A. |
March 5, 2009 |
Quick terminated fiber optic termini and fiber optic cable, and
method for making
Abstract
A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making
same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an
optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed
optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a
second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two
fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the
splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the
pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This
process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less
time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of
terminating optical fibers at a termini.
Inventors: |
Wouters; Vincent A.;
(McKinney, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOCKET CLERK
P.O. DRAWER 800889
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
39492820 |
Appl. No.: |
11/998848 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60872109 |
Dec 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/95 ;
65/392 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/2551 20130101;
G02B 6/26 20130101; G02B 6/3846 20130101; G02B 6/2558 20130101;
G02B 6/3887 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/95 ;
65/392 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/255 20060101
G02B006/255 |
Claims
1. A fiber optic termini assembly comprising: a pre-terminated
fiber optic termini comprising, a termini body having a front
portion and a rear portion, and a first fiber optic cable
terminated within the termini body and having an first optical
fiber extending from a rear portion; a second fiber optic cable
have a second optical fiber, wherein the first optical fiber is
spliced to the second optical fiber at a splice junction; and one
or more sleeves positioned substantially around the splice junction
and coupling the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to a body of
the second optical cable.
2. The fiber optic termini assembly in accordance with claim 1
wherein the one or more sleeves comprises: a splice sleeve
positioned substantially around the splice junction and exposed
portions of the first and second optical fibers; and a splice cover
sleeve substantially encompassing the splice sleeve and extending
over a rear portion of the pre-determined fiber optical termini and
extending over a portion of a crimp tail affixed to the second
optical fiber.
3. The fiber optic termini assembly in accordance with claim 1
wherein the termini body of the pre-terminated fiber optic termini
is configured to meet a MIL-PRF-29504 specification.
4. A method of terminating a first fiber optic cable having a first
optical fiber at a fiber optic termini, the method comprising:
providing a pre-terminated fiber optic termini having a termini
body having a front portion and a rear portion and a first fiber
optic cable terminated within the termini body and having an first
optical fiber extending from a rear portion; stripping a second
fiber optic cable to expose a second optical fiber; and splicing an
end of the first optical to an end of the second optical fiber to
create a splice junction; and protecting the splice junction by
substantially encompassing the splice junction and portions of the
first and second optical fibers inside a protective device.
5. A method in accordance with claim 4 wherein a laser splices the
two fiber ends.
6. A fiber optic termini termination kit comprising: a
pre-terminated fiber optic termini comprising, a termini body
having a front portion and a rear portion, and a first fiber optic
cable terminated within the termini body and having an first
optical fiber extending from a rear portion; a splice sleeve
configured to be positioned substantially around a splice junction
operably coupling portions of the first optical fiber and a second
optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable; a splice cover sleeve
configured to be positioned substantially around the splice sleeve
and be extended over a rear portion of the pre-terminated fiber
optic termini and be extended over a crimp member when affixed to
the second optical fiber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S.
provisional Application Ser. No. 60/872,109, filed on Dec. 1, 2006,
and which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fiber optic
termini assembly and termination methods, and more particularly to
a fiber optic termini assembly having a fiber optic termini and
splice assembly for splicing together two optical fibers, and
method of making same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a prior art
fiber optic pin termini 100 and a prior art fiber optic socket
termini 200, respectively. These termini are constructed, in
accordance with, and meet several applicable military
specifications including MIL-PRF-29504/14 and MIL-PRF-29504/15,
respectively, and MIL-PRF-28876 (insert cavities), which are all
incorporated herein by reference. When terminating a fiber optic,
the termini and resulting termini assembly should also meet
performance specifications MIL-PRF-29504B, which is incorporated
herein by reference. Other specification may be applicable.
[0004] In the past, fiber optic termination (new termination or
replacement of a termini) using the termini 100, 200 has been
performed according to conventional method(s) that includes cutting
and polishing of the fiber, insertion of fiber in the termini 100,
200, and affixing or securing the fiber to the termini body using
epoxy. This process is time-consuming and usually can only be
performed at specific locations having ideal or adequate working
conditions. Some locations, such as in the field, etc, are not
conducive to performance of this process.
[0005] The fiber optic cables used and attached to the termini 100,
200 generally include an inner optical fiber (for carrying an
optical signal) surrounded by the clad or buffer layer, an outer
protection layer around the buffer layer which usually includes
fiber elements made of a high performance fiber (such as an aramid
fiber, such as KEVLAR.TM., or a high strength polyethylene fiber),
and an outer jacket protecting these inner layers.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a fiber optic termini
assembly that is constructed according to a quick connect
termination process that is less time-consuming and meets one or
current specifications which allows for intermatability and use
with many fiber optic connectors.
SUMMARY
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a fiber optic termini assembly including a
pre-terminated fiber optic termini, the pre-terminated fiber optic
termini having a termini body having a front portion and a rear
portion and a first fiber optic cable terminated within the termini
body and having an first optical fiber extending from a rear
portion. The assembly further includes a second fiber optic cable
have a second optical fiber, wherein the first optical fiber is
sliced to the second optical fiber at a splice junction, and one or
more sleeves positioned substantially around the splice junction
and coupling the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to a body of
the second optical cable.
[0008] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of
terminating a first fiber optic cable having a first optical fiber
at a fiber optic termini. The method includes providing a
pre-terminated fiber optic termini having a termini body having a
front portion and a rear portion and a first fiber optic cable
terminated within the termini body and having an first optical
fiber extending from a rear portion. A second fiber optic cable is
stripped to expose a second optical fiber and an end of the first
optical fiber is spliced to an end of the second optical fiber to
create a splice junction. The splice junction is protected using a
protection device that substantially encompasses the splice
junction and portions of the first and second optical fibers
therein.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, there is provided a fiber optic
termini termination kit including a pre-terminated fiber optic
termini having a termini body having a front portion and a rear
portion and a first fiber optic cable terminated within the termini
body and having an first optical fiber extending from a rear
portion. The kit further includes a splice sleeve configured to be
positioned substantially around a splice junction operably coupling
portions of the first optical fiber and a second optical fiber of a
second fiber optic cable, and a splice cover sleeve configured to
be positioned substantially around the splice sleeve and be
extended over a rear portion of the pre-terminated fiber optic
termini and be extended over a crimp member when affixed to the
second optical fiber.
[0010] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one
skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate prior art fiber optic termini (pin
and socket);
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a kit having several components for
constructing a fiber optic termini termination assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4L illustrate multiple process steps for
constructing the fiber optic termini termination assembly;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
crimp tail in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and end views, respectively,
of one embodiment of a crimp tube in accordance with the present
disclosure; and
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and end views, respectively,
of one embodiment of a fiber optic splice crimp and protection
device in accordance with the present disclosure;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] As described above, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate prior art fiber
optic termini 100, 200. As shown, these termini 100, 200 are
depicted as meeting MIL-PRF-29504/14 and /15. Though describe as
meeting these specifications, other prior art termini having
different structures, shapes and functionality may be utilized in
the fiber optic termini assembly according to the present
disclosure, as more fully described below
[0019] It will be understood that the term "termini" as used herein
refers to a terminus or single termination device.
[0020] Now turning to FIG. 3, there is illustrates various
components of a fiber optic termini assembly 300 in accordance with
the present disclosure. These components include a pre-terminated
termini (pin or socket) 302, a crimp tail 304, a splice cover tube
or sleeve 306, a first crimp sleeve 308, a protective crimp device
310, and a fiber optic cable (jacketed fiber) 312.
[0021] It will be understood that two or more of the components
illustrated in FIG. 3 may be included within a component kit (e.g,
a termini termination kit) that is provided to a consumer or other
party to enable manufacture or construction of the fiber optic
termini assembly 300. In one embodiment, the kit includes the
pre-terminated termini (pin or socket) 302, the crimp tail 304, the
splice cover tube or sleeve 306, the first crimp sleeve 308 and the
protective crimp device 310. Other configurations of the kit are
contemplated (e.g., any two, three, four or five of the
components), and multiples of components may be included therein,
also. Though not shown, the kit may include one or more tools or
other devices for use a method of making the fiber optic termini
assembly 300--as described in more detail below.
[0022] The pre-terminated termini 302 may be configured as a pin or
socket termini. The termini 302 is pre-terminated--it includes the
termini 100, 200 and a fiber optic (optical) cable 320 disposed
therein or coupled thereto. In other words, the optical cable 320
is installed or terminated in the termini 100, 200 such that the
termini 100, 200 and terminated fiber 320 form the pre-terminated
termini 302. When terminated, a polished fiber end 330 of the cable
320 extends through a ferrule 322 at a front portion 324 of the
termini 302 while another end 332 of the cable 320 extends outward
from the rear portion 332 of the termini 304. In the embodiment
shown, the end 332 of the cable 320 includes a stripped fiber end
334. The end 332 may be unprepared (e.g., not stripped).
[0023] Now referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a
cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the crimp (or splice)
tail 304 in accordance with the present disclosure. The crimp tail
304 functions to extend one end of the splice cover sleeve 306. The
crimp tail 304 includes a first end 500 and a second 502. The first
end 500 terminates or mates with an end of the fiber cable 312,
while the second end 502 will receive the splice cover sleeve 306.
The crimp tail 304 may be constructed of any suitable
material(s).
[0024] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective and end views, respectively,
of one embodiment of the splice cover tube or sleeve 306 in
accordance with the present disclosure. One end of the sleeve 306
is affixed/coupled to the body (rear portion) of the pre-terminated
termini 302 and the other end will be affixed/coupled to the crimp
tail 304. The sleeve 306 acts as an outer protective layer or
material for a fiber optic splice between two exposed fibers
(described below). The sleeve 306 may be constructed of any
suitable material(s).
[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and end views, respectively,
of one embodiment of the fiber optic splice crimp or protection
device 310 in accordance with the present disclosure. In one
embodiment, the protective crimp 310 has a U-shape or U-shaped
cross-section, however other shapes and cross-sections may be
utilized. The splice crimp 310 functions to crimp to the exposed
jacket of both sides of the fused fibers (fiber splice) of the
fiber cable 312 and fiber cable 320. This provides an inner
protective layer or material around the fused fiber junction, and
additionally, establishes a secure bond to both cable jackets
increasing axial strength between the fused fiber ends. In the
embodiment shown, the height H is greater than the width W, and in
a specific embodiment, H is about the same as W. The splice crimp
310 may be constructed of any suitable material(s).
[0026] No drawings of the crimp sleeve 308 are provided, as
standard OFCC crimp sleeves or similar devices may be used.
[0027] It will be understood that the size and configuration (and
materials) of the crimp tail 304, the splice cover sleeve 306 and
the splice protective device 310, in one embodiment, are chosen to
allow or enable the resulting fiber optic termini assembly 300 meet
certain desired specifications (e.g., compatible with MIL SPEC
29504/14 or /15 and MIL SPEC 28876, or otherwise interchangeable
with prior art socket/pin termini). The termini assembly 300 (and
its method of manufacture) results in a product similar to the
current MIL-PRF-29504/14 and /15 termini, with an extension in the
rear of the termini. This design enables all existing insert,
extraction, captivator guide bushing tools and crimp sleeve tools
to be utilized without need for the operator to change procedures.
Field polishing is not required to due the pre-polished status of
the termini ceramic ferrule in the pre-terminated termini 302.
[0028] Now turning to FIGS. 4A through 4L, these figures illustrate
multiple process steps for manufacturing (making, constructing) the
fiber optic termini termination assembly 300. Various states of
manufacture are shown. Thought the following description describes
a step-by-step process, not all steps are necessarily shown, and
not all shown steps are necessary, and are not necessarily required
to be performed in the same order shown.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 4A, the fiber cable 312 is provided
and the crimp sleeve 308 and splice cover sleeve 308 are slid and
placed over/around the fiber cable 312, as shown. As will be
appreciated, the end 340 is intended to be the fiber end that is
spliced with the fiber cable 320.
[0030] The fiber optic cables 312, 320 typically include an inner
optical fiber (surrounded by a buffer layer or member. An outer
sheath or cladding layer or member surrounds the buffer layer,
while an outer jacket layer or member protects the outer sheath or
cladding member. The composition and structure of the fiber optic
cables 312, 320 are known to those skilled in art, and may include
additional members or layers of material
[0031] With reference to FIG. 4B, a portion of the OFFC jacket 341
on the fiber cable 312 is stripped/removed to expose a buffer
material layer 342 (or other intermediate layer). In one example,
about 1.5 inches of the jacket 341 may be removed. With reference
to FIG. 4C, an outer portion 343 of the buffer material layer 342
is trimmed leaving a portion extending from the untrimmed cable
toward the end 340. This outer portion may be a cladding layer,
such as Kevlar. In one example, after removal, the remaining
portion of the exposed layer 343 is about 0.15 inches.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 4D, the crimp tail 304 is positioned
by sliding it onto the remaining buffer layer 342 of the fiber
cable 312 until it abuts the edge of the trimmed jacket 341, as
shown. This causes the trimmed layer 343 to be displaced and expand
outward from the fiber cable 312, as shown.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 4E, a portion of the remaining buffer
layer 342 is removed exposing optical fiber 344. This may be
accomplished using a precision stripper (such as a Schieunger Fiber
Optic 7010 automatic stripper) or regular hand tools (such as a
Miller stripper). After cleaning the fiber 344, the fiber 344 is
cut to the desired length (using a precision cleaver or similar
tool) and its end is ready for splicing to the exposed end of the
fiber cable 334 of the pre-terminated termini 302.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 4F, the pre-terminated termini 302
and the prepared optical cable 312 are inserted into a splicing
system (not shown), which may include a holding fixture, that
aligns the respective ends of the optical fibers 334, 344. In one
embodiment, the holding fixture is part of splice device (not
shown) that fuses or splices two optical fibers together. One
example splice device that may be utilized for splicing is a fusion
splice machine available from Diamond USA under the tradename
"Zeus." The holding fixture may be configured as a cradle and
rigidly secures the termini 302 and optical cable 312, thus
preventing movement. This may be done by captivating the both the
body of the termini 302 and the crimp tail 304 (attached to the
optical cable 312).
[0035] After the components are secured and the fiber ends aligned,
the fibers are spliced or fused together. The splicing device may
include pre-sets for both multi- and single mode fibers, and
multiple fusion conditions (temperature and duration of arc) for
various types of fiber optic cables. Prior to splice/fusion, the
operator adjusts positioning of the optical cable 312 to align and
contact the fiber end 344 with the fiber end 334 terminated to the
pre-terminated termini 302. A screen visually indicates when the
two fiber ends are in proper alignment and contact. Then, the fiber
ends are fuses/spliced. Visual and audible indications may be
provided to the operator showing the actual splice. Upon successful
visual analysis of the splice 345, the splice system remains in
place for the next step.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 4G and 4H, after splicing and while
both the termini 302 and cable 312 are secured in the splice
system, the splice crimp 310 is positioned over the splice area (or
joint), including over a portion of the buffer layer 342 and a
portion of the buffer layer 342a, as shown in FIG. 4G. During this
process, a stabilizing hatch system (with a window and door) swings
over the splice crimp 310 and a crimp tool is inserted into a
window at the top of the door. The hatch system stabilizes the
crimp tool once after insertion over the splice crimp 310 to ensure
the crimp tool does not accidentally contact or damage the splice.
Other methods may be used to secure the splice crimp 310 around the
splice 345 and the exposed fibers 334, 344.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 4I and 4J, after the splice sleeve
310 is secured, the crimp sleeve 308 is positioned over the splice
sleeve 310, a portion (rear portion) of the pre-terminated termini
302 and the second end 502 of the crimp tail 304, as shown in FIG.
4I. One end of the splice cover sleeve 306 is crimped to secure it
to the pre-terminated termini 302 (see crimped portion 350a). The
other end of the splice cover sleeve 306 is crimped to secure it to
the crimp tail 304 (see crimped portion 350b). In one embodiment, a
standard hex crimp tool is used. Other methods of attachment or
fastening might be used.
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4K and 4L, after the splice cover
sleeve 306 is secured, the first crimp sleeve 308 is positioned
over portion of the trimmed layer 343, a portion of the jacket 341
on the fiber cable 312 (rear portion) and a portion of the crimp
tail 304, as shown in FIG. 4K. The crimp sleeve is 308 is crimped
at one or more locations (see crimped portions 352a, 352b, 352c) to
secure the crimp sleeve 308, as shown in FIG. 4L. In one
embodiment, a standard crimp tool is used. Other methods of
attachment or fastening might be used.
[0039] Though the embodiments are described herein with respect to
a fiber optic termini device and related suitable applications,
another embodiment contemplates that the concepts and teachings of
the present invention may be utilized in other terminals or
termini, and thus not limited to fiber optic termini.
[0040] In other embodiments (not shown), the fiber optic termini
assembly 300 is incorporated in a single or multi-channel fiber
optic connector. Such connectors are well-known in the art.
[0041] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain
words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms
"include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean
inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning
and/or. The phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith,"
as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included
within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to
or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of, or the like.
[0042] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and
generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these
embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does
not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes,
substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing
from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *