Corning Incorporated

Manivannan Ravichandran

Johnnie Edward Watson

Kenneth William Roberts

Chester Hann Chang

Lindwood A Bird

An apparatus for proof testing an optical waveguide fiber includes a first capstan defining a first outer diameter and a continuous first capstan belt under tension and in contact with the first outer diameter of the first capstan. The contact between the first capstan belt and the first capstan defining a first arc of contact, and the first capstan belt defining a first width, a first thickness and a first length. The apparatus further includes a second capstan defining a second outer diameter and a continuous second capstan belt under tension and in contact with the outer diameter of the second capstan. The contact between the second capstan belt and the second capstan defining a second arc of contact, second capstan belt defining a second width, second thickness and a second belt length. The first arc of contact being equal to or greater than about 105&deg; and the second arc of contact being at least 20&deg; greater than the first arc of contact.

Proof testing capstans for reducing shear and fiber coating deformation

The invention relates to a method of winding optical fiber onto a spool. The method includes varying a target, tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percentage change in lateral load is greater than about &minus;3.4% for each change of about 0.25&Prime; in pack radius. The method also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius includes an amount greater than about &minus;18.0 N/m . Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1% or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.

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Wilmington, NC, United States of America

Manivannan Ravichandran