The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 04, 2000
Filed:
Jul. 08, 1998
Kimihiro Kikuchi, Miyagi-ken, JP;
Yoshihiro Someno, Miyagi-ken, JP;
Atsunori Hattori, Miyagi-ken, JP;
Shoichi Kyoya, Miyagi-ken, JP;
Alps Electric Co., Ltd., , JP;
Abstract
An optical coupler including optical fibers having gaps between first coverings and second coverings corresponding thereto. Each cladding of the two optical fibers is formed into a proper shape, with a taper of a proper thickness. The two optical fibers are then joined together, forming a joined portion which engages an engaging groove in a pair of blocks and the pair of blocks are affixed together by welding. Thereafter, the second coverings are affixed to cutouts in a retainer member. Lastly, the retainer, fitted to the blocks, is affixed thereto. Such an optical coupler is highly practical, does not allow deterioration of light dividing properties caused by changes in the length of the cladding joined portion as a result of an external stress, and prevents breakage of the joined portion.