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:
Sep. 25, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 24, 1999
Frederick J. Gillham, Westborough, MA (US);
Thomas R. Ouellette, Milford, MA (US);
David W. Stowe, Milford, MA (US);
Thomas & Betts International, Inc., Sparks, NV (US);
Abstract
A fiber optic device for changing direction along a fiber optic path is provided using an asymmetrical miniature bend. The fiber optic device with the miniature bend is particularly suitable for components in which one of the fiber portions lies close to a surface, such as a single sided splitter. A method of forming such an asymmetrical miniature bend in optical fibers is also provided. In one embodiment to form the asymmetrical bend, entering and exiting fiber portions are offset along parallel axes prior to bending an intermediate portion. In another embodiment, the intermediate portion is heated at a location that is offset from a bending axis.