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:
Dec. 31, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 17, 2000
Charles Joseph Aloisio, Jr., Atlanta, GA (US);
Robert William Filas, Bridgewater, NJ (US);
Wilton Wayt King, Chamblee, GA (US);
William Roger Lambert, Chester, NJ (US);
Claire H. Plagianis, Roswell, GA (US);
George John Shevchuk, Old Bridge, NJ (US);
Fitel USA Corp., Norcross, GA (US);
Abstract
An optical fiber connection device is disclosed that allows for in situ variable attenuation of a signal transmitted between two optical fibers. The connection device comprises an attenuator element fabricated with an inherently compliant, elastomeric material, preferably a silicone elastomer. The elastomeric properties of the attenuator element allow for varying the thickness of the attenuator element and thereby changing the level of attenuation in situ. Silicone elastomers are preferred for fabricating the attenuator element as applicants have discovered they may be index-matched to optical transmission fibers, have a high creep modulus, exhibit relatively constant mechanical properties over a broad range of temperatures, and are reliable upon exposure to varied environmental conditions.