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. 17, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2006
Erling R. Anderson, Wilmington, NC (US);
Richard E. Blazek, Wilmington, NC (US);
William J. Kish, Wilmington, NC (US);
Erling R. Anderson, Wilmington, NC (US);
Richard E. Blazek, Wilmington, NC (US);
William J. Kish, Wilmington, NC (US);
Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY (US);
Abstract
A system and methods for automating the testing of optical fiber are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an automated conveyor system moves spools of optical fiber contained on pallets from testing station to testing station. According to another aspect of the present invention, a single spool is carried by a specially designed pallet. According to another aspect of present invention, an apparatus automatically strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends once the spool reaches the apparatus. The fiber ends are then automatically manipulated into the appropriate location for a predetermined test to be performed. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus automatically acquires a sample length of the optical fiber and strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends of the sample. The sample length of the optical fiber is then manipulated into the appropriate location for a second predetermined test to be performed.