Method and apparatus for forming ultra-small optical fiber cable assemblies
First Claim
1. An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable for use in communication applications, said apparatus comprising:
- means for forming an assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated in a metallic tube having an ultra-small diameter, said assembly forming means comprising means for forming said tube from a strip of metal or metal alloy in a desired condition;
said tube being characterized by a longitudinally extending seam;
means for sealing said seam to provide a hermetic tubular structure; and
means for applying a tensile force to said metal or metal alloy strip to pull said metal or metal alloy strip through said tube forming means, said tensile force applying means being positioned between said tube forming means and said sealing means so as to apply said tensile force to said metal or metal alloy before deration of the condition of said metal or metal alloy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process and apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable core assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated with an ultra-small diameter metallic tube are described. The optical fiber cable core assembly is formed by passing a metal or metal alloy strip through at least one die to form the ultra-small diameter tube, inserting at least one optical fiber or fibers into the tube during the tube formation operation and passing the assembly through a sealing station to seal the tube and provide a hermetic core assembly. To reduce the likelihood of breaking the tube and damaging the optical fiber or fibers therein, the deformation energy for forming the strip into the tube is provided by wrapping the assembly about a tensioning device positioned between the tube forming station and the tube sealing station.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable for use in communication applications, said apparatus comprising:
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means for forming an assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated in a metallic tube having an ultra-small diameter, said assembly forming means comprising means for forming said tube from a strip of metal or metal alloy in a desired condition; said tube being characterized by a longitudinally extending seam; means for sealing said seam to provide a hermetic tubular structure; and means for applying a tensile force to said metal or metal alloy strip to pull said metal or metal alloy strip through said tube forming means, said tensile force applying means being positioned between said tube forming means and said sealing means so as to apply said tensile force to said metal or metal alloy before deration of the condition of said metal or metal alloy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A process for forming an optical fiber communication cable, said process comprising:
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forming an assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated within a metallic tube, said tube having a generally longitudinally extending seam; said assembly forming step including forming said metallic tube form a strip of metal or metal alloy in a desired condition; sealing said seam to provide a hermetic tubular assembly; said sealing step derating said condition of said metal or metal alloy; and wrapping said assembly about a tensioning device to apply the energy needed to form said metal or metal alloy strip into said tube prior to said condition of said metal or metal alloy being derated during said sealing step. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification