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Swivelling optical connector for joining optical fiber to components and sensor including such connector

  • US 5,095,517 A
  • Filed: 02/19/1991
  • Issued: 03/10/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/20/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A swivel connector for joining an optical fiber to an optical component having a body and for permitting orientation of the axis of the optical fiber, said connector comprising:

  • a movable element having an external surface at least part of which is defined by a sphere, said element having an opening with an axis co-incident with the center of said sphere;

    a tubular element having a bore for receiving an optical fiber, said tubular element being connected to said movable element for movement with said movable element and with the axis of said bore passing through said center of said sphere;

    a tubular housing receiving said movable element and adapted to be secured to the body of the optical component, said housing having an interior surface which engages said external surface of said movable element at least along a line peripherally of said axis of said opening in said movable element;

    releasable tightening means acting between said tubular housing and said movable element for pressing said external surface of said movable element against said interior surface of said housing and thereby frictionally preventing relative movement between said external surface and said interior surface; and

    a lens mounted on said tubular element in alignment with said bore of said tubular element for receiving light from an optical fiber within said bore whereby said lens moves with said tubular element and movement of said movable element.

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