Ernest J Rich

US Patent:

6674947, Jan 6, 2004

Filed:

Feb 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/792423

Inventors:

Irfan Camlibel - Bedminster NJ
Jonathan Sherman - Caldwell ID
Theodore C. Rich - Basking Ridge NJ
Ernest J. Rich - Princeton NJ

Assignee:

Fiberguide Industries, Inc. - Stirling NJ

International Classification:

G02B 604

US Classification:

385115, 385120, 385 85

Abstract:

A system of making high density optical fiber arrays that includes securing the optical fiber ends in the housing front mask openings, then lapping the fiber ends and front mask forward surface to angle the fiber end front surfaces so that reflected wave energy does not interfere with optical signal data when transmitted during use. The opening pattern is preferably 2Ã2 to 128Ã128 or higher. Several alternate lap tool designs are disclosed including translational and rotating laps formed from solid bodies or a series of stacked plates. Standard slurry grinding and polishing compounds can be applied as desired. If a layer of epoxy originally covers the mask front face, it is removed by the lap tool as the fiber ends are lapped.

US Patent:

59076500, May 25, 1999

Filed:

Jun 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/883066

Inventors:

Jonathan Sherman - Caldwell ID
Irfan Camlibel - Oxford NJ
Ernest J. Rich - Princeton Junction NJ
Theodore C. Rich - Berkeley Heights NJ

Assignee:

Fiberguide Industries, Inc. - Stirling NJ

International Classification:

G02B 636

US Classification:

385 80

Abstract:

An optical fiber array connector in which the tolerance of the diameter of the mask openings are not factors in the overall positioning of the plurality of fibers. The array includes a mask element with rear and forward surfaces and a plurality of openings that communicate through these surfaces. A plurality of optical fibers include fiber ends having substantially truncated conical side surfaces that extend through the openings and engage the portions of the mask openings nearest the mask rear surface. A method includes preparing the fibers to form a conical surface at their distal ends, preparing the openings in the primary mask each with a diameter less than the diameter of the fiber cladding or second layer, inserting the conical fiber ends until the conical surfaces engage the mask opening walls, applying bonding material to the mask forward surface and exposed tips, grinding and polishing the exposed tips and bonding material surface to truncate the cones and expose the fiber core diameters.