Nolan S Cunningham

US Patent:

6754416, Jun 22, 2004

Filed:

Apr 27, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/844827

Inventors:

David C. Mitchell - Laurel MD
Nolan Scott Cunningham - Frederick MD
Thomas R. Boyer - Gambrills MD

Assignee:

Ciena Corporation - Linthicum MD

International Classification:

G02B 634

US Classification:

385 37, 385134, 385136, 385123

Abstract:

A method for tensioning and positioning a fiber optic cable includes providing and securing a first portion of the fiber optic cable in a first support with a first clamp. A second portion of the fiber optic cable is then provided in a second support, and secured thereto with a second clamp. A cam contacting the second support is then rotated, thereby rotating the second support due to its weight and the weight of the second clamp. The rotation of the second support creates a gravity-assisted moment arm that uniformly and repeatably tensions and positions the fiber optic cable. After the fiber optic cable is uniformly tensioned and positioned, a refractive-index grating may be etched in the glass optical fiber portion of the cable. Once the grating is etched, the cable may be removed by reversing the method.

US Patent:

6584269, Jun 24, 2003

Filed:

Nov 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/844825

Inventors:

David C. Mitchell - Laurel MD
Nolan Scott Cunningham - Frederick MD
Thomas R. Boyer - Gambrills MD

Assignee:

Ciena Corporation - Linthicum MD

International Classification:

G02B 644

US Classification:

385136, 242920, 385 37

Abstract:

A fiber optic cable tensioning and positioning apparatus includes a base, and a vertical support wall integrally connected to the base. A first support connects to a portion of the vertical support wall and supports a first portion of the fiber optic cable. A first clamp attaches to the first support for securing the first portion of the fiber optic cable to the first support. A second support connects to another portion of the vertical support wall and supports a second portion of the fiber optic cable. The second support is pivotally connected to the vertical support wall. A second clamp attaches to the second support for securing the second portion of the fiber optic cable to the second support. A knob also pivotally connects to the vertical support wall, and is connected to a cam. The cam contacts the second support, wherein the second support rotates due to its weight and the weight of the second clamp when the cam is in a predetermined position, thereby uniformly tensioning and positioning the fiber optic cable.