Mark J Mccann

US Patent:

6669128, Dec 30, 2003

Filed:

Jul 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/900712

Inventors:

Jon H. Appleby - Boston MA
Mark J. McCann - Plaistow NH
Andre Sharon - Newton Centre MA
Bretton E. Anderson - Atkinson NH

Assignee:

Ksaria Corporation - Wilmington MA

International Classification:

B21C 4724

US Classification:

2423622, 242363, 2424757, 2426133

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for automatically processing an optical fiber to create a fiber coil. In one embodiment, the fiber is wound about a continuously curved winding surface. In another embodiment, the winding surface ensures that a minimum bending radius of the optical fiber is not violated. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a rotating winding surface including a gripper spaced from the winding surface and rotatable therewith. In another embodiment, the coil is transferred to a transport medium comprising an engagement feature that engages the coil. In another embodiment, the coil is stripped from the winding surface and inserted in the transport medium without gripping the fiber. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a mandrel and stripped by moving the coil relative to the mandrel axis. In other embodiments, the coil is stripped by applying equal stripping force to the coil about an entire circumference of the winding surface, and/or by contacting the coil with a stripper that has a contour that matches a contour of the winding surface.