AFL has been awarded four new patents over the past quarter for technology and product developments in optical connectivity and apparatus (OCA) and fusion splicing technologies.
AFL's OCA division received two patents. The first patent was for a network interface device with two different base configurations that accepts several different types of connectors and allows eight splices. The second patent was for the IDEAA Mini Interior Distribution Cabinet (Mini IDC). The Mini IDC provides a compact modular approach to centralized fiber distribution in small MDUs.
AFL's fusion splicing division also received two patents. The first patent was for a method to utilize specialty splicers to manufacture different types of fiber lens structures. The lenses are used in many applications including medical, diode laser and detector coupling - generally any time light needs to be coupled to or from a fiber. The second patent was for a method and apparatus for performing interrelation profile analysis (IPA). The method rotates an optical fiber that has an internal structure such as PM fiber. Images are taken as the fiber rotates, and the images will have unique events that are typically 90° or 180° apart. By finding these unique images, it is possible to align the fibers using a profile view of the fiber to a high level of accuracy.