Patent ID: 6836609
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical fiber device comprising:a housing having a wall, wherein said housing is vacuum drawn and pressurized with a gas to prevent moisture from entering said housing; an optical fiber holding tube extending through said wall and having a first end and a second end, said first end of said optical fiber holding tube contained in said housing and said second end of said optical fiber holding tube located outside of said housing; a plurality of optical fibers extending from said first end of said optical fiber holding tube to said second end of said optical fiber holding tube without interruption; and a gas blocking device attached to said first end of said optical fiber holding tube, wherein said gas blocking device comprises: a fiber containing body having a passageway, said passageway including a wide portion and a narrow portion, wherein said optical fibers extend through said passageway in said fiber containing body of said gas blocking device; and a sealing material contained in said passageway and hardened around said optical fibers within said passageway such that said gas blocking device creates a seal substantially preventing gas from passing through said optical fiber holding tube, and wherein said plurality of optical fibers act as strength members that reinforce said sealing material within at least said narrow portion of said passageway.