Patent ID: 6101703
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61B,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of uniting a number of optical fibers comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a tubular member of a shape memory alloy with a reception space, wherein the tubular member has a bent axis in its memorized shape;(b) processing the tubular member in such a manner that the cross-sectional area of said reception space is larger than the cross-sectional area in the memorized shape of said tubular member and that said axis of the tubular member contains a gentler bend compared with the bend of the bent axis in the memorized shape;(c) applying an adhesive to portions of a number of optical fibers over a predetermined length;(d) inserting said portions of said optical fibers into said processed tubular member after steps (b) and (c);(e) subsequently heating said tubular member to return the tubular member to the bend of the axis in memorized shape and to reduce the cross-sectional area of said reception space, thereby uniting said optical fibers received in said tubular member, a cross-sectional shape of said united optical fibers being determined by said memorized shape of said tubular member; and(f) curing said adhesive by said heating.