Patent ID: 8003933
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for detecting an optical signal in a non-terminal section of an optical fiber, comprising: a fiber bending device for bending the optical fiber such that a portion of the optical signal is scattered out of the fiber; a detector for receiving at least a portion of the scattered light from the fiber; a cover for at least partially surrounding the detector and the fiber bending device, the cover being for blocking ambient light from being received by the detector, the cover including a substantially planar first side having a first pair of facing rectilinear edges defining a first cover opening through the first side, the first cover opening having an open end at terminal ends of the first pair of facing rectilinear edges for receiving the optical fiber, the cover further including a substantially planar second side having a second pair of facing rectilinear edges defining a second cover opening through the second side, the second cover opening having an open end at terminal ends of the second pair of facing rectilinear edges for receiving the optical fiber, the cover having a U-shaped section between the first and second sides; and at least first and second cover opening shields mounted to the cover and adjacent the cover openings, the cover opening shields comprising brush bristles arranged in an elongated strip, the elongated strip being parallel to the rectilinear edges defining the cover openings, the brush bristles extending into the openings to block light, the brush bristles being conformable to an optical fiber placed in the openings.