Patent ID: 6707980
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A variable attenuation member for varying the attenuation within an optical fiber transmission line, said attenuation member comprising:an outer housing having a first end and a second end; an optical fiber connector member at each end of said housing; an inner housing having a stationary portion affixed to said outer housing and a rotatable portion rotatable with respect to said stationary portion; a first rotary splice housing contained within said stationary portion and being fixed in rotary position with respect thereto said first rotary splice member having a first ferrule projecting from one end thereof, said first ferrule having a bore therein containing the fixed end of a first optical fiber; said second rotary splice member having a second ferrule projecting from one end thereof, said second ferrule having a bore therein containing the fixed end of a second optical fiber; said first and second ferrules having abutting end faces wherein said bores are axially aligned with each other and said fibers are in engagement, and the diameter of said bores being sufficiently greater than the diameter of the fibers contained therein to produce a variation in the fiber end engagement upon rotation of said rotatable portion of said inner housing.