Donald N Grasso DeceasedFranklin, TN

7555188, Jun 30, 2009

Aug 5, 2005

11/198363

Robert G. Wiley - Frankfort KY, US
Donald Grasso - Franklin TN, US
Steven A. Valle - Nashville TN, US
Sam Aderogba - Brentwood TN, US
Jared Meitzler - Spring Hill TN, US
Clyde Troutman - Spring Hill TN, US
Christopher Williams - Smurna TN, US

3SAE Technologies, Inc. - Franklin TN

G02B 6/25

385134, 385 95

A method and apparatus for processing an optical fiber includes generating a continuous or pulsed arc in a first area wherein the arc creates a plasma in one or more gasses in the first area. The method further includes positioning a portion of the fiber in a second area adjacent to and outside of the plasma region, wherein coating material that is present on the optical fiber portion is removed when the plasma is present. Alternatively, in the case of a pulsed arc, the optical fiber portion may be positioned at least partially within the plasma region. The positioning step may be performed prior to or subsequent to the arc generating step. The method and apparatus may be utilized in a system that also strips and cleaves optical fibers. Also, a method for reducing the gap resistance between two electrodes by injecting negative ions into the area between the electrodes.

2006026, Nov 23, 2006

May 18, 2006

11/436335

Robert Wiley - Frankfurt KY, US
Donald Grasso - Franklin TN, US
Steven Valle - Nashville TN, US
Roberto Rivera - Fanklin TN, US
Jared Meitzler - Spring Hill TN, US
Clyde Troutman - Spring Hill TN, US

3SAE Technologies, Inc. - Franklin TN

G02B 6/255

385096000

An apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibers includes an airtight enclosure, a vacuum pump for evacuating the enclosure, first and second electrodes positioned within the enclosure, and a power source separate from an external to the enclosure for applying a voltage to the first electrode for generating an arc between the electrodes that is used to splice the first and second optical fiber portions together. Also, a method of fusion splicing optical fibers includes receiving first and second fiber portions within an airtight enclosure, evacuating the airtight enclosure, and applying a voltage to a first electrode within the enclosure from a source located separate from and external to the enclosure to cause the generation of an arc between the first electrode and a second electrode within the enclosure that is used to splice the first and second optical fiber portions together.