Appeal No. 1999-2435 2
Application No. 08/872,876
THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a process for fabricating an optical fiber. One aspect of
the claimed process requires supplying a flow of gas through an inlet such that a condition
of reduced pressure is generated in response to the flow of gas within a predetermined
region of an adjoiner as compared to an external pressure of said adjoiner. Additional
limitations are described in the following illustrative claim.
THE CLAIM
Claim 1 is illustrative of appellants’ invention and is reproduced below:
1. A process for fabricating an optical fiber, comprising steps of:
assembling an adjoiner, a primary optical fiber preform having a first primary
axis and an outer surface and an overcladding tube having a second primary axis and
an inner surface defining an interior space, together as a secondary preform
assembly;
holding said primary optical fiber preform in a centrally inserted position
within said interior space with said first and second primary axes in substantial
alignment with each other;
supplying a flow of gas through an inlet;
generating a condition of reduced pressure within a predetermined region of
said adjoiner as compared to an external pressure of said adjoiner, in response to
said flow of gas, wherein said predetermined region includes a gap formed between
said inner surface of said overcladding tube and said outer surface of said primary
optical fiber preform;
heating, by a furnace, a portion of said primary optical fiber preform and a
portion of said overcladding tube to a softened state wherein an optical fiber can be
drawn therefrom; and
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