APPARATUS FOR COLORING AND CURING AN OPTICAL FIBER AND NITROGEN INJECTION ASSEMBLY FOR USE THEREIN

摘要

A nitrogen injection assembly for use in coloring and curing optical fibers is disclosed. The nitrogen injection assembly includes a cover section and a distribution seal. An optical fiber coated with ink passes from a coating die to a curing chamber via a passageway defined by the cover section and the distribution seal. The distribution seal injects nitrogen into the passageway to keep the coated fiber and the curing chamber substantially free of oxygen. With the distribution seal positioned closer to the curing chamber than the cover section, the apparatus minimizes the risk of leaks in the passageway and the number of required seals.