| 摘要 |
An optical fiber splice formed by fusing the ends of two glass fibers in end-to-end alignment, is reinforced by using one or more splints (25), alongside the fusion position (15). The plastic coating (13) of each fiber (12) is removed prior to fusion and the splint, which can be of different forms, may overlap the coatings (13) of the fibers, or be positioned between the ends of the coatings (13), not overlapping. Splints in the form of rods (25), conveniently formed by uncoated lengths of glass fiber (15), the same as is fused, form efficient and flexible reinforcement. More than one splint may be used, and splints overlapping the coating (13) and splints extending between the ends of the coating (13) may be used in unison. The splint or splints (25), fused fibers (12) and coatings (13) are interconnected by a synthetic resin (21), preferably by encasing in the resin, as by molding. |
