Compact Optical Time Domain Reflectometer with Integrated Time Delay Fiber Waveguide

Abstract

A compact optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) containing a small-scale OTDR, power source, and wireless communications electronics encompassed within the confines of a spool containing a time delay fiber optic waveguide coiled about the face of the spool. Data obtained by the OTDR is transmitted by wire or wirelessly to a computer or portable wireless device for graphical plotting of said data and evaluation by the user. The integration of the time delay waveguide eliminates the need for a separate time delay waveguide and provides a more compact testing solution. The Compact OTDR with Integrated Time Delay is used to test the integrity of an optical fiber waveguide.

Claims

1. The OTDR 29, power supply 19, battery charger and protection circuitry 20, and battery 12, are all completely encompassed within the confines of the spooled time delay optical fiber waveguide 15.

2. The spooled time delay optical fiber waveguide 15 is a continuous span of optical fiber with no mechanical or optical interfaces between the optical connector 14 and the OTDR 29.

3. The protective optical fiber waveguide cover 16 contains an optical fiber waveguide security cavity 30 that is a single, monolithic part.

4. The OTDR 29 and spooled fiber time delay optical fiber waveguide 15 is a single, inseparable apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a view of an OTDR with time delay optical fiber waveguide wireless communication with external computer and wireless mobile device connected to an optical network under test.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an isometric top view of the OTDR with time delay optical fiber waveguide in clamshell-style protective case.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an isometric bottom view of the OTDR with time delay optical fiber waveguide in clamshell-style protective case.

[0023] FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view showing the battery, power supply, and battery charger with the clamshell-style protective case removed.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a bottom view with the battery and clamshell-style protective case removed.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a view of the optical fiber waveguide entrance and exit points with spooled waveguide hidden.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view of optical fiber waveguide security cavity and protective cover exposing the spooled time delay fiber waveguide.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a bottom view with protective optical fiber waveguide cover and battery hidden.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the optical fiber waveguide entrance and exit points with spooled optical fiber waveguide shown.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing optical fiber waveguide exiting OTDR through exit slot for the time delay fiber waveguide.

LIST OF DRAWING ANNOTATIONS

[0030] 1. OTDR with Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide in Clamshell Enclosure [0031] 2. Jacketed Optical Cable [0032] 3. External Optical Network [0033] 4. Wireless Radio Signal [0034] 5. Computer [0035] 6. Mobile Wireless Device [0036] 7. OTDR with Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide Assembly [0037] 8. Clamshell-Style Protective Case (top) [0038] 9. Clamshell-Style Protective Case (bottom) [0039] 10. Power Switch [0040] 11. Power & Communications Port [0041] 12. Battery [0042] 13. Indicator Lights [0043] 14. Optical Connector [0044] 15. Spooled Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide [0045] 16. Protective Optical Fiber Waveguide Cover [0046] 17. Heat Exhaust Vent [0047] 18. Securing Fasteners [0048] 19. Power Supply [0049] 20. Battery Charger and Protection Circuitry [0050] 21. Communications Radio [0051] 22. Near End of Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide [0052] 23. Entry Point for Near End of Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide [0053] 24. Exit Slot for Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide [0054] 25. Optical Coupler Assembly [0055] 26. Laser 1 [0056] 27. Laser 2 [0057] 28. Avalanche Photo Diode [0058] 29. Optical Time Domain Reflectometer [0059] 30. Optical Fiber Waveguide Security Cavity [0060] 31. Transition Point for Far End of Time Delay Optical Fiber Waveguide [0061] 32. Aramid Yarn