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US006703588B2
(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,703,588 B2
Deveau et al. (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 9,2004
(54) COMPACT, THERMALLY STABILIZED HOUSING FOR PLANAR LIGHTGUIDE CIRCUITS
(75) Inventors: George F. Deveau, Cumming, GA
(US); Francis A. Rotoloni, Duluth, GA
(US)
(73) Assignee: Wavesplitter Technologies, Inc.,
Fremont, CA (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/159,522
(22) Filed: May 31, 2002
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2003/0222070 Al Dec. 4, 2003
Int. C I. F27D 11/00
U.S. CI 219/385; 219/521; 219/209;
219/535; 219/536; 219/543; 219/548
Field of Search 219/385, 386,
219/520, 521, 524, 530, 531, 209, 210,
535, 536, 543, 548; 385/12, 14, 49
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
A housing is provided for maintaining a planar lightguide circuit at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range independent ol ambient temperature. The housing includes a planar heating arrangement supporting and in thermal contact with the planar lightguide circuit. Also included is a frame assembly having a first surface on which the planar heating arrangement is fixed. The frame assembly has at least one opening through which extends at least one optical fiber coupled to the planar lightguide circuit. An overmold, which is molded around the frame assembly, includes at least one strain re lie! member through which the optical fiber extends.
33 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
