Translational movement of fluid bearings during the optical fiber drawing process.

Abstract

The method for manufacturing an optical fiber includes drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path, and further includes, during the drawing step, moving a first fluid bearing from a first position to a second position, where the first position is positioned off the drawing path and the second position is positioned within the drawing path, such that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first segment of the drawing path.

Description

Priority

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Dutch Patent Application No. 2026551, filed September 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 075983, filed September 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to translating a fluid bearing during an optical fiber drawing process, and more particularly to a system and method for translating a fluid bearing to extend a fiber draw path during an optical fiber drawing process. [Background technology]

[0003] Traditionally, optical fiber has been drawn from an optical fiber preform along a vertical, linear path. That is, the preform is placed at an upper position, and the optical fiber is drawn downward from there. However, this vertical, linear path makes it difficult to add or change the drawing process without increasing the overall height of the system. Additionally, there are cases where the drawing tower for the optical fiber drawing path already reaches or is near the ceiling of the building where it is installed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, adding components to a linear wire path (e.g., making improvements to the system) would require additional construction to increase the height of the building facilities, which could be very costly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] By not having a completely vertical fiber draw process, the cost of making changes or upgrades to the system is significantly reduced. For example, by having a portion of the draw path run horizontally, system modifications, such as adding components, can be made easily and cost-effectively. This horizontal draw path allows new components to be added to the system without requiring construction work to raise the building where the system is installed.

[0006] Additionally, having at least a portion of the draw path extend horizontally also has the advantage of allowing the optical fiber more time to cool before applying a polymer coating to the optical fiber. Therefore, using such a draw path can eliminate or reduce the need for expensive cooling mechanisms on the draw path. The draw path disclosed herein provides a more efficient process path that allows for the use of less costly polymer coatings, faster coating speeds, and improved fiber cooling performance.

[0007] The embodiments disclosed herein provide optical fiber draw systems and processes that allow for both vertical and non-vertical draw paths. Additionally, the draw path according to embodiments of the present disclosure can also increase the adaptability of the system by allowing the path direction to change during the draw process.

[0008] In a first aspect, a method for manufacturing an optical fiber is disclosed. The method includes drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path. During the drawing step, a first fluid bearing is moved from a first position to a second position. The first position is positioned out of the drawing path and the second position is positioned within the drawing path, so that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first segment of the drawing path.

[0009] In a second aspect, an optical fiber manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a drawing mechanism configured to draw a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path. The apparatus also includes a first fluid bearing configured to move from a first position to a second position during the drawing of the optical fiber. The first position is a position offset from the drawing path, and the second position is located within the drawing path, such that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first segment of the drawing path.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the processes and systems described herein are set forth in the detailed description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate by way of example various embodiments described herein and, together with the following detailed description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structures. [Figure 1A]1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4C] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4D] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded view of a fluid dynamic bearing for use in an optical fiber manufacturing system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 7] 7 is a partial side view of a hydrodynamic bearing shown in FIG. 6 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 8]FIG. 7 is another partial side view of the hydrodynamic bearing shown in FIG. 6 with guide slots installed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in the following detailed description and will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure as set forth in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the claims and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configurations and other components of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular materials, and other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials unless otherwise stated herein.

[0015] It is also important to note that the configuration and arrangement of elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. While only a limited number of embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will immediately recognize upon reviewing this disclosure that numerous modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as changes in parameter values, mounting arrangements, materials used, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without materially departing from the novel and unobvious teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed elements can be comprised of multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces can be integrally formed. Furthermore, interface operation can be reversed or otherwise modified, and the structure of the system and / or the length or width of elements, such as members or connections, can be modified, as can the nature and number of adjustment points between elements. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the present system can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability, in a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, variations, modifications, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of other desired exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0017] 1A and 1B, there is shown a schematic diagram of an optical fiber manufacturing system 100 configured to manufacture optical fiber. The optical fiber manufacturing system 100 includes a draw furnace 110, a fiber cooling mechanism 115, one or more fluid bearings 120, a fiber coating unit 130, and a fiber collection unit 140. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a draw path 102 is the path along which the optical fiber 10 travels during manufacturing, extending from the draw furnace 110 to the fiber collection unit 140. As described in more detail below, the draw path 102 includes one or more draw path segments.

[0018] 1A and 1B, an optical fiber preform 12 is placed in a drawing furnace 110, from which an optical fiber 10 is drawn. The optical fiber 10 is a bare optical fiber before reaching the fiber coating unit 130. The optical fiber preform 12 can be made of any material, such as glass, suitable for manufacturing optical fiber.

[0019] The optical fiber 10 is cooled as it passes through the fiber cooling mechanism 115. The fiber cooling mechanism 115 can be any mechanism known in the art for cooling an optical fiber. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 can be filled with a gas that can facilitate cooling the optical fiber 10 at a rate faster or slower than cooling the optical fiber 10 in ambient air. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 is an annealing device. In some embodiments, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 utilizes air or helium jet cooling tubes to cool the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, configurations are contemplated in which the system 100 does not include the fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0020] The fiber coating unit 130 can apply one or more coating layers to the optical fiber 10. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the fiber coating unit 130 can include a primary coating unit 134 and a secondary coating unit 136. The primary coating unit 134 can apply a primary coating to the optical fiber 10, and the secondary coating unit 136 can apply a secondary coating to the optical fiber 10. The primary coating unit 134 and / or the secondary coating unit 136 can apply a polymer-based protective coating, such as an acrylate coating, to the optical fiber 10.

[0021] Fluid bearings 120 may be used to guide and transport optical fiber 10 along draw path 102 as it is being drawn. As described in more detail below, fluid bearings 120 guide and transport optical fiber 10 through system 100 such that optical fiber 10 does not come into mechanical contact with any surface until optical fiber coating unit 130 has applied a coating layer to optical fiber 10 (thereby forming coated optical fiber 15). As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in a first embodiment, system 100 includes three fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123. However, it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of fluid bearings may be used.

[0022] Fluid bearing 120 may be positioned along draw path 102 between draw furnace 110 and fiber coating unit 130. Note that although Figures 1A and 1B show fluid bearing 120 positioned downstream of fiber cooling mechanism 115, it is contemplated that one or more fluid bearings 120 may be positioned upstream of fiber cooling mechanism 115 along draw path 102.

[0023] In operation, optical fiber 10 drawn from optical fiber preform 12 exits draw furnace 110 and travels along draw path 102 until it reaches fiber cooling mechanism 115 where it is cooled and then coated in fiber coating unit 130. Before reaching fiber coating unit 130, optical fiber 10 is bare. After being coated in fiber coating unit 130 to become coated optical fiber 15, optical fiber 10 undergoes various other processing steps (not shown) within system 100 before reaching fiber recovery unit 140.

[0024] The fiber recovery unit 140 includes one or more drawing mechanisms 142. The drawing mechanisms 142 apply tension to the optical fiber 10 to provide the necessary tension to the optical fiber 10 during drawing throughout the system 100. The fiber recovery unit 140 also includes a fiber storage spool 144 on which the coated optical fiber 15 can be wound.

[0025] 1A illustrates a first configuration of system 100. In the first configuration of system 100, draw path 102 is on a straight (or substantially straight) vertical line. FIG. 1A illustrates the first configuration of system 100 after the start of the drawing process of optical fiber 10. Thus, FIG. 1A illustrates the first configuration of system 100 during the drawing process.

[0026] During the drawing process, one or more fluid bearings 120 can be moved from a first configuration shown in FIG. 1A to a second configuration shown in FIG. 1B. For example, the first fluid bearing 121 can be moved from a first position shown in FIG. 1A to a second position shown in FIG. 1B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first fluid bearing 121 moves to the left to move from the first position to the second position. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first position of the first fluid bearing 121 is located off the draw path 102. Thus, when in the first position, the first fluid bearing 121 is not positioned on the draw path and is not engaged with the optical fiber 10. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second position of the first fluid bearing 121 is located within the draw path 102. Thus, when in the second position, the first fluid bearing 121 engages the optical fiber 10 being drawn along the draw path 102. Thus, moving the first fluid bearing 121 from the first position to the second position changes the direction of at least the first section 104 of the drawing path 102 .

[0027] 1A, when the first fluid bearing 121 is in a first position, the first segment 104 of the drawing path 102 is traveling in a first direction, which is a vertical (or substantially vertical) direction. By moving the first fluid bearing 121 from the first position to a second position, the direction of the first segment 104 of the drawing path 102 changes from the first direction to a second direction. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second direction is a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) direction, and thus the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0028] Moving the first fluid bearing 121 from the first position to the second position changes the direction of the first segment 104 of the draw path 102 by approximately 90 degrees. However, it is contemplated that moving the first fluid bearing 121 from the first position to the second position can change the direction of the first segment 104 of the draw path 102 by approximately 90 degrees or less, or approximately 60 degrees or less, or approximately 45 degrees or less, or approximately 30 degrees or less, or approximately 15 degrees or less, or approximately 10 degrees or less, or approximately 5 degrees or less, or approximately 90 degrees or more, or approximately 100 degrees or more, or approximately 120 degrees or more.

[0029] 1A and 1B, the second fluid bearing 122 and the third fluid bearing 123 can also be moved from a first position to a second position. Similar to the first fluid bearing 121, the first positions of the second fluid bearing 122 and the third fluid bearing 123 can both be located outside the draw path 102, and the second positions of the second fluid bearing 122 and the third fluid bearing 123 can both be located within the draw path 102. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second fluid bearing 122 moves to the right to move from the first position to the second position, and the third fluid bearing 123 moves to the left to move from the first position to the second position. Thus, moving the second fluid bearing 122 and the third fluid bearing 123 from their respective first positions to their second positions changes the direction of at least a portion of the draw path 102.

[0030] For example, moving the second fluid bearing 122 from a first position to a second position changes the orientation of the second section 106 of the draw path 102 from the first orientation to the second orientation. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first orientation of the second section 106 of the draw path 102 (when the second fluid bearing 122 is in the first position) is a vertical (or substantially vertical) orientation. Furthermore, the second orientation of the second section 106 of the draw path 102 (when the second fluid bearing 122 is in the second position) is a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) orientation. Thus, the second orientation of the second section 106 is substantially perpendicular to the first orientation of the second section 106.

[0031] It should also be noted that the first direction of the first section 104 and the first direction of the second section 106 of the drawing path 102 are parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other and point in the same direction. Meanwhile, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1B , the second direction of the first section 104 is opposite to the second direction of the second section 106. Furthermore, after the fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, the exit (point A) of the drawing path 102 from the fiber cooling mechanism 115 is aligned coaxially with the entrance (point B) of the drawing path 102 to the fiber coating unit 130, as shown in FIG. 1B .

[0032] The first section 104 and the second section 106 may be distinct and separate sections of the draw path 102. However, it is contemplated that the first section 104 and the second section 106 may overlap at least a portion of their length along the draw path 102.

[0033] The multiple fluid bearings 120 of the system 100 may move in unison, or one or more fluid bearings may move before one or more other fluid bearings move. For example, the first fluid bearing 121 and the third fluid bearing 123 may move to the second position before the second fluid bearing 122 moves to the second position. In other embodiments, the second fluid bearing 122 moves to the second position before the first fluid bearing 121 and the third fluid bearing 123 move.

[0034] In some embodiments, it may be necessary to move two or more fluid bearings 120 to change the orientation of a section of the draw path 102. For example, to horizontally move the first section 104 and the second section 106 and to align points A and B of the draw path 102 on the same axis, it may be necessary to move the first fluid bearing 121, the second fluid bearing 122, and the third fluid bearing 123 from their respective first positions to their second positions.

[0035] The movement of the fluid bearing 120 from the first position to the second position can occur after determining that one or more process conditions have been met. Examples of such process conditions include a predetermined draw speed for the optical fiber 10, a predetermined fiber diameter for the optical fiber 10, a predetermined fiber tension for the optical fiber 10, or determining that the system 100 is in the ON position. The movement of the fluid bearing 20 can occur only after one or more process conditions have been met during the process of drawing the optical fiber 10. In some embodiments, the predetermined fiber diameter can be approximately ±1 micrometer of the target fiber diameter. For example, if the target fiber diameter is approximately 125 micrometers, the predetermined fiber diameter can be approximately 124 micrometers to approximately 126 micrometers. Furthermore, the predetermined fiber tension can be approximately ±50% of the target fiber tension.

[0036] As described above, the first configuration of system 100 ( FIG. 1A ) may occur after the start of the draw process, in which case the movement of each of fluid bearings 120 from the first position to the second position occurs during the course of the draw operation of optical fiber 10. However, configurations are also contemplated in which either the first or second configuration of system 100 may occur before the start of the draw process. That is, the movement of one or more fluid bearings 120 from the first position to the second position may occur before the start of the draw operation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fiber coating unit 130 can be configured to not coat the optical fiber 10 until one or more of the fluid bearings 120 have been translated. For example, the fiber coating unit 130 can be configured to not coat the optical fiber 10 until the first fluid bearing 121, the second fluid bearing 122, and the third fluid bearing 123 are all in the second position.

[0038] Each of the fluid bearings 120 can be moved from the first position to the second position by a translation mechanism 150. The translation mechanism 150 can move the fluid bearings 120 in any direction and / or orientation before engaging the fluid bearings 120 with the optical fiber 10. For example, the translation mechanism 150 can move each fluid bearing 120 in a straight path, an arcuate path, an S-shaped path, a transverse path, or an oblique path relative to the optical fiber draw path 102. It is also contemplated that the translation mechanism 150 can move one or more fluid bearings 120 in a path that combines one or more of the above paths. However, it should be noted that the fluid bearings 120 must be moved in a direction that allows the fluid bearings 120 to receive the optical fiber 10 when engaged with the optical fiber 10 (e.g., such that the opening of the fluid bearing 120 is aligned with the optical fiber 10). In some embodiments, the translation mechanism 150 is a linear slide or an air-driven slide.

[0039] The movement of the fluid bearings 120 from the first position to the second position can be achieved while remaining in a single plane, for example, by moving the fluid bearings 120 back and forth or up and down in a single plane. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid bearings 120 can be moved in an arc in a single plane to move from the first position to the second position. It should also be noted that one or more of the fluid bearings 120 can move differently and by a different mechanism than one or more of the other fluid bearings 120.

[0040] 1B illustrates the configuration of system 100 after fluid bearings 120 have translated to their second positions. As a result of the translation of fluid bearings 120, optical fiber 10 extends in a serpentine route along draw path 102. More specifically, optical fiber 10 extends in both a vertical and a non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) direction along draw path 102. Additionally or alternatively, optical fiber 10 may extend in a transverse or diagonal direction along draw path 102.

[0041] Providing an optical fiber manufacturing system having one or more non-vertical path sections, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, offers many advantages. For example, in conventional linear fiber manufacturing systems, adding new components, such as adding an additional coating unit or cooling mechanism before the fiber coating unit, often requires the vertical placement of all of these components, thereby increasing the overall height of the system. In contrast, in the optical fiber manufacturing system 100 described herein, the optical fiber 10 can be routed, for example, horizontally or diagonally (e.g., non-vertically), before the coating layer is applied in the fiber coating unit 130. This not only allows for flexible installation of the equipment, but also allows for flexible changes, additions, and upgrades after installation within existing production facilities without increasing the overall height of the system.

[0042] Furthermore, by providing an optical fiber manufacturing system with one or more non-vertical paths, the increased path length of the draw path 102 allows for increased ambient air cooling of the optical fiber 10 before it enters the fiber coating unit 130. This eliminates the need for the fiber cooling mechanism 115, potentially saving manufacturing costs. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the fluid bearing 120 itself can also provide additional cooling to the optical fiber 10 along the path 102 as it is being drawn. The additional cooling provided by the fluid bearing 120 can significantly increase the cooling rate during the draw process compared to conventional systems. This allows the system 100 to operate at higher speeds than conventional systems while maintaining an acceptable temperature for the optical fiber 10 prior to entry into the fiber coating unit 130. The improved cooling provided by the system 100 also allows for the use of lower-cost polymer coatings and / or increased coating speeds in the fiber coating unit 130.

[0043] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an optical fiber manufacturing system 200 configured to manufacture optical fiber. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, system 200 also includes a draw furnace 110, a fiber cooling mechanism 115, a fiber coating unit 130, and a fiber collection unit 140. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a draw path 202 extends from draw furnace 110 to fiber collection unit 140 and is the path that optical fiber 10 follows during manufacturing.

[0044] System 200 also includes fluid bearings 220 for guiding and transporting optical fiber 10 being drawn along draw path 202. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, system 200 includes five fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225.

[0045] 1A and 1B, fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 also move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, thereby changing the orientation of one or more sections of draw path 202. For example, by moving one or more of fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225, the orientation of first section 204, second section 206, third section 208, and fourth section 210 of draw path 202 changes from the first orientation to the second orientation. First fluid bearing 221, third fluid bearing 223, and fifth fluid bearing 225 all move to the left to move from the first position to the second position. Second fluid bearing 222 and fourth fluid bearing 224 all move to the right to move from the first position to the second position.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2A, the first positions of the fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 are positioned off the draw path 202. Thus, when in the first position, the fluid bearings are not positioned on the draw path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2B, the second positions of the fluid bearings 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 are positioned within the draw path 202. Thus, when in the second position, the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 being drawn along the draw path 202.

[0047] Figures 3A-3C illustrate an optical fiber manufacturing system 300 configured to manufacture optical fiber. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, system 300 also includes a draw furnace 110, a fiber cooling mechanism 115, a fiber coating unit 130, and a fiber collection unit 140. As shown in Figures 3A-3C, a draw path 302 extends from draw furnace 110 to fiber collection unit 140 and is the path that optical fiber 10 follows during manufacturing.

[0048] System 300 also includes fluid bearings 320 for guiding and transporting optical fiber 10 being drawn along drawing path 302. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A-3C, system 300 includes six fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326.

[0049] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 also move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, thereby changing the direction of one or more sections of the drawing path 302. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the fluid bearings move in stages, with the first set of fluid bearings moving in a first stage, the second set of fluid bearings moving in a second stage, and the third set of fluid bearings moving in a third stage. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the first stage, the first fluid bearing 321, the second fluid bearing 322, and the third fluid bearing 323 move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions. Both the first fluid bearing 321 and the third fluid bearing 323 move to the left to move from their first position to their second position. The second fluid bearing 322 moves to the right to move from their first position to their second position. As shown in FIG. 3B, the second position of the second fluid bearing 322 may be to the right of the first position of the fifth fluid bearing 325.

[0050] Next, in a second stage, the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be moved from a position away from the system 300 to a first position of the sixth fluid bearing 326. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the first position of the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be position C.

[0051] After the sixth fluid bearing 326 is translated to the first position, in a third stage, the fourth fluid bearing 324, the fifth fluid bearing 325, and the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be moved from their respective first positions to their second positions. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the fourth fluid bearing 324 and the fifth fluid bearing 325 both move downward to move from their first positions to their second positions. The sixth fluid bearing 326 moves upward to move from their first position to their second position. As shown in FIG. 3C, the second position of the sixth fluid bearing 326 can be higher than the positions of the first fluid bearing 321, the fourth fluid bearing 324, and the fifth fluid bearing 325.

[0052] It should be noted that the first, second, and third stages may be performed in any order, and each stage may be performed after the previous stage has been completed, or the various stages (partially or entirely) may overlap in time.

[0053] 3A to 3C, first positions of the fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 are positions that are off the drawing path 302. Therefore, when in the first position, the fluid bearings are not positioned on the drawing path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. Furthermore, second positions of the fluid bearings 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, and 326 are positioned within the drawing path 302. Therefore, when in the second position, the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 being drawn along the drawing path 302.

[0054] It is also contemplated that in various embodiments disclosed herein, one or more fluid bearings may be further moved to a third position after being moved to the second position. For example, the sixth fluid bearing 326 may be further moved to a third position to the left or right of the second position after being moved to the second position of the sixth fluid bearing 326 shown in FIG. 3C. As another example, the third fluid bearing 323 may be further moved to a third position after being moved to the second position of the third fluid bearing 323 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C to align the optical fiber 10 with the inlet of the fiber coating unit 130.

[0055] In several embodiments disclosed herein, the furnace 110, the fiber cooling mechanism 115, the fiber coating unit 130, and / or the fiber collection unit 140 can also be translated from a first position to a second position. The movement of these components can occur before, after, or simultaneously with the movement of the fluid bearing. For example, the fiber cooling mechanism 115 can be translated to the second position to optimally position the optical fiber 10 for cooling. As another example, the fiber coating unit 130 can be translated to the second position to align with the draw path 102. These example embodiments are described in further detail with reference to Figures 4A-4D.

[0056] 4A-4D illustrate an optical fiber manufacturing system 400 configured to manufacture optical fiber. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, system 400 also includes a draw furnace 110, a fiber cooling mechanism 115, a fiber coating unit 130, and a fiber collection unit 140. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, a draw path 402 extends from draw furnace 110 to fiber collection unit 140 and is the path that optical fiber 10 follows during manufacturing.

[0057] System 400 also includes fluid bearings 420 for guiding and transporting optical fiber 10 being drawn along drawing path 402. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4A-4D, system 400 includes four fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424.

[0058] 1A and 1B, the fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 also move from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, thereby changing the orientation of one or more sections of the draw path 402. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the fluid bearings move in stages, with a first set of fluid bearings moving in a first stage, a second set of fluid bearings moving in a second stage, a third set of fluid bearings moving in a third stage, and a fourth set of fluid bearings moving in a fourth stage. Additionally, at various stages, the fiber coating unit 130 and the fiber cooling mechanism 115 move translationally from their respective first positions to their respective second positions.

[0059] 4A and 4B, in a first stage, the first fluid bearing 421, the second fluid bearing 422, and the third fluid bearing 423 move from their respective first positions to their second positions. The first fluid bearing 421 and the third fluid bearing 423 both move to the left to move from the first position to the second position. The second fluid bearing 422 moves to the right to move from the first position to the second position.

[0060] Next, in a second stage, the fiber coating unit 130 is translated from the first position shown in FIG. 4B to the second position shown in FIG. 4C. The fiber coating unit 130 moves to the right to move from the first position to the second position. As the fiber coating unit 130 moves to the second position, the axes of the fiber coating unit 130 and the fiber cooling mechanism 115 become misaligned. In this second stage, one or more components of the fiber collection unit 140 may also be translated along with the fiber coating unit 130. Furthermore, in this second stage, the third fluid bearing 423 is moved from the second position to the third position. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the third fluid bearing 423 moves to the right (to be relatively close to the second fluid bearing 422) to move from the second position to the third position.

[0061] After translating the fiber coating unit 130, in a third stage, the fourth fluid bearing 424 can be moved from a position away from the system 400 to a first position of the fourth fluid bearing 424. As shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the first position of the fourth fluid bearing 424 can be position D.

[0062] In a fourth stage, the first fluid bearing 421 moves from the second position to the third position shown in FIG. 4D . The first fluid bearing 421 moves downward to move from the second position to the third position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D , moving the first fluid bearing 421 to the third position also moves the fiber cooling mechanism 115 from the first position shown in FIG. 4C to the second position shown in FIG. 4D . The fiber cooling mechanism 115 moves downward to move from the first position to the second position. As shown in FIG. 4D , the third position of the first fluid bearing 421 can be aligned with the fiber recovery unit 140.

[0063] System 400 may have the advantage of being able to cool optical fiber 10 with ambient air before inputting optical fiber 10 into fiber cooling mechanism 115. This allows system 400 to operate at high draw speeds while reducing the temperature of optical fiber 10 upon input into fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0064] It should be noted that the first, second, third, and fourth stages may be performed in any order, and each stage may be performed after the previous stage has been completed, or the various stages (partially or entirely) may overlap in time.

[0065] 4A to 4D, the first positions of the fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 are positions that are off the drawing path 402. Therefore, when in the first position, the fluid bearings are not positioned on the drawing path and are not engaged with the optical fiber 10. Furthermore, the second positions of the fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424 are positioned within the drawing path 402. Therefore, when in the second position, the fluid bearings are engaged with the optical fiber 10 being drawn along the drawing path 402.

[0066] 5A and 5B illustrate an optical fiber manufacturing system 500. The optical fiber manufacturing system 500 is similar to the system 400, but with the addition of a fluid bearing. The system 500 is configured to manufacture optical fiber, and similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the system 500 also includes a draw furnace 110, a fiber cooling mechanism 115, a fiber coating unit 130, and a fiber collection unit 140. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a draw path 502 extends from the draw furnace 110 to the fiber collection unit 140 and is the path that the optical fiber 10 follows during manufacturing.

[0067] As described above with reference to Figures 4A-4D, system 500 also includes fluid bearings 421, 422, 423, and 424. In addition, system 500 further includes fifth fluid bearing 525, sixth fluid bearing 526, and seventh fluid bearing 527 for guiding and transporting optical fiber 10 being drawn along drawing path 502. After the system is configured as shown in Figure 4D, fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 can be moved from positions remote from the system to their respective first positions. Figure 5A shows fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 in their respective first positions.

[0068] Next, fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 move from their respective first positions to their second positions, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The fifth and seventh fluid bearings 525 and 527 both move downward to move from their first positions to their second positions. The sixth fluid bearing 526 moves upward to move from their first position to their second position.

[0069] Moving the fluid bearings 525, 526, 527 to the second position has the advantage of allowing the optical fiber 10 to be further cooled by ambient air before entering the fiber coating unit 130. This allows the system 500 to operate at a high drawing speed while reducing the temperature of the optical fiber 10 as it enters the fiber coating unit 130.

[0070] 5A and 5B, the first positions of the fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 are positioned off the draw path 502. Thus, when in the first position, the fluid bearings are not positioned on the draw path and do not engage the optical fiber 10. The second positions of the fluid bearings 525, 526, and 527 are positioned within the draw path 502. Thus, when in the second position, the fluid bearings engage the optical fiber 10 being drawn along the draw path 502.

[0071] 1A-5B show the fluid bearings arranged in a single plane, it is contemplated that one or more fluid bearings may be arranged in a different plane from one or more other fluid bearings. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 are in their first positions, the first fluid bearing 121 and the third fluid bearing 123 may be arranged in a different plane from the second fluid bearing 122 (e.g., a plane in front of or behind the second fluid bearing 122). Then, by moving the fluid bearings from the first position to the second position, all of the fluid bearings can be aligned in the same plane and placed in their respective second positions. In other embodiments, for example, when the fluid bearings 121, 122, and 123 are in their second positions, the first fluid bearing 121 and the second fluid bearing 122 may be arranged in a different plane from the third fluid bearing 123 (e.g., a plane in front of or behind the third fluid bearing 123).

[0072] As described above, the fluid bearing disclosed herein transports the bare optical fiber 10 through the optical fiber manufacturing system without mechanical contact with any surface until a coating layer has been applied to the bare optical fiber 10 (thereby forming the coated optical fiber 15). In operation, the fluid bearing provides a fluid field through which the bare optical fiber 10 moves, without mechanical contact with the fluid bearing, but rather in contact with a fluid that is non-reactive with the bare optical fiber 10 (e.g., air, helium). As used herein, mechanical contact refers to contact with solid components during the drawing process. Eliminating mechanical contact is believed to be important for maintaining the quality and integrity of fragile bare optical fiber, especially bare optical fiber traveling a non-vertical path before being coated by the fiber coating unit 130. Note that mechanical contact by the fiber recovery unit 140 is permitted. This is because, by the time the optical fiber reaches the fiber recovery unit 140, it is already coated with a protective coating layer, and therefore, any mechanical contact with the coating does not substantially affect the quality or integrity of the fiber, which remains the same as it was before the fiber was coated. However, although fluid bearings are primarily described herein as assisting the movement of bare optical fiber 10 along the drawing path 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, it should be understood that fluid bearings may also be utilized with any optical fiber, such as coated optical fiber 15.

[0073] In some embodiments, the fluid bearing provides a fluid cushion region in which the optical fiber 10 can travel and can also cool the optical fiber 10. For example, in embodiments without the fiber cooling mechanism 115, the fluid bearing can perform the cooling function of the fiber cooling mechanism 115. Specifically, because the fluid bearing supports the optical fiber 10 with a moving fluid stream, the optical fiber cools at a faster rate than if the optical fiber were cooled in static air. The greater the temperature difference between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid in the fluid bearing, the better the fluid bearing's ability to cool the optical fiber 10. It should also be noted that cooling by the fluid bearing can be used in conjunction with the fiber cooling mechanism 115.

[0074] 6 is a detailed view of a hydrodynamic bearing 1120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hydrodynamic bearing 1120 includes a first plate 1130, a second plate 1132, an inner member 1136, and at least one opening 1134 in at least one of the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132. The first plate 1130 has an arcuate outer surface 1138, and the second plate 1132 has an arcuate outer surface 1139. The first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 are disposed opposite each other. The arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 are disposed along the circumference of the corresponding plate 1130, 1132 and are substantially aligned with each other. Additionally, the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 are connected by fasteners (e.g., bolts 1140) that couple the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 together so that fluid can pass through the hydrodynamic bearing 1120.

[0075] The first plate 1130 has an inner surface 1142 and an outer surface 1143, and the second plate 1132 has an inner surface 1144 and an outer surface 1145. The inner surface 1142 of the first plate 1130 faces the inner surface 1144 of the second plate 1132, forming a fiber support channel 1150 (shown in FIG. 7 ) extending radially inward from the arcuate outer surfaces 1138, 1139 of each plate 1130, 1132. The fiber support channel 1150 acts as a plenum for fluid flow and is configured to receive the optical fiber 10 (or any other optical fiber). This allows the optical fiber 10 to travel along the fiber support channel 1150 without rotation of the fluid bearing 1120 or mechanical contact between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid bearing 1120.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6 , an inner member 1136 is disposed between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132. The inner member 1136 (e.g., a shim 1137) is configured to direct fluid through at least one opening 1134 into the fiber-support channel 1150 to assist the fluid in passing through the fiber-support channel 1150 in a predetermined flow direction. The inner member 1136 is disposed between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132 to provide a gap between the plates. In some embodiments, the inner member 1136 can also include multiple fingers (not shown) to further control fluid flow by restricting non-radial flow. Additionally, the inner member 1136 also functions as a seal, maintaining substantial contact between the first plate 1130 and the second plate 1132.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 7, the fiber support channel 1150 is shown in more detail. As shown in FIG. 7, the fiber support channel 1150 includes a fiber slot 1152 and a fluid slot 1154. The fiber slot 1152 extends radially inward from the arcuate outer surface 1138 of the plate 1130 and the arcuate outer surface 1139 of the plate 1132 (e.g., from an opening 1160 between the arcuate outer surface 1138 of the first plate 1130 and the arcuate outer surface 1139 of the second plate 1132) and terminates at a fiber support channel boundary 1155. Note that the radially inward direction is also referred to as the depth direction herein. Depth here refers to the position of the optical fiber within the fiber support channel.

[0078] Meanwhile, the fluid slot 1154 extends radially inward from the fiber-support channel interface 1155 and terminates at the inner member 1136. In operation, fluid can flow radially outward from the inner member 1136 through the fluid slot 1154 and the fiber slot 1152 to provide a fluid cushion for the optical fiber 10 disposed within the fiber slot 1152. This allows the optical fiber 10 to be guided along the draw path 102 ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) without mechanical contact between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid bearing 1120.

[0079] The fiber support channel 1150 has a channel width W C 7, the fiber support channel 1150 extends between an inner surface 1142 of the first plate 1130 and an inner surface 1144 of the second plate 1132, which are spaced apart by a distance W . C is the channel width W at the fiber support channel boundary 1155 C The fiber support channel 1150 has a channel width W C is radially variable (eg, variable by the vertical position of the optical fiber 10 within the fiber support channel 1150).

[0080] 7 further illustrates the optical fiber 10 disposed within the fiber slot 1152 of the fiber support channel 1150, and also illustrates how a flow of fluid 1151 (e.g., air) from the fluid slot 1154 through the fiber slot 1152 (e.g., generated by at least one opening 1134 in the first plate 1130 and / or second plate 1132) contacts the optical fiber 10 as it travels on the fluid bearing 1120. This fluid flow creates a positive pressure below the optical fiber 10, which in turn acts on the bottom of the optical fiber 10 to support it by providing an upward (radially outward) force, thereby levitating the optical fiber 10 and preventing substantial mechanical contact between the optical fiber 10 and the fluid bearing 1120. This positive pressure can be optimized to position and maintain the vertical position of the optical fiber 10 within the fiber slot 1152 of the fiber support channel 1150, so as to keep the optical fiber 10 between the fiber support channel boundary 1155 and the opening 1160 of the fiber support channel 1150. For example, the flow rate of the fluid 1151 passing through the fiber support channel 1150 can be a constant flow rate that is capable of holding (supporting) the optical fiber 10 within the fiber slot 1152 as it moves through the fluid bearing 1120.

[0081] In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 1142, 1144 of the fiber-support channel 1150 within the fiber slot 1152 are tapered (slanted) to reduce the channel width W at the fiber-support channel boundary 1155 of the fiber slot 1152 (i.e., the channel width within the arcuate path formed by the optical fiber 10 passing through the hydrodynamic bearing 1120). C is the channel width W at the opening 1160 of the fiber support channel 1150. C In some embodiments, each inner surface 1142, 1144 is sloped at an angle greater than 0° and less than 10°, such as from about 0.3° to about 7°, or from about 0.4° to about 3°, etc. Furthermore, the fiber support channels 1150 and fiber slots 1152 can be formed to any depth and any channel width W CIn different embodiments, the depth of the fiber slot 1152 can be greater than 0.25 inches (about 6.35 mm), or greater than 0.40 inches (about 10.16 mm), or greater than 0.55 inches (about 13.97 mm), or greater than 0.70 inches (about 17.78 mm), or greater than 0.85 inches (about 21.59 mm), or in the range of 0.25 inches (about 6.35 mm) to 1.25 inches (about 31.75 mm), or in the range of 0.35 inches (about 8.89 mm) to The range is 1.05 inches (approximately 26.67 mm), or 0.45 inches (approximately 11.43 mm) to 0.90 inches (approximately 22.86 mm), or 0.55 inches (approximately 13.97 mm) to 0.85 inches (approximately 21.59 mm), or 0.60 inches (approximately 15.24 mm) to 0.80 inches (approximately 20.32 mm), or 0.65 inches (approximately 16.51 mm), or 0.75 inches (approximately 19.05 mm). By using a tapered fiber support channel 1150 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 ), fluid 1151 can be injected into the fiber support channel 1150 so that the fluid 1151 enters a narrow inner portion of the fiber support channel 1150 and exits a wider outer region of the fiber support channel 1150, allowing the cushion of fluid 1151 released through the fiber support channel 1150 to automatically position the optical fiber 10 within the depth of the fiber support channel 1150.

[0082] In some embodiments, the fluid bearing disclosed herein includes a guide slot 2000 to assist in aligning the optical fiber 10 within the fiber-support channel 1150. As shown in FIG. 8 , the guide slot 2000 is disposed outside the fluid bearing 1120 and includes an angled surface 2010 and a vertical surface 2020 to assist in maneuvering and centering the optical fiber 10 within the channel 1150. The angled surface 2010 can be oriented at various angles relative to the vertical surface 2020, such as an angle of about 100 degrees, about 120 degrees, or about 160 degrees. Furthermore, the guide slot 2000 can be attached to the fluid bearing 1120 via any known attachment means, such as, for example, clamps, screws, fasteners, or adhesives. Furthermore, the guide slot 2000 can be removed from the fluid bearing 1120 after the optical fiber 10 is properly positioned relative to the fluid bearing 1120.

[0083] As used herein, ranges may be expressed as "about" or greater than a particular value, "about" a particular value to "about" another particular value, or "about" or less than another particular value. When a range is expressed in this manner, other embodiments including the particular value and the other particular value exist. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using "about," it will be understood that other embodiments comprise the particular value itself. It will also be understood that the endpoints of each range are both relative to and independent of each other.

[0084] As used herein, directional terms (e.g., up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc.) refer to the drawings only and are not intended to imply absolute orientations.

[0085] Unless otherwise specified, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring the performance of its steps in a particular order, nor is any method described herein intended to require a particular orientation of any apparatus. Thus, except where a method claim actually recites the order of its steps, and an apparatus claim actually recites the order or orientation of individual components, or where a claim or detailed description of the invention explicitly states that the steps are limited to a particular order, and except where a particular order or orientation of apparatus components is recited, no order or orientation is intended to be inferred in any way. This applies to all implicit matters that may be a basis for interpretation, such as matters of reasoning regarding the order of steps, operational flow, component order, or component orientation, common sense derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, or the number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0086] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include reference to the corresponding plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an expression introducing a certain element with the article "a" also encompasses embodiments having two or more of that element unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0087] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter set forth in the claims. Accordingly, to the extent that modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein do not depart from the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this specification.

[0088] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0089] Embodiment 1 1. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber, the method comprising: drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path; During the drawing step, moving a first fluid bearing from a first position to a second position; Including, The method wherein the first position is positioned off the drawing path and the second position is positioned within the drawing path, such that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first section of the drawing path.

[0090] Embodiment 2 2. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising, after moving the first fluid bearing to the second position, coating the bare optical fiber with a coating layer.

[0091] Embodiment 3 determining that one or more process conditions have been met; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: moving the first fluid bearing from the first position to the second position after determining that the one or more process conditions are satisfied.

[0092] Embodiment 4 4. The method of embodiment 3, wherein the one or more process conditions include a minimum draw speed, a predetermined fiber diameter, a predetermined fiber tension, or determining that the coating system is in an on position.

[0093] Embodiment 5 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising moving the first fluid bearing from the first position to the second position in at least one of a straight path, an arcuate path, an S-shaped path, a transverse path, or an oblique path relative to the drawing path.

[0094] Embodiment 6 moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least the first section of the drawing path from a first direction to a second direction; 6. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0095] Embodiment 7 further comprising the step of moving a second fluid bearing from a first position to a second position during the drawing step after determining that the one or more process conditions are satisfied; A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first position of the second fluid bearing is located away from the drawing path and the second position of the second fluid bearing is located within the drawing path, so that by moving the second fluid bearing to the second position, the direction of at least a second section of the drawing path changes.

[0096] Embodiment 8 8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the first section of the draw path and a portion of the second section of the draw path overlap in length.

[0097] Embodiment 9 moving the second fluid bearing to the second position of the second fluid bearing changes the direction of at least the second section of the drawing path from a first direction of the second section to a second direction of the second section; 8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the first direction of the second section is substantially perpendicular to the second direction of the second section.

[0098] Embodiment 10 8. The method of claim 7, wherein after moving the first fluid bearing to the second position of the first fluid bearing and after moving the second fluid bearing to the second position of the second fluid bearing, the first section of the drawing path is substantially parallel to the second section of the drawing path.

[0099] Embodiment 11 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the direction of the drawing path in the first section is opposite to the direction of the drawing path in the second section.

[0100] Embodiment 12 8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the first fluid bearing and the second fluid bearing move simultaneously.

[0101] Embodiment 13 8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the step of moving the second fluid bearing to the second position of the second fluid bearing is performed after the step of moving the first fluid bearing to the second position of the first fluid bearing.

[0102] Embodiment 14 14. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising, after the step of moving the first fluid bearing to the second position, the step of moving the first fluid bearing to a third position.

[0103] Embodiment 15 15. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, further comprising moving at least one of the fiber cooling mechanism, the fiber coating unit, and the fiber recovery unit from a first position to a second position.

[0104] Embodiment 16 16. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein after moving the first fluid bearing to the second position, the drawing path extends in a serpentine shape.

[0105] Embodiment 17 17. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, further comprising cooling the optical fiber with a fiber cooling mechanism.

[0106] Embodiment 18 18. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, further comprising the step of cooling the optical fiber with the first fluid bearing.

[0107] Embodiment 19 1. A system for manufacturing optical fiber, the system comprising: a drawing mechanism configured to draw a bare optical fiber from the optical fiber preform along a drawing path; a first fluid bearing configured to move from a first position to a second position during the process of drawing the optical fiber; Including, The system wherein the first position is positioned off the drawing path and the second position is positioned within the drawing path, such that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first section of the drawing path.

[0108] Embodiment 20 a fiber coating unit configured to coat the optical fiber with a coating layer; 20. The system of embodiment 19, wherein the fiber coating unit is positioned downstream of the first fluid bearing along the drawing path.

[0109] Embodiment 21 21. The system of embodiment 20, wherein the fiber coating unit is configured to move from a first position to a second position.

[0110] Embodiment 22 22. The system of any one of embodiments 19 to 21, further comprising a translation mechanism configured to move the first fluid bearing from the first position to the second position.

[0111] Embodiment 23 moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least the first section of the drawing path from a first direction to a second direction; 23. A system according to any one of embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0112] Embodiment 24 further comprising a second fluid bearing configured to move from the first position to the second position; A system described in any one of embodiments 19 to 23, wherein the first position of the second fluid bearing is a position away from the drawing path and the second position of the second fluid bearing is positioned within the drawing path, so that moving the second fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a second section of the drawing path.

[0113] Embodiment 25 moving the second fluid bearing to the second position of the second fluid bearing changes the direction of at least the second section of the drawing path from a first direction to a second direction; 25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the first direction of the second section is substantially perpendicular to the second direction of the second section.

[0114] Embodiment 26 A system described in any one of embodiments 19 to 25, further comprising a fiber cooling mechanism configured to cool the optical fiber.

[0115] Embodiment 27 27. The system of embodiment 26, wherein the fiber cooling mechanism is configured to move from a first position to a second position.

[0116] Embodiment 28 a guide slot disposed outside the first fluid bearing; 28. The system of any one of embodiments 19 to 27, wherein the guide slot has an inclined surface and a vertical surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Optical Fiber 12 Optical fiber preform 15 Coated optical fiber 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Optical Fiber Manufacturing System 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 Line drawing route 104, 204 (the first section of the delineated route) 106, 206 (the second section of the delineated route) 110 Wire drawing furnace 115 Fiber Cooling Mechanism 120, 220, 320, 420, 1120 fluid bearings 121, 221, 321, 421 First fluid bearing 122, 222, 322, 422 Second fluid bearing 123, 223, 323, 423 Third fluid bearing 130 Fiber Coating Unit 134 Primary Coating Unit 136 Secondary Coating Unit 140 Fiber Recovery Unit 142 Wire drawing mechanism 144 Fiber storage spool 150 Translation mechanism 208 (the third section of the delineated route) 210 (the fourth section of the delineated route) 224, 324, 424 Fourth fluid bearing 225, 325, 525 Fifth fluid bearing 326, 526 6th fluid bearing 527 7th Fluid Bearing 1130 First Plate 1132 Second Plate 1134 (plate) opening 1136 Inner member 1137 Shim 1138 (of the first plate) arcuate outer surface 1139 (of the second plate) arcuate outer surface 1140 volts 1142 (first plate) inner surface 1143 (of the first plate) outer surface 1144 (of the second plate) inner surface 1145 (of the second plate) outer surface 1150 Fiber Support Channel 1151 Fluid 1152 Fiber Slot 1154 Fluid Slot 1155 Fiber support channel boundary 1160 (fiber support channel) opening 2000 guide slot 2010 (Guide slot) inclined surface 2020 Vertical plane (of guide slot)

Claims

1. 1. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber, the method comprising: drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform along a drawing path; During the drawing step, moving a first fluid bearing from a first position to a second position; determining that one or more process conditions have been met; moving the first fluid bearing from the first position to the second position after determining that the one or more process conditions are satisfied; Including, the first position is positioned off the draw path and the second position is positioned within the draw path, such that moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a first segment of the draw path; The method, wherein the one or more process conditions include a minimum draw speed, a predetermined fiber diameter, a predetermined fiber tension, or determining that the coating system is in an on position.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of coating the bare optical fiber with a coating layer after the step of moving the first fluid bearing to the second position.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the first fluid bearing from the first position to the second position in at least one of a straight path, an arcuate path, an S-shaped path, a transverse path, or an oblique path relative to the wire drawing path.

4. moving the first fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least the first section of the drawing path from a first direction to a second direction; The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

5. further comprising the step of moving a second fluid bearing from a first position to a second position during the drawing step after determining that the one or more process conditions are satisfied; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first position of the second fluid bearing is positioned out of the draw path and the second position of the second fluid bearing is positioned within the draw path, such that moving the second fluid bearing to the second position changes the direction of at least a second section of the draw path.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the first section of the draw path and a portion of the second section of the draw path overlap in length.

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