Automated method and system for making capillary splice

Abstract

A method of making a capillary splice includes applying pressure to a bore in a tube, applying heat to a portion of the tube to soften the portion of the tube, and forming a bubble within the bore in the heated portion under the influence of the pressure and heat. While forming the bubble, a diameter of the bore at the heated portion is measured to determine when the bubble has enlarged to a target size. When the bubble has enlarged to the target size, a force is applied along an axial axis of the tube to shape the bubble to a desired size.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . An automated system for making a capillary splice, comprising: 
 a pressure system that controls pressure in a bore of a tube to a predetermined level;    a heating system that applies localized heat to the tube;    a motion system operable to apply a force along an axial axis of the tube; and    a vision system that initiates the motion system to apply the force to the tube based on a desired size of a bubble formed within the bore.    
   
   
       11 . The automated system of  claim 10 , further comprising a control system which coordinates operation of the pressure system, the heating system, the motion system, and the vision system such that the desired size of the bubble is formed within the bore.  
   
   
       12 . The automated system of  claim 10 , wherein the motion system comprises a pair of gripping devices which engage the tube at a desired separation distance.  
   
   
       13 . The automated system of  claim 12 , wherein the motion system further comprises a linear drive mechanism for moving at least one of the gripping devices relative to the other gripping device.  
   
   
       14 . The automated system of  claim 12 , wherein the motion system further comprises a linear and an angular adjustment system for aligning the gripping devices.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus for making a capillary splice, comprising: 
 means for applying a predetermined pressure to a bore in a tube;    means for locally heating the tube;    means for capturing an image of the portion of the tube;    means for deducing a diameter of the bore from the image of the bore; and    means for applying a force along an axial axis of the tube.    
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the means for applying a force comprises a pair of gripping devices which engage the tube at a desired separation distance.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a linear drive mechanism for moving at least one of the gripping devices relative to the other gripping device.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a mechanism for maintaining alignment of an axial axis of the bubble with the axial axis of the tube.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising means for adjusting a position of the tube relative to the means for locally heating the tube so as to allow multiple bubbles to be formed within the tube.