Abstract: In-line application of liquid adhesive to an optical fiber (10) while it is being wound onto a drum (14) is accomplished by a tube (58) interconnected with a pressurized adhesive source of supply (70). An end (60) of the tube provides adhesive in a beadlike strip which wets the drum or underlying winding layer just under the fiber lower surface before it is laid down onto the drum.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge-safe connector comprising mating male and female connectors, that includes an insulated connector pin and a shorting member comprising an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sandwich structure that shorts the connector pin to the body of the connector when the mating portions are unmated. The EMI sandwich structure comprises an EMI gasket material sandwiched between two layers of insulating material. The EMI gasket material has a bulk resistivity of less than 10 ohms per square. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the EMI sandwich structure moves away from the conducting portion of the connector pin and rides against the insulating sleeve that surrounds the connector pin. This prevents conduction of electrical charge to the pin from the shell or vice versa. The present connector thus provides protection against electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A lens focusing mechanism 10 including a bracket 18 for retaining a lens 14. The bracket 18 has a bearing 22 attached thereto or integral therewith. The bearing 22 is eccentric relative to the leans 14 and is effective to move the lens 14 along an optical axis 16 thereof. Movement is effectuated by a drive mechanism 34 in a smooth manner and without lubrication. In a specific embodiment, the bearing 22 is eccentric and external to a cylindrical volume defined by the periphery of the lens 14.

Abstract: A fiber optic cannister includes a compliant baselayer underlying layers of an optical fiber wound onto a bobbin. The compliant material is useful to form a base layer over which the layers of optical fiber are wound. The use of such a compliant baselayer eliminates the need to fabricate and stock expensive baselayer wire material.

Abstract: A fiber optic buffer defect detection system including a laser, for illuminating the fiber buffer with a collimated beam of light energy, and detectors for detecting any scattering of the beam, from a defect in the fiber buffer. The detectors are mounted to collect scattering out of a radial plane defined by the angular rotation of the beam about the fiber at the point of intersection of the beam with the fiber buffer.