Abstract: Apparatus 11 and a method for assembling an optical fiber 6 in a passage 4 of a connector 1 by applying axial force to the fiber 6 to maintain an optical face 8 of the fiber 6 in abutment with an optical face 9 of an optical device 7 mounted to the connector 1, wherein, the fiber 6 is mounted along a straight passage 15 of the apparatus 11, a pin 30 mounted on a carriage 20 imparts a bend 31 along the length of the fiber 6, and the carriage 20 is displaceable to impart axial force to the fiber 6, and to apply pressure between abutting optical faces 8,9 of the fiber 6 and the optical device 7.

Abstract: A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising; an alignment ferrule 9 for encircling an optical fiber 2, a precision alignment surface 23 of the ferrule constructed for nonreformation upon alignment in a cavity having a shape complementary to that of the precision alignment surface 23, the precision alignment surface 23 is constructed on a front end portion 10 of said ferrule, said first portion is constructed from assembly with a separate remainder of said ferrule in a manner to isolate said precision alignment surface 23 from distortion.

Abstract: A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising, an alignment body 3 and a length of optical waveguide 4 drawn into a unitary structure 18, and, while the length of optical waveguide 4 is unitary with the alignment body 3, the length of optical waveguide 4 is shortened by etching or abrading to provide a passage 5 in the alignment body 3 for receiving an external optical fiber 2 for coupling with the length of optical waveguide 4.

Abstract: Apparatus 11 and a method for assembling an optical fiber 6 in a passage 4 of a connector 1 by applying axial force to the fiber 6 to maintain an optical face 8 of the fiber 6 in abutment with an optical face 9 of an optical device 7 mounted to the connector 1, wherein, the fiber 6 is mounted along a straight passage 15 of the apparatus 11, a pin 30 mounted on a carriage 20 imparts a bend 31 along the length of the fiber 6, and the carriage 20 is displaceable to impart axial force to the fiber 6, and to apply pressure between abutting optical faces 8,9 of the fiber 6 and the optical device 7.

Abstract: A harness assembly apparatus is disclosed for sequentially applying, at the appropriate locations, multi-contact connectors to multi-conductor cable and, in a reverse operation, applying covers to the thus terminated connectors. The apparatus includes means for assuring proper alignment of the cable at the time of application to the connector as well as fixtures to be used at the ends of the harness to cut the cable adjacent the end most connectors. The subject apparatus can be manually or automatically indexed to the proper positions as noted by placing of a connector fixture at the proper locations on a frame assembly.

Abstract: A cutter assembly is disclosed for accurately profiling the free end of multi-conductor flat flexible cable for termination by known electrical connectors. The assembly includes a pair of fixed, parallel, spaced side shears and a transverse end shear. A cable is held in the assembly between a fluted shear plate and a spring biased pressure plate. The cutter assembly is actuated by conventional press means.