Abstract: A closure for optical element terminations, which alternately covers and uncovers the exposed optical element. The closure includes a shroud which covers the housing containing the optical element. The shroud is movable between position opening and closing the optical element, in response to the connection and disconnection of housing.

Abstract: In interfacing electronic and optical components, a housing fixedly supports a female electrical contact therein, remote from a housing entry aperture. A fiber optic assembly includes a fiber, a transducer terminating the fiber and a ferrule securing the fiber to the transducer. The transducer has a male electrical contact matable with the housing female contact and the fiber optic assembly is configured to pass freely through the housing entry aperture to mate the contacts, thereby providing any desired length of electromagnetic radiation-free path within the housing.

Abstract: A method and tool are disclosed for use in cleaving fiber optic elements preparatory to a splice for joining of two such fiber optic elements. The method comprises the steps of first moving a grooving tool about the entire circumference of a fiber optic element to form a circumferential groove therein, and then stressing the fiber optic element in the vicinity of the groove to provide a clean, mirror type end surface of the element which is suitable for subsequent splicing thereof with another suitably prepared element. The tool which is useful in cleaving a fiber optic element comprises support means having a longitudinal axis for supporting the fiber optic element therealong, grooving means for forming a groove in the surface of the fiber optic element, and mounting means for mounting the grooving means to revolve about the longitudinal axis of the support means to circumferentially groove a fiber optic element about its entire circumference.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector for optically coupling one or more fibers to a like number of fibers. The individual fibers are supported upon members having resilient supports to permit the fibers on one member to be positioned onto the support of the other member and provide support during the complete coupling operation. Various clamps and strain reliefs are provided to minimize the effects of forces upon the cable or individual fibers. The cable may take a flat, circular or other configuration and the fibers may be of glass or plastic and may be coated with reflective sheaths or the like.

Abstract: A tool for fixing the position of an optical fiber with respect to the connector containing same. The connector containing an optical fiber is fastened to a movable connector support which is moved into position with respect to a collar that causes portions of the connector to retract and expose the fiber adjacent the index of a gauge. The position of the fiber end can be adjusted while viewing the fiber end and the index through a magnifying device properly illuminated.

Abstract: The subject device is a connector for flexible elastically deformable elongate members having two mating halves, portions of which overlie one another. Within such overlying portions extend passages for receiving and holding the elongate members, the passages made up of a V-notch groove and a confronting flat surface or a rectangular recess which deforms the elongate member at three points, centering the members and bringing them to an end-to-end relationship. Additional elements are added for strain relief, centering, latching and position control.

Abstract: The interior passageway formed at the central axis of a bundle of at least three cylindrical elements which are drawn together within a contractable outer member serves to maintain the ends of optical fibers or the like in accurate axial alignment to provide a splice joint or connection thereat.