Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently interconnecting a large number of high frequency high bandwidth signals includes two interface plates (100, 200), each having two substantially coplanar faces, a mating face (110, 210) and a non-mating face (120, 220). Each interface plate has waveguides (116, 216) disposed between the coplanar faces such that when the mating faces of the interface plates are brought together, a plurality of waveguide connections are made. An energy absorbing gasket (300) having a hole pattern matching the waveguide pattern is disposed between the mating faces of the interface plates so that reflections caused by misalignment and non-coplanarity of faces can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for heat stripping an optical fiber cable having a polymer coating and an optical fiber. A heat source is applied to the polymer coating causing the polymer coating to be heated rapidly to a break temperature, thereby causing the polymer coating to dehydrate, expand and burst outward detaching itself completely from the underneath optical fiber. The heat source is subsequently applied along the optical fiber cable causing the corresponding polymer coating to curl off and expose the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for stripping an optical fiber cable having a polymer coating and an optical fiber using hydration and dehydration techniques. A section of optical fiber cable is first immersed in a hydrating agent, thereby hydrating the corresponding section of polymer coating and causing it to swell. The hydrated polymer coating is then rapidly heated to a fragmentation temperature causing the polymer coating to dehydrate and fragment. Subsequently, the dehydrated polymer coating is re-hydrated using the hydrating agent to separate the polymer coating from the optical fiber.

Abstract: A conductive shield is formed around a fiber-optic connector. The shield includes a compressible means that encircles the perimeter of the connector. When the connector is inserted, the compressible means electrically contact the chassis to prevent emissions through panel openings required by fiber-optic transceivers.

Abstract: A high density optical fiber coupling strip has two buildout members, each of which has a mating surface. Each mating surface has formed thereon a footprint that is identical for each member, so that the mating surface, when abutted together mesh with each other in proper alignment, thereby aligning the members, and can then be joined by welding or similar means. Regardless of the connector type to be received by each member, the footprints insures that the members will be properly mated, thus making possible hybrid coupling strips as well as unitary strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a fiber optic cable to the fiber optic connection of an endoscope. An end section of the optical fiber is mounted as a bundle of fibers in a housing part and a coupling part is provided for the fastening with a positive fit of this housing part to the fiber optic connection on the endoscope side. To ensure that the optical fiber ends always come into contact with one another free of play and to improve the cleaning access, the coupling part is arranged on the housing part axially displaceable against a spring force in the direction of the fiber optic connection on the endoscope side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which can couple a high intensity point source, such as from a single fiber, to a fiber bundle. A bundle of fibers is fed though a hole in the light post. A removable potting compound is applied to the tip of the bundle to hold the fibers together for polishing. The tip of the bundle is polished and then the potting compound is removed from the tip of the bundle. A window is placed over a light inlet of the hole so as to seal the bundle. A point source cable introduces a point source of light to the bundle of fibers. A ferrule is provided around the point source cable, having a diameter sized corresponding to a diameter of said light post. The ferrule and the bundle of fibers are clamped with a split sleeve which extends therebetween.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting two optical-fiber ribbons, each of which involves at least one optical fiber, is disclosed. The connector assembly includes a pair of connectors each of which is provided with a contact portion protruding from a leading end thereof and a plurality of through-holes into each of which the optical fiber is fitted, an alignment member provided with a central hole and a case having two pair of clamping members. The connectors are connected through the alignment member in such a way that the contact portions are, from both outsides to inside, fitted into the central hole to come in a face-to-face contact with each other. The connectors and the alignment member are inserted in the case and the opposite clamping members urge the connectors toward each other, thereby securely holding the connectors connected in position.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic end coupling apparatus for a bundle of optical fibers that is heat resistant and that can precisely and easily align different-sized fiber optic bundles along an axis of the beam of light. The end coupling releasably connects one end of a fiber optic bundle to a housing containing an illumination source to light an object, which, by way of example, can be a swimming pool, a spa or the like. The cable has a bundle of exposed coaxial optical fibers in a region adjacent to the end of the cable. The coupling includes a tubular body that has a forward end and that is mounted concentrically on the bundle so that the exposed ends of the fibers are out of contact with the body and extend axially forward from the forward end of the body. The coupling also includes a connector mounted on the body in releasable engagement with the housing to support the ends of the fibers close to the illumination source.

Abstract: An optical fiber array according to the present invention comprises an optical coupling end face to be optically coupled to another optical line, and one ends of a plurality of optical fibers are arrayed in the optical coupling end face. The optical fiber array comprises a lower plate (3a) comprising a plurality of V-shaped grooves (4) for positioning the optical fibers exposing from one end of a ribbon part of the optical fibers, and an upper plate (3b) for pressing each optical fiber provided in each V-shaped groove (4) of the lower plate into the positioning groove. A boundary portion between the ribbon part (7) and the optical fibers (1) is fixed between the first and second plates (3a, 3b) by heat resistant adhesive (10), and the optical fibers from the boundary portion to a front end are fixed by solder (6) in an airtightness state. Accordingly, the hermetic sealing with sufficiently high airtightness can be achieved.

Abstract: Multifiber interconnection element for optic fiber cable including two cylindrical complementary elements with optic fibers belonging to multifiber cables to be connected, abutted to the same. Each one of the complementary elements shows outside a longitudinal notch at least, having shape and size similar to the shape and size of a corresponding longitudinal slide obtained on the internal surface of a coupling bush. These complementary elements are inserted for reciprocal coupling inside this bush with the relevant front contact parts turned one against the other.

Abstract: There is presented a fiber-optic connector and a method of making same. The onnector comprises a plurality of ferrules, each of the ferrules having extending centrally therethrough a single optical fiber. The connector further includes structure abutting at least a portion of the ferrules for exercising a radially compressive force on the ferrules for urging the ferrules into a configuration in which said ferrules are coparallel and nested so as to form a stable bundle which in transverse section is substantially axisymmetrical, and retaining the ferrules in the configuration. The connector still further includes alignment structure for angular positioning of said ferrules in said connector in said transverse section about a nominal longitudinal axis of said bundle for registry of the connector with a second connector of complementary configuration.

Abstract: A novel optical connector that includes the following: an optical connector ferrule which is capable of fixing optical fibers; optical fibers fixed onto the optical connector ferrule, such that the end surfaces of the optical fibers project beyond an end surface of the optical connector ferrule; an adhesive for fixing the optical fibers onto the optical connector ferrule; and a member whose Young's Modulus is less than that of the optical fiber and is provided to an area on the end surface of the optical connector ferrule surrounding, at a minimum, the projected portions of the optical fibers. And when the end surface of the optical connector is polished, the ends of the optical fibers are capable of projecting from the end surface of the optical connector ferrule, even if the end surface portion of the optical connector ferrule contains a filler, the hardness of which is less than that of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic hull penetrator comprises a penetrator insert and a penetra plug that each have fiber alignment inserts mounted, molded or adhered to them. The penetrator insert and penetrator plug are designed to provide strain relief to the cable, spring loading to the fiber alignment inserts, and a waterproof pressure boundary seal when subjected to the submarine ocean and combatant environment. Each fiber alignment insert is a solid slug of material to which anchor pin holes, strength member holes, locating key holes have been added to which suitable components are affixed or inserted.

Abstract: An interconnect for coupling optical fibers and photonic devices. This interconnect is comprised of a fiber bundle formed of a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of photonic devices, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is comprised of a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is coupled to the fiber bundle and the second connector is coupled to the plurality of photonic devices. When the first connector and second connector are coupled together in a single connection, the photonic devices align with the optical fibers for optical communication.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed for a system including signals carried over a plurality of optical fibers. The switch comprises a first and second plurality of optical fibers with each of the fibers terminating at a terminal end. A first switch body is provided for holding fibers of the first plurality in a closely packed array with terminal ends disposed circumferentially about a common first axis. A second switch body is provided for holding fibers of the second plurality in a second array. The first and second arrays are selected for at least a portion of terminal ends of the fibers of the first plurality to be optically coupled with terminal ends of at least one of the fibers of the second plurality when the first array is angularly displaced about the first axis in any one of a plurality of angularly displaced positions.

Abstract: A fiber optic bundle connector includes a hollow cone having a neck ring and a larger inlet ring at opposite ends of a conical body, a divider disposed in the cone that divides the interior of the cone into several compartments and a terminal block having an end fitted into the inlet ring of the cone. The terminal block has a plurality of terminal cavities that extend through the terminal block to communicate with respective ones of the several compartments. A plurality of jacketed fiber optic cables each having a ferrule attached to its jacket, are inserted through the respective terminal cavities so that their jacket stripped core ends extend into the neck ring of the cone. The neck ring of the cone is deformed by a permanently deformed cinch ring to produce a tightly packed bundle of jacket stripped core ends at a connector end of the fiber optic bundle connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber coupler and its method of use are disclosed. In the coupler a centrally located lens is disposed between the ends of the source and outlet optical fibers, the fibers themselves are formed into the most spacing filling configuration at their ends adjacent the lens, and the lens and fiber ends are secured with an adhesive. The lens, fibers and adhesive will all have substantially equivalent indices of refraction so that there is no excessive light attenuation through the lens and adhesive layers. The optical fibers may be glass or polymer, be single or multiple mode, and have uniform, step or graded refractive indices. A wide variety of combinations of fiber bundles, from single fibers to bundles of up to 128 or more fibers, can be coupled through this device. In its method of use aspect, the received fibers are inserted into the sleeve and adhered to the lens with the adhesive, while venting trapped air and excess adhesive.

Abstract: A mount for supporting a silicon v-groove array that contains delicate opal fibers. Optical fibers are arranged in a planar silicon v-groove array to form a focal plane array, which is connected to a first L-bracket. The focal plane array and the first L-bracket combination are attached to a second L-bracket via a shock/vibration isolation pad. The second L-bracket includes an extended cylinder which is threaded so that a strain relief can be screwed directly into the second L-bracket and the fibers extending out the first L-bracket can be fed through the second L-bracket and directly into a monocoil. The second L-bracket also includes space to attach front, side and top covers over the focal plane array. In a related method, the silicon v-groove array is epoxied to the first L-bracket. After preparation of the focal plane array, e.g. polishing of the fibers, is completed, the focal plane array/first bracket combination is connected to the second L-bracket, with the pad therebetween.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting first and second optical fiber bundles (FIG. 4 ), each bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers, comprises the steps of accurately forming substantially identical matrix arrays of apertures in first and second thin securing plates (FIG. 1, 20, 17). The use of thin plates for the securing plate makes it possible to form apertures by masking and etching with great precision, but the plates themselves have little mechanical strength. The first and second plates are aligned (by balls 24), and a first support member (31), which is mechanically rugged, is simultaneously contacted to the first securing plate (17) and to a first alignment pin (27). The first support member (31) is bonded to the first securing plate while the first securing plate (17) is in alignment with the second securing plate (20).

Abstract: A light guide connector is formed at each end of a light guide to connect the light guide to another one. The light guide reduces leakage of light energy even if optical axes of optical fibers of opposing light guide to be connected are not aligned with one another. Optical fibers in the connector are bonded with one another with an adhesive having a smaller refractive index than that of cladding of the optical fibers. Claddings of the optical fibers are melted and solidified with same solvent as the cladding.

Abstract: A linear bearing slide assembly comprises an outer member, an inner member, a pair of linear bearing mechanisms, a preloading bar and a longitudinal spring. The outer member has a primary channel opening for accepting the inner member, and two secondary channel openings for accepting the linear bearing mechanisms and a preloading assembly. The inner member is located in the primary channel opening of the outer member. The first and second linear bearing mechanisms are located in the secondary channels on opposite sides of the primary channel opening. These linear bearing mechanisms support and guide the inner member as it travels along the primary channel opening in the outer member. Each of the linear bearing mechanisms can be conventionally constructed with either sliding or a plurality of rolling elements between two bearing ways.

Abstract: Terminated arrays (22,22) of optical fibers are spliced together by a splicing device (20) which includes a housing (40). The housing includes two sidewalls (42,42) and two endwalls (46,46), each endwall adapted to have an end portion of a terminated array inserted therethrough. The end portions of the terminated arrays are received between two negative chips (33,33) disposed between two backing plates (60,60) to cause the terminated arrays to be aligned. Clamping means (70) includes two spring clips (72,72) each adapted to be disposed in an armed position to allow insertion of the end portions of the terminated arrays and then to be moved to a clamping position in which portions of the clips are in compressive engagement with the backing plates to hold the terminated arrays in alignment and in the housing.

Abstract: Support apparatus for a fiber optic cable assembly which includes optical fibers having end faces, high tensile strength fibers contiguous with and generally parallel to the optical fibers, and one or more electrical conductors. A main body portion of the apparatus supports the fiber optic cable assembly and includes a central channel and posts therein, for first supporting the cable assembly, then separating the optical fibers from the high tensile strength elements and the electrical conductor, and then aligning the optical fibers on the apparatus so as to precisely position the respective end faces thereof at an outer end of the main body portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A direct optical connector (DOC) comprised of first and second members, each including a plurality of light emitting and light detecting locations, operative in combination with energy transfer media to form direct optical connections between the light emitting locations and the light detecting locations, wherein said first and second members are adapted for reclosable connection to each other whereupon the light emitting locations on one member are aligned with the light detecting locations on the other member. The first and second members of the preferred DOC are modular. Alternative forms of energy transfer media are used in various embodiments of the invention including lenslet arrays, imaging fiber plates (IFPs), and energy transfer fiber plates (ETFPs). These media have differing alignment criteria, differing degrees of immunity from crosstalk, differing degrees of transfer efficiency, different manufacturing costs, etc.

Abstract: A field assemblable multifiber optical connector has a tubular housing enclosing a passage in which we inserted two plug assemblages having respective butting front end faces butting each other. Each assemblage comprises (a) a plug consisting of two plates spaced by a gap and having on opposite sides of such gap respective registering sets of laterally spaced gooves defining fiber receptacle channels running to such end faces, and respective pairs of longer groves deferring similarly running pin receptacle channels flanking such fiber channels, and (b) a resilient clip coupled to both guide plates to urge them towards each other and maintain them in alignment. Initially, each such assemblage also includes a comb at the back of the plug for aiding insertion of optical fibers into it. The housing also mounts in its passage a pair of aligning pins receivable partly in both one and the other of the plugs in their pin channels.

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens has diffractive power produced by a plurality of concentric zones. The zones have radii that meet the condition R.sub.0.sup.2 <R.sub.1.sup.2 -R.sub.0.sup.2 where R.sub.0 is the radius of the central zone and R.sub.1 is the radius of the first annular zone.

Abstract: A connector (2) for an optical cable (1) having at least one glass fiber (4.1, 4.2) is characterized in that the plug contact is electrical and the signal transmission is optical. For this purpose, an electrical plug contact (5.1, 5.2) is provided for the at least one glass fiber (4.1, 4.2), as well as a first converter for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal and/or a second converter for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal. The at least one glass fiber (4.1, 4.2) of the optical cable (1) is connected directly to the the first and second converters, respectively. The first and second converters, respectively, are e.g. embodied by light-emitting diodes and photodiodes, respectively.

Abstract: An interconnect system for ribbon-joined optical fibers includes two connectors (1, 2) integrally attached to the ends of respective optical fiber ribbons (3, 4), in which each connector (1, 2) consists of a pair of coupled metal plates (5) rigidly fastened to each other, between which two or more optical fibers (7) belonging to a ribbon (3, 4) made of parallel optical fibers as well as alignment plugs (10) are clamped. At least a plate (5) in each connector (1, 2) includes an element made of metallic material in which several housing grooves (6, 9) for the optical fibers (7) of the ribbon (3, 4) and for the alignment plugs (10) are formed by cold plastic deformation using the same punch for all the plates belonging to one series.