Abstract: A quasi-hermaphroditic connection comprises first and second substantially identical connector assemblies. Each connector assembly comprises a cylindrical plug member having a central bore containing an optical fiber, the end of which is made flush with the front face of the plug member. A support rod is affixed to the plug member with its axis parallel thereto and has a portion extending beyond the front of the plug member. The two plug members are pushed towards each other until the faces abut with the extended portions of each support rod contacting the other support rod and forming a V-groove therewith in which both plugs rest. The two connector assemblies are clamped together on either side of the region in which the faces abut, with no clamping forces being exerted in that region.

Abstract: A two-path connection system for monomode optical fibers is applicable to conventional telecommunication systems for connecting subscriber lines. The connection system includes a cylindrical envelope having an internal precision chamber. Two ferrules are engaged in the internal precision chamber, each for receiving a monomode optical fiber for connection. A spacer is engaged in the internal precision chamber which is suitable for securing the two ferrules while precentering them inside the precision chamber.

Abstract: Connection device for connecting the end portions of optical fibres (30) comprising insertion means (12) and receiving means (11) designed for cooperation with at least a centering means (37) for radial and axial centering of the end portions of the optical fibres relative to each other. The centering means (37) is comprised of a sleeve (38) being closed in cross-section and provided with internal guiding elements (39) in the form of centering shanks extending in the longitudinal direction, and external guiding elements (40) in the form of ridge formed portions (40) extending in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve connected to the centering shanks and designed to allow the centering shanks to radially spring in a direction toward and from the center axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing device includes a clip (20) which aligns and secures cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32) utilized within a three-rod optical fiber splicing device. The clip (20) is a generally cylindrically shaped component which is made of a resilient material and is positionable so as to encase three cylindrical rods (28, 30 and 32). The clip (20) comprises a circular body portion (22) and two protruding leg portions (24 and 26) which extend from an point on the outer periphery of clip body (22). The two leg portions (24 and 26) are constructed and oriented such that they may be manipulated to controllably expand the inner diameter of clip body (22). To facilitate an optical fiber splice or connection, the clip (20) of the present invention allows the clip body (22) to be expanded to loosen the grip on rods (28, 30 and 32) held therein, thereby allowing the optical fiber ends to be inserted between the rods.

Abstract: Optical connecting means for effecting disconnectable optical connections between multiplicities of optical fibres comprises a two-part mechanical connector and a plurality of two-part optical fibre connectors mounted in the body parts, of the mechanical connector. One body part of each optical fibre connector is slidably mounted in and with respect to the body part of the mechanical connector with their axes parallel to one another and is urged by a spring housed in the body part in a rectilinear direction towards the mating end of the body part. One body part of each optical fibre connector is fixedly secured in and with respect to the body part of the mechanical connector with their axes parallel to one another. Preferably, the body parts of the optical fibre connectors in each body part of the mechanical connector 1 are mounted one above another.

Abstract: A fiber optic Fabry-Perot etalon filter constructed with a resonance cavity which is variable in length to enable variations in temperature to tune the filter to a desired frequency while maintaining accurate alignment of the fiber across the filter. Each fiber end is encased in a ferrule with the two ends placed in a facing relationship. The fibers are aligned and held by an appropriate fixture designed to allow a portion of the ferrule assembly containing the resonance cavity to expand or contract with temperature variation. The two mirrors defining the nominal size of the resonance cavity may be deposited on the facing end of each of the two ferrules, on an end of a separate waveguide located between the ends of the ferrules, or on any combination of these elements. Ferrules may be wafered, that is, a wafer of material may be bonded to the mirrored end of one or both ferrules.

Abstract: A single wafered optical fiber ferrule assembly useful in fixed and tunable fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) filters is described. The ferrule assembly contains a wafered ferrule with embedded mirror and a mirrored-end ferrule which are aligned with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis in an alignment fixture. The ferrules are aligned and spaced with respect to each other to maximize transmission of light of a selected wavelength through the filter. The wafered ferrule is composed of a fiber ferrule and a wafer greater than or equal to about 5 .mu.m in thickness which are bonded together with a mirror embedded between the wafer and the ferrule. The ferrule assembly forms a FP optical resonance cavity between the two mirrors. The single wafered ferrule design produces more easily manufactured and more stable FFP than prior art designs.

Abstract: A multiple optical fiber connector terminal includes a sleeve (6); a plurality of pins (7) disposed within the sleeve to form a plurality of receiving apertures (9); a plurality of filler rods (8) disposed between the sleeve and the pins; and a plurality of optical fibers (10) inserted into and bonded to the receiving apertures.