Abstract: A fiber optic clamp assembly for use with an ultra-precision translation stage to precisely align a fiber optical bundle with a laser diode mounted in a sealable enclosure, comprising a housing for receiving the fiber bundle, a flexible seal positionable between said housing and said enclosure; and a pressure collar for urging the seal against the enclosure, said collar being freely movable within the housing so as not to load the translation stage when the housing is being moved by the translation stage to align said bundle with said laser diode and thereafter being movable to compress the flexible seal without disturbing the alignment.

Abstract: A method for producing a ferrule having a plurality of fiber holes for insertion of optical fibers formed between two pin holes for insertion of guide pins, and a ferrule produced by the method. The method comprises a step of injecting a synthetic resin in a mold for forming the ferrule while holding a plurality of pins with a Young's modulus of(22 to 59)×1010N/m2 for forming the fiber holes at two points separated by a distance of 1.5 to 4 mm in a lengthwise direction of the pins.

Abstract: The invention is a device for measuring angle of slant surface of an optical component and a method used therein. The slant surface of the optical component faces exactly toward the slant surface of a standard GRIN Lens and the optical component is spaced from the standard GRIN Lens by a fixed distance. Laser beams are irradiated into the vertical surface of the standard GRIN Lens and then generate two oval projections on a screen by reflection off the slant surface of the standard GRIN Lens and the slant surface of the optical component, respectively. Therefore, the angle of the slant surface of the optical component can be obtained according to the specification of the standard GRIN Lens and the dimensions of the two oval projections.

Abstract: An optical fiber converter is adapted to interconnect a first and a second optical connector together, each connector being of a different type. The optical fiber converter has a ferrule subassembly (3), a sleeve (5), a spring (4), a plug housing (2) and a receptacle housing (6). The ferrule subassembly has a first ferrule (32) having a first central hole, a second ferrule (33) having a second central hole, and a ferrule holder (34) holding the first and second ferrules together. An optical fiber (31) is retained in the first and second central holes, which are coaxially aligned. The sleeve coaxially retains the second ferrule and engages with the second optical connector. The plug housing retains the ferrule holder and is adapted to engage with the first optical connector. The receptacle housing engages with the plug housing, and is adapted to engage with the second optical connector.

Abstract: A connector includes, a wire holder having an arcuate outer-surface-side half member to which an outer surface of a bent part of a wire is fitted; an inner-surface-side half member to which an inner surface of the bent part of the wire is fitted; and an unification holder for holding both half members in a united condition. When the outer-surface-side half member and the inner-surface-side half member are held in a state in which the member are united with each other in such a way as to sandwich the wire, the wire is arcuately bent by fitting between both the half members. Thus, the wire can be held in a state in which the wire is bent with a predetermined curvature.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that has an exterior surface that can be defined with sufficient precision to serve as a datum during subsequent polishing operations. The ferrule includes first and second ferrule body portions that are joined along a parting line. The first ferrule body portion has a first width and the second ferrule body portion has a second width that is less than the first width, such as by at least 50 microns. In addition, the width of the first ferrule body portion is defined to be within a first tolerance, while the width of the second ferrule body is defined to be within a second tolerance that is larger than the first tolerance. As such, the first ferrule body portion is not only larger than the second ferrule body portion, but the first ferrule body portion is also more precisely defined. Thus, only one portion of the ferrule of the present invention needs to be precisely defined. A mold for forming the ferrule and a method of fabricating the ferrule are also provided.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes essentially tubular second connecting piece (40). Second fiber end (14) inserts completely through second connecting piece (40) and is held rigidly such second fiber end (14) is set back from second connecting piece end (78) by a preselected distance. First essentially tubular connecting piece (16) is divided axially into first portion (30) into which first fiber end (12) is inserted and held rigidly, and second portion (32) into which second connecting piece (40) is detachably attached. First and second portions (30, 32) are arranged such that first fiber end (12) is coaxial with and in close proximity to second fiber end (14). Preferably, attachment of second and first connecting pieces (40, 16) includes an axially symmetric groove (46) on an outer surface of second connecting piece (40), and an axially symmetric protrusion (24) on an inner surface of second portion (32) which essentially mates with axially symmetric groove (40).

Abstract: An optical connector subassembly (1) includes a ferrule (2), a base member (4) and a locking element (6). The ferrule defines an axial passageway (22) for receiving a core of an optical cable and a plurality of holes (24) provided on an outer surface of the ferrule. The base member has a space (42) for receiving a lower portion of the ferrule, a bore (46) that is formed along a central axis of the base member and ends in a funnel (48) for guiding an optical fiber into the passageway, and a plurality of openings (44) formed on the upper portion of the base member and corresponding to the holes of the ferrule and communicating with the receiving space. The locking element has a plurality of free extension portions (62) that extend through the corresponding openings and into the corresponding holes to join the ferrule and the base member together.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bulkhead adapters for optically connecting two strands of optical fibers and including a length of optical fiber within the adapter for attenuating signals passing from one fiber to the other. The attenuation optical fiber is held within an attenuation hub inside the housing of the adapter. Attenuation of optical fiber signals transmitted through the adapter may be provided by the optical fiber, by an offset fusion of two optical fibers, by an airgap between two optical fiber segments, by the inclusion of a filter between two optical fiber segments, or by other structures. When an optical fiber with a connector is inserted into the adapter, the optical fiber is placed in optical contact with the attenuation optical fiber of the attenuation hub. The adapter can be inserted through an opening in a bulkhead so that optical fiber from one side of the bulkhead can be attached to optical fiber on the second side of the bulkhead.

Abstract: A cylindrical sleeve connector for mounting ferrules retaining optical fibers therein is formed with a plurality of perforations arranged in a given pattern so as to be elastically deformable within in a specified elastic region. The sleeve connector is produced, using electroforming process, on a cylindrical electroforming mandrel comprising a conductive rod with external surface texture that is equivalent to required internal surface texture of the sleeve connector and a non-conductive layer formed on the conductive rod so as to provide non-conductive segments identical in configuration with the perforations and arranged in conformity with the given pattern of perforations of the cylindrical sleeve connector.

Abstract: A dust cap is provided that includes a translucent end member that permits optical communication while the dust cap remains mounted upon a ferrule. The dust cap includes a sleeve having an open first end and an opposed second end that is closed by the translucent end member. The end member can also include a lens to facilitate optical communication. A medial portion of the sleeve can also define an internal chamfer that extends radially inward for engaging the ferrule such that the front face of the ferrule is spaced from the second end of the sleeve, thereby preventing contaminants from being transferred from the second end of the sleeve to the polished front face of the ferrule. The dust cap can also define a groove extending lengthwise through only a portion of the sleeve, i.e., from the first end of the sleeve to a medial portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting opposing fiber optic connectors includes a housing having a through aperture about which a post is formed. An alignment sleeve is disposed in and retained by the post. A plastic cap is disposed over an end of the post. The plastic cap may include a lip for retaining the alignment sleeve, a conical or other oblique surface for self-aligning on a like surface of the post, and a latch that clips the cap into recesses in the housing. The post may include a recess for receiving the latch members.

Abstract: In the connection of the optical fiber wires, it is required to align each axis of two optical passages to be connected, to minimize the connection space, and to include a retaining mechanism capable of preventing any invasion of foreign materials, such as dust, vapor and water. A pair of ferrule holders 2 for retaining a pair of optical fiber wires 21 positioned opposed to each other through an adapter B are rotated simultaneously by rotating an outer ring 4 to correct the displacement of the axes of the optical fiber wires. Further, a rotating stopper portion 33 on the shaft of the ferrule holder 2 is moved in conjunction with an elastic rotating stopper plate 13 disposed at the adapter B to retain the corrected position. A silicone low crosslinking-density gel 41 having the refractive index substantially equal to that of the optical fiber wires 21 is filled in a connection space 32, to minimize the connection space 32.

Abstract: An operation for removing a core wire during the manufacture of an electrodeposited layer of a metal ferrule for an optical fiber is omitted, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced. Various corrections are applied while measuring the concentricity and circularity of the inside diameter and outside diameter of an electrodeposited layer during manufacture of an electrodeposited layer of a ferrule for an optical fiber, so that precision of the concentricity and circularity of the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the electrodeposited layer is improved. The objective of the present invention is to provide—using the ferrules—a connector that is excellent in connection performance and that enables construction of an optical system having many channels.

Abstract: An optical ring network, an optical connector, and a hybrid connector is provided, wherein a leading-out direction of an optical fiber can be changed without bringing about bad influence on the light transmitted with the optical fiber. An optical plug 24 as an optical connector includes a pair of ferrules 31 to be attached to the respective ends of a pair of optical fibers 25 and an optical adapter 32 having accommodating chambers 101 to accommodate the respective end portions of the optical fibers 25 with the respective ferrules 31. And, directing members 26, 27 to direct the respective optical fibers 25 led out of the optical adapter 32 are secured to the respective ferrules 31, and the ferrules 31 with the directing members 26, 27 are pivotably accommodated in the respective accommodating chambers 101.

Abstract: The connector system comprises a standard DIN 41612 two-part connector for printed circuit boards having a plug shell 1 inserted into a socket shell 2, which shells have grids 5, 12 and opposed cavities 6, 13 for separate contacts. A front plug shell hollow insert 16 and a rear plug shell hollow insert 17 are assembled in communication to one another in a cavity 6 of the plug shell 1. A front socket shell hollow insert 31 and a rear socket shell hollow insert 32 are assembled in communication to one another in a cavity 13 of the socket shell 2 opposed to the cavity 6 of the plug shell 1. An alignment sleeve 48 is placed in a floating condition in a housing 49 formed in the front plug shell insert 16. Alignment sleeve 48 allows front to front aligned housing of the ferrules 52 of two fibre optic male contacts plugged into the rear plug shell insert 17 and rear socket shell insert 32.

Abstract: A universal ferrule for use within a plurality of optical fiber connector types includes a longitudinally extending ferrule body having an opposing end face and base. The ferrule body defines an internal passageway at the base and at least one bore at the end face. The base is sized and shaped to engage an internal chamber within the housing of each connector type to rotationally, radially and longitudinally position the at least one bore relative to the connector housing. The ferrule body has a cylindrical external surface that includes at least one longitudinal groove. A first groove portion adjacent the end face is sized and shaped to position the universal ferrule relative to a mating ferrule. A second groove portion adjacent the base is larger than the first groove portion. A chamfered edge between the end face and the external surface of the ferrule body facilitates interconnection of mating ferrules.

Abstract: A ferrule for use with a bare fiber adapter for temporarily coupling the ends of two bare optic fibers. The ferrule includes an elongate body possessing a borehole therethrough, with each of the borehole ends adapted to receive the end of an associated one of the bare optic fibers such that the ends of the bare optic fibers may substantially abut. The elongate body also possesses a slot extending from the periphery of the elongate body to the borehole. A bare fiber adapter incorporating the ferrule is also disclosed. A method of temporarily connecting the ends of two bare optic fibers is disclosed, and a kit for use in temporarily coupling unterminated optic fiber to test instrumentation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manual variable optical attenuator (10) includes a base (2), a cover (3), an optical module (4), a shifting device (5), and an optical fiber retainer (6). The optical module comprises a mirror (41), a frame (42), a dual optical fiber collimator (43), a stopper (44), a graded transmittance filter (45), and a filter carrier (46). The shifting device comprises a screw pole (51), a first holder (52), and a second holder (53). The screw pole comprises a terminal portion (511) rotatably received in the first holder, a first annular groove (512) accommodating the second holder, a second annular groove (513) receiving a gasket (514), an adjusting slot (515), and a screw thread (516). The gasket protrudes from a circumferential surface of the screw pole and seals a gap between the screw pole and a sidewall (36) of the cover. External harmful contamination cannot penetrate into the attenuator.

Abstract: A connector housing for a connector to an optical device includes: a body with a bottom wall, a first side wall with a first lip, a second side wall with a second lip, where optical fibers may reside within the bottom, first side, and second side walls, where the first and second lips engage the optical fibers when residing within the bottom, first, and second side walls, where the first and second lips assist in preventing the optical fibers from being removed from the body; a spring coupled to the body and the optical fibers; and a sleeve coupled to the body, including a locking feature for locking the body to the optical device. The connector housing is compact in size, allowing larger numbers of fiber-optic modules to reside on a printed circuit board, increasing its density for optical devices. A connector with the connector housing is also more cost effective to manufacture.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.

Abstract: The ferrule part 16 comprises ferrule 60, first and second optical fibers 62 and 64, and optical filter 68. Ferrule 60 has first and second end surface 60a and 60b, ferrule insertion hole 60c, and groove 68. Ferrule insertion hole 60c extends along a first axis, and accommodates first and second optical fibers 62 and 64. Groove 66 extends along a second axis crossing the first axis, and extends so as to extend across ferrule 60. Groove 66 is provided along a plane defined by the second axis and a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes. Optical filter 68 can reflect a part of light incident on one surface 68b of the pair of surfaces of optical filter 68, and can transmit a part of the light incident on other surface 68a.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical fibre connector (15, 18) for high pressure (P) environments. Said connector comprises means for maintaining (1, 2, 19b) the respective ends of the fibres, facing one another. The invention is characterised in that it further comprises a sleeve (3) enclosing the fibre ends, and a translucent gel (4), provided in the sleeve to soak the space (4b) separating the fibre ends (15, 18). Moreover, by maintaining itself by capillary action in said space (4b) the gel seals off the connection with environment. The ambient pressure (P) then acts on one free end of the sleeve (3) while maintaining the gel (4) in the sleeve.

Abstract: At least one annular wall 6 into which a ferrule 5 for an optical fiber cable 30 is adapted to be inserted is provided in the housing 4 and exposed to the exterior. A protective frame wall 7 is provided on the housing 4 so as to project higher than the annular wall 6. The frame wall 7 is so arranged as to surround the annular wall 6, and projected upwardly and downwardly from both top and bottom sides of the housing 4. A top wall 9 for mounting a ferrule locking member 10 is formed integrally with the annular wall 6, and the top wall is positioned at the same height as the frame wall 7, and continued from the frame wall. There may be arranged a pair of the annular walls in parallel in proximity to each other. A receiving trunk 53 in a mating housing 48 continued to a light converting element 55 is adapted to be inserted into the annular wall 6, and the ferrule 5 is adapted to be inserted into the receiving trunk.

Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.

Abstract: A ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body defining a longitudinally extending groove that can serve as an alignment feature for polishing operations. In this regard, the ferrule body extends longitudinally between opposed front and rear surfaces so that at least the rear surface generally defines a substantially rectangular shape in lateral cross-section. In addition, the ferrule body typically has first and second major sides and first and second minor sides with the first and second major sides being larger than the first and second minor sides. The ferrule body defines the longitudinally extending groove in at least one of the major surfaces. A jig is also provided for engaging the longitudinally extending groove defined by the ferrule body in order to hold the ferrule in an aligned position during polishing operations. In this regard, the jig includes a jig body having an alignment feature for engaging a complimentary alignment feature of the ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector including a coupler body with a channel for receiving a connector plug therein; and a door spanning the channel, the door biased to cover the channel but displaceable with respect to the channel when the plug body is received in the channel to prevent light from escaping the channel when the plug body is removed from the channel.

Abstract: An articulated enclosure for an optical package comprises toro-spherical portions which form adjustable joints. Preferably the enclosure comprises two parts, each part comprising a cylindrical portion coupled to a toro-spherical portion. The toro-spherical portion includes several meridianal cuts to allow flexibility to the toro-spherical portions and permit one toro-spherical portion to overlap the other toro-spherical portion. Optical elements and subassemblies such as fiber ferrules and collimating lenses are affixed inside the cylindrical portions. The coupled toro-spherical portions form an adjustable joint which allows movement in three degrees of freedom and permits precision alignment of the internal optical components. The tension in the adjustable joint holds the alignment temporarily while the joint is secured with either solder or adhesive. The articulated enclosure permits optical alignment of the subassemblies and improved thermal protection.

Abstract: An optical connector adapter comprising a housing, and a pair of latch inserts. The housing has at least one passage formed therein for receiving a pair of connectors adapted to be mated to each other inside the housing. The pair of latch inserts are located in the passage of the housing. Each latch insert is adapted for locking a corresponding connector from the pair of connectors to the housing. At least one latch insert from the pair of latch inserts has a spring loaded projection. The housing has at least one detent formed therein. The spring loader projection on the at least one latch insert is bias into the at least one detent locking the at least one latch insert to the housing.

Abstract: An adapter for receiving optical fiber connectors, of the type having an inner part suitable for receiving an internal connector carrying an internal optical fiber having an end ferrule, and having an outer part suitable for receiving an external connector having an external optical fiber with an end ferrule, is made suitable for use with different external connectors by having the outer part readily separable from the inner part. The parts have complementary engaging surfaces and cooperating engaging means which lock the two parts together upon relative rotation of one of the parts relative to the other through about a right angle. The usual alignment sleeve is carried by the outer part, and when this part has been separated from the inner part the internal fiber ferrule is accessible for cleaning.

Abstract: An optical fiber adapter for coupling first and second dissimilar optical fiber connectors together without signal or coupling degradation has a body portion having a transverse wall. First and second latch gates form chambers for containing an alignment sleeve and one of the chambers has a spring member seated in a recess in the wall at one end of the chamber. The spring member exerts a spring force on the sleeve in opposition to the spring force of one of the connectors, so that the sum of the spring forces on the ferrules of the connectors is substantially zero, thereby insuring proper alignment and positioning of the ferrules.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a resin ferrule, for use in an optical fiber connector, is provided including: a capillary 1 having an axial part 2; and a flange 13 protruding from the axial part 2; the ferrule having an optical fiber insertion hole 3 axially passing through the capillary 1. The capillary 1 and the flange 13 are integrated into a monolithic structure with thermoplastic resin. The capillary 1 has a planar-shaped front end surface 11, and a front end part 10 extending towards the front end surface 11, in a convergent fashion where the front end part 10 has the outer diameter of the radial cross-section thereof reduced along the axial direction thereof towards the front end surface 11 with the cross-section kept concentric. According to another aspect of the present invention, a die is provided for molding a resin ferrule, for use in an optical fiber connector, as defined above.

Abstract: A beam-blocking safety shutter (100) is mounted in a fiber-optic adapter housing (500) that mates with a standard fiber-optic male connector of the type with a fiber-containing ferrule protruding from a forward end. The shutter is rotatably mounted in the insertion passage on a shaft (300) and held in the light-blocking position by a closing spring (200). The shutter has two shoulders (130) extending forward from a backplate portion (120) of the shutter. The shoulders, placed to either side of the ferrule's path in the insertion passage, hit the body of the inserted connector and take the force that opens the shutter, so that the ferrule is protected from contact. The shoulders preferably are deeper than the distance the ferrule extends from the connector body. The ends of the shaft protrude from the sides of the shutter. The protruding ends are slid into dead-end grooves in the housing and held there by a U-shaped clip forced into the grooves.

Abstract: When a plug is to be fitted to a first connector from one side and a plug is to be fitted to a second connector from the other side of an optical coupling device, the first connector and the second connector shift in an X direction to ease stresses working on an internal optical fiber. Therefore, stresses working on the optical fiber can be eased without having to extend a length of the internal fiber, and accordingly it is made possible to reduce an overall size of the optical coupling device.

Abstract: Unitary construction springs are provided for exerting an axial spring force for biasing a terminus of a connector outwardly so as to assure that the terminus abuts a corresponding terminus in a mating connector with sufficient force for maintaining proper contact when exposed to shocks and vibrations.

Abstract: A dust cap is provided that includes a translucent end member that permits optical communication while the dust cap remains mounted upon a ferrule. The dust cap includes a sleeve having an open first end and an opposed second end that is closed by the translucent end member. The end member can also include a lens to facilitate optical communication. A medial portion of the sleeve can also define an internal chamfer that extends radially inward for engaging the ferrule such that the front face of the ferrule is spaced from the second end of the sleeve, thereby preventing contaminants from being transferred from the second end of the sleeve to the polished front face of the ferrule. The dust cap can also define a groove extending lengthwise through only a portion of the sleeve, i.e., from the first end of the sleeve to a medial portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A ferrule connection optical isolator with an optical fiber, wherein the optical isolator includes a ferrule with at least one processed end surface. The optical fiber consists of two kinds of materials and has a concentric level difference between the materials. A small cylindrical magnet having a size larger than the outer diameter of the level difference portion but smaller than the outermost diameter of the ferrule is connected to the level difference portion. A guide ring is inserted and fixed in the magnet, and an optical element that consists of at least one polarizer and at least one Faraday rotator is connected and fixed in the guide ring.

Abstract: The invention includes a ferrule having a layer of material on an inner surface of a hole therein which is selected to be preferentially softenable relative to the bulk material of the ferrule. The ferrule according to the present invention can be fused to optical fibers, capillaries and the like while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule. A fiber Bragg grating device and a flow cell device are also provided.

Abstract: A termination arrangement for fiber optic cables includes a precision ceramic guide press fit into a sleeve on both the socket and pin termini. The precision ceramic guide of the socket terminus is extended through a bushing and alignment sleeve, and a compression spring is positioned between the bushing and a stepped washer secured in the connector so that the bushing, sleeve, and precision ceramic guide may all be moved relative to the stepped washer upon insertion of the ceramic guide of the pin terminus into the alignment sleeve. The length of each terminus is chosen so that any grommet on an environmentally sealed connector will always fall on a portion of the body which has the same diameter for each terminus so that one grommet can be used with a variety of different size cables. A rear section of both the pin and socket terminus bodies are stepped down to provide an area for the strength member of the fiber optic cable to be terminated to.

Abstract: The invention provides a connection structure of optical fibers and a process for connecting optical fibers, by which the optical fibers are prevented from being damaged, the working time required for the connection is shortened, yield is improved, and efficiency of connection working is improved. The connection structure of optical fibers comprises 2 connecting members and brought face to face with each other and each having a through-hole and 2 optical fibers inserted into the respective through-holes of the connecting members. The 2 optical fibers are connected within the through-hole of one connecting member.

Abstract: A simple optical fiber inner tube connector mainly includes a tubular body being divided into two receiving chambers by at least an annular rib in the tubular body. Each of the receiving chambers is provided around its inner wall surface with a spirally extended thread and at least an engaging tooth located between the annular rib and an inner end of the spiral thread. When two optical fiber inner tubes are to be connected to each other by means of the connector, they are separately screwed into the two receiving chambers so that the engaging teeth tightly engage into outer wall surfaces of the two optical fiber inner tubes for them to accurately align with each other and firmly locate in the connector. Waterstop sleeve members made of elastically deformable material may be put around outer wall surface of the tubular body near two ends thereof to fitly and tightly cover the joint of the connector and the optical fiber inner tubes and to align the inner tubes with the tubular body.

Abstract: A housing of a fiber optic connector such as an MT-RJ connector has a greater surface area and ridges for improved handling and grasping. A door is provided on a fiber optic connector socket to block light leakage from the socket. The door is compact and does not interfere with neighboring devices while closed. The connector has a housing that centers the ferrule and keeps it in a position for precise alignment with the opposing ferrule. A pin retainer is designed to allow insertion and removal of alignment pins in the field without the need for removing the connector from the fiber optic, so that male connectors can be connected to female connectors and vice-versa.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber connector (3) includes a housing (32) defining a cavity (35) therein for receiving a complementary optical fiber plug (4), an active device (33) embedded in a rear of the housing, and a shielding door (31) disposed at a front of the housing. The shielding door includes two parallel slots (314) defined in opposite side walls (315) thereof, and a shaft (313) extending through the slots. Opposite ends of the shaft are fixed in a front portion of the housing. When the optical fiber plug is to be inserted into the cavity of the housing, the shielding door is manually rotated outwardly and upwardly from a closed position to an open position, and then slid into the housing. Once the optical fiber plug is withdrawn from the optical fiber connector, the shielding door is manually slid outwardly, and then rotatingly returned to its original closed position.

Abstract: A dust cap is provided that includes a translucent end member that permits optical communication while the dust cap remains mounted upon a ferrule. The dust cap includes a sleeve having an open first end and an opposed second end that is closed by the translucent end member. The end member can also include a lens to facilitate optical communication. A medial portion of the sleeve can also define an internal chamfer that extends radially inward for engaging the ferrule such that the front face of the ferrule is spaced from the second end of the sleeve, thereby preventing contaminants from being transferred from the second end of the sleeve to the polished front face of the ferrule. The dust cap can also define a groove extending lengthwise through only a portion of the sleeve, i.e., from the first end of the sleeve to a medial portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An optical catheter connection system is described which has two mating assemblies: a motor unit and an optical catheter connector. The optical catheter connector mates to the motor unit for coupling optical signal into and out of a catheter optical fiber and providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber. The motor unit includes a rotary shaft powered by a motor for providing drive torque to the catheter optical fiber to rotate the fiber. The motor unit further includes a split sleeve for aligning a motor optical fiber with the catheter optical fiber for coupling optical signals between the two fibers. In one embodiment, a shield is provided around the outer surface of the optical catheter connector to help maintain a sterile field by forming a barrier between a clinician's sterile hand, which holds the optical catheter connector, and the non-sterile motor unit.

Abstract: In the production of a hollow cast article having a slit, the release of a hollow cast product from a mold is carried out while opening the hollow cast product. In one embodiment, a core provided with recessed parts (or projected parts) formed in a slit forming part (or an outer peripheral part) is used and the drawing out of the core from the hollow cast product is carried out while opening the hollow cast product by means of the recessed parts (or projected parts) mentioned above. By such a method, a hollow cast article having a slit and projected parts (or recessed parts) formed in a slit part or/and an inner peripheral part thereof is obtained.

Abstract: A split sleeve material is generally in a cylindrical form to have penetrating grooves extending in an axial direction and, at respective end portions, annular end portions where the penetrating groove is not formed over an entire periphery thereof. A split sleeve is formed by cutting the annular end portions.

Abstract: There is provided a first optical connector 11 in which ferrule portions 11b are disposed to protrude from ferrule protection walls 11c, a second optical connector 12 in which ferrule portions 12b are disposed to protrude from ferrule protection walls 12c, and a relay adapter 13 including retaining holes 13d with which retaining protrusions 11f of the first optical connector 11 are engaged in a withdrawal-preventing manner and retaining holes 13d with which retaining protrusions 12f of the second optical connector 12 are detachably engaged.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a connector for fiber optic transmission cables, incorporating into it a variable attenuator. The variable attenuation is achieved by having a screw arrangement vary an air gap, and additional embodiments of the invention feature ways of fixing the attenuation at a given level and of minimizing back-reflection.