Abstract: The orientation of the rotating direction of an optical fiber in an optical fiber array takes the positional axial displacement into consideration. In a method of aligning the orientation of optical fibers, or the axial displacement in an optical fiber array having a plurality of optical fibers, and an optical fiber holding member, an enlarged image of the optical fiber is obtained for each of the optical fibers using an image pick-up means. Then, a distribution of the characterized image corresponding to the positions in the radial direction of the image of the optical fiber are obtained from the enlarged image. From the distribution of the characterized image, the orientation of the rotational direction to the center of the optical fiber, or the positional axial displacement of the core center, is measured.

Abstract: A method for providing substantial protection and insulation for submarine cable joints without utilizing costly molding and x-ray equipment. A heat shrinkable polyolefin protective covering includes an unexpanded conical transition between two expanded cylindrical portions. The unexpanded conical transition precisely locates the protective covering against a conical portion of a submarine cable jointbox. Polyamide adhesive is applied to the inside surfaces of the protective covering. During the application of heat to the protective covering, insubstantial relative movement between the conical transition portion of the protective covering and the locating portion of the jointbox allows proper alignment of the protective covering as the expanded cylindrical portions shrink and move relative to the jointbox. The diameters of the cylindrical portions of the protective covering are selected such that a nominal hoop stress is created during heating to minimize air entrapment and voids in the adhesive.

Abstract: An optical attenuator uses a segment of attenuating fiber interposed in the optical path. The attenuating fiber is produced by using a solution doping technique to introduce transition or rare earth elements into the fiber's core. The dopant reduces the transmission of the fiber. The degree of attenuation depends upon the material used as the dopant, the dopant level, and the length of the attenuation segment. In a specific embodiment, an optical attenuator is provided having a first and second signal carrying optical fibers and an attenuating fiber segment, each of which has a core, a cladding substantially coaxial with the core, and a substantially planar endface. The attenuating fiber segment is fusion spliced between the first and second signal carrying optical fibers. In a second embodiment a portion of the cladding of the attenuating fiber is chemically etched.

Abstract: A fiberoptic cable junction for joining the ends of two fiberoptic cables mprises the steps of inserting a tube fastener over each cable end and inserting a protective sleeve and a splint fastener over either cable end. The cable ends are then spliced together. The protective sleeve is positioned over the splice and is supported by fastening an inner splint rod to the cable buffer with the tube fasteners. The cable buffer is supported by an outer splint rod fastened to the tube fasteners by the splint fastener.

Abstract: A splice member for splicing ends of optical fibers is provided with clips to restrict torsional stress from being applied to the ends of the cables held in the splice element. A tool is used to secure the splicing member onto the cables and it operates to sequentially actuate the splicing element to grip and align the fiber ends and actuates the clamps onto the fiber to restrict the torsional stress on the fiber ends.

Abstract: An optical attenuator uses a segment of attenuating fiber interposed in the optical path. The attenuating fiber is produced by using a solution doping technique to introduce transition or rare earth elements into the fiber's core. The dopant reduces the transmission of the fiber. The degree of attenuation depends upon the material used as the dopant, the dopant level, and the length of the attenuation segment. In a specific embodiment, an optical attenuator is provided having a first and second signal carrying optical fibers and an attenuating fiber segment, each of which has a core, a cladding substantially coaxial with the core, and a substantially planar endface. The attenuating fiber segment is fusion spliced between the first and second signal carrying optical fibers. In a second embodiment a portion of the cladding of the attenuating fiber is chemically etched.

Abstract: An automotive fiber optic cable splice for connecting first and second fiber optic cables in an abutting connection is provided. The splice includes a casing with first and second ends, the casing encircling the first and second fiber optic cables; first and second end caps generally at the first and second ends of the casing; first and second ferrules positioned within the casing for aligning the first and second fiber optic cables generally adjacent the abutting connection of the first and second fiber optic cables; first and second crimps radially gripping the first and second fiber optic cables, respectively, creating on each fiber optic cable a crimped region thereon; and first and second seals radially sealing the fiber optic cables and sealing the fiber optic cables within the casing adjacent the respective first and second end caps, the first and second seals biasing the first and second fiber optic cables toward one another.

Abstract: In a case where an arrayed optical fiber coupler obtained from a tape ribbon 1 is fixed to an reinforcement case 3, a glass portions 2b as a non-elongated portion outside of the elongated portions 2c of the coupler and a protection coating layers 2a at the back thereof are fixed to the reinforcement case 3 with an adhesive layer 4. A collectively coating resin layer 1a of the tape ribbon 1 is not fixed to the reinforcement case 3. The resin layer 1a is fixed to the reinforcement case 3 with a soft adhesive layer 5 different from the above adhesive layer 4, if necessary. As the resin of the adhesive layer 4, there is preferable an adhesive having the viscosity of 50 to 200 P and thermosetting property in addition to ultraviolet cure property.

Abstract: Overclad fiber optic couplers are made by inserting the uncoated portions of a plurality of optical fibers into the bore of a glass tube, collapsing the tube midregion onto the fibers and stretching the central portion of the tube midregion. The present method utilizes a glass tube the bore of which includes a circular portion and a recess. A plurality of optical fibers are sequentially inserted into the tube by threading the coated end into the circular bore portion until the uncoated portion of fiber is centered in the tube. The uncoated portion of fiber is then transferred laterally into the bore recess. After all fibers have been threaded into the circular bore portion and transferred to the recess, a filler fiber is inserted into the circular bore portion. The resultant coupler exhibits low excess loss.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fiber optic cable splice comprises the steps of: ) positioning a malleable tube around a first fiber optic cable having a first optical fiber; 2) fusing the first optical fiber to a second optical fiber of a second fiber optic cable to form a fused region; and 3) crimping the malleable tube to the first and second fiber optic cables. The malleable tube may bent into an arc to facilitate payout of the splice through a payout guide. A heat shrinkable tube may be formed around the malleable tube and first and second cables to provide a dustproof seal around the splice.

Abstract: A holder for annealing a fiber optic coil uses a silica ring on a silica substrate, or silica tubular coil, either of which may be directly incorporated into a coil subassembly for a Faraday-effect current sensor. The ring may be formed in a silica plate by sandblasting or grinding, or formed separately and adhered to the plate. In the tubular holder embodiment, silica tubes and sleeves are used to protect fusion splices between the ends of the fiber coil and polarizing fibers. Use of silica for most of the subassembly components matches the coefficients of thermal expansion of the subassembly to that of the fiber coil, and also allows the coil to be annealed at extremely high temperatures. Annealing yields fiber coils of lowered birefringence, particularly when used with spun fibers. Ferrules are used to adjust the angular orientation of the fibers with respect to their planes of polarization.

Abstract: A test piece 1 is prepared having the same metal tube 2 and metal sleeve 4 as in the case of metal tube covered optical fiber cables 10 and 20 to be connected and a sensor 5 for measuring temperatures in the vicinity of a welding part, prior to connection of the cables an optimum welding condition is set by variously changing welding conditions using the test piece 1 and measuring temperatures in the vicinity of the welding part with the sensor 5, the connection is made under such an optimum welding condition, and after this connection welding is done under one and the same condition as in the case of the connection using the other test piece 1, and then by the output of the sensor 5 it is to be made sure that the connection has been carried out almost under the same condition as the optimum welding condition.

Abstract: A reinforced structure for a multicore optical fiber coupler wherein a longitudinal coating resin of first and second multicore optical fibers, each having a plurality of optical fiber stands positioned in parallel arrangement to each other and each collectively coated with a respective coating resin, is partially removed so as to expose glass portions of the optical fiber strands of each of the optical fibers. The exposed glass portions are then fused and extended. The fused and extended portions are then accommodated in a plurality of grooves formed in a reinforcing casing. The non-extended portions, which are located on opposite ends of the fused and extended portions in the extending direction, are also accommodated on the surface of the reinforcing casing. The optical fibers are secured to the reinforcing casing with adhesive, which is applied to the non-extended portions of the fibers.

Abstract: A method of joining two groups of light waveguides in a splicing appliance, which includes applying a mechanical reinforcing carrier member between the two parts subsequent to the splicing operation and prior to removing the spliced waveguides from the splicing appliance.

Abstract: A method resulting in a package for a fiber optic component includes positioning the fiber optic component within a primary protective body. A flat wrappable secondary protective material having an adhesive on one side thereof is then wrapped around the primary protective body a plurality of times. The flat wrappable secondary protective material may be marked prior to wrapping the primary protective body. The adhesive on the flat wrappable secondary protective material may include a pressure sensitive adhesive allowing the primary protective body to be unwrapped.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable system, such as a preterminated fiber cable, includes a main cable and one or more drop cables connected to the main cable at spaced apart locations along the main cable. The drop cable is spliced to the main cable using a splice closure including a fiber guide that secures spliced together end portions of the respective fibers in a longitudinally extending direction and devoid of any slack coils of optical fibers. Accordingly, the overall diameter of the splice closure is relatively small thereby permitting the cable system to be stored on a reel and to be readily placed within small diameter conduits. The splice closure includes a heat recoverable housing surrounding the fiber guide. Cable sheath end portions are sealed by melting C-shaped bodies of heat flowable material positioned adjacent cable sheath end portions.

Abstract: Overclad fiber optic couplers typically include an elongated glass body having a solid midregion through which at least two glass optical fibers extend in optical signal coupling relationship. At each end of the midregion is an end region containing a bore from which optical fiber pigtails extend. In accordance with the invention, each end region includes a first projecting portion, one surface of which forms a ledge. That end of each bore opposite the midregion terminates at a recessed face that intersects the respective ledge. One end of at least the first fiber extends from the first bore. That portion of the first fiber outside the first bore has a coating that extends along the ledge, the coating terminating outside the first bore. A mass of glue extends between the ledge and the recessed face and encompasses the bare portion of the first fiber that extends along the first ledge and at least a portion of the first coating that extends along the first ledge.

Abstract: An airtight sealing method for a leading portion of an optical fiber, which provides high airtight sealing effect and is suitable for mass-production, is provided. The airtight seal structure of a leading portion of an optical fiber according to the present invention comprises an optical fiber and a metal pipe having a through-hole for receiving the optical fiber and adapted to connect an inner portion of the leading portion to an outer portion of the leading portion. A pair of glass pipes each having a through-hole receives the optical fiber and adapted to be inserted into the metal pipe. A low melting point glass material is disposed between the glass pipes in the metal pipe and seals the inner and outer portions of the leading portion by filling a space between an inside of the metal pipe and the optical fiber when heated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coupling structure of optical fibers and optical waveguides, comprising optical fibers; an optical fiber arranging connector having a first and second members, the optical fibers being sandwiched by the first and second members to be fixed in the optical fiber arranging connector; a waveguide device having a waveguide substrate, optical waveguides being formed on a surface of the waveguide device, ends of the waveguides and ends of being aligned with each other by abutting end faces thereof against each other; an adhesive interposed and set between said end faces, the adhesive being a photo-setting adhesive, the first member being made of a material preventing light having a wavelength capable of setting said adhesive from passing therethrough, and in at least part of a region where the end faces of the optical fiber arranging connector and the waveguide device oppose to each other, at least one of the optical fiber arranging connector and the waveguide device in the vicinity of the end f

Abstract: A method of bonding glass-based optical elements comprising the steps of positioning a first glass-based optical element relative to a second glass-based optical element, applying a glass-based bonding compound about the first and second optical elements, and applying sufficient localized heat to the glass-based bonding compound to cause the glass-based bonding compound to soften and fuse with the optical elements.

Abstract: A splice closure apparatus for a multi-layer combination ground and fiber optic cable, commonly called an optical ground cable, includes a weather impervious outer cylinder made of an impact and corrosion resistant material. The cylinder is open at both ends and is designed to hold a splicing assembly including a pair of sealing end caps, one for each end of the cylinder. Each end cap includes an elastomeric sealing material sandwiched between two rigid plates bolted together with the bolts extending through the elastomeric material. When the end cap bolts are tightened, the elastomeric material is expanded outward to sealingly engage the outer cylinder. At least one of the end caps includes cable through bores through which cables to be spliced are introduced into the splicing assembly and closure and each of the end cap plates include four cable slots leading from the outside thereof to respective cable through holes in the elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A housing for fiber optic components reduces stress on optical fibers and protects the components from environmental shock and vibration. The housing includes a protective body having a receiving space wherein the fiber optic component is positioned. A rigid adhesive applied to the fibers in a specific stress reducing profile near the ends of the receiving space secures the component out of contact with the wall of the receiving space without inducing stress on the jacketless optical fibers. A gel support material fills the receiving space surrounding the component and providing vibration isolation. The invention is particularly uses for housing fiber optic couplers which are subject to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

Abstract: A re-enterable splicer assembly is provided for forming a re-enterable splice connection between respective ends of a pair of fiber optic cables, each cable comprising at least one optical fiber surrounded by an outer jacket and a quantity of fibrous strengthening material intermediate the outer jacket and the optical fiber. The splicer assembly comprises a splice portion having an elongate channel formed thereon for receiving and effectively joining respective ends of a pair of optical fibers, retaining structure for retaining the ends of the optical fibers received in the elongate channel, and an arrangement for partially opening the splice portion to facilitate inserting and releasing a fiber relative to the elongate channel. An elongate housing includes opposite outer housing sections configured for receiving respective outer jackets of fiber optic cables therein and an intermediate housing section between the respective outer housing sections configured for receiving the splice portion therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber component, which includes an optical component, (e.g., a glass tube), one or more glass optical fibers attached to the surface of said component, and a surface pretreatment layer, formed from a silane applied to the surfaces of the component and the one or more glass optical fibers. Preferably, an adhesive is applied over the surface pretreatment layer to strengthen attachment of the component to the one or more glass optical fibers. A method of preparing such optical fiber components is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical waveguide module in which, under the high temperature and high humidity, degradation of characteristics does not occur and which has strength to the oscillation, simple structure, and high reliability. A module unit 30 is formed by bonding a connector 32 provided at one end of a single-optical fiber cable 22 and a connector 31 provided at one end of a ribbon optical fiber cable 21 at both ends of a waveguide substrate 35 having a 1.times.4 branch optical waveguide by an adhesive having light transmission properties. The module unit 30 is provided in a housing 10, and at least a connecting portion between the optical waveguide and the optical fiber cable is covered with the resin contained in the housing 10. The housing 10 is sealed with a cover unit 15, and the single-optical fiber cable 22 and the ribbon optical fiber cable 21 are tightly inserted into a respective hole at end walls of the housing 10 and led out to the outside.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable system, such as a preterminated fiber cable, includes a main cable and one or more drop cables connected to the main cable at spaced apart locations along the main cable. The drop cable is spliced to the main cable using a splice closure including a fiber guide that secures spliced together end portions of the respective fibers in a longitudinally extending direction and devoid of any slack coils of optical fibers. Accordingly, the overall diameter of the splice closure is relatively small thereby permitting the cable system to be stored on a reel and to be readily placed within small diameter conduits. The splice closure includes a heat recoverable housing surrounding the fiber guide. Cable sheath end portions are sealed by melting C-shaped bodies of heat flowable material positioned adjacent cable sheath end portions.

Abstract: A method of preparing a subassembly for connecting an integrated optical device (21) to an optical cable:a multiferrule is used having internal passages (2) opening onto its opposite first and second faces (6, 7),an intermediate optical cable is used,the intermediate fibers (27) are inserted into the passages (2) through the first face (6),the fibers (27) are fixed in the passages (2) over part of their length,the multiferrule and the fixed fibers (27) are cut to obtain a multiferrule section (34) in which the fibers are partly fixed,the fixed fibers (27) in the section (34) are connected to the device (21),the fibers (27) are cut near the second face (7) and removed to leave the passages (2) partially empty to produce the connection subassembly (36).

Abstract: The present relates to the protective structure for an optical fiber coupler made from bare fiber parts of a plurality of optical fibers therein, the bare fiber parts being formed by removing the coating of the plurality of optical fibers and comprises a case made of material having a coefficient of thermal expansion equivalent to optical fibers and having space for enclosing the optical fiber coupler, and fiber supporting portions, being arranged inside of the space of the case and being fused with the bare fiber parts.

Abstract: The protective cladding for a mono-mode directional coupler made of at least two incoming and outgoing fiber optic waveguides which are fused to one another along a coupling segment comprises at least two open cladding parts which can be connected to form a tube-shaped cladding. The material of the cladding parts has the same coefficient of expansion as the waveguide material of the mono-mode directional coupler. The protective cladding, being mechanically tightly connected with the incoming and outgoing fiber optic waveguides while leaving open the coupling segment of the mono-mode directional coupler, is closed off in a gas-tight manner such that in the case of temperature changes, there are no mechanical tensions in the coupling segment.

Abstract: Rotary mechanical splices between axially aligned optic fibers are seated der axial compression within bays recessed into the body of a holding tray on which a retention lid is fastened in a position to which it is guided by fins on its underside received in grooves formed in the tray body. In such position of the lid on the tray, the lid underside surface covers access formations and the bays between the fins having portions covering fiber slots in the tray through which the optic fibers extend in alignment with their splices.

Abstract: In a fixing portion of an optical fiber-type wave-divider-multiplexer, an optical fiber glass portion is fixed to a fixing member by an adhesive. A groove reaching at least a core portion of the optical fiber is cut from the fixing member. This groove may be cut up to a position where the optical fiber is cut across. An optical filter is inserted into the cut groove, and is fixed by an adhesive or the like. As a result, the optical fiber can be provided with light passing characteristics corresponding to the characteristics of the optical filter.

Abstract: A device and method of use for a fused joint between a pair of optical fibers. The device comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a generally U-shaped compressible adhesive strip located within the housing. The housing comprising a pair of elongated trough shaped sections pivotally connected to each other by a longitudinal hinge assembly. The adhesive strip is secured to the inner surfaces of the housing sections and includes an adhesive outer surface. The housing sections are temporarily held in an open position by cooperating members of the hinge so that the fused joint and contiguous sections, e.g., buffers, of the optical fiber can be inserted within the housing between portions of the adhesive outer surface of the strips. The housing are pivotable together so that housing sections assume a closed position, whereupon portions of the strip which are contiguous with the splice joint and the buffers are compressed to accommodate the splice joint and buffers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic mechanical splice having one or more grooves transverse to the groove in which the optical fibers lie to dissipate air trapped in index matching material from the junction point of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A mechanical splice according to the invention does not use any adhesive for holding the aligned fibers in position. A biasing means is employed for operating upon the gripping and alignment means to align and grip the fibers, by way of a sleeve member. The biasing means is held in a preloaded state by a closure prevention means such that the biasing means cannot act to move the gripping and alignment means into the gripping state. Thus, the mechanical splice is in a preloaded and cocked condition before insertion of the optical fibers to be aligned and mechanically spliced together. Operation of the splice is quick and simple and is performed merely by movement of the closure prevention means out of the cocked position.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicer-connector comprises a fiber section, a splice section, and a connecting section. The splice section is located between the fiber section and the connecting section. A fiber channel is disposed on the fiber section for accepting an optical fiber and for guiding the optical fiber to the splice section. Means for splicing optical fibers is located on the splice section. A fiber channel is disposed on the connecting section for accepting an optical fiber and for guiding the optical fiber to the splice section. The connecting section includes a connecting body for releasably attaching the splicer to an adapter. In one embodiment, the splice section and the connecting section are provided as separate, interengagable pieces.

Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing structure and method of manufacture thereof for reinforcing an optical fiber having a cladding portion removed to expose a fiber core portion. The optical fiber with the fiber core portion is placed in a longitudinal groove of a reinforcing member. The optical fiber is fixed to the reinforcing member at the ends of the longitudinal groove using an adhesive. A cover is then fixed to the reinforcing member to hermetically seal the optical fiber within the longitudinal groove. The reinforcing structure of the present invention prevents environmental conditions from adversely affecting the optical characteristics of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed a method of assembly and inspection of optical fiber connectors which attaches connectors to at least one cord end of a plurality of optical fiber cords in which single or multiple optical fibers are accommodated and inspects connection loss etc. due to connection of the connectors.A process of connecting the connectors to cord ends where the connectors are assembled is linked to a process of processing the other cord ends and then inspecting connection loss etc. of the optical fibers due to a connection of the connectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for splicing optical waveguides and, more specifically, for effecting such splicing under field conditions i.e. directly in cable pits where the waveguides requiring splicing are housed. In accordance with the invention, a solidifiable refractive-index matching means is used to effect the splicing. The index-matching means is applied between the ends of the two waveguides in a support arrangement and is then solidified to form a splice having optical, ageing and temperature characteristics substantially corresponding to those of the waveguides. The temperature at which solidification is effected can be such that the refractive index-matching means is sintered to form a glass splice. The index-matching means is preferably a silica gel which can be solidified either chemically or by the application of heat.

Abstract: An optical fiber termination device wherein temperature rise is minimized when light power is high or a power laser is used therewith. A first optical fiber is connected to a second optical fiber by fusing the core of the first optical fiber to the clad of the second optical fiber with a discharge generated between electrodes. The first optical fiber is inserted into a hole at the center of a ferrule and then the first optical fiber is fastened to the ferrule by fusing them. Thereafter, the edge surface of the ferrule is finished by polishing it. The second optical fiber is covered with a protective cover. Light coming from the core of the first optical fiber is incident on and scattered into the clad of the optical fiber. The light reflected toward the light source is greatly decreased by this structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical-coupler reinforcing member for fixing and reinforcing a fiber-coupler body and a method of performing the reinforcing. The reinforcing member includes heat-shrinkage tubes which are shrunk by heating, and a hollow protection pipe provided in the heat-shrinkage tubes. Cylindrical heat-fusible adhesive members are provided on opposite ends of the protection pipe, and heating is made such that a fusing portion of an optical-fiber coupler body is inserted through the reinforcing member so that the heat-fusible adhesive members and the heat-shrinkage tubes are shrunk by heating to thereby fix and reinforce the optical coupler body.

Abstract: In effecting an end-to-end fusion splice between two optical fibres, the optical fibres are introduced into opposite ends of two support members so that parts of the optical fibres protrude from the members. The fibres are secured in the members and the protruding parts are cut to form tails of predetermined lengths. The support members are then arranged in axial alignment and one is caused to move axially towards the other until the end faces of the protruding tails are spaced a predetermined distance apart. Fusion splicing is then effected, the support members are permanently secured together and mechanical protection for the fusion splice is provided.

Abstract: A self-contained unit and method for splicing together the ends of jacketed optical fibers. The unit comprises a guide to align fibers, such as a capillary tube, having opposite ends into which the ends of optical fibers to be spliced pass until they are in contact in a central portion of the guide. A heater high temperature proximal to the central portion of the guide, when activated, generates sufficient heat to fuse and splice together the contacting fiber ends. A securing means, such as spaced ferrules with a tube of ceramic material joining the ferrules, is mechanically associated with the guide to mechanically hold in position the optical fibers when spliced together. By bringing the ends of jacketed optical fibers into contact within the guide, in the vicinity of heater, and subjecting the ends to high temperature heating, the fibers are fused and spliced at their ends.

Abstract: A reinforcing apparatus for an optical-fiber coupler is formed by placing fused optical fibers into a grooved U-shaped base structure. A cover which has a different longitudinal length than the base structure is centered on top of the U-shaped base structure. There exists an exposed groove section of the U-shaped base structure which lies on either side of the cover. An adhesive is inserted into these exposed groove sections so as to fix the reinforcing casing and the optical-fiber coupler to each other.

Abstract: A cable joint for joining the ends of two optical fibre cables, each having a core of optical fibres (12) and a king wire (14) surrounded by armor wire (17) and an outer sheath (18), comprises an insert (20) between the core and the armor wire of each cable and a protective sleeve (38) swaged directly to the armor wire braced by the insert. The directly engaged sleeve provides a simple, efficient joint. An over-moulded cover (40) seals the joint.

Abstract: Opposed ends of optical fibers are fused within a holding member, by heating the fiber ends by means positioned in, or on, the member. A self-contained package can be provided to which an electric current is applied, or some other heating method.

Abstract: A cable joint or termination has a plastics insulating layer formed by a pair of pre-formed polyethelene parts 7 and 8 which are a close fit around the casing 3 and the cable insulations 1C, 2C. The parts are bonded by ring moulds 9, 10 and 11. This is quicker and cheaper than previous techniques of injection moulding to a sleeve and the cable at the end regions of the casing, and prevents occlusion caused by cable outgassing.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a multiple optical fiber coupling unit is provided including the steps of removing a portion of longitudinal coatings of optical fibers of the multiple optical fiber coupling unit to expose glass portions of said optical fibers; fusing a portion of the exposed glass portions so as to optically couple the optical fibers; extending the fused portion to a predetermined state; fixing non-extended portions of the exposed glass portions on a first reinforcing substrate with a first adhesive; and fixing the first reinforcing substrate on a second reinforcing substrate with a second adhesive. The multiple optical fiber unit coupler made by this method has a transmission characteristic that does not substantially change even with a temperature change and under high humidity.

Abstract: A durable, low loss splice connection for optical cables includes two ceramic optical fiber guide members which are held in axial and angular alignment by an alignment sleeve, and in butt joint intimate contact by a spring tension clip. The connection is mechanically and environmentally sealed by a heat shrink tube having an interior diameter coated with hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: An optical connection between optical fibres of two optical cables includes a cassette in which is mounted a preformed component having a housing and discrete optical conductors which are so disposed in the housing that opposite end parts of each of the conductors, each of which end parts is formed of a length of optical fibre, protrude from the housing at an acute angle to one another lying in the range 0.degree. to 90.degree. and that at least a part of an optical signal entering any one of the discrete optical conductors along one of its protruding lengths of optical fibre will pass along a discrete optical path and the part of the optical signal will leave the optical conductor along another of its protruding lengths of optical fibre.

Abstract: An optical fiber closure (20) which is particularly suitable for connecting small fiber count cables and for repairs of same includes a longitudinally extending electrical bonding and support member (70) for supporting in-line connections between optical fibers of cable end portions which enter the closure from opposite ends thereof. Each cable end portion extends through a cable and clamping and sealing means (40) which is adapted to become secured to a tubular member (60) in which is disposed the support member and which is adapted to provide sealed engagement with the entering cable end portion to prevent the ingress of moisture.