Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making multi-ferrules. It provides a method of making multi-ferrules from a vitreous material, the multi-ferrules having a series of cylindrical channels with parallel axes.

Abstract: A protected fiber optical splice and a method for making the protected splice. The protective structure encapsulates first and second spliced optical fibers. The fibers are preferably fusion spliced. The protective structure includes a rigid tube surrounding the splice and its adjacent regions of the spliced fibers. A plastic such as an epoxy or moldable plastic is injected into the tube between the substantially axially centered fibers and splice, and the interior wall of the tube. Two molding fixtures are preferably surrounding the two ends of the tube, for injecting the moldable plastic into the tube and for shaping the portions of the structure external to the the tube ends.

Abstract: Metal pipes containing optical fibers are connected to each other directly or indirectly by use of a sleeve. In case of using the sleeve, the sleeve is connected at one end to one of the metal pipes, after the optical fibers are connected. Then, the sleeve is elongated by a predetermined length, so that the sleeve is connected at the other end to the other metal pipe. Consequently, no tensile stress resides in the connected optical fibers in the connected structure. When the metal pipes are connected directly to each other, one or both of the metal pipes are elongated, after the optical fibers are connected. Then, the metal pipes are connected by use of the elongated portions. Consequently, the same result is obtained as using the sleeve.

Abstract: When effecting a fusion splice between two optical fibres, end parts of the two fibres are introduced transversely into opposite ends of an open-ended channel in a surface of a rigid elongate support member having at a position intermediate of its ends and in the surface a transversely extending open-ended slot for temporarily accommodating the electrodes by which fusion splicing is to be effected. After fusion splicing of the fibres and withdrawal of the electrodes, any space in the channel not occupied by the fushion spliced fibres and the transversely extending slot are filled with a curable material which is permitted or caused to set. A preformed elongate lid is secured to the surface of the support member 1 and the support member and lid provide permanent protection for the fusion splice.

Abstract: Optical interconnectors and methods for optically interconnecting structures, such as printed circuit boards. The optical interconnectors comprise at least two optical fibers having one end embedded in a structure such as a printed circuit board and at least one sleeve for housing termination portions of two optical fibers. The termination portions of the fibers are positioned and secured within the sleeve so that end surfaces of the optical fibers are abutted together. The resulting optical interconnectors have low loss and occupy a small amount of space while maintaining a flat profile.

Abstract: In a tension-proof connection for optical waveguide cables, a metal sleeve (4) containing several longitudinal slots (8) separated from each other is slid over the stripped length of the cable ends. Reinforcing fibers (3) are led out through the longitudinal slots (8) and are present on the metal sleeve (4) in a stretched condition. A shrinkage hose (7) shrunk onto the metal sleeve (4) fixes the reinforcing fibers (3) on the sleeve surface (4). Over the course of their stripped length, the optical waveguide cores (2) are conducted helically in slots of spacers (6) located on a central element (1).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable splice means for splicing a fiber optic cable having a pair of fiber retaining elements with an opening for receiving the buffer casing at an end of a fiber optic cable with its bare optic fiber extending therefrom. A cavity within each element provides a fiber deflection chamber for protecting therein the bare optic fiber. The retaining elements are crimped for securing therewith the buffer casing and its optic fiber. A housing or tubular unit has end sections which receive therein a respective one of the retaining elements, and are crimped for securing the retaining elements therewith. An optical fiber alignment means is contained within the unit for aligning and optically joining together the ends of the optic fibers which extend from the retaining elements. The retaining elements may have an insert through which the optic fiber extends for securing the fiber by the crimping of the retaining elements.

Abstract: A bend restrictor for an optical fibre cable comprises an elongate sleeve-like member (5) having an axial through bore for accommodating the cable (1a, 1b), and a coupling ring (6) for fixing the sleeve-like member to a rigid housing (4) from which the cable extends. The sleeve-like member (5) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal bores (7), into some or all of which can be fitted stiffening rods (8). By varying the number and lengths of the stiffening rods (8), the rigidity of the sleeve-like member (5) can be varied to suit the particular structure of the cable (1a, 1b).

Abstract: A jointing box for optical fiber cables comprises two generally funnel-shaped flanges having an internal profile matching the external profile of the sheath jointing the ends of the cables and the cable ends themselves. At least one heat-shrink material tube is shrunk onto the flanges. The flanges have peripheral grooves on their larger diameter end part around the sheath and their smaller diameter end part around the parts of the cables adjacent the sheath. Each heat-shrink material tube is coated on its inside surface with a sealing material which fills the grooves on the flanges.

Abstract: An armored optical fiber cable interconnection and method of making the irconnection with a self-sealing, low-strength joint with relatively low optical attenuation, has an inner fiber carrying jacket, an outer protective jacket, and an intermediate armored jacket of stranded material. The interconnection ends are assembled with a doubled layer of armored jacket over an intermediate protective jacket portion all sealed and held in place with a length of shrink tubing over the jackets and a retaining bead with an o-ring fitting over the assembly and against the shrink tubing over the retaining bead.