Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber-optic connector is provided containing a cartridge having a front radial flange containing peripheral, circumferentially-spaced notches in each of which a fiber-optic terminal is axially positioned, and having a rear radial flange containing peripheral, circumferentially-spaced notches in each of which a fiber-optic clamp body is axially positioned. The fiber-optic terminals are spring-biased forwardly toward the open end of the connector, and a preload plate holds them in a preloaded state. Each of the terminals is provided at its outer end with a surrounding, axially-extending resilient split sleeve, the outer end of which is empty to receive a fiber-optic terminal of a mating conductor similar to the above-described connector, but without the split sleeves.

Abstract: A self-aligning connector mechanism for electrical or optical connectors having an elongate member with a first end for mating with a coupling member, and a second end having a curved surface. A base member comprising a curved surface mates with the curved surface of the elongate member. The curved surface of the elongate member is slidably movable with respect to said curved surface of the base member, such that the slidable movement of the curved surface of the elongate member pivots the elongate member and the pivot point of said movement is located at the first end of the elongate member to provide rotational alignment. Lateral movement of the elongate member to provide translational alignment is enabled by planar surfaces in the base member on which the elongate member can slide sideways.

Abstract: A modular chip carrier socket of integral construction and method of making the same for electrically engaging the leads of an integrated chip carrier to the conductors on a substrate that structurally simulates the monolithic molded plastic construction of chip carrier specific sockets. Where the modular socket is designed for minimal lead time manufacture of nonstandard sockets with limited application specific components. Standard contact modules, supporting contacts therein, are permanently affixed to an application specific base plate to form a socket of modular construction prior to assembly of the socket upon the substrate. An embodiment of the invention has improved thermal characteristics over the molded sockets by using a base plate having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the substrate.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug assembly (10) including resistance-fit cover-halves (12A and 12B) which are combinative to house both simplex plugs (20) and duplex plugs (not shown) to permit duplex data transmission to take place using simplex parts.The plug assembly (10) including the plugs (20) thereof may be quickly and easily connected and disconnected as desired.

Abstract: A method for activating the zinc dopant in an active layer of a Group III/Group V semiconductor device comprises forming a layer of zinc doped Group III/Group IV material, and thereafter annealing the layer at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time sufficient to convert inactive zinc in the layer to acceptor zinc. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for activating zinc dopant in the active layer of an InP-InGaAsP double heterostructure comprises annealing the active layer at a temperature of about 625.degree. C. for at least about 190 seconds which converts inactive zinc to acceptor zinc without substantially decreasing the total zinc in the active layer. In another preferred embodiment, a method for increasing the power output of InP-InGaAsP optoelectronic semiconductor device, such as a laser or an LED having a zinc doped active layer, comprises annealing the active layer of the semiconductor device at a temperature of about 625.degree. C. for at least about 190 seconds.

Abstract: A duplex fiber optic connector assembly enables mating the fibers of a first multifiber cable with like fibers of a second cable or cables with maximum axial alignment of the respective fiber paris. An interconnect member receives cable terminating connectors in opposite sides thereof. Each connector carries the fibers of a respective cable in individual ferrules, each ferrule having limited floating mount within the respective connector. The mating pairs of ferrules are received in opposite ends of receptor members each of which has an axially profiled bore adapted to receive the respective ferrules and a profiled outer surface which allows movement about the geometric center of the receptor so as to axially align the bores of the ferrules received therein. Connectors at each end of a predetermined length of fiber optic cable provide a fiber optic extension cord, analogous to the well-known electrical extension cord, for convenient and efficient interconnection between optical signal-using equipments.

Abstract: A discrete fiber optic receptacle assembly (10) formed of an interlocking main section (30) and end panel section (20) within which one or more active optical devices (50) may be seated and enclosed. The active optical devices (50) are urged into alignment by insertion of the end panel section (20) into the interlocking main section (30), and pegs (22) become anchored in notches (38) to maintain the alignment by a secure resistance fit.

Abstract: A sealable interconnection assembly for electrically connecting a conductor on one side of a composite panel, where the interconnection assembly is below or essentially flush with the surface of the composite panel and the conductor, to a lead on another side of the panel through a hole in the panel and over a range in panel thicknesses, wherein a housing is adapted to span the range of panel thicknesses and is sealed within the hole, a contact spans a passageway in the housing to electrically connect the conductor with the lead and a boot encapsulates the contact lead termination so that the contact is sealed from outside contamination.

Abstract: A miniature socket (10) for electrically interconnecting contact pads on a bare integrated circuit chip (16) to circuit pads (64) on a substrate (18) is disclosed. The socket includes a housing (12) and contact elements (14) having a diameter of about 0.003 inches. The housing (12) includes a recess (28) on one surface (30) for receiving the circuit chip (16) and cavities (44) on an opposite surface (38) for receiving the contact elements (14) and passages (56) leading to the recess (28) from the cavities (44) for receiving the pin sections (80) on the elements (14). Methods of forming a gold tip (84) on the pin sections (80) and for providing cavities (44) and passages (56) in the housing (12) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-aligning optical receptacle cover (10) suitable for use with various types of optical receptacles (20). The cover (10) seals the receptacle (20) against dust and debris, and alignment pylons (16, 18) extending from receptacle cover (10) cooperate with active optical devices (30, 40) to maintain precise alignment thereof within the receptacle during manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A connector assembly (10) for connecting a laser diode (14) and an optical fiber (12). The assembly (10) includes an optical connector subassembly (26) having an input for collecting optical energy emitted by the laser diode (14) and an output for transmitting a beam of the collected optical energy to the optical fiber (12), and attenuation means (24) between the input and the output for reducing the power of the beam of collected optical energy at the output to be transmitted to the optical fiber (12). A connector assembly of the present invention is effective in transmitting energy from a light source to an optical fiber with the same accuracy of alignment as a coupling of an optical fiber to an optical fiber; and, at the same time, is effective in controlling the power of the transmitted energy to protect against accidental injury due to inadvertent viewing of the light source when the optical fiber is disconnected from the assembly and to control the power of the optical energy entering the optical fiber.

Abstract: A dust cover for covering one or more fiber optic ferrules of an optical fiber connector. The dust cover comprises a base portion and at least one protruding portion extending therefrom, each of the at least one protruding portion having a cavity therein for receiving one of the one or more ferrules to cover the one or more ferrules when the dust cover is mounted to the connector. The dust cover is particularly designed for connectors having a plurality of ferrules for terminating a plurality of optical fibers, and is especially advantageous for connectors having a retractable body portion which normally surrounds the ferrules when the connector is not in use; and permits all of the plurality of ferrules of a connector to be individually covered substantially simultaneously in a single operation.

Abstract: A polishing bushing 24 for polishing by hand an end face 26 of an optical fiber supported in an alignment ferrule 34 of an optical fiber connector 20. The polishing bushing 24 comprises a body portion having one or more openings 61 extending therethrough from a front surface 52 to a rear surface 53 thereof to permit visual monitoring of a polishing operation as it is being performed, and securing means 62 for securing an optical fiber connector 20 to the bushing 24 to permit the end face 26 of an optical fiber supported in an alignment ferrule 34 thereof to be polished. The bushing body portion 51 preferably comprises an annular outer ring portion 54 connected to a central hub portion 56 by a plurality of radially extending spoke portions 57 to provide a plurality of arcuate openings 61 between the spoke portions 57. The polishing bushing 24 of the invention is light in weight, comfortable to grip and use and permits a polishing operation to be carried out in an efficient, controlled manner.

Abstract: A cable termination member (10) having improved strain relief features for isolating optical fiber members (21,22) in a terminated optical fiber cable (20) from external stresses.