Abstract: Disclosed is an improved cable reel having a dismountable end flange mounted on the same side of the hub as a fixed annular flange. The reel can be rolled on the annular flange when the dismountable flange is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating light waveguide ends in which the light waveguide is mechanically polished and thereafter the reflectance of the light waveguide is reduced by vaporizing at least some glass at the light waveguide end by the use of a laser beam.

Abstract: A light waveguide cable includes a compartment holding at least two side-by-side stacks of light waveguide ribbons. The cable is so dimensioned that the order of the ribbons within any stack, and the relative positions of the stacks with respect to each other within any compartment, do not change under normal cable handling conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation fixture for preassembly of a portion of a fiber optic connector. The fixture can be separately assembled including a ferrule, a ferrule holder, coupling hardware, and heat shrinkable tubing to seat an optical fiber during curing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic attenuator for holding two fiber optic ferrules such that the longitudinal axes of the ferrules are laterally offset by a predetermined distance. The attenuator housing is compatible with standard fiber optic connectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light waveguide ribbon mold having a nozzle port shaped to closely receive the heated nozzle of a portable melt adhesive gun. Light waveguides are pulled by hand through a slot in the mold so that the melt adhesive forms a ribbon matrix around the light waveguide. The ribbon cools and hardens upon exiting from the mold.

Abstract: A light waveguide cable includes a compartment holding at least two side-by-side stacks of light waveguide ribbons. The cable is so dimensioned that the order of the ribbons within any stack, and the relative positions of the stacks with respect to each other within any compartment, do not change under normal cable handling conditions.

Abstract: Described is a furcation kit for a multiple optical fiber cable. The cable end is secured by a mechanical compression fitting and optical fibers are routed into one or more plugs each having a plurality of single optical fiber passages. A protective shell is mechanically secured around the area of furcation. The kit eliminates the need for epoxies, and capsulants, and thereby decreases the time needed for installation of the furcations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for polishing fiber optic connectors. After a light waveguide distal end is mechanically ground and/or polished, the distal end is slightly melted in order to reduce reflectance. Melting may be induced by a laser, microtorch, or electric arc.

Abstract: A simplified loose tube fiber optic cable, and a method for making the cable, is disclosed. A plurality of transmission units, each including a plurality of light waveguides and filling compound in a buffer tube, are provided. The transmission units are stranded together with a plurality of tensile yarns coated with a hardenable material. After the hardenable material is cured, an outer tube is extruded over the buffer tubes and coated tensile yarns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light waveguide splice closure having lifting handles for removing the closure end cap. The closure contains an open top vessel for holding waterblocking material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable in which one tube holding light waveguides is connected by a plastic web to another tube holding metallic current carrying conductors. When buried in the earth, the cable may be located by means of a magnetic field produced by the current carrying conductors, but the cable retains the advantage of the tube carrying the light waveguides being dielectric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber organizing tool having a frame with a channel with narrow raised sidewalls for piercing an adhesive tape to be laid on fibers laid straight in the channel. The optical fibers are arranged in a narrow slot in a member hingedly mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A method for polishing optical connectors provides for polishing a connector ferrule on a napless nylon cloth having a four shaft satin weave, 70 denier, 90.times.120 count. An aqueous slurry of silicon dioxide particles is used when polishing takes place.

Abstract: A method for the use of contractile pulling grips for cables in which a portion of the outer jacket of the cable is removed and the contractile grip is applied over one or more cable strength elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical transmission cable having one or more cable elements. Each cable element includes a plurality of optical fibers embedded in the outer surface of a plastic layer applied directly over an antibuckling member. When the plastic layer is silicone rubber, the optical fibers may be peeled away from the bundle by hand as desired.

Abstract: A pulsed laser system for visually detecting faults in optical waveguides. A laser operating at a duty cycle of less than fifty percent (50%) produces visible light pulses at a frequency sufficiently high as to visually appear to be continuous. The laser is coupled to an optical waveguide by a connector. Faults are located due to a visible glow at a defective point on the waveguide.

Abstract: An improved elevator cable hanger, which may be mounted either to an elevator car or to the motor room end of an elevator traveling cable, includes a single unitary metallic bracket having support means for supporting an elavator cable strength member, a plate mounted to an exterior surface, and a curved member providing lateral support to an elevator cable hanging straight from the support means. At least one strap secures the elevator cable to the bracket and a friction material mounted to the curved member prevents cable rotation during movement of the elevator car.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for closing optical connectors having external rotatable locking rings. Opposing optical fiber clamps are mounted to a base, and a frame is mounted to the base between the clamps. Levers rotate tubes to close the locking rings while the clamps hold optical fibers in their proper position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tube holding optical fibers or optical ribbons, the tube having indentations in its inner and outer surfaces. The indentations are adjacent to better enable opening of the tube to gain access to the ribbons.