Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for making precise radial slits in the exterior of a cylindrical object, such as a coated optical waveguide filament. The tool has an interior passage and two blades to make radial slits. The blades are kept from penetrating too far into the interior passage by shims having a calculated thickness dependent on the angle separating the blades and the size of the interior of the object which is to be left uncut.

Abstract: A watertight fiber optic splice closure has a passage in an end wall which is closed by a plug. A preconnectorized optical connector sleeve is mounted to be accessible from the passage, so that an outside optical fiber may be connected to a drop fiber without dismantling the closure.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a slotted housing has an interior ribbed member projecting through the housing slot. A dust cap is rotatably fixed to the housing to prevent rotation while a tool slides a locking member over the housing slot to force the ribbed member inwards, centering optical fibers. A portion of the connector is factory built so that users need use no epoxies or curing devices.

Abstract: Described is a fiber optic distribution cable having increased flexibility despite the presence of a metallic shield. The shield is a metal tape having dense transverse corrugations. Flexibility also arises from the use of multiple strength members and filaments rather than a single tensile strength member. Such flexibility is highly useful when routing the cable through distribution pedestals.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a fiber optic cable in an enclosure includes a clip slideably mounted on a bracket. The cable strength member is clamped to the bracket in the position such that little or no bending of the strength member is necessary. A physical stop on the clip ensures that the strength member will not intrude into the splicing area over time.

Abstract: A wall communications outlet having a backplate with a central circular opening; first and second sets of sidewalls ringed about the central opening to act as a storage area for optical fibers or copper wires; and a set of upstanding posts mounted to the backplate with slots therein to accommodate connector panels held in the slots. A variety of connector sleeves can be fitted in a connector panel. Cables can enter the wall outlet through the hole in the backplate or from openings in the side of an outlet cover.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable which is preterminated in the factory. A first fiber optic cable on a reel enters a splicing (or splitting) receptacle. Some optical fibers continue through the receptacle and exit the receptacle into a second fiber optic cable, while other optical fibers in the first fiber optic cable are spliced in the receptacle to a third set of optical fibers which exit the receptacle into a third fiber optic cable such as a stub cable. A cable repair sleeve is installed over the receptacle assembly to seal and protect the completed receptacle area. The cables and receptacle are then coiled on a reel for shipment to the customer site.

Abstract: Improved sheaves to be placed on utility or telephone poles or towers to facilitate aerial installation of messenger cable systems, such systems comprising a strength messenger having a communication cable helically wrapped around the messenger.

Abstract: A tool for slicing the gel filled buffer tube of a loose tube optical fiber construction including a set of blocks having a passage therein through which the buffer tube may be pulled, and a blade extending into the passage which lies within a plane containing the central axis of the passage. The tool may have a second blade oppositely directed from the first blade but spaced apart from the first blade in the longitudinal direction. Both blades may form an acute angle with respect to the passage exit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a connector for positioning an optical fiber featuring a rotatable locking ring having a cam shaped inner wall having in circumferential succession a first, second, and third inner diameter, the third inner diameter being smaller than the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter being smaller than the third inner diameter, rotation of the locking ring applying inward radial compression to centering elements as the locking ring is rotated from the first to second inner diameter position and to a closed position when the area of the third inner diameter is reached. A plurality of centering members is provided, at least one having no resilient coating thereon, whereby compression forces an optical fiber against resilient material, thereby centering the optical fiber and giving the fiber additional strength to withstand longitudinal tension forces. Also disclosed is an end grommet sized to allow watertight insertion of a buffer tube.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable comprising an elongated strength member, a plurality of optical fiber carrying means disposed around the outer periphery of the strength member and a plastic jacket circumscribing the optical fiber carrying means. The optical fiber carrying means comprises a tube, a plurality of optical fibers, at least one ribbon member disposed in the tube, and least one of the optical fibers being removably affixed to the ribbon member.

Abstract: A flame resistant dielectric optical drop cable having a first tube containing an optical fiber in a filling compound of hydrophobic gel; a first layer of densely packed loose glass yarn material circumscribing the first tube; a second layer of glass fiber members impregnated with resinous material circumscribing the first layer; and a second tube which is made of a flame retardant material circumscribing the second layer.

Abstract: Described is a fiber optic splicing enclosure to be installed within existing copper distribution pedestals. Elastic material holds the splicing enclosure in an essentially stationary position during limited movement of the ground surface due to frost heave or the like. Additional diagonally placed elastic straps secure the optical waveguides in a desired position.

Abstract: An optical connector having an optical fiber mounted in a sleeve, the hardness of the materials comprising the optical fiber being greater than the hardness of the materials comprising the sleeve. An optical connector as described above may be used for making an optical connector having a recessed sleeve, by abrading an end of the optical fiber and the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adapter for mounting fiber optic connector sleeves having differing external shapes to a panel having an array of like shaped panel holes. A connector sleeve holder has multiple sidewalls having different shapes, in order to hold differing connector sleeves to a panel.

Abstract: A device for use in connecting an optical fiber with another optical fiber or other optical component. The device comprises a housing having a passage therein where chamfered sleeves are placed end to end. Springs urge a plurality of spherical balls radially inward against chamfered conical surfaces of the sleeves, thereby keeping the sleeves in proper alignment.

Abstract: A strain relief apparatus, particularly useful for separating individual optical fibers in a multi-fiber optical cable. Optical fibers from the fiber optic cable are fed through the center of a wedging device and into separate tubes. A coupler wedges first and second members against the wedging device, securing strength members, such as aramid fibers from the fiber optic cable and tubes, between the first and second members and the wedging member.

Abstract: A connector having a unitary dust cover. The dust cover is formed by a cap fitting on one side of the connector and two flaps attached to the cap, each flap adapted to cover a portion of the other side of the connector, which may have attached posts to allow the connector to be used in modular fashion with a base plate. At least one flap may be held between the posts by indentations in the flap.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector having a magnifying lens to aid the user in placement of the optical fibers to be abutted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring dispersion in an optical fiber including transmitting light of a first wavelength and a second wavelength through the optical fiber, measuring the difference in time required for light of the first wavelength and light of the second wavelength to traverse the fiber, and calculating the dispersion of the fiber from the two wavelengths and the time difference. Lasers may be used as light sources and an oscilloscope may be used to measure the time difference.