Abstract: A method that mass polishes a variety of fiber optic cable connectors simultaneously. The method includes a plurality of steps for mass polishing of fiber optic cable connectors with varying patterns and loci of motion to prevent overlap of patterns during polishing. Thus, fiber optic cable connectors having a variety of polished end faces may be provided with the apparatus. The method also eliminates the potential for contamination among polishing films, reduces polishing steps, and saves labor and maintenance costs.

Abstract: A method for tensioning and positioning a fiber optic cable includes providing and securing a first portion of the fiber optic cable in a first support with a first clamp. A second portion of the fiber optic cable is then provided in a second support, and secured thereto with a second clamp. A cam contacting the second support is then rotated, thereby rotating the second support due to its weight and the weight of the second clamp. The rotation of the second support creates a gravity-assisted moment arm that uniformly and repeatably tensions and positions the fiber optic cable. After the fiber optic cable is uniformly tensioned and positioned, a refractive-index grating may be etched in the glass optical fiber portion of the cable. Once the grating is etched, the cable may be removed by reversing the method.

Abstract: A connect and disconnect assembly for connecting and disconnecting a laser diode having leads to a printed circuit board (PCB). The assembly includes a heatsink having a base plate portion and fins extending from and integral with the base plate portion. The heatsink further includes spacer sleeves extending from a side of the base plate portion opposing the fins. The heatsink connects to the printed circuit board by providing mount screws through the heatsink and spacer sleeves which are received in mount holes formed in the PCB. The laser diode connects to the base plate portion of the heatsink. Laser support blocks connect with the heatsink and support opposing sides of the laser diode. Each laser support block is provided with a dielectric gasket. When the heatsink is mounted onto the PCB, the laser diode leads are forced against corresponding pads provided on the PCB for electrically connecting the laser diode to the PCB.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fiber optic cable clips for securing and routing fiber optic cables on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other component used in the communications field. One fiber optic cable clip includes a U-shaped body connected to attachment legs that permanently connect to the PCB. The U-shaped body defines a containment area for receiving and retaining fiber optic cables. The U-shaped body also includes spring-loaded arms or pads that flex open to permit entrance of the fiber optic cables into the containment area, and flex close to retain the cables therein. The fiber optic cable clips retain multiple cables, are easy to use, and do not damage the cables when installing the cables within the clip. If the fiber optic cables are pulled when contained within the clip, the fiber optic cable clips will flex and release the cable before the cables are damaged.

Abstract: A module for holding a printed circuit board (PCB) includes rectangular-shaped, mating top and bottom brackets. Three walls of the top bracket retain SMA connectors that interconnect with the PCB. A dielectric gasket is provided below each SMA connector to provide pressure on the leads thereof so that the leads adequately contact corresponding pads on the PCB. Two walls of the bottom bracket include channels that slidably receive and retain the PCB therein, and another wall includes a stop channel that retains an edge portion of the PCB when the PCB is slid through the channels. The bottom bracket also has diamond-shaped pads and a square-shaped pad connected between two walls thereof that align with and support corresponding components provided on the PCB and dissipate heat generated thereby. A cable connector provided on one end of an electrical cable connects to each SMA connector, and the other ends of the electrical cables connect to testing equipment.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable management system that may be provided in a bay (or shelf) of an optical communications housing. The fiber optic cable management system includes at least one and preferably several interconnecting fiber optic cable guides. Each fiber optic cable guide includes a radius limiting portion that prevents fiber optic cables from being bent beyond their minimum bend radii. The radius of the radius limiting portion of each guide controls the spacing between a specific guide and its adjacent, interconnecting fiber optic cable guides. The width and height of each fiber optic cable guide may be varied depending upon the optical communications system into which the fiber optic cable management system is utilized. The interconnecting fiber optic cable guides may be easily disconnected from each other to allow the fiber optic cable guides to be used in different quantities. This allows an installer to customize the fiber optic cable management system to match the optical communications equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus that mass polishes a variety of fiber optic cable connectors simultaneously. The apparatus includes a plurality of polishing plates, each capable of holding its own polishing film and pad, and having a varying height. The apparatus further includes a plurality of connector fixtures that may receive a variety of connectors at varying angles. Each connector fixture communicates with a corresponding polishing pad. Thus, fiber optic cable connectors having a variety of polished end faces may be provided with the apparatus. The apparatus also eliminates the potential for contamination among polishing films, reduces polishing steps, and saves labor and maintenance costs.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable saddle for securing and routing fiber optic cables on a printed circuit board (PCB) or other component used in the communications field. The fiber optic cable saddle includes a body portion that may be connected to a post having a barb at one end. The saddle may be mounted in a PCB by forcing the barb in an opening provided in the PCB. The fiber optic cable saddle is formed from a soft, resilient material that permits the body portion to flex open and return back to its original shape. The profile of the body portion is a thin, closely spaced spiral. Each of the free ends of the body portion has a cylindrical projection integrally formed thereon. In a closed position of the saddle, the cylindrical projections are partially disposed within corresponding recesses formed in the body portion. Before securing the fiber optic cables within the saddle, a user will preferably mount the saddle on the PCB.

Abstract: A single, reusable wrap for securing loops of glass fibers of fiber optic cables used in the communications field. The wrap holds the glass fiber loop securely by wrapping around the glass fiber and itself, locking itself in place via an opposing frictional lock. The wrap has a lock portion, a retainer/release tab used to aid in the engagement and release of the frictional lock, and a cylindrical lock portion used to aid in starting the wrap to roll around the glass fiber loop. The frictional lock is provided when the cylindrical lock portion is provided within the lock portion. The reusable wrap is easy to use since it may be opened and closed with one hand by a user. The wrap holds the glass fiber loop tightly without damaging the glass fiber and prevents the glass fiber loop from being pulled into small loops.

Abstract: An optical module blank includes a base portion, and a pair of retainers disposed on the base portion. The pair of retainers retains conduits at a predetermined location of the base portion to enable the conduits to be connected to an optical component, such as a laser module, if the optical module blank is replaced with an optical module. A line module of an optical communications equipment may be populated with one or more optical module blanks. However, if the entire line module is to be totally populated with optical module blanks, then a line module blank may be used. Such a device includes a tray portion, and a retainer portion disposed on a front section of the tray portion. The retainer portion has abutting base plates with four pairs of retainers disposed on one base plate and another four pairs of retainers disposed on the other base plate.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable winding assist tool for securing, routing, and storing fiber optic cables in optical communications systems that quickly and simultaneously lifts the retainer fingers of a mandrel, without breaking them, and releases the retainer fingers once the fiber optic cables are safely within the retainer fingers. The winding assist tool is used with a base having at least one mandrel connected thereto, and may have a spacer disk connected to the mandrel. A spider frame is provided on the spacer disk or mandrel and includes a body portion and arm portions extending from the spider frame body portion. Each arm portion engages a corresponding retainer finger of the mandrel. A thumb screw having a head portion and a threaded portion mates with a threaded opening provided through the spider frame body portion and engages a top surface of the spacer disk.