Abstract: Light attenuation through a high return loss fixed attenuator is achieved by controlling the offset of two common fiber axes to achieve a controlled transverse misalignment loss while the ends of the fibers are maintained in physical contact under a spring force of the connectors such that a high return loss is achieved.

Abstract: A variable attenuator for a fiber optic transmission system includes first and second optical fibers which are axially aligned. The fibers are provided with spherical polishes. The radius of each of the fibers originates at an axis which is offset from an axis of the fiber cores.

Abstract: A cable routing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of cable pathway-defining elements, including troughs and fittings. Each of the elements terminates at an attachment end. A coupling is provided for adjoining at least a first one of the attachment ends to at least a second one of the attachment ends. The coupling includes an alignment mechanism for aligning the first and second ends in a predetermined alignment. The coupling further includes a clamp mechanism for clamping of the attachment ends within the coupling when the attachment ends are in the predetermined alignment.

Abstract: An adapter for holding two fiber optic connectors in coaxial alignment. The connectors include a generally cylindrical ferrule having an axial bore and a ferrule holder having means for retaining the ferrule and a raised ridge located on its outer surface. The connector further includes a grip housing having an axial bore in which the ferrule holder is located. The grip housing also includes a cut out through which the raised ridge of the ferrule holder is exposed. The adapter comprises a unitary main body having an axial bore connecting a first opening and a second opening. The axial cavity is sized to receive an inner housing. The inner housing has at least one retaining clip which is located exterior to an axial chamber within the inner housing. The retaining clip includes means to releasably lock the raised ridge of the ferrule holder in place when said connector is inserted into the axial cavity of the adapter.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a fiber end retained in the holder is disclosed. A master is formed having an external geometry substantially identical to the geometry of the holder. A mask is formed by applying a thin coating of a mask material onto the master with a hole formed through the material at a location corresponding to a location of a fiber end on the holder. The master is removed from the mask. The mask is placed on the holder with the hole exposing the fiber end. The coating is applied through the hole and onto the fiber end and the mask is removed from the holder.

Abstract: A patch cord includes a cable having a primary transmission member contained within a protective sheathing. An energy transmission member is carried on the cable and extends from a first end to a second end. First and second couplings are connected to the first and second ends of the energy transmission member. The first coupling receives energy from an external source and transmits the energy along the energy transmission member toward the second coupling. The second coupling receives energy from the energy transmission member and generates a visible signal in response to the received energy.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fixture for terminating a miniature coaxial cable with a connector, and a kit for use with the fixture. The coaxial cable includes a center conductor and the connector has a connector center conductor which has a pin-shaped first end and a receiving member for receiving the central conductor of the coaxial cable. The fixture for terminating the coaxial table includes a base and a first beam and a second beam for holding the pin-shaped first end. The fixture also includes a third beam for holding the coaxial cable so that the center conductor of the coaxial cable can be inserted in the receiving member of the connector center conductor. The kit includes a working surface and a tray for holding parts of the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a fiber within a The ferrule is received within a hub held in a barrel. An inner spring urges the ferrule and hub outwardly from the barrel. A nut is movably attached to the barrel. An outer spring biases the barrel toward a connector end of a housing.

Abstract: A make-before-break edge connector receives an edge portion of a printed circuit board of predetermined thickness. The edge connector includes first and second spring contacts disposed as an opposing pair. Each of the spring contacts includes an entrance end, an intermediate portion and a termination end. At the intermediate portion, the spring contacts include normally closed spring contacts. At the entrance end, the spring contacts include normally open spring contacts.

Abstract: An optical fiber cabinet for enclosing various optical fiber connections and/or terminations. The optical fiber cabinet includes a frame which defines an optical fiber connection-termination area with the frame including a base having a bottom opening, vertical support members, and a removable upper frame member. Clam-shell doors are rotatably attached to the vertical support members of the frame and have a closed and open position. In the closed position, the clam-shell doors cooperate with the frame to enclose the optical fiber connection-termination area. In the open position, the clam-shell doors are disposed away from the optical fiber connection-termination area to allow both horizontal and vertical access to the optical fiber connection-termination area. A connection box within which the optical fiber connections are mounted is disposed within the optical fiber connection-termination area of the cabinet and includes a door rotatable between a closed and open position.

Abstract: A patch panel includes a printed circuit board, an RJ-45 jack and a connector block. The circuit paths from the RJ-45 jack to the connector block are selected to cross in a predetermined crossing pattern with the circuit paths having a predetermined length selected for the patch panel to carry high speed transmissions.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a fiber within a ferrule. The ferrule is received within a hub held in a barrel. An inner spring urges the ferrule and hub outwardly from the barrel. A nut is movably attached to the barrel. An outer spring biases the barrel toward a connector end of a housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed having a housing extending from a first connection end to a second connection end. The first connection end is connectable to a BNC connector. The second connection end includes an RJ jack for receiving an RJ twisted pair plug. Internal circuitry is provided for connecting the coax connector end to the RJ connector end while providing desired impedance matching.

Abstract: In an optical fiber connector subassembly, a ferrule is received within a hollow cylindrical crimp. The ferrule has a bore extending through the ferrule with a longitudinal slot formed within the ferrule exposing a portion of the bore. The crimp is provided with first and second crimping portions. The first crimping portion extends into the slot and opposes the ferrule bore. The second crimping portion is diametrically opposed to the first crimping portion and opposes an exterior surface of the ferrule. Application of a force to the sides of the crimp causes the first and second crimping portions to be spaced apart a distance sufficient to insert a fiber within the ferrule bore. Release of the force causes the first and second crimping portions to be biased toward one another to securely crimp the fiber within the ferrule.

Abstract: A cross-connect panel for a high density digital signal cross-connect (DSX) bay is disclosed. The panel includes a plurality of cross-connect termination points grouped in an array which includes a plurality of horizontal spaced-apart rows. A plurality of troughs are defined between opposing rows. The rows are divided into two spaced-apart set. A second trough extends vertically through the height of the panel in vertical alignment with gaps defined between the spaced-apart sets. The vertical trough is offset from the plane of the horizontal troughs.

Abstract: A modular digital signal cross-connect assembly is disclosed having housing and a plurality of coax digital signal cross-connect modules. Each of the modules has a frame that is slidably received within the housing. Each frame carries coax DSX circuitry, including a plurality of jacks on a forward wall of the module. Rear walls of the module carry coax connectors which are slidably engageable with coax connectors mounted on the housing. The coax connectors are aligned for the housing and the frame connectors to mate as the frame is slid into the housing to an inserted position. In alternative embodiments, the modules include a monitor switch to permit monitoring of any one of a plurality of circuit path in said modules.

Abstract: A retainer assembly is disclosed for a connector. The assembly includes a frame having a forward wall and a retainer to be received within an access opening in the forward wall. The retainer includes first and second fasteners. Each of the fasteners has forward and rear retaining surfaces spaced apart a thickness of the wall to receive an edge of the wall between the forward and rear retaining surfaces. The second fastener is resiliently displaceable between a fastening or rest position and a displaced position to permit the retainer to be easily inserted or removed from the frame.