Abstract: Optical fiber mass splice methods and assemblies are provided. A method may include securing a fiber clamp to a fiber setting fixture, the fiber setting fixture including a fiber alignment block and a backstop. A plurality of fiber grooves may be defined in the fiber alignment block. The method may further include inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the fiber setting fixture such that each of the plurality of optical fibers is disposed in one of the plurality of fiber grooves and contacts the backstop. The method may further include loading, after the inserting step, each of the plurality of optical fibers into the fiber clamp. The method may further include clamping the plurality of optical fibers in the fiber clamp.

Abstract: A connector for optically connecting an optical fiber to an optical fiber port, the connector defining a first length, L1, as measured between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the connector when the connector is in a locked configuration, and a second length, L2, as measured between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the connector when the connector is in an unlocked configuration, wherein L1 is different than L2. In an embodiment, L2 is greater than L1. In another embodiment, the connector comprises a boot and a housing, and the boot and housing are configured to float relative to one another.

Abstract: A butt closure base includes a base housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the base housing defining a plurality of cavities between the first and second outer surfaces, the plurality of cavities aligned in an annular array. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable along the longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel.

Abstract: A downhole cable includes a central core. The central core includes a metal tube having a plurality of optical fibers therein or a copper wire. The downhole cable further includes an extruded aluminum tube surrounding the central core.

Abstract: A method for cleaving an optical fiber may include generating a laser beam, such as a CO2 laser beam, for a discrete time period. The laser beam may impact an optical fiber and form a discrete crater extending into the optical fiber from the outer surface thereof. The method may further include pausing generation of the laser beam for a discrete time period, and rotating the optical fiber about a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The method may further include repeating generation of the laser beam. A plurality of discrete craters disposed in an annular array about a circumference of the optical fiber may be formed. The method may further include separating the optical fiber into a main optical fiber portion and a cleaved portion after formation of the annular array of discrete craters.

Abstract: Fiber pistoning apparatus and methods of use are provided. A fiber anti-pistoning apparatus includes an axial centerline, and an elongate main body that at least partially surrounds the axial centerline and extends from a first end to a second end of the elongate main body. The elongate main body defines a channel that extends along the axial centerline for housing a bundle of fibers. The channel extends between a first opening at the first end, a second opening at the second end, and a slotted opening between the first end and the second end for receiving the bundle of fibers. The elongate main body includes one or more retention features for coupling to a first buffer tube.

Abstract: A butt closure base includes a base housing defining a plurality of cavities. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable along a longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies further includes a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes an adjustable tab and a stop member movable between a first position which limits movement of the adjustable tab and a second position in which movement of the adjustable tab is not limited by the stop member.

Abstract: An organizer assembly includes a primary basket extending along a longitudinal axis between a first open end and a second closed end, the primary basket defining an interior. The organizer assembly further includes a bracket assembly extending along a transverse axis at the first open end of the basket, the bracket assembly including a plurality of hinge assemblies. The organizer assembly further includes a plurality of organizer trays, each of the plurality of organizer trays rotatably connectable to the bracket assembly at one of the plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of organizer trays is rotatable between a first position wherein the organizer tray is aligned along the longitudinal axis and a second position wherein the organizer tray is aligned along the transverse axis.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to a surface. The base includes an outer body which defines an inner channel and a support ramp disposed within the inner channel, the inner channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the inner channel and moveably mounted on the support ramp, the roller tube translatable along the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp. The cable is inserted through the roller tube and extends through the inner channel, such that the cable is translatable with the roller tube along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for forming a side-pumped optical fiber combiner includes ablating a cladding of a signal fiber to form an angled notch in the cladding. The signal fiber includes a core and the cladding surrounding the core. The method further includes inserting a cladding-free end of a pump fiber into the angled notch. The pump fiber includes a core and a cladding, the cladding-free end including the core of the pump fiber and free from the cladding of the pump fiber. The method further includes fusing the cladding-free end to the signal fiber.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to a surface. The base may include a tab removably insertable into an aperture defined in the surface and a lock releasably connectable to the surface. The base further includes an outer body which defines an inner channel and a support ramp disposed within the inner channel, the inner channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a cap connectable to the base to further define the inner channel therebetween. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the inner channel and rotatably mounted on the support ramp, the roller tube rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An Optical Time Domain Reflectomeler (OTDR) tests an optical fiber by generating, transmitting, and receiving light signals from an optical fiber. The OTDR generates light signals having different characteristics and stitches these light signals into an OTDR trace. Backscatter and properties such as dynamic range effect the quality of the OTDR trace.

Abstract: A foldable extension enclosure for a utility enclosure, each having first, second, third, and fourth sides connected by hinges and each folding only in one direction by means of detents on the sides. A first end of the first side slidably overlaps a second opposite end of the third side and a first end of the second side slidably overlaps a second opposite end of the fourth side. There is an internal top ledge on each side in an interior near a top end of the extension enclosure and the utility enclosure and an external bottom ledge on each side on an exterior near a bottom end of the extension enclosure, to mount the extension enclosure to the utility enclosure with concave and convex detents. Convex detents are at the top end of the utility and extension enclosures and concave detents are at the bottom end of the extension enclosure. The convex detents also reversibly lock a lid to the tops of the utility and extension enclosures.

Abstract: Stockbridge dampers are provided. A Stockbridge damper includes a first clamp, and a second clamp spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first clamp, wherein a distance is defined along the longitudinal axis between the first clamp and the second clamp. A Stockbridge damper further includes a wire strand extending generally along the longitudinal axis through and between the first clamp and the second clamp, the wire strand including a first end portion extending from a distal side of the first clamp, a second end portion extending from a distal side of the second clamp, and an intermediate portion extending between proximal sides of the first and second clamps. A Stockbridge damper further includes a first weight connected to the first end portion of the wire strand, and a second weight connected to the second end portion of the wire strand.

Abstract: A lid for a utility enclosure having a front end, a rear end, a right side, a left side, a top lid portion, and a bottom, defining an interior. Large reinforcement ribs are on an interior surface of the top lid portion and form a lattice-type structure. Small reinforcement ribs are mounted in spaces formed by the lattice type structure. The lid is made of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene and metal bars or rebar are embedded in the large reinforcement ribs. The metal bars are positioned near a bottom of the large reinforcement ribs and spaced above the bottom. The physical structure of the lid and the lid's composition, consisting essentially of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene, are constructed so that the lid withstands up to 33,750 pounds of force without breaking or being deformed.

Abstract: A method of forming and assembling a foldable plastic utility enclosure using molds to form sides of the enclosure, preferably using glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite. The molds are constructed to form a central hole in hinge members which are formed on ends of the sides. The central hole of the hinge member is molded with two molding parts, wherein one or both of the molding parts have a solid central portion that forms the central hole. The sides are removed from the molds after curing and the sides are assembled to form the utility enclosure while the sides are still hot from the molding process. Hinge pins are inserted into the central holes of the hinge members to form hinges and to prevent the sides from warping during cooling. Assembling the sides and inserting hinge pins to form the utility enclosure is completed within approximately 10 minutes after removing the sides from the molds.

Abstract: A rack routing guide installable in an equipment rack, the rack routing guide comprising: a body defining a volume configured to route one or more optical fibers from fiber optic equipment disposed in the equipment rack, wherein a lateral sidewall of the body includes an opening through which the one or more optical fibers are receivable into the volume; and a mount configured to couple the body to the equipment rack.

Abstract: A fiber optic transition assembly includes a cable including an optical fiber and an outer jacket. The transition assembly further includes a furcation cable, the furcation cable surrounding an extended portion of the optical fiber, the furcation cable extending between a first end and a second end. The transition assembly further includes a transition member defining an interior, wherein a second end of the outer jacket and the first end of the furcation cable are disposed within the interior and the optical fiber extends from the outer jacket to the furcation cable within the interior. The transition assembly further includes an adapter at least partially disposed within the interior of the transition member, the adapter connected to the transition member and comprising an adapter body defining a cable aperture. The outer jacket extends through the cable aperture.