Abstract: An improved connector mechanism having a connector coupling nut of a cylindrical tubular configuration with a bore extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the coupling nut has camming slots which align with bayonet pins on the mating adapter serving to draw the connector inwardly to the adapter upon rotation of the coupling nut. A detent window at the end of each camming slot engages and retains the bayonet pins driven slidingly along the camming slots during rotation. A resilient spring member provides stability between the end of the adapter and the internal bore of the coupling nut at the completion of the coupling operation. Variations of spring arrangements force the cylindrical fiber optic terminus, located axially centered within the coupling sleeve, forward to assure pressured abutment with a like mating terminus located opposite at the other end of the adapter.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed fiber optic feedthrough module which comprises a metal or other rigid material connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough with a single fiber optic member or with a multitude of optical fibers extending through and protruding out of either side of the connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough and a pressure-blocking sealant material of polycrystalline which surrounds the fiber optic member(s) and provides a seal between the fiber optic member(s) and the inside surface of the connector or sleeve feedthrough. The feedthrough module is made by positioning the fiber optic member(s) through the connector or sleeve feedthrough and applying the polycrystalline sealant material between the fiber optic member(s) and the connector or sleeve feedthrough inside diameter to fill all voids between the fiber optic member(s) and connector or sleeve feedthrough.

Abstract: Optical fibers typically used for data signal transmission are connected to each other in an orientation which provides self-aligning of the fiber ends. An alignment cavity is used to accept two optical fibers and guide them to a precise position with accurate alignment of the cores of the fibers. A housing unit may be employed to secure the optically aligned, joined fibers in an isolated, fixed orientation. The alignment cavity can be re-positioned automatically by the fibers entering to assure a preferred optimum alignment of the fiber ends in a vee groove internal configuration. Retaining elements are crimped to secure the fiber ends in the preferred orientation. The retaining elements may have an opening through which the optical fibers, bare or buffered may pass. Retaining elements may also capture the strength members of the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving tool a terminus ferrule is affixed to an optical fiber prior to entry of the fiber into the tool. A portion of the optical fiber is passed through an elongated opening which is coaxial about the common axis of the fiber and the terminus ferrule. A sharp pointed fiber scriber is positioned between the exit of the elongated opening and a clamping device such that the scriber will automatically move toward the fiber in controlled motion until an adjustable force is applied through the scriber, impinging on the periphery of the optical fiber. The controlled, increasing radial force of the scriber in conjunction with the tension applied to the fiber by the clamping device causes the fiber to be cleaved in a mirror-surface plane which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the optical fiber. The mirrored surface is at essentially a 90.degree. orientation or various angle orientations close to 90.degree. in relation to the fiber central axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting means for positioning and securing an optical fiber such that the optical fiber may be joined with a mating optical fiber, the connecting means having an endface, the endface which may have a recess or counterbore provided to allow a controlled unsupported fiber length which will contribute to a superior optical fiber endface cleave when cleaving is the method of fiber termination. Cleaving may be accomplished with rotational or tangential scribing while the fiber periphery is under tension, the tension condition enhanced by the unsupported fiber length at the terminus endface. Polished fiber ends may also be used.

Abstract: A connector system designed for reliable easy field maintenance in which a connector pin terminus and connector socket terminus have a single or multiple optical fibers. When the connector pin terminus and connector socket terminus are connected the optical fibers form mated pairs. A releasable insert surrounding the connector socket termini allows the tip ends of the optical fibers in both the connector plug half and connector receptacle half to be exposed for maintenance when they are separated. The releasable insert is secured to the connector socket fixed insert by a spring-loaded shaft having a cross-pin at one end and a screw driver or other type of slot in the opposite end.