Abstract: A quick connect fiber optic connector assembly for testing and communication that uses a modified ferrule having a reservoir formed into its tip for holding optic transmitting gel or oil. A cleaved optical fiber may be held concentrically within the ferrule for alignment with a receiver or optical device. The gel or oil in the reservoir alleviates the need for a perfect cleave of the fiber and allows for transmission of the optic signal. If necessary, the pressure foot of the connector assembly may be rotated to minimize transmission losses. When the transmission signal is optimized, the fiber may be tested or used for communications. In another embodiment of the invention, a connector assembly includes a removable cartridge housing optical coupling compound. As a bare fiber is passed into the connector it picks up a small quantity of coupling compound and is then interconnected to an optical patch cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for frictionally engaging and supporting a cylindrical, fiber optic component such as an axial ferrule is provided with the capability of releasably locking the component in the apparatus, thereby permitting coupling of the component for extended periods of time without degradation of light transmission. The apparatus includes a cylindrical, split spring bushing positioned in a cavity defined by a two-part housing and a set screw in a threaded bore extending radially through overlapped portions of both housing parts. The screw is advanced into contact with the bushing to apply inwardly radial pressure thereto, increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing with the component to essentially lock the component in the apparatus. In a preferred method of fabrication and use of the apparatus, the two housing parts are placed in fully assembled condition, without the bushing, and a radial bore is formed through the overlapped portions.

Abstract: A bare fiber adapter for holding an end portion of an optical fiber in a predetermined position. A pair of gripper members are pivotally attached to a support member for relative movement to engage and disengage the fiber between opposed gripping surfaces. An axial ferrule fiber optic connector is attached to the support member which is adapted to accept any of a plurality of industry-standard styles of such connectors. A locking member in the nature of a hollow sleeve is movable with respect to the support and gripping members to releasably lock the latter in the fiber-engaging position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining presence or absence of light activity in an optical fiber without separation or disconnection thereof from other fibers or from apparatus to which the fiber is connected, and without interruption of transmission. The method involves contacting the fiber with a probe and moving it laterally to produce a macro-bend at which a portion of light traveling through the fiber, if any, escapes from the fiber. The escaping light is reflected from a concave surface in a fixture through which the fiber passes and is detected by a photocell in the probe which contacts and moves the fiber. The probe is engageable with the fixture in either of two rotational orientations to receive light reflected from two different areas of the reflecting surface, thereby indicating the direction of light travel. Initial calibration and positional adjustment of the probe relative to the fixture also permits determination of light intensity.

Abstract: A fixture of disc-like form for holding connector mounted optical fiber ferrules. When the connector is attached to the fixture, the ends of the ferrule and fiber extend slightly beyond the plane of the bottom surface of the fixture so that the end surfaces may be polished by movement of the fixture over a sheet of polishing paper. The ferrule, and consequently the fiber, are rotationally locked to the fixture to prevent relative movement therebetween during the polishing operation by an element removably positionable in cooperative engagement with the disc. The element is rotationally locked to both the disc and the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A device for releasably connecting ferrle-mounted optical fibers in optical communication to other such fibers or to optical equipment having the same or different styles of connector assemblies, for purposes of conducting testing, calibration and similar operations of the fibers. The device essentially comprises a plurality of optical fiber connector assemblies and a single mounting sleeve. Each of the connector assemblies includes structure compatible with a particular form of fiber optic ferrule, and an externally threaded portion at one end. The mounting sleeve is hollow at both ends and internally threaded over a portion of its axial length from each end. The internal threads adjacent one end of the sleeve are engageable with the exteral threads on each of the connector assemblies, whereby any one of such assemblies may be threadedly engaged to a predetermined depth with one end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A universal coupling device compatible with several industry-standard fiber optic connector styles to releasably couple the axial ferrule of one such connector in optical communication with the ferrule of another connector of the same or different style, or with the connector port of industry-standard test equipment. The device includes a split-spring bushing for receiving, in frictional engagement, a standard ferrule in either or both ends, and housing means defining a cavity closely surrounding the bushing and having coaxial bores aligned with the busing. The housing means is formed in two sections, mutually engageable by threaded or snap-fit connection. A spacer member may be positioned in the bushing to provide an air gap for controlled attenuation of light passing through the fibers of ferrules coupled by the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning the terminal end surface of a cleaved optical fiber in a predetermined plane relative to a base fiber adapter which serves to interface the fiber surface with optical test equipment, or the like. The bare fiber adapter includes a pair of gripping members having opposed surfaces of resilient material movable into and out of engagement with an end portion of the fiber. A so-called connector module at the forward end of the adapter has an axial passageway for the fiber and is configured for releasable coupling to a fixture having a polished surface which serves as an abutment or stop for the end of the fiber when it is advanced through the passageway of the adapter connector module. Versatility is provided by releasable coupling of the connector modules to the gripping portion of the adapter, thereby permitting use of a variety of interchangeable connector modules configured for cooperative engagement with various types of test equipment and the like.