Abstract: A method of aligning an optical signal source and a waveguide which comprises; directing the signal into the waveguide, monitoring the intensity of the signal backscattered along the waveguide, and altering the relative positions of source and waveguide in response to said intensity.

Abstract: An optical fiber distribution network includes non-destructive read taps disposed in series which create extremely small attenuations of an optical signal being tapped, and which increase the bandwidth of an optical fiber being tapped. The network further includes non-destructive write taps disposed in another series which each inject an optical signal into a second optical fiber while inducing minimal attenuation of a pre-existing optical signal in the second fiber.

Abstract: A connector for optically connecting first and second optical fiber contacts terminating first and second optical fibers includes a split ring comprising first and second split ring halves disposed around each of the contacts such that an enlarged internal bore of the split ring encloses a flange of the contact so as to allow limited relative longitudinal movement between the contact and the split ring. The split ring allows a nut to be disposed over an end of the contact prior to assembling the split ring about the contact which allows the construction to be reduced in size.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber. The coupling means can for example be a resiliently deformable material such as a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning , and preferably joining, the ends of optical fibers. The apparatus comprises means for holding two fibers so that the fiber ends are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber through the buffer thereof.

Abstract: A plug for sealing an end of a coupling assembly secured to an end of a coaxial cable includes a flange having an end face which has a cross-sectional area substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a threaded portion of the plug, the end face being urged against an end face of the coupling assembly to form a seal therewith.

Abstract: This invention comprises to styrene-diene block copolymer-oil-coupling agent compositions which are radiation cross-linked. In another aspect this invention relates to similar composition wherein the styrene-diene block copolymer is a blend of two different poly(styrene-ethylenebutylene-styrene) triblock copolymers, which composition may also be radiation cross-linked.

Abstract: Mechanical means and methods for delivery of solder preforms arranged in generally rectilinear patterns and oriented so that the ends of the solder preforms may join two planar surfaces upon the application of heat are disclosed. Several embodiments facilitate the delivery of solder preforms in the forms of posts, clips and rings.

Abstract: An optical coupler for withdrawing light from an optical fiber includes first and second movable members on which are mounted a plurality of bending posts offset longitudinally relative to one another. A retaining post, offset longitudinally from the bending posts, has a groove therein so that an optical fiber can be wrapped therearound. Thereafter, the first and second members are moved towards each other such that the bending posts interleaf and bend the optical fiber in a plurality of positions causing light to be emitted from the optical fiber at bent portions thereof, which light is detected by optical detectors located behind the bending posts.

Abstract: A cable end seal and a closure which includes the cable end seal provides a barrier for a junction against water, the junction being in a cable. First and second end seals are disposed adjacent opposite sides of the junction and palced in compression around the cable, the end seals having an outer convoluted surface which mate with a variable length convoluted tubing bridging member so as to form an environmental closure for the junction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a termination device which includes a dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member and a dimensionally heat-unstable insert. The insert is positioned within the tubular member and is in abutting relationship therewith. The termination device may further include a fusible insert or inserts which may be thermoplastic polymeric materials or solder or both. The dimensionally heat-unstable insert is recoverable and the fusible insert or inserts, if present, are meltable at a temperature used to recover the dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a coaxial cable includes a connection pin and a spring sleeve having first and second spring portions, the first spring portion receiving one end of the connection pin and the second spring portion receiving an end of a center conductor of the coaxial cable. The second spring portion has a conical outer surface received within a conical hole of a sleeve held in place by first and second connector bodies, the sleeve increasing a clamping force of the second spring portion on the center conductor when the center conductor is subjected to pull-out load.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly of a splice between a cable containing paper insulation and a cable containing oil or petroleum based materials wherein the splice, or at least the end of the cable containing the oil or petroleum based material, is encapsulated in a particulate material such as calcium carbonate and placed under compression in order to prevent the oil or petroleum based material in one cable from migrating into the splice area or into the other cable and damaging the paper insulation in the splice or the other cable. The assembly also prevents the migration of water from either cable into the splice area.

Abstract: An article for protecting a substrate includes a preshaped member having a shape similar to that of the substrate being protected, the article having a thin layer of gel disposed in intimate contact with an inner surface of the member such that the gel is disposed in intimate contact with the substrate when the member is disposed therearound. Preferably, the gel comprises an open looped three-dimensional network, the gel being relatively soft, elastic, and having an ultimate elongation in excess of 100%.

Abstract: This invention provides a fabric for RFI/EMI shielding wherein the fabric is woven, braided or warp knitted from yarns which comprise conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers wherein the conductive fibers comprise from about 10% to about 80% by weight of the fabric.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber. The coupling means can for example be a resiliently deformable material such as a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning, and preferably joining, the ends of optical fibers. The apparatus comprises means for holding two fibers so that the fiber ends are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber through the buffer thereof.

Abstract: A splice between two multiconductor cables is protected from ingress of water by a closure which is filled with an expanding foam sealant which provides pressure inside the closure sufficient to force the sealant into the interstices of the splice and the interstices between the conductors in the cable, which pressure is retained in the closure until the sealant cures or hardens.

Abstract: A dimensionally-recoverable fabric having an angled or branched hollow region woven therein. The fabric may have conductive fibres by means of which it exhibits electromagnetic screening. Alternatively, or additionally it may have heat-softenable or hot-melt fibres such that it becomes impermeable or is capable of bonding to a substrate on heating.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber. The coupling means can for example be a resiliently deformable material such as a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning, and preferably joining, the ends of optical fibers. The apparatus comprises means for holding two fibers so that the fiber ends are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber through the buffer thereof.

Abstract: A termination block sealing member includes a continuous layer of insulating gel enclosed around its perimeter by a plastic container such that exposed faces of the gel are open, one exposed face being disposed adjacent a termination block, with another exposed face being oriented such that any one of a plurality of electrical contact pins can be pierced therethrough so as to make contact with terminations in the termination block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a dB loss across an optical fiber splice includes the steps of determining a first maximum detected optical signal when the fiber ends are moved relative to each other in a X direction, determining a second maximum optical signal when the fiber ends are moved relative to each other in a Y direction, determining a third optical signal when the fiber ends are optimally substantially aligned, determining a fourth optical signal when subsequent to the fiber ends actually being secured to each other.