Abstract: A connection device (1) for optical fibers, for use in a polluted environment includes a first connector (2) designed to be associated with at least a first optical fiber (16) and a second connector (3) designed to be associated with at least a second optical fiber (25) to be connected to the first fiber, wherein one of the connectors (2, 3) carries a fluid reserve (36) having a refractive index equal to that of the optical fibers, and at least pumping means (37) connected to said fluid reserve and which, in operation, can be actuated in response to connecting and disconnecting movements of the two connectors (2, 3) to inject, at each connecting/disconnecting movement, the fluid into a space (58) encompassing the front ends of the two fibers bringing them closer together or spacing them apart.

Abstract: An optical fibre cable (1) for installation in a duct (51) by means of fluid flow is described. The cable (1) has a signal transmitting portion comprising a plurality of elongate, flexible optical fibres, surrounded by a braided covering (10) formed from textile yarns (9). The apparatus (50) for installing the cable includes an air compressor (52) for supplying a blowing head (53) with a conditioned air supply substantially free of static electricity or moisture. The blowing head (53) includes drive wheels (not shown), the speed of rotation of which (and hence the speed of installation of the fibre cable (1), (101) is adjusted by means of s control unit (54) powered by power supply (55). The fibre cable (1), (101) is fed from a fibre pan (56) over guide (57) to the blowing head (53), which is fed with an air supply from compressor (52) which is regulated by dispenser (58).