Abstract: The present invention pertains to a strain sensor. The strain sensor is comprised of an optical waveguide, a device for providing optical pulses to the optical waveguide and a device for sensing localized strain in the optical waveguide. The sensing device determines shifts in arrival times of the optical pulses at the sensing device that correspond to the localized strain. In a preferred embodiment the sensing device includes a device for reflecting a portion of the optical pulses at predetermined positions in the optical waveguide and a device for detecting the shift in arrival times of the portion of the optical pulses which are reflected.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical splice. The optical splice includes a member having an alignment cavity which receives optical waveguides and allows light to pass there between. The member is made of a material that is moldable such that when an optical waveguide is received by the member, the alignment cavity expands but constricts about the optical waveguide in a predetermined position. The member has a plurality of funnels which communicate with the alignment cavity and guide an optical waveguide into the alignment cavity where it is received thereby. The present invention also pertains to a method for making a funnel in a member.

Abstract: A strain compensated fiber optic cable composed of a hollow central member made from an elastic material capable of being physically enlarged, such enlargement capable of being at least partially reversed upon demand; and, a plurality of optical fibers having a first pitch diameter disposed, either in the sidewall of the central member, or on the outermost surface of the central member, so that upon enlargement of the central member, the first pitch diameter of the optical fiber can be changed to a second pitch diameter and upon reversal of the enlargement, the second pitch diameter can be changed to either the first pitch diameter or another pitch diameter.