Abstract: The present invention is a device which may be used to detect the presence of light in a single mode optical fiber while the optical fiber is in use, or to introduce light into an optical fiber. The device includes an identifier chip, and an associated, complementary shaped plate, each of which employ both microbending and macrobending portions. The chip and the plate are each formed of a single piece of material, although only the chip must be formed of an optically transmissive material. In use the chip is urged toward the plate with an optical fiber therebetween. Deformation of the fiber caused by the stress exerted by the chip and the plate will cause detectable light to be emitted through the chip if the fiber is live.

Abstract: A single optical fiber hermaphroditic connector (20) includes a ferrule or plug (90) of a subassembly which terminates an optical fiber (22) of a cable (24) and an end of which is received in a cavity of a housing (83). Furcations (102,102) of a bifurcated member extend beyond a free end of the ferrule. An end of the housing is supported from one free end of a tubular member (70) such that a compression spring (106) disposed about the housing causes the ferrule to be biased outwardly. An opposite end of the tubular member is connected to a bushing and tapered plug arrangement which is effective to transfer forces from strength members of the cable to the connector to prevent the forces from being applied to the connection. The subassembly is received in a sleeve (50) having a small diameter threaded end adjacent to the force transfer arrangement and an enlarged diameter, externally threaded end which encloses the housing and the bifurcated member.

Abstract: A closure (20) includes a grommet (50) having passageways (52-52) therethrough for allowing cables to extend into the closure. The grommet (50) comprises a unitary elastomeric body (60). Each passageway is defined by an interior sidewall from which a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential ridges (74-74) extend. For a substantial portion its circumference, each ridge has an axis of projection which forms an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the associated passageway and is sufficiently elongated in longitudinal cross section so as to be capable of flexing with respect to the axis of projection during insertion of a portion of a cable and enlarging its opening diameter to accommodate and form a seal about the inserted cable portion.