Abstract: A switch for optical fibers includes two identical housing halves for retaining the optical fibers in a substantially fixed position. The fibers are retained within the housing halves forming two pairs of opposed optical fibers. An intermediate fiber is provided between the opposed fibers, and each end of the intermediate fiber is moveable into alignment with one of two fibers to form four switching positions. The intermediate optical fiber is externally plated with a metallic coating which provides a resiliency to the fiber, allowing the fiber to provide its own spring retention within an associated alignment groove. A switching plate is also provided for each free end of the intermediate fiber for switching movement of the free ends into optical alignment with the free ends of the optical fibers. Transverse movement also axially moves the optically aligned fiber out of an abutting relationship with the free end of the intermediate fiber to maintain the surface finish on the ends of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical connector (2) includes a housing (4) having a through bore (10) therethrough terminating at an end face (8) of the housing (4). A short section of fibre (12) is inserted into an end of the connector housing (4) into the through bore (10) with a portion protruding beyond the end face (8). The protruding section is ground to effect a smooth finish. A gel is inserted within the through bore (10) adjacent and in abutment with the unfinished end (13) of the short fibre (12). A fibre (24) to be spliced can be inserted within the connector (2) into the through bore (10) and into optical abutment with the gel (20) such that the gel conforms to the two unfinished surfaces (13, 25) of the fibres (12, 24). The end face (8) of the connector (2) can be brought into optical abutment with a similar connector (2) to effect optical continuity between two similar fibres (12, 24).

Abstract: An optical fiber termination is provided by a short length of fiber (41) formed with a coaxial metal coating and with optical end faces. One end (43) of the short coated length (42) is of reduced diameter to facilitate matching with a fiber (45) to be terminated to which the one end (43) is spliced. The splice comprises a resiliently deformable alignment body (49) having a fiber alignment passageway (50) and disposed between support bushings (44, 51) having fiber passageways and encased within a crimping sleeve (48). The coated fiber length (42) projects externally of the splice assembly and the fiber (45) to be terminated is abutted with the one end (43) of the coated length within the alignment passageway (50). The crimping sleeve (48) is radially compressed to deform the alignment body (49) about the abutted ends to effect alignment, the support bushings (44, 51) constraining the alignment body (49) against axial extrusion and being secured during the crimping process by indentations (60, 61).

Abstract: A method of breaking an optical fiber comprises the steps of surrounding the fiber with elastomeric material in the region of the desired break location and then compressing the elastomeric material towards the axis of the fiber. When the material is compressed, it grips the fiber so that the fiber and the material cannot move relative to each other. Compression of the material also results in elongation of the material so that the fiber is placed in tension and fractures at the desired break point. An apparatus for carrying out the processes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for use in butt splicing two optical fibres (100) comprises a right-circular cylindrical tubular member (4) of deformable material and a support body (1) formed by three integrally formed elongate members (2) of deformable material joined by two webs (3), the support body (1) being a circular overall cross-section to be received in the tubular member (4) and a central passage (6) to receive end portions of two fibres (100) to be spliced, there being radial spaces (7) between the three members (2) of the support body (1) whereby on crimping of the connector to form the splice little or no axial movement of the fibre ends relative to each other takes place.