Abstract: Inside a container tube (7) which is closed by two covers (8, 8') fixed to the cables to be connected, this connection box comprises a cylindrical tank (27, 17, 17') for storing optical fibers (3, 3') with the inside cylindrical volume of the tank being delimited at each of its ends by respective conical surfaces (24, 24') leading to narrow passages (40, 40') through which the optical fibers (3, 3') pass on their way from the covers (8, 8'), said tank having a large side opening (27) enabling the ends of the optical fibers (3, 3') to be taken out from the tank for the purpose of being connected and then enabling them to be reinserted together with their connectors (28). In the vicinity of each of its conical ends, the inside volume of the tank has respective annular recesses (29, 29') of greater diameter into which the spare lengths of the optical fibers (3, 3') have a natural tendency to coil.

Abstract: Junction box for joining the ends of two underwater optical fiber cables by welding, comprising two clamps 1, 2 connected by a tubular sleeve 3, and a central hollow mandrel 17 for securing the welds, wherein said mandrel comprises a slack chamber 15, 16 in between each clamp and one end of the mandrel. Such junction boxes are mainly for use in the junction of underwater telecommunication cables.

Abstract: A device for joining an underwater optical fiber cable and a repeater comprising a fiber feed-in cable, the end of said underwater cable being secured in a jointing block by means of a tapered ferrule and hard-setting resin filler, said device comprising a slack chamber for storing surplus lengths of optical fiber, said slack chamber interior being bounded on the underwater-cable-side by a storage canister having a bulged internal wall the radius of curvature whereof is everywhere greater than or equal to the minimum acceptable radius of curvature for the optical fibers, and on the fiber-feed-cable-side by a plug having a conical internal surface. Device is mainly applicable to the joining of undersea telecommunications cables.

Abstract: A connection for joining the ends of two under-water optical fiber cables each comprising: an optical core constituted by a carrier wire covered by a helically grooved plastics rod with optical fibers inserted in its grooves; a protective tape surrounding the optical core; a steel wire arch assembly; a copper tube drawn down over the arch assembly; and a plastics insulating sheath.Said connection includes two smooth rods (22, 22') glued to the ends of each cable on the carrier wire (2, 2') round which the optical fibers (4, 4') are wound, the fibers being welded one-to-one and protected by tapes (23, 23'), two split tubes (24, 24') covering the optical fibers wrapped in tape at the ends of each cable, a sheath (19) around which the ends of each arch assembly are formed again into cables and a sleeve (12) glued and/or crimped on the ends of each arch assembly.

Abstract: A connector for optical fibres, said connector including two groups of th cylindrical support rods, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A, 14B, 14C, all of same diameter and guide means to keep these two groups of three rods side by side and in contact with each other so as to provide a central passage to house the optical fibres. The guide means include a group of three or four bearings held coaxially with one or two central bearings 20A, 20B, surrounding the two groups of rods on either side of their plane of contact 17 with very little play and with one end bearing 18, 19 surrounding each group of three rods with the same or a slightly greater play at a point distant from the plane of contact. Application to optical fibre transmission lines.

Abstract: A method of welding several optical fibers end to end in layers in a common welding plane. Each fiber (31) includes a bared portion and a covered portion. The method is applied by a device including:(a) a microplasma welding torch (40) with a vertical axis movable in said weld plane;(b) a supporting block (39) with: parallel positioning grooves for positioning the bared portions of the fibers; an opening (42) in the neighborhood of the weld plane; and a chamber (43) for slowing down the gases of the plasma disposed below said opening and connected thereto; and(c) components for gripping the covered portions of the fibers said gripping components being constituted by supports (11, 12) provided with parallel optical fiber positioning grooves. A positive pressure difference is set up between the upper portion and the lower portion of the fibers. The fibers are translated parallel to the axes of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A method of splicing optical fibres which are previously disposed in a layer in a cable.The fibres 1 are released from the tape (2 and 3) in which they are trapped; they are broken and laid in positioning V-grooves (5A) of a plate 12. Adhesive is applied to the fibres and a pressing cover 17 is laid thereon. The adhesive is allowed to set, then the assembly thus formed is sawn in parallel planes (19,20). The remaining portions on either side of the saw planes are then placed end to end again and are pressed against each other and fixed in position. Application to splicing optical fibres of cables formed by assembling flat tapes.

Abstract: A mechanical device for connecting optical fibres together by single or multiple connections with little attenuation loss. The connector has a body in the form of a cylinder, end pieces which support three cylindrical rods enclosing the fibre and disposed in guiding V-grooves, covers associated with the end pieces by spring washers which enable the cover to be longitudinally snap-fitted onto the body and a deformable blade which presses transversally against the rods.

Abstract: A connection device allowing optical fibres manufactures in a factory to be connected together in the field by end pieces. Each end piece comprises a fibre clamped between three cylindrical rods which lie tangential to each other in pairs and encompass a fibre in their central clamed. The end pieces are disposed on either side of a mounting assembly comprising alignment structures constituted by V-shaped grooves in which the fibre and the rods are inserted. Means are provided to press on the rods transversally. According to one variant, this function is fulfilled by elastomer cylinders compressed by clamping the plates of the mounting assembly. Application : Optical fibres for telecommunications.

Abstract: A covering of thermoplastic material applied to a bare portion of optical fibre by pressure molding.The device for performing the pressure molding includes a micro injection cylinder and a mold having a distribution chamber with injection holes distributed over the fibre to be covered.

Abstract: A welding device for joining optical fibres together with a low loss joint. It comprises a microplasma blow torch with central and tubular electrodes and central and peripheral nozzles supplied with pure and hydrogenated argon. The torch is used in conjunction with a clamping frame for aligning the fibres and holding them in position during welding.