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: Electrical connector assembly comprises an intermediate body portion having oppositely facing first and second major surfaces and cover members. One-piece stamped and formed electrical terminals are mounted in the body. Each terminal has a first end portion which extends from the first major surface and a second end portion which extends from the second major surface. The end portions have wire-receiving slots. Each end portion has an associated plate-like wire cutter in spaced parallel relationship thereto. The wire cutters are integral with the end portions of the terminal and the first end portion and first wire cutter are spaced apart by a distance which is less than the distance between the second end portion and the second wire cutter to permit stacking to make tap-type connections.