Abstract: An automated method is disclosed for grinding and polishing the terminated ends of the optical fibers in a fiber optic cable. The abrasive material, in strip form, is moved in a carriage along a linear path while the carriage is oscillated in a circle within a plane during polishing. There are three separate work stations operating concurrently, the first having a relatively course grade of abrasive while the others have finer grades. Fixtures holding the cables for polishing are held in fixture supports that are automatically fed toward the abrasive material during polishing and retracted after polishing is complete. The fixture engagement mechanism for the first carriage engages at a slower rate than do the mechanisms of the other carriages.

Abstract: An automated machine is disclosed for grinding and polishing the terminated ends of the optical fibers in fiber optic cables. The machine utilizes abrasive material in strip form. The abrasive material is moved in a carriage along a linear path while the carriage is oscillated in a circle within a plane during polishing. There are three separate carriages operating concurrently, the first having a relatively course grade of abrasive while the others have finer grades. Fixtures holding the cables for polishing are held in fixture supports that are automatically fed toward the abrasive material during polishing and retracted after polishing is complete. The fixture engagement mechanism for the first carriage engages at a slower rate than do the mechanisms of the other carriages.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and holding fiber optic cables for polishing is disclosed. The fixture includes a cable clamping mechanism consisting of a pair of links that are pivotally attached to movable portions of a nest that receives and holds the terminated end of the cable. A holding member is positioned above the nests to steady and hold the cables in rough position while the nest accurately positions the fiber optic end for polishing. A dovetail member is provided to accurately attach the fixture to the polishing machine. The fixture is arranged to not contact the abrasive material during polishing.

Abstract: A connector for joining light transmitting fiber cables through a cover (14) to a transmitter and/or receiver device (3) comprises a plug half connector (6) comprising a plug (8) and a transceiver adapter (10). The plug (8) has profiled passageway (43) for receiving an optical fiber. The transceiver adapter (10) is an integral two-part structure comprising a transceiver shroud (11) adapted to axially receive the plug (8) and extending axially (38) for aligning the plug (8) forward relative to the transmitter and/or receiver device (3). The adapter (10) further comprises a latching beam mechanism (12) having forward extending latching beams (13), the latching beam mechanism (12) characterized by a wedge shaped plug stop (64) along each of the extending latching beams (13).

Abstract: A connector for joining light transmitting fiber cables through a cover (14) to a transmitter and/or receiver device (3) comprises a plug connector half (6) and a retention frame (48). The plug connector half (6) comprises a plug (8) having profiled passageway (43) for receiving an optical fiber, a transceiver adapter (10) adapted to axially receive the plug (8) through the cover (14) and extending axially for aligning the plug (8) forward relative to the transmitter and/or receiver device (3). The retention frame (48) is mounted to the cover (14) and captivates the transceiver adapter (10) with play so as to permit free floating of the transceiver adapter (10) relative to the cover within the retention frame (48).

Abstract: A connector, method and alignment device for connecting single-mode optical fibers are provided. The connector is characterized by a deformable, elongated base for supporting two coaxial fibers and a meltable slug which secures the fibers to the base in a nondamageable manner upon melting and resolidification. The method addresses employing the connector to affix the fibers. The device, employed in combination with the connector, includes two translatable clamps to distort the connector base thereby aligning the fibers optical cores in a substantially coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A ferrule for electro-optic cables is formed of identical mating halves which, when assembled, provide accurate alignment of the fiber carried thereby. Each ferrule half has a mating surface with a longitudinally extending profiled groove which grips the cable and fiber and centers the fiber with respect to the ferrule. The ferrule halves are preferably permanently bonded together by well known means.

Abstract: A ferrule assembly comprising: (a) an array of optical fibers each having a mating end face; and (b) a ferrule with the fibers disposed therein, the ferrule having a front and rear orientation and a front surface, the front surface having at least a mating surface and a non-mating surface, the mating surface extending forward beyond the non-mating surface and presenting the mating end face of at least one of the fibers.