Abstract: A strain relieving holder (40) having a bottom member (42) with channels (48) therealong, and top members (44,46) securable to said bottom member (42) by lugs (68) thereof being received into and held within respective channels (48). Either channels (48) of the bottom member (42) or channels (114) of the top members (44,46) may receive jacketed cable (28) thereinto for strain relief holding thereof. Slots (66) of the bottom member (42) are dimensioned to receive ribbon cables (32) (or buffered fibers 26) therein, and the top members (44,46) secure the ribbon cables (32) in the slots. Holders (40) may be used at ends of fiber optic splice trays (10).

Abstract: A method of forming optical fibers in a continuous manufacturing process employs a heated mandrel with a predetermined taper at one end. Glass forming materials are applied to the mandrel by chemical vapor deposition along the taper to provide a corresponding glass concentration gradient along the taper. The molten glass materials are drawn in a continuous process without an intermediate preform stage.

Abstract: A simple mechanical connector for joining plastic coated optical fibers provides means for stripping the plastic from the fibers and for automatically aligning the fiber cores. The connector houses three equidistantly spaced teeth protruding from the inner surface of the connector. Inserting a plastic coated fiber within the connector causes the plastic material to be displaced by the teeth and causes the fiber to become precisely centered within the connector. When the connector contains teeth members at both ends of the connector a pair of optical fibers can become automatically aligned by inserting one of the fibers into each end of the connector.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided for connecting between optical fibers and electro-optical elements in optical communication systems. The coupler comprises one element consisting of a connector fiber within a support tube fixedly attached to the electro-optical elements at one end and optically polished at the other end. Connection between the connector fiber and an optical communication fiber is provided by means of a second element consisting of a dual diameter connector tube. The dual diameter tube slidingly engages the support tube at one end and the systems fiber at an opposite end to provided close optical proximity between the systems fiber and the connector fiber.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed for providing an optical fiber transmission mixer wherein the cladding material is removed from an intermediate region of a plurality of fibers and the exposed fiber cores are encapsulated in a matching or slightly higher refractive index material. The encapsulated intermediate region of the fibers is then enclosed in a low index sheath to prevent light from escaping from the mixer.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for continuously monitoring an optical fiber's attenuation or loss as it is being formed, which includes: a light source, which may be the heated fiber itself during drawing operations or an external source; passing the light through the fiber being produced; positioning the end of the fiber in a holder adjacent to a light detector, for example a photodiode with or without passing the transmitted light through a filter; detecting the light transmitted by the fiber from the light source; converting the detected light into an electrical equivalent signal; amplifying the signal if necessary and recording or observing the changes in the signal to determine an objective measure of the optical fiber's attenuating characteristic.

Abstract: A continuous optical fiber manufacturing process utilizes the method of chemical vapor deposition of the glass forming materials within an R.F. excited glow discharge. The rapid deposition rate within the discharge provides a sufficient stream of glass material for winding into a finished fiber on a synchronous take-up mechanism. Alternate embodiments include an oxygen air stream to remove dust particles from the fiber surface and an in-line fluorine stream to terminate surface bonding and reduce moisture attack on fiber surfaces.

Abstract: Rapid interconnection between electro-optical elements and optical fibers is provided by a two-piece coupler. One element consists of a light conducting fiber within a rigid support tube which is secured both to the electro-optical element support and to the electro-optical element cap. The other element consists of a dual diameter connector tube which fits over the support tube at one end and accommodates an optical fiber at the other end. Insertion of the optical fiber within the connector tube provides close optical coupling between the electro-optical element and the optical fiber by means of the light conducting fiber within the support tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a multipath optical communications system within a single fiber. One embodiment comprises a concentric multi-core optical fiber having an inner core for transmitting information and an outer core for transmitting a security signal. Attempted access to the inner core causes a decrease in the security signal intensity alerting the operator to the attempted intrusion.