Abstract: A device makes a non-permanent connection between two optical fibers each fixed into a respective fiber holding device from which a bared end of the fiber protrudes. The device comprises a socket member featuring a guide member to accommodate the aligned bared fiber ends. A clamp member in line with the guide member immobilizes the bared fiber ends by clamping them against the guide member. Two mobile plug members are each adapted to interlock nesting fashion with the socket member, one on each side of the guide member. Their axes are at a predetermined angle to the guide member. Each plug member comprises a front surface through which it comes into an abutting and supporting relationship with the other plug member. At a rear end of a central channel in the plug member is a receptacle for the fiber holding device. There is an orifice at the front end of this channel slightly larger than the diameter of the bared fiber end.

Abstract: Ultrasonic process and apparatus for monitoring and measuring the evolution with time of physico-chemical and biological phenomena. There is plunged into the medium or media (4) to be monitored a bar (3) into which ultrasound (2) is injected in order to collect secondary echoes (F2, F3) due to numerous reflections from the lateral surface of the bar (3) brought into contact with the medium (4), one of the secondary echoes (F2) is selected and the evolution with time of the amplitude of this echo is recorded, this representing the evolution of the medium being monitored, in particular the setting of concrete or the polymerization of a resin.