Abstract: A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.

Abstract: A method and system for affixing multi-core fiber (MCF) within a ferrule includes a UV light source and a light guide. MCFs are placed into epoxy filled holders, e.g., channels or v-grooves, of a ferrule. A first MCF in a first holder is clocked to orient its cores to a desired position. The light source is activated, and the light from the light guide is launched into an outer layer of the first MCF, like the cladding layer or a dedicated light carrying layer. The light in the outer layer will stay in the outer layer until it reaches the portion of the first MCF in contact with the epoxy, even if the light is launched from the far end of the fiber remote from the holder. At the holder, the light will leak out due to the similarity in the index of refraction. The leaking light will at least partially cure the epoxy to affix the first MCF within the first holder. The process may then be repeated for the remaining MCFs, so that each MCF may be clocked and affixed selectively rather than collectively.

Abstract: A method and system connects multiple cores within one fiber, e.g., a multi-core fiber (MCF), to multiple fibers with single-cores. The single-core fibers can then be terminated by traditional envelopes, such as a single core LC envelope. A connector holds the single-core fibers into a pattern that matches a pattern of all, or a sub group, of the individual cores of the MCF. The single-core fibers may all be terminated to individual connectors to form a fanout or breakout cable. Alternatively, the single-core fibers may extend to another connector wherein the single-core fibers are regrouped into a pattern to mate with the cores of another MCF, hence forming a jumper. One or more of the single core fibers may be terminated along the length of the jumper to form a jumper with one or more tap accesses.

Abstract: An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.

Abstract: An expanded beam fiber optic array connector includes a ferrule holding ends of optical fibers in a first ordered array. A plurality of lenses packaged into a unitary structure, formed of an optical grade material, different than a material used to form the ferrule, is attached to the ferrule. The lenses are arranged into a second ordered array matching the first ordered array of the ends of the optical fibers. The lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with transmit channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for transmitting light, whereas the lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with receive channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for receiving light.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.

Abstract: A terminus for a fiber optic cable includes a ferrule. In one embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through a central bore of the ferrule and is attached to a lens seated in a conical or cylindrical seat formed in an end surface of the ferrule by an epoxy. In a second embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through the central bore of the ferrule. Next, a cap sleeve with a lens therein is slid over and attached to the ferrule such that the lens abuts or is attached to the optical fiber. In either embodiment, an inspection slot may optionally be formed in the ferrule and/or the cap sleeve to allow a technician to inspect the state of the attachment and/or abutment and/or spacing of the optical fiber and the lens.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (10) for a flowmeter is provided. A flow tube (20) having a first and second loop (24, 26) are connected by a crossover section (22). The flow tube (20) comprises a thermal expansion bend (300, 302). First and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b) are each attachable to the flow tube (20) proximate the crossover section (22). A tube support (106) is attachable to one of the first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b). First and second manifolds (90, 92) are attachable to an inlet (50) and outlet (52). A support block (100) is attachable to the first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b), first and second manifolds (90, 92), flow tube (20), first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b), and first and second manifolds (90, 92), and allow a predetermined degree of movement due to heating and cooling cycles when not attached to the support block (100).

Abstract: A method and system connects multiple cores within one fiber, e.g., a multi-core fiber (MCF), to multiple fibers with single-cores. The single-core fibers can then be terminated by traditional envelopes, such as a single core LC envelope. A connector holds the single-core fibers into a pattern that matches a pattern of all, or a sub group, of the individual cores of the MCF. The single-core fibers may all be terminated to individual connectors to form a fanout or breakout cable. Alternatively, the single-core fibers may extend to another connector wherein the single-core fibers are regrouped into a pattern to mate with the cores of another MCF, hence forming a jumper. One or more of the single core fibers may be terminated along the length of the jumper to form a jumper with one or more tap accesses.

Abstract: A method for reducing flowmeter braze joint stress is provided. The method comprises the step of bending a flow tube (20) to create at least one thermal expansion bend (300, 302) thereon. The method comprises the step of aligning a flow tube (20) with at least one anchor block (30a, 30b). Additionally, the flow tube (20) is brazed to the at least one anchor block (30a, 30b) in another step, after which the flow tube (20) and the at least one anchor block (30a, 30b) are allowed to cool and contract a predetermined degree after brazing. The method additionally comprises the step of attaching the at least one anchor block (30a, 30b) to a support block (100) after the flow tube (20) has been attached to the at least one anchor block (30a, 30b) and attaching a manifold (90, 92) to each end of the flow tube (20).

Abstract: A sensor assembly (10) for a flowmeter is provided. A flow tube (20) having a first and second loop (24, 26) are connected by a crossover section (22). The flow tube (20) comprises a thermal expansion bend (300, 302). First and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b) are each attachable to the flow tube (20) proximate the crossover section (22). A tube support (106) is attachable to one of the first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b). First and second manifolds (90, 92) are attachable to an inlet (50) and outlet (52). A support block (100) is attachable to the first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b), first and second manifolds (90, 92), flow tube (20), first and second anchor blocks (30a, 30b), and first and second manifolds (90, 92), and allow a predetermined degree of movement due to heating and cooling cycles when not attached to the support block (100).

Abstract: A method and system connects multiple cores within one fiber, e.g., a multi-core fiber (MCF), to multiple fibers with single-cores. The single-core fibers can then be terminated by traditional envelopes, such as a single core LC envelope. A connector holds the single-core fibers into a pattern that matches a pattern of all, or a sub group, of the individual cores of the MCF. The single-core fibers may all be terminated to individual connectors to form a fanout or breakout cable. Alternatively, the single-core fibers may extend to another connector wherein the single-core fibers are regrouped into a pattern to mate with the cores of another MCF, hence forming a jumper. One or more of the single core fibers may be terminated along the length of the jumper to form a jumper with one or more tap accesses.

Abstract: An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.

Abstract: An expanded beam fiber optic array connector includes a ferrule holding ends of optical fibers in a first ordered array. A plurality of lenses packaged into a unitary structure, formed of an optical grade material, different than a material used to form the ferrule, is attached to the ferrule. The lenses are arranged into a second ordered array matching the first ordered array of the ends of the optical fibers. The lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with transmit channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for transmitting light, whereas the lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with receive channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for receiving light.

Abstract: An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels.

Abstract: A terminus for a fiber optic cable includes a ferrule. In one embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through a central bore of the ferrule and is attached to a lens seated in a conical or cylindrical seat formed in an end surface of the ferrule by an epoxy. In a second embodiment, an optical fiber of the cable passes through the central bore of the ferrule. Next, a cap sleeve with a lens therein is slid over and attached to the ferrule such that the lens abuts or is attached to the optical fiber. In either embodiment, an inspection slot may optionally be formed in the ferrule and/or the cap sleeve to allow a technician to inspect the state of the attachment and/or abutment and/or spacing of the optical fiber and the lens.

Abstract: An expanded beam fiber optic array connector includes a ferrule holding ends of optical fibers in a first ordered array. A plurality of lenses packaged into a unitary structure, formed of an optical grade material, different than a material used to form the ferrule, is attached to the ferrule. The lenses are arranged into a second ordered array matching the first ordered array of the ends of the optical fibers. The lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with transmit channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for transmitting light, whereas the lenses of the expanded beam connector associated with receive channels can be constructed with a prescription geared specifically for receiving light.

Abstract: A fiber optic plug, suitable for multi-core fiber (MCF), is structured to hold satellite cores of the MCF in a precise angular positions so as to attain suitable alignment with satellite cores of a mating connector. The plug includes features to permit a ferrule holding the MCF to move longitudinally relative to the connector's housing, so that a spring may control a mating force to an abutting ferrule of a mating connector. The ferrule may be held by ferrule barrel having splines projecting away from an outer peripheral surface. The splines may slide longitudinally within notches of the connector housing or a strength member attached to the connector housing. The notches and splines have a tight tolerance, so that the satellite cores remain in a desired, set angular position.