Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a fiber optic distribution network between a central office and a group of users generally in a localized area. The apparatus utilizes a continuous optical fiber primary loop in communication with the central office and passing in the vicinity of each user. Each user is connected to an optical fiber in the primary loop in a manner which provides protection against breaks in the primary loop. Embodiments of the apparatus in which a plurality of users are connected to a single optical are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a fiber optic distribution network between a central office and a group of users generally in a localized area, a continuous optical fiber primary loop in communication with the central office passing in the vicinity of each user, patch devices or units being arranged in the loop for coupling users with the central office through optical fibers in the primary loop. Patch units are preferably arranged in spaced-apart relation along the primary loop, each establishing continuity in selected fibers providing communication access to users associated with other patch units while providing communication access with the central office for its own user or users.

Abstract: A patch unit is disclosed for use in a fiber optic distribution system or the like for selectively providing user access to one or more optical fibers while maintaining continuity in remaining optical fibers. The patch unit includes first and second fanouts for respectively receiving and separating opposite ends of the plurality of optical fibers, optical fiber connectors each including first and second opposed ports for respectively receiving optical fibers and establishing communication access therebetween, the fibers from both fanouts being arranged in the first ports of the connectors, the second ports of the connectors being disposed in accessible alignment for facilitating selectively arrangement therein of user fibers for establishing communication access with selected fibers from the fanouts, the second ports associated with remaining fibers from the fanouts being interconnected with each other by jumper fibers for maintaining continuity for those fibers through the patch unit.

Abstract: A bunching block and method of operation is disclosed wherein the bunching block is adapted for use in a public utility central office to interconnect a plurality of user loops in series with a supervisory McCulloh receiver, the bunching block including separate connectors for respective connection in series with the receiver and with the respective user loops, separate switches having a normal operating position for connecting the user loops in series with the receiver, the switches being selectively operable at the public utility central office for facilitating rapid location of a fault in the series interconnected user loops. With a number of bunching blocks being employed in series at different central offices, additional switches are preferably provided which operate similarly for selectively isolating all of the user loops in a respective central office from the series connection with the McCulloh receiver.

Abstract: A fiber optic telephone system is described in which a plurality of subscribers with different bandwidth subscriptions are each connected to the system by an optical fiber subscriber connection. Use of the subscriber connection beyond the subscription bandwidth is prevented by the installation of a bandwidth limiting device having a maximum transmitted bandwidth capacity above that of the subscription bandwidth but below that of the total bandwidth capacity of the subscriber connection.