Abstract: An adapter for aiding in the installation of a fastener assembly includes a body defining a first aperture formed in a first end thereof and configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener assembly. The first aperture is defined by at least one tapered sidewall of the body, wherein the first aperture is sized in a region or area of the at least one tapered sidewall to engage with a component of the fastener assembly when the fastener assembly is received therein. The body further defines a drive surface within the first aperture for engaging with a corresponding drive surface of a component of the fastener assembly when the fastener assembly is received within the first aperture. A second aperture is defined in a second end of the body, opposite the first end, and is configured to engage with a tool for installing the fastener assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining optical components in a planar configuration has a lens and an electro-optic component. The lens is optically coupled to the optical components. The electro-optic component is coupled to a support member. Alignment of the lens with the electro-optic component is performed by directly positioning the lens to maximize the transfer of optical energy from the lens to the electro-optic component. No optical fibers need be directly manipulated to perform the alignment, thus allowing for alignment of optical components with electro-optical components using the same procedures and equipment as used for aligning optical components with optical components.

Abstract: An assembly for housing optical components includes sides formed of an optically transmissive material, such as anti-reflective glass. Optical energy interacts with optical components retained within the assembly via the optically transmissive material. Collimated lens assemblies, which are attached to optical fibers, are adhesively attached to the optically transmissive sides. This assembly is especially amenable to an automated assembly process because it allows easy alignment of the collimated lens assembly with optical components retained within the assembly, and adherence of the collimated lens assembly to the optically transmissive side thereafter.

Abstract: A bend limiting apparatus for use in an automated assembly process of optical components in a planar configuration uses bend limiting tubing and support members. Optical fibers are positioned axially within the bend limiting tubing. The bend limiting tubing is supported by a support member. The optical fibers are attached to a collimated lens assembly. The bend limiting tubing may be coupled to the optical fibers by a pliable adhesive. The bend limiting tubing may also be coupled to the support member by an adhesive such as epoxy. Furthermore, an upper portion may be utilized to provide additional support.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining optical components in a planar configuration has a lens and an electro-optic component. The lens is optically coupled to the optical components. The electro-optic component is coupled to a support member. Alignment of the lens with the electro-optic component is performed by directly positioning the lens to maximize the transfer of optical energy from the lens to the electro-optic component. No optical fibers need be directly manipulated to perform the alignment, thus allowing for alignment of optical components with electro-optical components using the same procedures and equipment as used for aligning optical components with optical components.

Abstract: An assembly for housing optical components includes sides formed of an optically transmissive material, such as anti-reflective glass. Optical energy interacts with optical components retained within the assembly via the optically transmissive material. Collimated lens assemblies, which are attached to optical fibers, are adhesively attached to the optically transmissive sides. This assembly is especially amenable to an automated assembly process because it allows easy alignment of the collimated lens assembly with optical components retained within the assembly, and adherence of the collimated lens assembly to the optically transmissive side thereafter.