Abstract: A device for molding plastics material ferrules for optical fiber connectors comprises a molding cavity defined by an accurately sized cylindrical bush defining the outside diameter of the ferrule. A cover closes the molding cavity. A peg joined to the cover extends axially into the molding cavity and is extended at its free end by an accurately sized needle defining the inside diameter of the ferrule. A backing member extending axially into the molding cavity from the opposite end as compared with the peg comprises a bore for guiding the needle adapted to receive the end thereof when the backing member moves towards the peg so as to render the needle and the bush concentric. A venting system allows gases to escape from the molding cavity to the exterior when plastics material is injected into the mold. The backing member is a substantially cylindrical body of revolution which fits directly into the bush with no clearance and minimal force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for measurement of the relative positions of the center-lines of an aperture and of a cylindrical outline of a sample.The process includes the following steps:introducing a calibrated rod into said aperture;performing measurements to define at least a pair of segments representative of the mid-points of the cylindrical outline and of a calibrated rod respectively.The measurements are performed utilizing a light beam which is scanned parallel to the beam in a direction perpendicular to the center-line of the cylindrical outline. This enables measurement of the coaxiality and/or of the concentricity of the center-line of the outline and of the aperture.

Abstract: A device for measuring the thermal expansion of a sample comprises a measurement radiation generator, a base member incorporating a reference groove and a furnace. The furnace has an external reference contour adapted to cooperate with the reference groove, an internal reference contour adapted to cooperate with a sample and an aperture through which the measurement radiation passes.

Abstract: A device for molding plastics material ferrules for optical fibre connectors comprises a molding cavity defined by an accurately sized cylindrical bush defining the outside diameter of the ferrule. A cover closes the molding cavity. A peg joined to the cover extends axially into the molding cavity and is extended at its free end by an accurately sized needle defining the inside diameter of the ferrule. A backing member extending axially into the molding cavity from the opposite end as compared with the peg comprises a bore for guiding the needle adapted to receive the end thereof when the backing member moves towards the peg so as to render the needle and the bush concentric. A venting system allows gases to escape from the molding cavity to the exterior when plastics material is injected into the mold. The backing member is a substantially cylindrical body of revolution which fits directly into the bush with no clearance and minimal force.