Abstract: A fiberoptic connector is constructed entirely of metal and includes structure to radiate heat. Preferably, the fiberoptic connector also includes an arrangement to indicate whether the fiberoptic connector is holding an energized optical fiber. Preferably, the heat radiating structure includes fin structure and a metal stamping projecting from the connector housing. The indicating arrangement preferably is a temperature sensitive strip secured to the housing, which changes color based upon the heat radiated by the optical fiber carried within. Methods of indicating an energized fiberoptic connector and of dissipating heat from a fiberoptic connector are provided.

Abstract: A fiberoptic connector is constructed entirely of metal and includes structure to radiate heat. Preferably, the fiberoptic connector also includes an arrangement to indicate whether the fiberoptic connector is holding an energized optical fiber. Preferably, the heat radiating structure includes fin structure and a metal stamping projecting from the connector housing. The indicating arrangement preferably is a temperature sensitive strip secured to the housing, which changes color based upon the heat radiated by the optical fiber carried within. Methods of indicating an energized fiberoptic connector and of dissipating heat from a fiberoptic connector are provided.

Abstract: A fiberoptic connector is constructed entirely of metal and includes structure to radiate heat. Preferably, the fiberoptic connector also includes an arrangement to indicate whether the fiberoptic connector is holding an energized optical fiber. Preferably, the heat radiating structure includes fin structure and a metal stamping projecting from the connector housing. The indicating arrangement preferably is a temperature sensitive strip secured to the housing, which changes color based upon the heat radiated by the optical fiber carried within. Methods of indicating an energized fiberoptic connector and of dissipating heat from a fiberoptic connector are provided.

Abstract: A structure and method for detecting a broken optical fiber includes providing a fiber optic cable holding a first optical fiber and a jacket, and breaking the first optical fiber to trigger an alarm. In preferred embodiments, an outer conduit is provided around the fiber optic cable, and the conduit carries a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber creates a circuit path with a control device, and upon breakage of the first optical fiber, the second optical fiber is burnt through to break the circuit path. This break in the circuit path is detected by the control device, which stops the transmission of signals across the optical fiber cable and/or triggers an alarm.

Abstract: A strain relief boot and an optical connector assembly includes an optical connector having a cable with a power transmitting optical fiber and a boot. The boot has a central, hollow tube that holds the cable. The boot includes a series of discrete segments secured together, with each of the segments being preferably slidably connected together with a ball and socket joint. The boot may be manipulated into angles and the cable placed under tension forces, without loss of power transmission to the connector. Methods of assembling and using the boot are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus fix relative rotation between an optical connector about an axis that runs longitudinally through the optical connector and an inspection machine. In one method, an optical connector is releasably secured to a cage member having an extending flange. The optical connector is mounted into an inspection machine by inserting the end surface of the connector into a connector receipt aperture of the machine, and orienting the optical connector with the cage member to position the extending flange within a void of a fixture on the machine. A kit including a cage member and a mounting plate are provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes first and second adapter portions each for receiving a fiber optic connector. The first and second adapter portions each define an axial opening, wherein the axial openings are aligned. An electrically conductive shield is positioned between the first and second adapter portions. An electrical link is provided between the electrically conductive shield and a conductive portion of a bulkhead receiving the adapter.

Abstract: Thin-walled plastic flower pots are stacked upside down with a plurality of stacks arranged in a preset spaced manner and a loading tray having a number of cavities spaced the same as the stacks of pots formed to receive and hold a pot from each of the stacks is used to lift the pots off the stacks. Each cavity has a horizontal rib located near the bottom for grasping and lifting off the topmost pot in each stack when the tray is placed with the open end of the cavity over each of the corresponding stacks of pots and then pushed gently onto the stacks of flower pots and then lifted off. The flower pots have means for providing a gap between the bottoms of each successive stacked flower pot so that the rib of the cavity grasps the flower pot in the gap between the bottom of the topmost flower pot in the stack and the next lower flower pot.