Abstract: Methods for preparation and disposing of an optical fiber(s) into a blind hole(s) and related assemblies and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for processing an optical fiber(s) is provided. The method includes processing an end portion(s) of the optical fiber(s) with a laser. The end portion(s) of the optical fiber(s) is disposed in a blind hole(s). The blind hole(s) may be disposed in a holding structure. The optical fiber(s) is attached to the holding structure. A fixture is also disclosed and may be used for retaining the optical fiber(s) in a channel(s) disposed in the fixture during preparation and/or disposing of the optical fiber(s) in the blind hole(s). An assembly prepared in accordance with the methods provided herein is also disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly could include a holding structure assembly for an array of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Laser-based methods of stripping different types of fiber optic cables (100) are disclosed. The method includes directing a focused laser beam (202) onto the cable's protective cover (114). The method also includes moving the fiber optic cable relative to the focused laser beam in a direction substantially along a central axis (AC) to form a substantially axially oriented groove (250) in the protective cover, wherein the groove does not reach one or more optical fibers (110) carried by the cable. The method can further include opening the protective cover at the groove to form a split protective cover portion (114S), and removing the split protective cover portion from the fiber optic cable. Methods of stripping a cable by forming two grooves in the protective cover using two focused laser beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: Laser-based methods of stripping different types of fiber optic cables (100) are disclosed. The method includes directing a focused laser beam (202) onto the cable's protective cover (114). The method also includes moving the fiber optic cable relative to the focused laser beam in a direction substantially along a central axis (AC) to form a substantially axially oriented groove (250) in the protective cover, wherein the groove does not reach one or more optical fibers (110) carried by the cable. The method can further include opening the protective cover at the groove to form a split protective cover portion (114S), and removing the split protective cover portion from the fiber optic cable. Methods of stripping a cable by forming two grooves in the protective cover using two focused laser beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A toilet (20) has an upper part (28) and lower part (30) joined together. A foul air unit (22) mounted to the rear of the seat is interconnected via a flexible tube (16) with a filtration unit (12) mounted conveniently adjacent. A fresh air outlet (24) mounted on the seat front interconnects with the unit (12) via a flexible tube (18). A further version exits pressurized foul air to the exterior of the toilet room without filtering.

Abstract: Splicing of one or more pairs of mating optical fibers is facilitated by a loose-fitting optical fiber receiving tube having a uniform interior cross section with at least one corner; the corner forms a fiber-aligning groove substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube. Mating fibers, introduced into opposite ends of the tube, are bent at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis sufficient to bias the fibers against the tube's interior surfaces. In response to forces generated by the bent fibers, the tube rotates to align itself until the mating fiber ends are lodged against the fiber-aligning groove. This procedure effects transverse alignment of the mating fibers, after which the fibers, still bent, are moved toward each other into abutment.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon structure is formed by enveloping a plurality of optical fibers with a predetermined spacing between two laminate elements spaced in parallel array. Once formed, either element can be peeled back from the other end from the fibers to expose fibers for subsequent splicing. The forming process embodies the fibers equally in each laminate, forming semicircular grooves in each. These become guide channels for splicing.