Abstract: Optical connecting means for effecting disconnectable optical connections between multiplicities of optical fibres comprises a two-part mechanical connector and a plurality of two-part optical fibre connectors mounted in the body parts, of the mechanical connector. One body part of each optical fibre connector is slidably mounted in and with respect to the body part of the mechanical connector with their axes parallel to one another and is urged by a spring housed in the body part in a rectilinear direction towards the mating end of the body part. One body part of each optical fibre connector is fixedly secured in and with respect to the body part of the mechanical connector with their axes parallel to one another. Preferably, the body parts of the optical fibre connectors in each body part of the mechanical connector 1 are mounted one above another.

Abstract: Means for effecting a disconnectable optical connection between an optical guide carried by a circuit board and an optical guide carried by or associated with a backplane comprises in combination a two-part plug and socket mechanical connector and a two-part plug and socket optical fibre connector. One part of the mechanical connector is movable to a limited extent with respect to the backplane or circuit board on which it is carried and the other part of the mechanical connector is fixedly secured to a circuit board or to the backplane. One part of the optical fibre connector is housed in and fixedly secured with respect to the fixed part of the mechanical connector and the other part of the optical fibre connector is slidably mounted in and with respect to the movable part of the mechanical connector and is urged by a spring towards the mating end of the movable part of the mechanical connector.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in terminating an optical fibre F in the bore of a tubular connector body C comprises a movable support 1 having first gripping means 5 for holding a tubular connector body in a fixed position on the support, second gripping means 7 for holding an optical fibre in a predetermined position in which the fibre extends through and protrudes from the bore of the connector body when so held, and a handle of thermally insulating material. A first mounting 10 for temporarily supporting the movable support 1 is of such a form that it facilitates ready positioning of the connector body C and optical fibre F. A second mounting 20, to which the movable support 1 is transferred from the first mounting 10, incorporates heating means for hardening of heat-hardenable adhesive employed to secure the optical fibre in the connector body. Reduction in the level of manual dexterity needed to ensure consistent satisfactory terminations can be achieved.