Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly (10) for a bundle (22) of fibers (20) is provided. The connector assembly (10) includes an opposing pair of keyed end assemblies (19) and a keyed housing (34) for receiving them. Each keyed end assembly (12) includes key ring (30) with a projecting tab (31) departed to mate with a key slot (32) in the keyed housing (34). A method for aligning the fibers (20) in the bundle (22) using an alignment guide (48) is provided to assemble the connector (10).

Abstract: In the connector of the present invention two impact mounted seven optical fiber ferrules are aligned through the alignment of the central optical fiber and the alignment of at least one of the outer optical fibers in the ferrules. Due to the symmetrical, repeatable orientation of the optical fibers in the ferrule, all of the remaining optical fibers will automatically be aligned when the central optical fiber and one of the outer optical fibers are aligned, thus greatly simplifying the alignment process for the plurality of optical fibers within the connector of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the seven optical fibers is color coded. The optical fibers within the transmitting and receiving optical fiber bundles are arranged in a mirror image orientation, such that light signals transmitted on a particular colored optical fiber is received within a similarly colored optical fiber.

Abstract: In the connector of the present invention two impact mounted seven optical fiber ferrules are aligned through the alignment of the central optical fiber and the alignment of at least one of the outer optical fibers in the ferrules. Due to the symmetrical, repeatable orientation of the optical fibers in the ferrule, all of the remaining optical fibers will automatically be aligned when the central optical fiber and one of the outer optical fibers are aligned, thus greatly simplifying the alignment process for the plurality of optical fibers within the connector of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the seven optical fibers is color coded. The optical fibers within the transmitting and receiving optical fiber bundles are arranged in a mirror image orientation, such that light signals transmitted on a particular colored optical fiber is received within a similarly colored optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber device includes a plurality of optical fibers that are bundled together within an impact mounted ferrule. A preferred impact mounted bundled optical fiber device includes two, three, four, seven, thirteen or nineteen optical fibers. In these devices the optical fibers are fixedly held in place by frictional contact between the optical fibers within the impact mounted ferrule tip. The impact mounted bundled optical ferrule can be utilized in many optical devices including add/drop devices, bifurcation devices, signal combining devices, multiplexer devices, demultiplexer devices, isolator devices, as well as other types of optical signal processing devices.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a malleable ferrule or connector that is impact mounted to an optical fiber at both its forward end and its rearward end. The mounting is accomplished utilizing an impact driver device and a shaped rearward stationary anvil. A tubular ferrule is placed upon an optical fiber and positioned within a mounting device such that the rearward end of the ferrule butts against the stationary rear anvil. An impact driver is then pressed against the forward end of the ferrule to deliver a mechanical impact that simultaneously deforms both the forward end and the rearward end of the ferrule to simultaneously mechanically deform both ends of the ferrule. The ferrule is thereupon mechanically engaged to the optical fiber at both ends, and the excess fiber projecting from the front end is then removed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a malleable ferrule or connector that is impact mounted to an optical fiber at both its forward end and its rearward end. The mounting is accomplished utilizing an impact driver device and a shaped rearward stationary anvil. A tubular ferrule is placed upon an optical fiber and positioned within a mounting device such that the rearward end of the ferrule butts against the stationary rear anvil. An impact driver is then pressed against the forward end of the ferrule to deliver a mechanical impact that simultaneously deforms both the forward end and the rearward end of the ferrule to simultaneously mechanically deform both ends of the ferrule. The ferrule is thereupon mechanically engaged to the optical fiber at both ends, and the excess fiber projecting from the front end is then removed.

Abstract: The flexible endoscopic probe of the present invention includes mechanically engaged components within the tip of the probe. That is, the probe includes a viewing system including a coherent optical fiber having a lens that is mechanically engaged to the tip thereof. Additionally, a metal sleeve may be utilized at the tip of the probe to mechanically bind all of the components within the probe at its tip. Potting materials or adhesives may also be utilized to seal the components within the probe tip. Owing to the usage of mechanical binding methods, the probe is more durable and may be heat sterilized in an autoclave, or the like, in order to permit repeated usage of the probe.

Abstract: A fiberoptic receptacle including a housing having a central bore that is adapted foe holding a high precision cylindrical alignment spring. The central diameter of the cylindrical spring is less than the outer diameter of the ferrule of an optical fiber connector that is inserted therewithin, such that the ferrule is accurately and repeatably centrally aligned by the resilient force of the spring elements of the cylindrical spring. A cylindrical spring engagement method involves applying a longitudinal force to the wall of the cylindrical spring during the affixation of the spring within the receptacle bore. Due to the nature of the cylindrical spring, the longitudinal force is translated into an increased radial displacement of the spring element to enhance the alignment capability of the spring. A fiberoptic medical probe includes the cylindrical spring within the receptacle of the probe.

Abstract: A connector for plastic optical fibers having improved heat resistance properties including a metallic core and a heat insulative tubular sleeve which surrounds the optical fiber. The outward tip of the metallic core is deformed to provide a mechanical, frictional engagement of the sleeve and optical fiber within the connector.

Abstract: A fiberoptic connector assembly which includes an optical fiber that is engaged within a fiberoptic connector. The fiberoptic connector includes a metal core having a malleable external tip. The tip is deformed by physical contact during the manufacturing process, whereby the optical fiber is held within the fiberoptic connector by mechanical, frictional engagement with the deformed portion of the tip. The manufacturing device includes a holder for holding the fiberoptic connector with the optical fiber disposed therewithin. A mechanical spring-loaded punch is utilized to make physical contact with the malleable tip of the fiberoptic connector to deform the tip upon physical contact with the punch. Also disclosed is the method that is utilized for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the transmission of light through the adjoining ends of two fiberoptic cables, and more particularly to connectors adapted to connect an end of a fiberoptic cable to another fiberoptic cable or to a LED or to a laser.

Abstract: A flexible, high pressure housing is included in an equipment encloure between sections of a signal communication cable. The housing includes an axially compressed length of corrugated tubing in which the corrugations have been collapsed against the another. Housing ends are sealed to maintain a predetermined interior pressure in spite of variations in pressure outside the housing. Also included in the enclosure are structures for applying the outside pressure to the housing so that it is resiliently transversely flexible in response to similar outside and inside pressures but rigid in response to outside pressures much greater than inside pressures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for the transmission of light through the adjoining ends of two fiberoptic cables, and more particularly to connectors adapted to connect an end of a fiberoptic cable to another fiberoptic cable or to a LED or to a laser.

Abstract: A fiberoptic connector assembly which includes an optical fiber that is engaged within a fiberoptic connector. The fiberoptic connector includes a metal core having a malleable external tip. The tip is deformed by physical contact during the manufacturing process, whereby the optical fiber is held within the fiberoptic connector by mechanical frictional engagement with the deformed portion of the tip. The manufacturing device includes a holder for holding the fiberoptic connector with the optical fiber disposed therewithin. A mechanical spring-loaded punch is utilized to make physical contact with the malleable tip of the fiberoptic connector to deform the tip upon physical contact with the punch. Also disclosed is the method that is utilized for manufacturing the fiberoptic connector assembly.