Abstract: A method of installing a transmission line (such as an optical fibre telecommunications line) in the ground includes the steps of forming a tunnel in the ground using a mole constituted by a water-jetting head and piping for supplying pressurized water to the head, and positioning the transmission line in the tunnel. The head is guided along a pre-installed buried elongate member such as a twisted copper pair telecommunications line.

Abstract: A system for installation of optical fibre transmission lines into ducts by feeding coiled optical fibre packages from a container with an annular configuration. The optical fibre package comprises filamentary material coiled into a series of turns each offset from preceding turns and containing 360 degrees of torsion.

Abstract: A system for installation of optical fibre transmission lines into ducts by feeding coiled optical fibre packages from a container with an annular configuration. The optical fibre package comprises filamentary material coiled into a series of turns each offset from preceeding turns and containing 360 degrees of torsion.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection terminal for use in the office or domestic environment includes a three-part module, having a base unit, an organizer unit and a top unit. An optical fiber cable, such as a blown fiber cable, is brought to the base unit where both the outer covering and the secondary coated optical fibers carried by the cable are secured against tensile forces. The three units of the module are then designed to store fiber, to hold splice protectors where necessary, and to provide a well protected route for the fibers from the cable to an easily accessible connection point for customer use in the top unit of the module. Connection or termination of each fiber at the connection point can be made and remade, drawing spare fiber length from a storage area in the module without disassembling the module. An important part of the module lies in a cam action clamping mechanism for retaining fiber within the module.

Abstract: A technique for handling filamentary material, specially optical fiber packages, in which the filamentary material is coiled into an annular pan in a series of turns each of which is offset from preceding turns. The turns each contain 360 degrees of torsion which is relieved when the filamentary material is paid out from the pan. A rosetting head for laying the pattern sequence is located in the center of the annular pan.

Abstract: A connector for connecting an optical fibre (25) to an optical device, comprises a holder (4) and gripping means (5). The holder (4) is formed with a through-bore (21) having first and second end portions (21a, 21b). The first end portion (21a) of the through-bore (21) is sized and shaped to be an interference fit around one end portion (8) of a standard fibre connector (1). The gripping means (5) is engageable with the holder (4) to constrict a portion (21d) of the through-bore (21), thereby to grip the optical fibre (25) which has been inserted into the through-bore via the second end portion (21b).

Abstract: A mounting assembly (1) for optical equipment comprises a plurality of trays (2) detachably hinged together. Each tray (2) may be adapted to carry optical components as well as optical fibre splices and they can be hinged together into a stack in one of a number of different configurations, allowing convenient access for both installation and maintenance. The assembly (1) finds particular application in optical communications equipment.

Abstract: A patching panel (4) for housing multiple connections in an optical communication system. The panel is corrugated to define alternately disposed angled faces and apertures are provided on alternate faces (6) on each side of a central line parallel to the corrugations so that the ends of terminal connectors mounted in the patch panel are angled away from the center of the panel in a direction towards the nearest side of the panel. Preferably the angle progressively decreases towards the side. A flange extends from a frame supporting the patch panel on each side to prevent direct line of sight into a supported connector.