Abstract: A device for observing the ends of optical waveguides, which ends are being adjusted relative to each other for splicing purposes, characterized by two separate microscopes arranged to view adjustments along two perpendicularly extending directions. Each of the microscopes has a mirror arrangement for bending the optical paths onto a common intermediate image plane and the microscopes have a common eyepiece for observing the common intermediate image plane so that adjustments along both directions can be observed without changing eyepieces. Preferably, a diaphragm is provided to be alternately moved into the path of one microscope to block the vision while observing the view of the other microscope.

Abstract: A device for splicing light waveguides, such as optical fibers, having an internal sheath and an outer sheath, characterized by an arrangement for clamping each of the waveguides by engaging their sheaths and lowering the unsheathed end portion into a centering groove where the ends are heated and fused together by an alternating current discharge path. The required convergence and alignment of the light waveguide ends during the welding step are automatically controlled by an advanced arrangement which is sequentially controlled with the welding step. Subsequent to the gearing of the ends, the clamping element releases the waveguides adjacent to the fused joint and are moved by a restoring arrangement to stretch the joint into a straight line position.

Abstract: A cable, which is resistant to gnawing animals, includes a cable jacket surrounding cable parts such as optical waveguides and having an outer layer or jacket of a gnaw resistant material which is applied in a soft state either prior to or during installing of the cable and is then hardened to a solid state after installation of the cable.