Abstract: A hermetically sealed fiber optic feedthrough module which comprises a metal or other rigid material connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough with a single fiber optic member or with a multitude of optical fibers extending through and protruding out of either side of the connector feedthrough or sleeve feedthrough and a pressure-blocking sealant material of polycrystalline which surrounds the fiber optic member(s) and provides a seal between the fiber optic member(s) and the inside surface of the connector or sleeve feedthrough. The feedthrough module is made by positioning the fiber optic member(s) through the connector or sleeve feedthrough and applying the polycrystalline sealant material between the fiber optic member(s) and the connector or sleeve feedthrough inside diameter to fill all voids between the fiber optic member(s) and connector or sleeve feedthrough.

Abstract: Optical fibers typically used for data signal transmission are connected to each other in an orientation which provides self-aligning of the fiber ends. An alignment cavity is used to accept two optical fibers and guide them to a precise position with accurate alignment of the cores of the fibers. A housing unit may be employed to secure the optically aligned, joined fibers in an isolated, fixed orientation. The alignment cavity can be re-positioned automatically by the fibers entering to assure a preferred optimum alignment of the fiber ends in a vee groove internal configuration. Retaining elements are crimped to secure the fiber ends in the preferred orientation. The retaining elements may have an opening through which the optical fibers, bare or buffered may pass. Retaining elements may also capture the strength members of the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: An optical fiber cleaving tool a terminus ferrule is affixed to an optical fiber prior to entry of the fiber into the tool. A portion of the optical fiber is passed through an elongated opening which is coaxial about the common axis of the fiber and the terminus ferrule. A sharp pointed fiber scriber is positioned between the exit of the elongated opening and a clamping device such that the scriber will automatically move toward the fiber in controlled motion until an adjustable force is applied through the scriber, impinging on the periphery of the optical fiber. The controlled, increasing radial force of the scriber in conjunction with the tension applied to the fiber by the clamping device causes the fiber to be cleaved in a mirror-surface plane which is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the optical fiber. The mirrored surface is at essentially a 90.degree. orientation or various angle orientations close to 90.degree. in relation to the fiber central axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting means for positioning and securing an optical fiber such that the optical fiber may be joined with a mating optical fiber, the connecting means having an endface, the endface which may have a recess or counterbore provided to allow a controlled unsupported fiber length which will contribute to a superior optical fiber endface cleave when cleaving is the method of fiber termination. Cleaving may be accomplished with rotational or tangential scribing while the fiber periphery is under tension, the tension condition enhanced by the unsupported fiber length at the terminus endface. Polished fiber ends may also be used.

Abstract: A connector system designed for reliable easy field maintenance in which a connector pin terminus and connector socket terminus have a single or multiple optical fibers. When the connector pin terminus and connector socket terminus are connected the optical fibers form mated pairs. A releasable insert surrounding the connector socket termini allows the tip ends of the optical fibers in both the connector plug half and connector receptacle half to be exposed for maintenance when they are separated. The releasable insert is secured to the connector socket fixed insert by a spring-loaded shaft having a cross-pin at one end and a screw driver or other type of slot in the opposite end.

Abstract: An optical signal coupler has a pair of graded index lenses joined at a common face by a semi-reflective film (e.g., dichroic coating). Opposite sides of the lens system are provided with a pair of fibers having their ends at predetermined points such that a light signal applied to either of the fibers has a first part which reflects from the lens coating onto the other fiber on the same side of the lens and a second part which passes through the lens system to exit via one of the remaining fibers at the opposite lens side. The entire lens and four fiber waveguides are formed into a unitary relationship by encapsulation.

Abstract: A support structure for the beam splitter consists of three parts unitarily arranged. A central part has a relatively large V-groove extending along a surface between opposite edges and two identical end parts each have a pair of parallel smaller V-grooves arranged on a flat surface. Two lenses joined at a common face by a semi-reflective film of known transmission characteristics are located in the housing central part groove. Bare optical fibers are located in each of the end part grooves with the faced-off end of each fiber in non-pressurizing contact with the lens system circular end face after which the entire assembly is encapsulated.

Abstract: A connector system for coupling a pair of single optical fibers is disclosed. The connector comprises a connector tube, a lens spacer, a pair of positioning sleeves and positioning sleeve elastomeric stoppers, a pair of adjusting screws and a pair of clamping screws with corresponding clamping screw elastomeric stoppers. The optical fibers to be connected are cut and flame treated to form hemispherical beads or lenses on each cut end. The optical fiber lenses are spaced apart inside the connector surrounded by a coupling medium that has an index of refraction higher than the optical fibers. The fibers are optically aligned by fine adjustments such that a maximum strength is obtained.