Abstract: A substantially reflection-less terminator 200,400 for an optical waveguide 102, 106 is disclosed. The termination is especially useful in preventing undesired reflections at the ends of unused fibers in an optical coupling device 100. In an illustrative embodiment, the terminator comprises a length of optical fiber 206. The front end of the fiber 206 is attached to a ferrule 222 for mating with a connector plug 10' attached to the end of the fiber to be terminated. The rear end of the fiber 206 is crushed at an angle and inserted into an index matching opaque adhesive material 230.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber connector comprising a connector receptacle, a mechanism associated with the connector receptacle for optically coupling two optical fibers together, and a compliant index matching film material positioned within the connector receptacle. When the optical fibers are inserted into the connector receptacle for optical coupling, the end faces of each of the optical fibers are in physical contact with the film material. Preferably, the connector is of the ferrule type, i.e., the optical fibers are located inside ferrules which are received and aligned within the connector receptacle so that the optical fibers are optically coupled together. A bayonet or threaded locking mechanism is associated with the connector receptacle and the ferrules for locking them into place within the connector receptacle.

Abstract: An optical simulator 10, shaped to be interchangeable with a complementary connector 7 that intermates with an optical connector housing 6 having an optical emitter 4 and an optical detector 5, comprises an alignment fixture 12 with connectors 21 and 22 for intermating with the optical emitter 4 and the optical detector 5, and an optical fiber 11 formed in a loop and installed within the alignment fixture 12 with a first end face 39 of the loop 11 aligned through a corresponding alignment fixture connector 24, with the emitter 4 and a second end face 37 of the loop 11 aligned through a corresponding alignment fixture 25, with the detector 5 of the optical connector 6. The optical fiber 11 further comprises an adjustable plunger mechanism 15 fitted through the body of the alignment fixture 12 to impose against the optical fiber 11 formed in a loop to thereby permit varying the degree of curvature of the loop by interjecting and retracting the plunger 15 against the loop.

Abstract: A connector body 4 encircling an optical focusing element 5, a laser diode 3 having an emission axis aimed along an axis at an absorption end 6 of the focusing element 5, the focusing element 5 converting diverging optical emission of the laser diode 3 into a converging beam of radiation, and a coupler element 7 contacting the focusing element 5 without an air gap therebetween to receive the beam of radiation without backward reflection, the connector body 4 having a socket 9, and the coupler element 7 having a front end 8 in the socket 9 for physical contact with an end 10 of an optical fiber 2 disconnectably inserted in the socket 9.

Abstract: A multi-piece, yet easily assembled optical fiber connector (10) for optically coupling side-by-side optical fibers (60, 62) comprises a housing assembly (12) and a coupling member (14) which interconnect with each other. The housing assembly (12) and coupling member (14) include axial bores (20, 36) which align with each other, the axial bore (20) of the housing assembly (12) terminating in a spherical reflecting surface (27). The optical fiber connector (10) includes a main ferrule (16) which is received within the axial bores (20, 36) of the housing assembly (12) and the coupling member (14). The main ferrule (16) includes an axial bore (44) which terminates in an aperture (46). The main ferrule (16) further includes an annular flange (48) which cooperates with inner shoulders (50) of the housing assembly (12) and the coupling member (14) to space the aperture (46) in the 1:1 imaging plane of the spherical reflecting surface (27).

Abstract: A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising, an alignment body 3 and a length of optical waveguide 4 drawn into a unitary structure 18, and, while the length of optical waveguide 4 is unitary with the alignment body 3, the length of optical waveguide 4 is shortened by etching or abrading to provide a passage 5 in the alignment body 3 for receiving an external optical fiber 2 for coupling with the length of optical waveguide 4.

Abstract: A mechanism for coupling radiation from a laser diode (3) into an optical fiber (5) utilizing a spherical mirror (20) is disclosed. To compensate for the disparity in numerical apertures between the laser (3) and fiber (5), the laser emission facet (10) is located closer to the spherical mirror (20) than the one to one imaging plane and the fiber entrance face (6) is located further from the mirror (20) than the one to one imaging plane.

Abstract: A reversible optical switch which allows a node to be inserted into or removed from a fiber optic network is disclosed. In a first state, the switch of the present invention provides a path between an incoming optical fiber and the node receiver and a path between the node transmitter and an outgoing optical fiber. In a second state, the switch connects the incoming and outgoing fibers, so that the network bypasses the node and connects the transmitter and receiver so that the bypassed node can be tested.

Abstract: A fiber optic splice terminal comprises a housing assembly which receives prepared end sections of two fibers in a common end, holds them securely in an aligned relationship with their end faces adjacent a clear optical element, and reflects light emitted from one fiber, into the end face of the other fiber in a focused beam. The fibers may be secured in V-grooves of a fiber-carrying member by cover members, which cover members may be partially secured to the fiber-carrying member prior to insertion of the fibers into the V-grooves from the common end. The optical element may have reflective paraboloid forward surfaces to reflect the light. An organizer housing holds a plurality of splice terminals along one side thereof. A method is taught for using the splice terminals.

Abstract: An electrical and fiber optic connector assembly terminates the electrical conductors and fiber optic transmission members of a cable so that the electrical conductors are electrically connected to electrical terminals latchably mounted in a housing member and for electrical connection to electrical paths of a circuit board and the fiber optic transmission members are optically connected to transmitting and sensing photoelectric devices which are mounted in the housing member and also electrically connected to electrical terminals latchably mounted in the housing member for electrical connection to electrical paths of the circuit board.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a rigid housing member having a passageway therethrough of continuous diameter and ferrule members of relatively rigid yet resiliently deformable material having a bore of a dimension to receive exposed ends of fiber optic transmission members of fiber optic cables therein while the diameter of the external surface of the ferrule members is greater than the diameter of the passageway so that forcible movement of the ferrule members along the passageway until they abut therein causes radial deformation of the ferrule members to frictionally and compressibly engage the housing member and the exposed ends of the fiber optic transmission members thereby securing the fiber optic transmission members within the passageway in axial alignment.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting elongate members of undercarpet cables throughout curves is formed with an outer arcuate channel or track and at least one inner channel or track profiled to have a longitudinal length equal to the arcuate length of the outer channel or track. The fixture is provided with tapered outer marginal flanges and assumes a profile at entry and exit ends similar to that of a cable to be received therein.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a resilient ferrule member having a lens at a forward end which communicates with an internal bore in which a fiber optic transmission member is disposed with the end of the fiber optic transmission member being located substantially at the focal point of the lens. An index-matching material is located in the bore of the ferrule member to protect the fiber optic transmission member.

Abstract: A connector plug for axially aligning an optical fiber in a receptacle bore is disclosed, comprising an elongate body having an axial passageway receiving the fiber therein, and a forward alignment nose portion having a profiled opening receiving a forward end of the fiber. The opening is defined by opposed V-grooves, with the V-grooves being separated by a transverse slot extending through the alignment nose portion. The nose portion further comprises external protrusion means for engaging the receptacle, and causing the opposed V-grooves to wedge against the fiber extending therebetween, for fiber centering.

Abstract: A connector for axially aligning a pair of optical waveguides is disclosed comprising a receptacle, a pair of plug members for positionment in the receptacle bore, and a pair of retention sleeves for positionment within respective plug members. Each plug member is adapted to receive a respective waveguide cable therein, and provides a forward alignment nose portion having a profiled opening receiving a forward end of the waveguide. The opening is defined by opposed V-grooves, with the V-grooves being separated by a transverse slot which extends through the alignment nose portion. The nose portion further includes external protrusion means for engaging the receptacle, and causing the opposed V-grooves to wedge against the waveguide extending therebetween. Each retention sleeve is received within a respective plug member, for inhibiting rearward withdrawal of the optical cable from the plug member.

Abstract: A coaxial cable/fiber optic bus network utilizes a coaxial cable for the main signal bus in a distribution system. The tap samples the electrical signal, and transforms the signal into a light pulse output. An optical splitter changes the single light output into a multiple output for serving a maximum number of peripheral units. Similarly, the input port on the tap uses a like optical splitter to recombine signal paths from the peripherals, in driving the coaxial line. Circuitry for incorporation in the tap provides a matching impedance when driving the coaxial line, and a high impedance on the line during the off-time in order to reduce line loading.

Abstract: An improved connector is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of fiber optic cables with a like plurality of fiber optic cables or optical devices, the fibers of the cables being accurately positioned within the respective connectors. The subject connector can be used for either splicing or terminating individual cables, each cable including at least one fiber, as well as connecting a plurality of light transmitting fiber bundles in a single connector assembly to transmitting and receiving devices. The subject connector includes a housing with at least one cable receiving bore therein; an assembly including an annular crimping ring, a profiled ferrule member, and a helical spring member secured to an end of each cable; and a cap member securing the ferrule members in the housing member in a spring loaded condition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a connector subassembly which provides an optic adaptor junction for a waveguide or an optic transmission line, the connector having a short length of optic waveguide concentrically received within a diametrically resilient ferrule, with one end of the waveguide adapted for concentric alignment with the transmission line, and with the other end located within a cavity of the ferrule which mounts a photoactive section of an optical electronic device in precise coincident alignment with the waveguide.

Abstract: An improved ferrule is disclosed for use in connectors terminating cables including at least one optical fiber. The ferrule is made, at least in part, from materials having an index of refraction approximating that of the cladding on the optical fiber of the cable, which cladding must be removed in order to assure precision location for maximum effective termination. The material of the ferrule and/or the adhesives used therewith will simulate the removed cladding to contain the light passing through the fiber thereby enhancing the fiber connection.

Abstract: An improved connector is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of fiber optic cables with a like plurality of fiber optic cables or optical devices, the fibers of the cables being accurately positioned within the respective connectors. The subject connector can be used for either splicing or terminating individual cables, each cable including at least one fiber, as well as connecting a plurality of light transmitting fiber bundles in a single connector assembly to transmitting and receiving devices. The subject connector includes a housing with at least one cable receiving bore therein; an assembly including an annular crimping ring, a profiled ferrule member, and a helical spring member secured to an end of each cable; and a cap member securing the ferrule members in the housing member in a spring loaded condition.