Abstract: A threaded insert including a main body being generally cylindrical with a central bore extending therethrough having outer ring members with knurling in opposed directions for preventing rotation after implanting of the insert into a carrier substrate. The main body includes upper pilot ribs positioned on the outer surface of the main body adjacent the upper end to facilitate entry of that end into the carrier substrate during implanting thereof. The rib includes an upper leading surface which is arcuate to facilitate this insertion by facilitating movement of the substrate material during insertion. A lower pilot rib configuration is also included to allow insertion of the one-piece metallic threaded insert with either the upper or lower end entering the carrier substrate first.

Abstract: An optical fiber holder is presented. The optical fiber holder comprises a tube having a longitudinal axis, a first end for receiving an optical fiber, and a recessed second end for protecting the optical fiber tip. An aperture is disposed along a length of the longitudinal axis of the tube for exposing the optical fiber to a sample. The optical fiber holder allows a sample to be tested while avoiding strain and bending influences.