Abstract: Light transfer apparatus and method and apparatus for making disclosed includes a screen row clamping assembly that clamps a row of screen units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A matrix row clamping assembly clamps a row of matrix units side by side in a straight row with uniform spacing of fiber ribbons between units. A pair of alignment rods connect screen units side by side and also connect to alignment ribs on the back of the screen units that interfit end to end and are joined by connecting channels. The alignment rods fasten to terminator bars secured to a screen frame and the ribs are also secured to the screen frame. The rows of matrix units are placed in a matrix frame in which they are held together in a square configuration with uniform spacing between and alignment of fiber ribbons. The matrix ends are cut to a planar surface by a band saw.

Abstract: Tape reinforced by means of filaments comprising a backing and a plurality of yarns comprising a multiplicity of filaments adhered to at least one major surface of said backing by means of a layer of an adhesive. The yarns are disposed essentially parallel to each other along the machine direction of the tape. The yarn-bearing surface of the backing is coated with a polymeric material that both overcoats the filaments and detackifies the residual adhesive between the yarns. The yarns are preferably elliptical in cross-section, with the major axis thereof being essentially parallel to the plane of said backing. In a second embodiment, the tape is reinforced by individual filaments adhered to the backing by means of a layer of adhesive.One advantage of the tape of this invention is that the polymeric material makes it possible for the tape to be applied to optical fiber cable from conventional apparatus without having adhesive from the tape stick to the apparatus.

Abstract: A process and device for connecting an optical fibre and an integrated optical component comprising a wave guide. The fibre and the component each have an end adapted for connection. The component is attached to a main support. The fibre is attached to a fibre support so that the end of the fibre extends beyond such fibre support. The end of the fibre is attached to the end of the component so as to allow light to pass from the fibre to the component and conversely. Then the fibre support and the main support are rigidly connected to each other.

Abstract: An optical transmission cable with messenger being of an all-dielectric construction particularly suitable for use in aerial optical communication applications and comprising a figure-eight optical transmission cable with a messenger having a fiber reinforced plastic rod bonded to a polyethylene jacket with an adhesive layer of ethylene acrylic acid in order to prevent relative movement between the messenger rod and the polyethylene jacket.

Abstract: A circularly symmetric reinstatement sheathed optical fibre splice butt joining the ends of two acrylate sheathed glass optical fibres is made by a method that includes the step of immersing the spliced fibres (14) in dichloromethane (64) to cause the acrylate to swell and longitudinally expand to close the gap (42) in the sheathing (41) left by the splicing process. The sheathing is clamped in this position while the solvent evaporates. The residual gap, which is comparable in length with the sheath diameter, is protected by the application of a drop of uncured resin which capillary forces constrain to assume a circularly symmetric form until the resin is cured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming a fire resistant seal from a tubular ring of elastomeric material having a garter spring movably mounted in the bore of the seal.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for making a connection between two fluid-filled plastic tubes that ensures total containment of potentially dangerous fluids and maintaining sterility of the connection. The tubes are folded to remove all fluid from the weld site and positioned to cause the connection to take place in this fluid free zone. Each folded section is first cauterized to create a bacteria free zone, the tubes are slit in the zone, and cauterized a second time to insure sterility and melt the tube ends. The tubes are urged together and as the thermoplastic resin cools, a totally contained, sterile weld is formed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterile docking of plastic tubes or the like is disclosed in which the tube ends to be joined are sealed by a transverse weld seam and aligned along a common axis. A heating unit is moved between the tube ends at a distance thereto to melt the latter. After retracting the heating unit, the tube ends are urged together. Prior to and during the heating, the tube ends are squeezed behind the weld seam. Immediately after contacting together the tube ends, the squeezing action is discontinued to provide a sterile docking and an opening of the sealed ends.

Abstract: A hollow, flexible, bendable, cylindrical-shaped, hat-like sleeve is water-tightly joined with the upper end of the riser section of a manhole structure. The free end of the sleeve is trimmed so that its upper edge fits beneath the shoulder of the frame supporting the manhole cover to prevent subsurface water from entering into the manhole interior through the regions between the manhole cover supporting frame and the top of the riser section, which is usually fitted with adjustment rings to bring the manhole cover frame up to grade. The sleeve is easily cut to any height to accommodate either a greater or lesser number of height adjustment rings. The sleeve flange is cast into the riser section. The sleeve may be folded into itself to significantly lower its profile to expedite handling, transportation and assembly. A plastic clamping band may be placed into the interior of the sleeve to water-tightly join the upper end of the sleeve to the manhole cover support frame.

Abstract: A spliced casing and method wherein two pressure sensitive adhesive tapes are used to join the ends of cellulosic casing. A first tape adheres directly to the casing. A second tape, which is wider than the first tape, is wrapped about the first tape so lateral side margins of the second tape overlap the opposite side edges of the first tape and are adhered directly to the casing.

Abstract: To a carrier (1, 1') there is cemented a bar of a material (3, 3'), for example glass or a ceramic material, which is subsequently divided, using cuts (7, 7') which extend transversely of its longitudinal direction, into a number of slices (9, 9') which are separately cemented to the carrier. Each slice (9, 9') is provided with a groove (13, 13') which extends parallel to the cuts (7, 7'). The grooves (13, 13') are curved and have a center of curvature which is situated at the side of the bar (3, 3') which faces the carrier (1, 1'). In the grooves (13, 13') there are secured optical fibres (19, 19') which follow the curvature of the groove, after which a side portion of the fibres which is situated furthest from the carrier (1, 1') is ground off. A flat ground face (21, 21') is thus formed one each fibre (19, 19'). Such ground fibres (19, 19') are arranged so that their ground faces contact one another in order to form directional couplers, after which the slices (9, 9') are detached from the carrier (1, 1').

Abstract: Apparatus for use in fushion welding joints in a plastic pipe system comprising a heating device including a housing providing a rearwardly disposed pistol grip handle, a heating member secured in heat insulating relation to the housing in a forwardly extending position with respect to the pistol grip handle, a secondary handle structure detachably fixedly secured to a side of the housing at one end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom having an adjustable depth gauge on the outer end thereof for receiving the end of a plastic pipe and determining the depth to which the pipe end should be heated to fushion weld the same into a mating socket of a plastic fitting, a clamping device operable to be clamped in rounding engagement with the exterior periphery of the plastic pipe at a position inwardly of the depth thereof determined by the depth gauge, heatable socket and plug members detachably fixedly secured to the heating member for receiving in heat conducting relation a plastic pipe end and a mating socke

Abstract: A process for the production of polished block single mode, evanescent wave directional optical couplers. The process comprises producing a plurality of discrete coupler halves, each coupler half having an optical fiber imbedded in a substrate. The coupler halves are then ground to remove a small portion of the cladding of the optical fiber to produce an oval shaped area of defined dimensions of the exposed fiber. The ground coupler halves are mounted in a first holder in a coplaner manner and further worked to a end point determined by an evanescent coupling measurement. A pair of coupler halves are secured together such that the optical fibers are in optical contact and in effective fusion with each other.

Abstract: In a flexible, fiber optic belt 16 for the coherent transmission of light from an LED light source 22 a planar array of fiber optic filaments 34 extend along the length of the belt 16 and are positioned by transverse elements 79 along the major neutral plane of the belt. The fiber optic belt 16 is restrained to movement only in the direction normal to the major neutral plane by means of one or more rigid flat strips 25 parallel to the major neutral plane and the light source 22 is thermoelectrically cooled to improve the availability of light supplied by the diodes. In a method for producing the fiber optic cable, transverse positioning elements 79 are layered on a cable mold 56, one or more fiber optic filaments 34 are placed upon the transverse positioning elements 79. Fiber optic filaments 34 are pressed onto an adhesive layer adjacent to the LED's 48 and bonded by the melting of the adhesive.

Abstract: Two tubes of thermo-plastic material are joined by a sleeve in an inner portion of which there is an electrical resistance coil, the ends of which are connected to terminals projecting from the outer surface of the sleeve. An electrical circuit supplies electric current to the coil to heat an inner weld zone to welding temperature, while leaving enveloping outer portions at lower temperature. In the sleeve there is provided a radial hole or recess into which the heated material expands upon reaching welding temperature. The material expanding into the hole or recess when welding temperature is reached is sensed by a pressure responsive micro-switch or electro-optically by an optical transmitter and receiver and through a control circuit, shuts off the power to the resistance coil. The parts being thereby fused together, are allowed to cool to complete the weld.

Abstract: A process for making a fiber optic coupler. An optical fiber reception block of rigid material that has orthogonal longitudinal and transversal planes of symmetry, an arcuate fiber receiving groove extending along the longitudinal plane of symmetry, and a plurality of reference surfaces is provided. An optical fiber is glued into the groove and the block is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal planes of symmetry to remove part of the fiber. The block is then cut in half along the transversal plane of symmetry, the two halves are superimposed in inverted positions and aligned by using a reference surface. This process forms a multibranch coupler that finds numerous applications in telecommunication systems.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for systems comprising optical fibers, in particular for feeding an optical signal into an optical fiber through the buffer thereof and for withdrawing an optical signal from an optical fiber through the buffer thereof. Preferably this is achieved with the aid of an optical coupling means which contacts and conforms to the surface of the buffer at a bent portion of the fiber. The coupling means can for example be a resiliently deformable material such as a polysiloxane. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides an apparatus and method for axially aligning, and preferably joining, the ends of optical fibers. The apparatus comprises means for holding two fibers so that the fiber ends are approximately abutting and axially aligned, adjacent means for passing an optical signal into one of the fibers through the buffer thereof, and adjacent means for withdrawing that signal from the other fiber through the buffer thereof.

Abstract: A support of soft material (4) has a fiber-receiving groove (5) in one of its surfaces (40). The groove is filled with a transparent setable liquid medium. A rigid link part (8) is pressed against the groove. Suitably prepared ends (11, 21) of two optical fibers (1,2) are inserted into the liquid-filled groove from opposite ends thereof. The medium is caused to set, and then the link part (8) is removed from the support. The optical fibers come away with the link part and the support mold is reusable. In a variant, the link part is stretched prior to gluing, and is allowed to return to its original length after the glue has set. This prestresses in the connection.

Abstract: A coupler for electrically-isolating two conductive sections of fluid-passing line includes two nonconductively-interconnected pieces of tubing for insertion in the line. The pieces of tubing each have a divergently-flared end, and the flared ends are nonconductively-interconnected within two dielectric wafers. Each wafer has a tapered hole extending through it that matches the flared ends and enlarges to a face on the wafer. The flared ends are each bonded within a separate one of the tapered holes in a position recessed from the face with the flare of the end paralleling the taper of the hole, and the faces are bonded together with the larger ends of the tapered holes aligned and the flared ends sealed in fluid communication with an electrically-nonconductive gap between them.

Abstract: A certain process and exemplary machinery for making yarn which is particularly useful for producing mops and mats utilizes yarn generally of a mixture of cotton and certain synthetic fibers and subjects the yarn to heat and pressure. The heat melts the surface of the synthetic fibers and pressure urges the cotton fibers into engagement with the synthetic fibers. Upon cooling, the cotton fibers are mechanically bonded to the synthetic fibers and provide a mop yarn which is fluid absorbant, durable and resistant to scrubbing abrasion and maintains integrity for repeated use and washings.

Abstract: The apparatus increases the hydraulic pressure in rams 16 until one pipe moves towards a heater plate 14. The movement is detected by a limit switch 26 and a microprocessor-based control system 28 adds a pre-programmed value of pressure to that pressure which caused the movement (drag pressure). The total pressure is applied to force the pipe ends against a heater plate 14 to form end beads (bead-up). After heating for a pre-programmed period the control system automatically initiates plate retraction and forces the pipe ends together (fusion) for another programmed period. The applied pressure is the sum of the recorded drag pressure and a pre-programmed added pressure. Operator judgement of bead size, pressures and time periods is eliminated. Pressurised fluid is supplied to the rams 16 from a pump and accumulator combination. The sense of ram motion is determined by changeover valves controlled by the control system 28.

Abstract: The process for thermally bonding plastics is capable of bonding two tubings over a very small circumferential overlap area and the bond formed thereby, is able to withstand high peel and shear forces. The method includes the steps of: providing a stepped mandrel having a smaller diameter portion and a larger diameter portion; sliding a first tubing over the smaller portion; sliding a second tubing over the larger portion and slightly over the first tubing to establish an overlapping area to be bonded; sliding a shrink tubing over the second tubing to a position over the overlapping area; placing the overlapping area in a die; and heating the die a sufficient amount for a sufficient time to cause bonding of the first tubing to the second tubing. Preferably, the first tubing is made of a substantially non-crosslinked olefin and the second tubing is made of a highly crosslinked (heat shrink) polyolefin.

Abstract: A pipe joint wherein an annular connecting resin body in contact and engagement with the outer periphery of one end of at least one pipe is used for connecting the end of the pipe to one end of another pipe. The joint comprises a device for reinforcing the bond between said one pipe and the connecting resin body in addition to sanding provided for the outer periphery of the end of said one pipe. The bond reinforcing device is a barbed wire, barbed tape, piano wire or the combination of engaging grooves and engaging projections, which prevents the axial displacement of said one pipe relative to the resin body to avoid cracking due to such displacement.

Abstract: The tubular food casings and especially wet sausage casings are spliced together by means of splicing tape comprising cellulose backing coated with a saran polymer. The tape and joined casing sections are bonded by application of controlled heat and pressure to form machinable and stuffable splices with exceptionally high peel strengths when wet.

Abstract: A method is provided for splicing carbonized PAN tows in which the tows to be spliced are cut square and coated at the ends thereof with a resin solution, following which the coated ends are joined together, heated so as to cure the resin solution and then pinched to compact the resulting splice. The resin solution is comprised of a mixture of a solid acrylic polymer, a liquid acrylic polymer, a solid epoxy resin and a solvent.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate member of generally cylindrical form, such as an optical fiber, is placed in a predetermined position utilizing a substrate having a surface that is defined by a generatrix that is a straight line, e.g. a flat surface. A foil of flexible material is secured to the surface of the substrate and defines with the substrate a generally straight, elongate passageway that is parallel to the generatrix of the surface and has a first portion of substantially uniform cross-section adapted to receive an end of the elongate member in closely fitting relationship and also has a second portion that tapers towards the first portion. The end portion of the elongate member is inserted into the first portion of the passageway by way of the second portion thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection part for polyolefin insulated electrical wires or cables is disclosed which comprises a cross-linkable reinforcing insulation layer around said connection part, providing around said reinforcing insulation layer a heat shrinkable tube consisting of an integrated assembly of a semiconductive layer and a specific insulated portion consisting of at least two cylindrical heat shrinkable semiconductive members in combination with each other through an insulation material, and then heating said tube under pressure to effect crosslinking of said reinforcing insulation layer and cause said reinforcing layer to become integrated with said heat shrinkable tube. A heat shrinkable tube for use in this method is also described.

Abstract: An intraocular lens loop, with an eyelet formed on the loop, and a method of forming the eyelet employing ultrasound energy. There is also disclosed a special fixture for use in manufacturing the eyelet loop.

Abstract: Inspection of a fusion splice between the ends of two optical fibres, said splice being reinforced by a support member, is facilitated. In particular, inspection of the joint between the optical fibre cores in a fusion splice is facilitated. The splice is held in a transparent support member by means of a transparent adhesive matched in refractive index to the cladding of the fibre. Apparatus is described which allows the splice to be viewed in two directions at right angles by means of a microscope whose position may be adjusted therefor without rotation relative to the support member. The arrangement is of particular relevance to splices between monomode fibres whose small core diameters call for a high degree of precision in jointing in order to avoid optical loss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibres, in which the first clamping arrangement comprising arms 3 and 4 and clamps 3a, 4a pivots over from a first position to a second position in which magnetic fibre clamps 14a, 14b hold the fibre ends in a two-part fibre V-location 8a, 8b to precisely coaxially align the fibre ends. Fusion electrodes 11, 12 fuse the ends together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic mandrel in which at least two sections of a thermoplastic rod, comprising a thermoplastic material which has been compounded with a finely divided metal or a metallic oxide filler, is subjected to a high voltage electrical induction field in a mold, causing fusion of the rod ends. Prior to the fusion, the ends of the thermoplastic rod are cut in a wedge shape, and in the preferred method, the wedge shaped ends meet at an angle of 90.degree. and are pressed together in the mold. The heat resulting from energizing the metal filler in said thermoplastic rods by induction, causes simultaneous melting of both thermoplastic rod ends and subsequent fusion of said rod ends. The thermoplastic mandrel made according to this method has a bond at the splicing point which is smooth, flash free, fused, solid and seamless, said mandrel being free of warping, shrinking and deformation.

Abstract: A mould portion and/or protective element of the type consisting of a material subjected to deformation is disclosed. A method and a device for manufacturing such a mould portion and/or protective element are also disclosed.The mould portion and/or protective element is preferably intended to be used as a mould portion in moulding an article and/or as a protective element to prevent access of soil and water to a surface portion of the article during transportation and storage thereof.Such materials subjected to dimensional changes as can be used as mould portions and/or protective elements present the advantages of being inexpensive and permitting removal of the article without difficulty. One such material is for example cellular plastics. The dimensional changes, however, have entailed so great difficulties in using mould portions and/or protective elements of such materials that they have made the use of the material impossible.

Abstract: This invention relates to continuous manufacturing of insulated wire and conductor, and in particular to heating cables having "cold ends". A process is described by which predetermined lengths of resistance conductor (4) and of cold end conductor (9) are continuously and alternatively jointed together. After insulation and provision of additional protective sheats the continuous composite conductor is cut into cold end heating cables. A conductor jointing process is described.

Abstract: The air gap in the joints between millimeter wavelength, dielectric waveguide circuit components is filled with a slurry made from an inorganic dielectric, such as barium titanate; and an organic binder, such as cellulose nitrate. The proportions of the dielectric and binder are taken so as to have a composite dielectric constant the same as that of the components being joined. This removes breaks or discontinuities and in turn reduces the insertion loss at the joints.

Abstract: A plastic pipe element comprises an inner one-piece liner of thermoplastic material. The liner is formed so as to include at least one cylindrical leg having a free outer end and inner end disposed intermediate opposite ends of the liner. At least one pipe section is formed comprising an inner thermoplastic lining and a fiber reinforced outer layer. That pipe section is bonded to an outer surface of the cylindrical leg such that an inner end edge of the pipe section overlies the liner. A sheet of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin molding compound is applied externally around the inner end edge of the pipe section and is subjected to pressure and heat to form the sheet into a desired shape. Thereafter, the sheet is allowed to harden. Elements formed in this manner include a T-fitting, a pipe flange, a 90.degree. fitting, a reducer fitting, a 45.degree. fitting, and a pipe cap.

Abstract: A tire for a wheelchair wheel or the like in the form of a composite extrusion comprising a relatively soft, elastomeric casing extruded over a semirigid core. End faces of a length of extruded stock are joined by thermal fusion developed by a ferromagnetic element inserted in the tire and exposed to high frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method of making a wire reference electrode in an electrolytic cell is provided wherein the wire reference electrode comprises a lead-in wire portion, a reference wire portion, a sealing material to seal the junction of the lead-in and wire reference portions, and a heat shrinkable insulating material which is heated for a predetermined period of time to collapse the heat shrinkable insulating material about the sealing material.

Abstract: A method is provided for splicing carbonized PAN tows in which the tows to be spliced are cut square and coated at the ends thereof with a resin solution, following which the coated ends are joined together, heated so as to cure the resin solution and then pinched to compact the resulting splice. The resin solution is comprised of a mixture of a solid acrylic polymer, a liquid acrylic polymer, a solid epoxy resin and a solvent.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a lightguide and a process for connecting optical fibers to produce it by which there is obtained a lightguide having a small light loss at the point of connection and which permits easy removal of excess (leaked out) adhesive at the point of adhesion. In the connecting process, at the time of connecting the optical fibers together, only the adhesive held between the end surfaces of plural optical fibers is cured without curing the excess part of the adhesive protruding out of the end surfaces of the optical fibers so that the excess part of the adhesive can easily be removed with an organic solvent or the like.

Abstract: A hand held apparatus for joining coaxially two lengths of small diameter plastic pipe comprises two parts. One part forms a first handle, and is attached to a horizontal frame at right angles. The frame holds at one end a stationary clamp into which one end of a first pipe can be inserted and locked in position. The other end holds a movable clamp which is a cylindrical tubular device into which the second pipe is positioned and clamped. The tube of the second clamp slides axially in a cylindrical portion attached to the second end of the frame at the point of junction of the handle and the frame. A second handle comprises an arm with a U-shaped portion. One end of the second handle is pivoted at a selected point on the frame so that the second handle can rotate about the pivot which is perpendicular to the plane of the first handle and frame. The rotatable handle is adapted to reciprocate the movable clamp so as to bring the facing end of the second pipe towards the facing end of the first pipe.

Abstract: A patterned, nonwoven, articulated fabric exhibiting a substantially uniform texture and comprised of a multiplicity of synthetic fiber elements, the opposing free ends of each of said synthetic fiber elements being joined to one another to form substantially continuous loops, said loops being interconnected to one another in a predetermined pattern. Method for producing said nonwoven fabric using specially prepared fiber elements which curl in a predetermined configuration in response to an external stimulus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat-resistant insulated electric wire and cable which comprises an electric conduction; the first coating layer thereon consists of a mixture of a binder and a finely ground and unmelted inorganic substance; and the second organic insulating coating layer formed on the first coating layer. Said heat-resistant insulated electric wire can advantageously be used for a coil of a magnet or a motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for making an optical fiber coupler. A pair of optical fibers are supported in predetermined orientation by positioning means. The latter are spaced apart along a common axis. The optical fibers are positioned within tube means of a selected size intermediate the positioning means. In use, the tube means functions as a furnace to distribute heat uniformly to at least a portion of the fibers to fuse the same together. One of the positioning means preferable is rotatable, to enable twisting of the fibers. It is also preferable that at least one fiber has a tensile force applied to it. More preferably, the tensile force is sufficient to cause necking of the heated fiber, thereby forming a biconical section therein. Rotation of one positioning means through about one half revolution normally causes twisting of the biconical section and fusion thereof to the other fiber. Typically, both fibers are subject to a pulling force to create biconical sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining webs of aseptic pouches such that the internal asepsis of the pouches is preserved includes bringing the ends of the webs to be joined into overlapping relationship to form an overlapping area, applying a double-sided microbicidal adhesive tape between the overlapping ends so that the ends are held in overlapping relationship, applying heat to the overlapping area sufficient to form a peel seal between the opposing walls of the webs in the overlapping area, making a transverse fusion-like incision within the peel seal in the overlapping area, applying a microbicidal adhesive tape to outside surfaces of the webs in the overlapping area to microbicidally seal the fusion-like incision, and separating the walls of the webs thereby forming a continuous and sterile passageway between the pouches through the incision.

Abstract: Fiber optic coupler for coupling two mutually isolated optical fibers to a third union fiber rapidly and easily. Two mechanical elements are used, the first one being a hollow cylinder with an inside diameter equal to twice the fiber outside diameter, and the second being a second hollow cylinder with an inside diameter equal to one fiber diameter and an outside diameter equal to twice the fiber diameter. The union fiber is inserted into the smaller cylinder, the two mutually isolated fibers are inserted into the larger cylinder, the empty space in the larger cylinder is filled with an index-matching cement, and the two cylinders are then pushed together. This provides a simple and economical assembly of a coupler which will work for plastic fibers, and does not require any expensive manufacturing steps. Preferably stainless steel is used for the two cylinders.

Abstract: Reinforcement fiber for fiber-reinforced resin composites such as graphite tows are spliced by applying a solution of a linear, soluble, high glass transition temperature polyimide having good thermal-oxidative stability to the broken ends of a fiber, placing the ends in contact and removing solvent. The preferred polyimide is an aromatic-cycloaliphatic diamine such as 5,(6)-amino-1-(4' amino phenyl)-1,3-trimethylindane (DAPI) imidized with a dianhydride such as PMDA or BTDA. The soluble polyimide can be preapplied to the fiber as a sizing. The splices are not apparent by visual inspection nor by instrumental scanning of cured composites indicating there is no blistering nor loss of strength.

Abstract: Coupler for joining two optical fibers to a third fiber, while preserving good optical isolation between the first two fibers. The coupler is preferably formed of an approximately index-matching plastic, and the fiber ends are cemented in place. The two fibers which are to be isolted are located parallel and adjacent to each other, and their ends are glued into an elongated hole on one side of the coupler. Opposite to this hole is a second hole into which the union fiber is seated. Epoxy glue is used to connect the fibers in place. Plastic fibers are preferably used.

Abstract: A method of joining together optical fibre undersea cables. In a first step, a given length of a carrier vault (1, 2) which surrounds the optical-fibre containing core (3, 4) of the cable end is cut off so as to clear a sufficient length of optical fibre (5, 6), a part (9, 10) with at least one opening (11, 12) in which said optical fibre (5, 6) is inserted is placed in each said cable ends between the strands of the carrier vault, the ends of said carrier vaults (1, 2) are brought together and fixed substantially in contact each with another, said optical fibre ends (5, 6) of each of said cables are connected together then the excess length of fibre thus formed is stretched and helically wound around a sleeve (14).

Abstract: There is presented various methods and articles utilizing heat shrinkable and heat sealable sheets, films and materials.

Abstract: A low-loss fiber optic tap is fabricated by mounting a portion of an optical fiber with epoxy resin along the curved surface of a solid support form. After curing of the epoxy, a planar surface extending partially into and along the fiber is established by lapping and polishing the device to a carefully controlled depth. A prism having a preferred characteristic angle of 70.degree. is attached to the planar surface along the optical fiber and a photodiode is mounted adjacent thereto. The disclosure teaches how the parameters of the device may be tailored to the specific signal tap requirements of particular fiber optic transmission lines.