Abstract: A connector block and method are provided wherein a plurality of optical fiber connectors can be removably loaded in the block for the simultaneous mating of such optical fiber connectors. Springs are disposed behind the connectors and the block defines a shoulder surface against which the spring is abutted. The block further defines connector channels to fix the connectors relative to each other in a lateral direction yet allow the connectors to slide backward in the longitudinal direction to compress the spring. Two such blocks can be connected to each other for simultaneously mating and spring loading the plurality of connectors.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic connector for supporting therebetween an array of optical fibers, the connector comprising first and second support members, each having on a first surface thereof a parallel array of grooves and at least one side landing section. The side landing section of the support member is substantially planar and has a substantially irregular surface thereon for enhancement of bonding between the support members. The grooves of the first and second support members are adapted to contain therebetween the array of optical fibers. The irregular surfaces of the side landing sections of the first and second support members are juxtaposed to substantially overlap each other when the first and second support members are placed in mating relationship around the array of optical fibers. The irregular surfaces of the side landings are joined together around the array of optical fibers with an adhesive epoxy.

Abstract: An interconnection unit OB includes a flat member FM with connectors OC1, and flexible tongue-shaped elements T formed to be integral with the flat member FM. Conductors F each have a first end part fixed to one of the tongue-shaped elements T and a second end part fixed to the flat member. The tongue-shaped elements T and the flat member FM are formed of a layer of rigid material and each of the tongue-shaped elements T has a portion thereof that includes separated transverse strips S, which are kept together by the conductors F fixed to the tongue-shaped elements, thereby making the tongue-shape elements flexible. A stainless steel plate is fixed to the rigid layer. The interconnection unit is especially useful as an optical backpanel to interconnect optical connectors of printed boards mounted in a rack.

Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule holding multiple fibers and an optical coupler using the ferrule are provided. An optical fiber ferrule is constructed such that N optical fibers (N equals four or an even number of six or more) are inserted into and fixed in a terminal end hole of the ferrule. The optical coupler comprises first and second optical fiber ferrules as described above, first and second distributed refractive index rod lenses, a mirror coating layer which reflects a portion of and transmits another portion of a light beam incident thereon; and a holding means for bringing the first ferrule and the first distributed refractive index rod lens into close contact, for bringing the second ferrule and the second distributed refractive index rod lens into close contact, for disposing the mirror coating layer between the first and second distributed refractive index rod lenses, and for coaxially holding these components together.

Abstract: There is presented a fiber-optic connector and a method of making same. The onnector comprises a plurality of ferrules, each of the ferrules having extending centrally therethrough a single optical fiber. The connector further includes structure abutting at least a portion of the ferrules for exercising a radially compressive force on the ferrules for urging the ferrules into a configuration in which said ferrules are coparallel and nested so as to form a stable bundle which in transverse section is substantially axisymmetrical, and retaining the ferrules in the configuration. The connector still further includes alignment structure for angular positioning of said ferrules in said connector in said transverse section about a nominal longitudinal axis of said bundle for registry of the connector with a second connector of complementary configuration.

Abstract: Fiber array connectors of the type having a connector body and adapted to house a plurality of fibers which carry data through the connector. Ferrules are provided to the connectors which are formed by first ferrule members having configured thereon by an electrical discharge machining process at least one guide pin hole, and a plurality of grooves for housing a plurality of fibers in registration in the ferrules. The ferrules are also made up of second ferrule members in engagement with the plurality of grooves for clamping the plurality of fibers in registration in the grooves so that the plurality of fibers can be held in precise alignment with the connector and so that data is transmitted therethrough with a minimum possibility of transmission error.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transmission line switching apparatus comprising a coupling board having a first surface adapted to be connected a first line and a second surface adapted to be connected a second line, adjusting means having a line length adjusting unit for handling surplus portions of the second lines and switching means for changing the connection between the first and second lines, and partition means for dividing the second surface of the coupling board into a plural rows.

Abstract: An alignment piece for optical conductors comprises a support plate, a guiding plate made with very high accuracy, one or more alignment channels for the conductors, which alignment channels have ends formed in the guiding plate, a first positioning element and a first positioning means formed in the guiding plate and holding the first positioning element at a predetermined location with respect to the ends of the alignment channels. The first positioning element has a supporting zone engaging the conductors. The alignment piece comprises a second positioning element and a second positioning means formed in the alignment piece at the side of the first positioning element opposite of the ends of the alignment channels and holding the second positioning element at a predetermined location with respect to the ends of the alignment channels.

Abstract: An alignment piece (1, 13) for a connector for optical conductors (10) comprises a support plate (2, 14), a guiding plate (3, 15) manufactured with very high accuracy and one or more alignment channels (4) for the conductors. At least the ends (11) of the alignment channels are formed in the guiding plate. The guiding plate (3, 15) is further provided with an inclining guiding plate part (5) in which the alignment channels (4) are formed. The support plate (2, 14) has a recess (6) in which the free end of the inclining guiding plate part (5) is received. The support plate includes a guiding surface (7) for the conductors (10), the guiding surface with its side directed towards the inclining guiding plate part lying above the free end of the guiding plate part.

Abstract: The multiferrule for connecting optical fibers together has a series of internal capillary channels of transverse dimensions that are defined to leave substantial clearance for the fibers, at least in the two end portions of the channels where they open out into two end faces of the multiferrule. The multiferrule further includes middle necking in which the corresponding middle portions of the channels have their transverse dimensions reduced so as to leave only minimal clearance for the fibers, to enable them to be put into contact and connected together directly in this location. The multiferrule is applicable to making an optical fiber connector.

Abstract: A connector using an multi-fiber ferrule, such as the MT ferrule or similar ferrule, that can be plugged into and received by an optical receptacle. Multiple alignment features help align and mate the connector to another multi-fiber object. The connector has a guide prong or forward extension beneath which is mounted the ferrule. The prong provides a reference surface that functions as a precise pre-alignment mechanism for the ferrule. Also, the prong has a groove that mates with a corresponding rail of the receptacle when the connector is plugged into the receptacle ensuring that the connector is properly seated within the receptacle. Further, the ferrule has apertures that align with and receive guide pins of the lightguide means or active device.

Abstract: An alignment piece (1, 6) for a connector for optical conductors (9) comprises a support plate (2, 7), a guiding plate (3, 8) which is manufactured with very high accuracy, and one or more alignment channels (4) for the conductors. At least the ends of the alignment channels are formed in the guiding plate. Further a positioning element (11) is provided and the guiding plate (3, 8) is provided with a positioning means (14) for holding the positioning element at a predetermined location with respect to the ends of the alignment channels (4). The positioning element has a supporting area engaging the conductors and determining together with the ends of the alignment channels the angle of inclination of the conductors in the alignment piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiple fiber connectors for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers. The multiple-fiber connectors facilitate the connection of optical fibers to a star coupler and provide low levels of light loss between input/output ports of a coupler. The invention further relates to a terminator hot plate apparatus for the semiautomatic termination of optical fiber ends, and a new cladding material for thermoplastic optical couplers and fibers.

Abstract: The ferrule for optical connector according to this invention comprises a first grip portion having first through holes for insertion of optical fibers and gripping part of said optical fibers apart a predetermined distance from the distal ends of optical fibers; a second grip portion arranged along the insertion direction of optical fibers together with the first grip portion and opposed to the first grip portion through a first space. The second grip portion has second through holes for the optical fibers set through the first through holes to be further introduced therethrough, and grips the vicinity of the distal ends of optical fibers; and a pedestal portion projecting from a surface of the first grip portion.

Abstract: An optical cross-coupling apparatus including a plurality of first connector groups in each of which a plurality of optical fibers are aligned in a one-dimensional array, a plurality of (corresponding in number to said first connector groups) second connector groups in each of which a plurality of optical fibers are aligned in a one-dimensional array, and a socket in which said first and second connector groups are aligned to oppose each other crosswise and mounted such that distal end faces of respective connectors of said two connector groups oppose and are in contact with each other on one plane.

Abstract: A method of collectively connecting multiple optical connectors each having an altered-shape portion which is at least one of a recessed shape or a projecting shape on an outer surface, and an aligning and positioning jig used in this method. After multiple optical connectors are aligned and positioned by using an aligning and positioning jig for engaging the altered-shape portions of the multiple optical connectors to one another to position the multiple optical connectors, multiple optical connectors aligned and positioned on one side are collectively connected to multiple optical connectors aligned and positioned on the other side. Then the aligning and positioning jig is removed from multiple pairs of connected optical connectors.

Abstract: A connector for making and securing low loss optical contact between a first plurality of optical fibers, each including a ferrule-encapsulated terminal end, and a second plurality of optical fibers, each also including a ferrule-encapsulated terminal end. Each of the ferrules is individually fixed to a cap that includes an asymmetrical keying member. Male and female connector members include internal channels for accepting ferrule-fixed cups with predetermined angular orientations. Springs are axially aligned within the channels for independently urging each cup-fixed ferrule into optical contact with a mating ferrule. In this way, multiple rotational and axial alignments are simultaneously and independently achieved and maintained between mated pairs of optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical waveguide plug for plug connections between optical waveguides (12). Conventional plugs have the disadvantage that a fitter could make relatively easy, even unintentional contact with the polished end of the optical waveguide (12) in the pin (1) which holds it. According to the invention, a restoring spring (6) which withdraws the pin (1) to a protected position when the plug is in the rest state is provided.

Abstract: A multiple position fiber optic receptacle comprises a first receptacle member (1) joined to a second receptacle member (3). Captivated within and between the first and second receptacle members (1,3) is a coupling mechanism (17), an alignment sleeve (5), and a floating bottleneck (6). The floating bottleneck (6) permits independent adjustments of each alignment sleeve (5) relative to a ferrule to minimize the insertion force associated with ferrule to alignment sleeve misalignment. In an alternate embodiment, a floating bottleneck is removable permitting repair of the receptacle.

Abstract: An applicator for inserting guide pins in the corresponding apertures of a fiber optic connector includes a carrier body defining a number of bores and a number of guide pins disposed at least partially within respective ones of the bores, the guide pins extending outwardly from a first surface of the carrier body. The outwardly extending ends of the guide pins are then inserted into and captured by the fiber optic connector and remain therein after removal of the carrier body. In order to further increase the numbers of guide pins that are simultaneously inserted, a plurality of fiber optic connectors can be maintained in a predetermined aligned relationship by an alignment shell having a releasably connected sidewall for receiving the fiber optic connectors.

Abstract: An optical fibre-connecting device includes a passageway which is funnel-shaped at both ends thereof and with which an optical fibre is intended to be inserted from either end into the passageway, so that the fibres will meet one another therein. The connecting device (1) includes a first silicon part (7) having a flat surface in which one or more grooves (8) of V-shaped cross-section have been etched. Additionally the connecting device (1) includes a second part (9) which is made of transparent glass and which has a flat side that is intended to abut the grooved surface of the first part (7) so as to form a channel of triangular cross-section, wherein a circle inscribed in the channel will have a diameter which is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of an optical fibre (5, 6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the path of an optical signal are disclosed. An optical bypass device having an optical input and output, and a waveguiding region optically connecting the input and output, is used to form a multiplicity of improved connectors and switches. In a first embodiment of the device, the waveguiding region comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces. In a second embodiment, the waveguiding region comprises a core of optically suitable material and a layer of cladding, where the relationship between the refractive index of the core and cladding is such that an optical signal may be guided by the core. The optical bypass device is integrated, with and without actuating means, into various connectors to provide loopback of an optical signal when a connector is demated.

Abstract: There is presented a hybrid electrical and fiber-optic connector and a med of making same. The connector comprises a plurality of bodies, the bodies including at least one fiber-optic ferrule having extending centrally therethrough a single optical fiber, and at least one electrical contact having an electrically conductive wire fixed thereto. The connector further includes structure exercising a radially compressive force on the bodies for urging the bodies into a configuration in which said bodies are coparallel and nested so as to form a stable bundle which in transverse section is substantially axisymmetrical, and retaining said bodies in the configuration. The connector still further includes alignment structure for angular positioning of said bodies in said connector in said transverse section about a nominal longitudinal axis of said bundle for registry of the connector with a second connector of complementary configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical fiber switching device having a coupling board comprising a plurality of first optical fibers connected to one surface of the coupling board in the arrangement to one surface of the coupling board, a plurality of second optical fibers connected to the another surface of the coupling board, an optical fiber length adjusting unit for handling surplus portions of the second optical fibers and switching unit for pulling out any one of the second optical fibers selected from the plural second optical fibers from the another surface of the connecting board and for connecting the any one optical fiber to different switching position of the another surface of the connecting board to coupling the any one optical fiber with any one of the first optical fibers.

Abstract: A wall outlet (PMI.sub.1 through PMI.sub.3) for connection of an optical building wiring system is provided, including a receptacle (RI, RI.sub.3) adapted to be fixed in the baseboard (PL) of the wall, into which receptacle optical cords (CO.sub.i, CO.sub.j, CO.sub.1 through CO.sub.4) carrying information to be transmitted to a local area network of a building including a plurality of terminals are inserted, the cords are connected to a terminal associated with the outlet. A removable cover (CI.sub.1 through CI.sub.3) is associated with a removable carrier (SCI.sub.1) of connectors that enables the optical connection of the cords. The cover is capable of occupying a first standby position, in which it closes the front face of the receptacle, and a second active position for use where the plane of the cover forms a dihedron with the front face. The cords exit laterally relative to the receptacle on either side thereof, parallel to the baseboard. First positioning elements (GMI.sub.1 -GMI.sub.2, G.sub.1, EG.

Abstract: Apparatus for splicing a plurality of optical fibers of ribbonized fiber optic cable comprises: an elongate base has a splicing area and guides for directing optical fibers of a ribbonized fiber optic cable from either end of the elongate base into alignment with the splicing area. A first splicing element defining a splicing surface having a plurality of elongate parallel channels for receiving and aligning respective optical fibers is disposed in the splicing area. A second splicing element configured for overlying the first splicing element and maintaining optical fibers in the channels is mounted to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the path of an optical signal are disclosed. An optical bypass device having an optical input and output, and a waveguiding region optically connecting the input and output, is used to form a multiplicity of improved connectors and switches. In a first embodiment of the device, the waveguiding region comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces. In a second embodiment, the waveguiding region comprises a core of optically suitable material and a layer of cladding, where the relationship between the refractive index of the core and cladding is such that an optical signal may be guided by the core. The optical bypass device is integrated, with and without actuating means, into various connectors to provide loopback of an optical signal when a connector is demated.

Abstract: A transmission line switching apparatus comprises an optical fiber connecting board for holding a plurality of first optical fibers, an optical fiber arranging board, arranged apart from the connecting board with a predetermined spacing between them in the horizontal direction, for holding a plurality of second optical fibers, and a robot for handling the second fibers. Each second optical fiber extends to the connecting board through the arranging board, and the distal end of the second optical fiber is detachably attached to the connecting board so as to be selectively connected to one of the first optical fibers. When the distal end of the second optical fiber is attached to the connecting board, the second optical fiber is laterally extended in a loosened state between the two boards. In this state, the entangled states of the second optical fibers near the two boards are sparser than that in the intermediate position between the two boards. Therefore, the robot can easily handle the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A multiple optical fiber connector is constructed from a unitary planar substrate having two surfaces with 1) multiple fiber holes and 2) plural alignment regions located in opposing relationship to each other along edges of the substrate, the multiple fiber holes and plural alignment regions being formed substantially perpendicular to and between the surfaces of the substrate using photolithographical techniques. Each optical fiber is permanently mounted through one of the holes in one surface of the substrate so that the end of each fiber is substantially flush with the other surface of the substrate. Alignment posts which are positioned against the alignment regions and mounted substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the substrate are used to align optical fibers mounted in the substrate with optical fibers mounted in a substrate of a mating connector.

Abstract: An optical connector for connecting optical fibers, comprises: a guide-groove substrate having grooves for positioning optical fibers and guide pins; an upper plate having groove portions each for covering the guide pins positioned in the guide grooves of the guide-groove substrate; elastic guide-pin pressing members each provided in the groove portions of the upper plate above portions where the guide pin grooves are in contact with the guide pins. In such a arrangement, it is preferable to forman oxide film on said V-grooves of the guide-groove substrate at least in the vicinity of contact points between the guide pins and the V-grooves. The optical connector further includes a resin molding portion for surrounding the substrate and the upper plate, the resin molding portion including a pair of opposite opened portions at top and bottom surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A clip (10) is composed of two halves (12). Each half (12) has a main plate (14) from which a left side wall (16) and a right side wall (18) extend vertically at two opposite side edges. Each side wall (16, 18) incorporates a corresponding auxiliary wall (26, 28), which is extending vertically from the main plate (14) approximate a central slot (20) in the main plate (14), to form a cavity (22, 24) therein. A rear wall (30) extending from the rear edge of the main plate vertically, has two generally semi-circular openings (32, 34) therein in alignment with such two cavities (22, 24), respectively. A stopper (36) is formed generally in alignment with the auxiliary wall (28) which is facing to the right wall (18). A catch (42) and a latch (38) are respectively on the right and the left walls (18, 16).

Abstract: Optical waveguide connectors for coupling arrays of waveguides and/or optical fibers and to methods of making the connectors. The connectors are optical waveguide or optical fiber connectors for coupling to mating optical waveguide or optical fiber connectors. Optical connector assemblies are provided which comprise optical waveguide or optical fiber connectors in combination with mating optical waveguide or optical fiber connectors. Methods of manufacturing the optical waveguide or optical fiber connectors and the optical connector assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A first optical fiber support member (30) is held in a first fixture (35) having a first alignment pin (40) extending therefrom perpendicularly to an optical fiber array (32) and also having a first alignment aperture (43). A second support member (31) is held in a second fixture (37) having a second alignment aperture (41) and a second alignment pin (42) extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array. When the two support members are clamped on opposite sides of the optical fiber array, they are aligned by engaging the first alignment pin (40) with the second alignment aperture (41) and engaging the second alignment pin (42) with the first alignment aperture (43). With the support members clamped, fluid adhesive is applied through an aperture (61) to bond the support members (30, 31) and optical fiber array (32) together. The first and second support members (30, 31) are made of plastic and are made by plastic molding.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical fiber switching device having a coupling board comprising a plurality of first optical fibers connected to one surface of the coupling board in the arrangement to one surface of the coupling board, a plurality of second optical fibers connected to the another surface of the coupling board, an optical fiber length adjusting unit for handling surplus portions of the second optical fibers and switching unit for pulling out any one of the second optical fibers selected from the plural second optical fibers from the another surface of the connecting board and for connecting the any one optical fiber to different switching position of the another surface of the connecting board to coupling the any one optical fiber with any one of the first optical fibers.

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: For identifying the local distribution of light waveguides in two groups to be aligned to one another, the groups are displaced at least once relative to one another transversely relative to the longitudinal axes of the light waveguides to be investigated in at least one plane. The chronological curve of the intensity distribution of the light coupled from the one group into the other group during the displacement is identified and evaluated. For optimally aligning the waveguides with two groups, an intensity distribution for each group is obtained and the distributions are compared to find an alignment which produces a maximum overlap. A splicing operation may be then conducted with the groups thus aligned, and the same technique can then be used to control the splicing as well as to check the quality of the splice.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting optical and/or electrical conductors comprises a first connector part with a first guiding plate with one or more guiding channels for first conductors and a second connector part to be coupled with the first connector part and having a second guiding plate with one or more guiding channels provided in a corresponding manner for second conductors to be connected with the first conductors. The guiding plates comprise positioning means for mutually positioning the guiding plates in the coupled position of the connector parts, said positioning means comprising a first lug and a first slot with cooperating straight reference surfaces extending in x-direction and a second lug and second slot with cooperating straight reference surfaces extending in y-direction. All said reference surfaces are located at a predetermined location with respect to the guiding channels.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for splicing a plurality of optical fibers integrally, including V-groove substrates each comprising V-grooves for setting optical fibers therein. Further, positioning standard surfaces arranged in parallel with a V-groove forming direction are formed in the substrates to enable stacking of the substrates on the basis of the positioning standard surfaces.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector attaches a fiber optic harness having a plurality of jacketed optic fibers to an optical device that has a flat rectangular contact surface. The connector comprises an outer member that has a plural number of non-linearly arrayed, grooves that receive individual jacketed optic fibers of the harness. An inner member wedge in the rear end of the outer member guides and holds individual jacketed optic fibers in the respective grooves. Each groove converges toward and communicates with a slot at the front end of the connector. The slot receives stripped end portions of the optic fibers and holds them in an abutting linear array for engagement with the flat rectangular contact surface of the optical device. The connector may also include latches for retaining the optic fibers individually and springs for biasing each individual optic fiber into engagement with the flat contact surface of the optic device.

Abstract: To connect one ribbon-shaped optical fiber cord to an opponent ribbon-shaped optical fiber cord while making reliable optical connection therebetween, an optical fiber splicer is used. The optical fiber splicer includes as essential components an aligning member and a cover member, and the cover member is fitted into the aligning member to build an integral structure without an optical fiber using an adhesive. In practical use, after the adhesive is hardened, both the ribbon-shaped optical fiber cords are inserted into the integral structure from both sides of the optical fiber splicer so that sheathless optical fibers of both ribbon-shaped optical fiber cords are firmly received in V-shaped aligning grooves on the aligning member in a face to-face relationship.

Abstract: An optical connector for connecting optical fibers, comprises: a guide-groove substrate having grooves for positioning optical fibers and guide pins; an upper plate having groove portions each for covering the guide pins positioned in the guide grooves of the guide-groove substrate; elastic guide-pin pressing members each provided in the groove portions of the upper plate above portions where the guide pin grooves are in contact with the guide pins. In such a arrangement, it is preferable to form an oxide film on said V-grooves of the guide-groove substrate at least in the vicinity of contact points between the guide pins and the V-grooves. The optical connector further includes a resin molding portion for surrounding the substrate and the upper plate, the resin molding portion including a pair of opposite opened portions at a front and back surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A universal adapter including a generic fixed housing (10) capable of receiving diverse back panel assemblies (20-1, 20-2 . . . 20-n) each having a set of coupling elements (22-1, 22-2 . . . 22-n) which may differ according to industry standards. The adapter facilitates optical coupling of, for example, a Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI) style connector or an ESCON.TM. style connector with either an SC.TM. style connector, an ST.TM. style connector, an FC style connector, or any other type of optical connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a connector case (1) having a receiving cavity (3); a ferrule (21); a ferrule holder (31) movable within the receiving cavity and holding the ferrule at its front end; and a conical spring (38) for biasing the ferrule holder forwardly so that the ferrule projects forwardly from the receiving cavity.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of aluminum material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line. The aluminum is anodized prior to embossing the fiber receiving grooves. The element is inserted into the slot of a splice body formed of an injection moldable material. The splice body may be reinforced by insert molding a steel tube therein, surrounding the slot.

Abstract: An optical electronic coupling device (100) including a molded waveguide (101, 301, 401) having a plurality of core regions (105) surrounded by a cladding region (103). Cross-sections of the core regions (105) are exposed in an opening (113, 213,313) at one end of the waveguide. An optical cable (102, 303) having a plurality of optical fibers (107, 108, 109, 300) with core regions (123, 124, 125) is inserted into the opening (113, 213, 313), thereby aligning the core regions (123, 124, 125) of the optical fibers (107, 108, 109, 300) with the exposed cross-sections (122) of the core regions (105) of the optical electronic device (100).

Abstract: A disengagable adapter for mechanically coupling optical fibers is provid The disengagable adapter separates into two complementary receptacle parts. Each receptacle part receives through a bore a single optical-fiber located within an optical-fiber connector plug. Each receptacle part attaches to and securely holds a different connector plug. The receptacle parts mate with each other in a complementary fashion and thereby connect the two optical fiber connector plugs together. These connector plugs accordingly align the two optical fibers located within the plugs. The optical fibers can be separated either by demating the complementary parts or by disconnecting one side of the adapter from its connector plug. Mounting the complementary parts to a plate facilitates multiple, simultaneous connections.

Abstract: A middle portion (13) of an optical fiber encapsulation (11) of an optical fiber ribbon is selectively removed, while leaving intact separated ribbon portions (14, 15) and optical fiber portions (12) extending between the separated ribbon portions. The exposed optical fiber portions are next contained between a pair of first optical fiber support members (18, 19) on opposite sides of the fiber portions. The support members are then preferably contained and encapsulated (FIGS. 7, 8) by injection molding plastic around them, which additionally reinforces the adjacent optical fiber ribbon portions. The optical fiber ribbon is cut for use by cutting transversely through the first support members and the optical fiber portions. This exposes optical fiber ends (27) which are polished for alignment and abutment to other optical fiber ends. The optical fiber support members also define an alignment aperture (20) that extends substantially parallel to the optical fiber portions.

Abstract: A plurality of optical fibers (14-14E) are interconnected by using connectors each comprising an optoelectronic device (13-13E) adapted to be connected to an end of each optical fiber for converting optical signals to electrical signals and for converting electrical signals to optical signals. Each connector has a first contact (12-12E) having a cylindrical plug end and a cylindrical socket end located on a common axis and a transverse conductor (21) extending transversely to the axis (20) from the first contact and connected to the optoelectronic device of the connector. The plug end of each contact is adapted to fit snugly within the socket end of another first contact, whereby all of the contacts may be connected and arranged along the common axis. Each of the contacts is free to rotate with respect to other contacts to which it is connected; this permits the various optical fibers to extend in different radial directions from the axis.

Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber-optic connector is provided containing a cartridge having a front radial flange containing peripheral, circumferentially-spaced notches in each of which a fiber-optic terminal is axially positioned, and having a rear radial flange containing peripheral, circumferentially-spaced notches in each of which a fiber-optic clamp body is axially positioned. The fiber-optic terminals are spring-biased forwardly toward the open end of the connector, and a preload plate holds them in a preloaded state. Each of the terminals is provided at its outer end with a surrounding, axially-extending resilient split sleeve, the outer end of which is empty to receive a fiber-optic terminal of a mating conductor similar to the above-described connector, but without the split sleeves.

Abstract: An optical backplane is made by making an aperture (15) at each of a plurality of output ports (13). The optical fiber (12) is adhered to the substrate such that all of the optical fiber segments of each output port traverse the aperture of that port. Next, the optical fiber segments traversing each aperture are contained between a pair of first (18, 19) optical fiber support members on opposite sides. The support members are next encapsulated in a plastic encapsulation (24), preferably by injection molding. The encapsulation, support members and substrate are cut transversely to the optical fiber segments, and the exposed ends (27) of the optical fiber segments are polished. This provides a connector for the output port to which a matching array of optical fibers (32) contained between opposite second support members can be abutted and aligned so as to transmit light from the output port the second optical fibers.