Abstract: An optical connector includes a cylindrical front body formed with a center bore having a front cylindrical bore, a rear cylindrical bore and a tapered bore therebetween. A fiber holding unit made of a flexible material is separable into two parts, whose mating surfaces are formed with grooves for holding an optical fiber and at front and rear portions with spacers for partially preventing contact between the mating surfaces in the proximity of the spacers. The two assembled parts form cylindrical outer surfaces at front and rear ends and a tapered outer surface between the cylindrical outer surfaces. The two assembled parts with the optical fiber interposed therebetween are able to be fitted in the front body from its rear end.

Abstract: An optical waveguide connector consists of a ceramic pin (11) with a bore (12) for the bare optical waveguide (7). In the superimposed abutment (14) for a compression spring (25), two bore sections (16, 17) are provided whose diameter corresponds to that of the optical waveguide with a coating (8) and with a jacket (9), relatively. The precise guidance of the optical waveguide so obtained in all sections minimizes the likelihood of sharp bends.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is shown with connector elements dimensioned and having material selected to accommodate thermal expansion to certain alignment of elements. Also, the elements are selected to accommodate compressive force to ensure a desired distribution of compressive forces between a ferrule and a fiber. The balancing ensures that the fiber and the ferrule retain a desired alignment with desired opposing forces. Also, a non-circular split sleeve of uniform wall thickness dimensions is provided to ensure uniform pressure distribution on a fiber ferrule. The split sleeve is also offset to accommodate offsetting tendencies of fibers being aligned within the split sleeve.

Abstract: In an optical fiber connector subassembly, a ferrule is received within a hollow cylindrical crimp. The ferrule has a bore extending through the ferrule with a longitudinal slot formed within the ferrule exposing a portion of the bore. The crimp is provided with first and second crimping portions. The first crimping portion extends into the slot and opposes the ferrule bore. The second crimping portion is diametrically opposed to the first crimping portion and opposes an exterior surface of the ferrule. Application of a force to the sides of the crimp causes the first and second crimping portions to be spaced apart a distance sufficient to insert a fiber within the ferrule bore. Release of the force causes the first and second crimping portions to be biased toward one another to securely crimp the fiber within the ferrule.

Abstract: To protect the launch surfaces of laser catheters fed with short-pulsed laser radiation, the individual optical fibers are placed on the launch side in hexagonally closest packing. Ablation-resistant materials are applied to the outer circumference of the cross-section area adjacent to the launch device, and the individual fibers and the ablation-resistant materials are connected to one another by material or friction connections. The ablation-resistant materials are of the same material, silicate, or PTFE, as the optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alveolar connector, comprising male and female connector elements (2,23) having parts provided with aligned sockets suitable for receiving at least one connection device for fiber optics formed of a male contact (1) and a female contact (22) working together, the one fixed in its socket, and the other axially movable in its socket, between a disconnection position and a connection position.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminus assembly for use in a fiber optic connector is disclosed in which a gripper element and a radially deformable ferrule are compressed into gripping engagement with the optical fiber portion of an optical cable. A terminus body and a contact sleeve engage the outer layer of the optical cable and the ferrule and position the fiber at a preselected distance from a lens surface.

Abstract: A terminus for an optical fiber cable (10) has a ferrule (22) with an endwall portion (24) including an axial opening (26) for receiving a glass fiber core. A ferrule central portion (28) is larger in cross-section than endwall portion (24) and the opposite end portion (32) is still larger. In assembly, the fiber jacket (16) or strain relief is peeled back over an underlying sleeve (34) and crimped within the opposite end portion (32). The central ferrule portion (28) has an internal sleeve (40) fitted over a section of the optical fiber with buffer tubing (14) and the ferrule is crimped in place. The fiber outer end portion consists of just the bare glass core (12) received within endwall opening (26).

Abstract: A method of attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable without using epoxy, wherein the fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket, a strength member, a buffer, and an optical fiber and wherein the connector includes a backpost, a tubular body, and a crimp sleeve having first and second diameter sections, comprising the steps of crimping the backpost and tubular body of the connector onto the buffer of the cable using a crimping tool and crimping the crimp sleeve onto the outer jacket and strength member using a crimping tool.

Abstract: Optical fiber test probes test the optical functions of light-emitting circuit elements or displays, or are used in optical test fixtures. In one embodiment, an optical fiber test probe comprises an optical fiber in two sections in which both are movable with a receptacle against the bias of a compression spring during testing. One fiber is contained within a removable barrel so it can be replaced by removing it from the receptacle independently of the compression spring. In their operative test position, the two optical fibers are mounted in the receptacle to maintain light-tight optical continuity during testing. In another embodiment, an optical fiber test probe comprises a barrel and an optical fiber contained within a plunger movable in the barrel, in which a free end portion of the optical fiber extends unsupported through a compression spring which applies a spring bias to an internal end of the plunger.

Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for a cable with an optical fiber. The connector includes a first backpost having an exteriorly threaded forward portion, a rearward portion attachable to the cable, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The connector has a body with a forward portion, an interiorly threaded rearward portion, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The body threads have a pitch diameter and pitch thread which mate with the threads of the first backpost. A second backpost is positioned within the body central passageway, and has a forward portion which holds a ferrule in position, and a rearward portion which extends through a rearward opening in the body and into a forward opening of the first backpost. The second backpost rearward portion and the first backpost central passageway are non-cylindrical to prevent rotation of the second backpost.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminus is provided in which front and rear connector bodies 15, 22 are provided, each having a bore 16, 35, 36, with a counterbore 17 being formed in the rearward end of the front connector body 15. A sleeve 42 of resilient material is positioned in the counterbore and an optical fiber 13 is extended through the sleeve 42 and the bores 16, 35, 36. The rear connector body 20 is advanced a predetermined distance into the counterbore 17, which it engages with a press fit, so that it engages and compresses the sleeve 42, and causes the sleeve 42 to grip and retain the optical fiber 13.

Abstract: A connector system for operatively connecting the ends of two fiber optic cables together. A wall-mountable plate includes an elongated receptacle containing spaced through bores. The bores have opposed frusto-conical entry sections which are joined by a cylindrical central section. A terminal connector is mounted on the end of each cable and has spaced frusto-conical projections which end in cylindrical nose portions containing the ends of the fibers. The terminal connector projections are insertable through opposite ends of the bore into abutment of the nose portions at an interface location along a central portion of the bore. Lock tabs and shoulders on the receptacle and on one of the terminal connectors latch the connector within the bore, with the terminal being held without bias and against reverse movement out of that end of the bore. A collar is slidably mounted on the other terminal connector, with a spring captured between the connector and the collar for biasing them apart.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector terminal includes a sleeve (6); a plurality of pins (7) disposed equidistance from a center within the sleeve to form a receiving aperture (9); a plurality of inner ridges (8) disposed between the sleeve and the pins; and an optical fiber (10) inserted into and bonded to the receiving aperture.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a connector adapted to receive fiber cables. The connector comprises a housing including a first opening and a second opening which includes a first beveled portion. The connector further comprises a means for holding and aligning a cable and being adapted to slidably fit into the first opening, a wedge means adapted to slidably fit into the second opening, and means for fastening the wedge means to the housing. A means for preventing free rotation of the wedge means in absence of the holding and aligning means is also included. The second opening is machined such that the wedge means is forced against the holding and aligning means as the wedge means is moved into the second opening.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminus is provided in which a deformable material (37), such as an elastomer, is compressed and grips an optical fiber (34) along a substantial length of a terminus body (10). In accomplishing this, an opening (15, 16, 18) in a front terminus body (10) receives a liquid material (37) which can be cured to a solid consistency. An optical fiber (34) then is extended through an opening (24, 25, 26) in a rear terminus body (20) and through the passageway (15, 16, 18) in the front terminus body (10), emerging at the forward end of the latter. The rear terminus body (20) then is forced a short distance into the passageway (15) in the front connector body (10) and the material (37) is cured to a solid consistency. After this, the rear connector body (20), which has a press fit within the passageway (15), is moved to a second position causing compression of the material (37) in the passageway ( 15, 16, 18) so that it grips the optical fiber (34).

Abstract: An optical fiber connector terminal includes a sleeve (6); a plurality of pins (7) disposed equidistance from a center within the sleeve to form a receiving aperture (9); and an optical fiber (10) inserted into and bonded to the receiving aperture.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector terminal includes a sleeve (6); a plurality of pins (7) disposed equidistance from a center within the sleeve to form a receiving aperture (9); a plurality of filler rods (8) disposed between the sleeve and the pins; and an optical fiber (10) inserted into and bonded to the receiving aperture.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector terminal includes a sleeve (6); a plurality of collet members (7) disposed around a center within the sleeve to form a receiving aperture (9); and an optical fiber (10) inserted into and bonded to the receiving aperture.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminus is provided in which front and rear connector bodies 15, 22 are provided, each having a bore 16, 35, 36, with a counterbore 17 being formed in the rearward end of said front connector body 15. A sleeve 40 is provided with a tapered surface 44 and slots 50, 51 through it so that one end portion of the sleeve can flex transversely. A taper 46 is formed in the counterbore 17, matching the taper of the sleeve. The sleeve 40 is positioned in the counterbore 17 and an optical fiber 13 is extended through sleeve 40 and the bores 16, 35, 36. The rear conenctor body 20 is advanced a predetermined distance into the counterbore 17, which it engages with a press fit, so that the sleeve 40 is biased forwardly to cause a reaction between the tapered surfaces 40, 46 thereby compressing one end portion of the sleeve 40 inwardly to grip and retain the optical fiber 13.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the assembly of an adhesiveless optical fiber termination applies a selected force characteristic over a selected displacement. The apparatus includes a holder element, a drive element, and a positioning element which directs the relative motion of the holder and drive elements. In operation, the holder element receives a partially assembled optical fiber termination including inner and outer portions and a compressive system. The drive element, guided by the positioning element, provides the force which presses the portions of the termination telescopically together. The telescoping of the two components compresses the compressive system into mechanical engagement with the optical fiber.

Abstract: Optical connectors adapted to join optical fibers to an optical component, each connector having an outer support to be fixedly secured to the component and provided with a housing receiving a movable element having a spherical-surface portion to which an optical fiber-holding body is connected. The spherical surface of the movable element is in contact with a mating surface of the outer support and permits pivoting or rotation of the movable element and the body housing the fiber about any axis passing through the center of the spherical surface itself. Tightening means for locking the movable element against the housing surface is provided, and such tightening means is adapted to prevent pivoting or rotation of the movable element itself by friction. The connector can be made entirely of dielectric materials.

Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for a cable with an optical fiber. The connector includes a first backpost having an exteriorly threaded forward portion, a rearward portion attachable to the cable, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The connector further has a body with a forward end portion, an interiorly threaded rearward end portion, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The body threads have a pitch diameter and pitch thread which mate with the threads of the first backpost. A second backpost is positioned within the body central passageway, and has a forward end portion which holds a ferrule in position, and a rearward end portion which extends through a rearward opening in the body and into a forward opening of the first backpost.

Abstract: An adhesiveless optical fiber termination employs an outer element having a through passage that receives an optical fiber. A tubular inner element fits over the cable and telescopically seats in the passage of the outer element. An elastomeric compressive system is seated within the passage substantially encircling the optical fiber and is radially inwardly deformed into secure engagement with the optical fiber therein in response to compressive engagement between the outer element and the inner element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fiber optic conduit-connector assembly for passing optical fibers between optoelectronic component housings. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit comprises a flexible, crush resistant and fluid resistant inner tube adapted for enclosing at least one optical fiber, a layer of electromagnetic shielding surrounding the inner tube, and an outer pressure tight layer surrounding the shielding layer. A connector adapted to allow at least one optical fiber to pass therethrough is fixedly attached to at least one end of the conduit by first stripping away the end portion of the outer layer of the conduit, inserting the inner tube of the conduit into one end of the connector and wrapping the shielding layer around the outer surface of the connector end. A thermofit ring is placed over the steel braiding and secures the braiding to the connector upon application of heat to the thermofit ring.

Abstract: An optical connector comprising, an alignment ferrule 11 receiving a plunger 38 and receiving an insert 35 between the plunger 38 and a constriction 32, the plunger 38 being constructed to receive an optical fiber 3 and a buffer 4 covering the optical fiber 3, the plunger 38 and the insert 35 being constructed for movement forwardly to compact the insert 35 in the constriction 32 and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber 3, and projecting barbs comprising a frictional surface 44 on the plunger 38 being force fit with corresponding ribs 47 along the alignment ferrule 11.

Abstract: Means and method for assembling an optical fiber cable with a tubular member that secures an outside protective jacket of the cable. The inside wall of the tubular member is provided with serrations such that when the wall is physically reduced on the protective jacket, the serrations engage and retain the jacket without compressing the inner optical fiber so that it is free to move longitudinally within the jacket. This is accomplished by using a crimping device having a crimping aperture that is sized to precisely control the amount of reduction of the tube wall onto the protective jacket.