Abstract: A irradiation attachment for an optical fiber which provides an output of light that has a highly uniform intensity. The device includes a hollow spherical shell having a diffusive reflective surface or target supported therein. Light is directed into the hollow spherical shell so that it reflects off the diffusive reflective surface or target. The reflected light is internally reflected off the inner surface of the hollow spherical shell several times before passing through an output aperture. As a result of the internal reflection within the hollow spherical shell, the light leaving the device has a highly uniform intensity. The device is particularly useful for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: In an optical fiber array structure, a ferrule is provided around an optical fiber array. The ferrule has an outer configuration defined by combination of, preferably, two circles. Thus, eye glass-shaped outer configuration is obtained for the ferrule. The adapter has an aperture for receiving the ferrule, and the aperture has an inner configuration which is complementary with the outer configuration of the ferrule.

Abstract: This invention relates to temperature compensated FFPs with improved means for alignment of optical fibers. The invention provides ferrule holders with shaped ferrule passageways, as components of FFP alignment fixtures, in which optical fiber ends can be readily aligned using the ferrule rotary alignment method. The ferrule holders have a composite structure facilitating temperature compensation required for applications to PZT-tuned FFPs. The ferrule holder has a core and peripheral region made of materials having different thermal expansion coefficients. The holder core in contact with the ferrule is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient substantially matched to that of the ferrule material. In addition, ferrule holders are provided with a means for changing the points of contact between a secured ferrule and its holder which allows wavelength drift as a function of temperature in FFPs to be adjusted.

Abstract: A connector for plastic optical fibers having improved heat resistance properties including a metallic core and a heat insulative tubular sleeve which surrounds the optical fiber. The outward tip of the metallic core is deformed to provide a mechanical, frictional engagement of the sleeve and optical fiber within the connector.

Abstract: The ferrule of a simplified field assembly optical fiber connector in which adhesive material is unnecessary for assembling. The sleeve body, enclosing the rear, end portion of the capillary, is provided with a window-like and rectangular-shaped opening about its middle point. Both side surfaces of the remaining portion of the sleeve body at the window section are dented with respect to the other portion of the sleeve body. The inlaid part is made of resilient material and has the opened-rectangular-shaped inner surface, such that it can be inlaid in the outer surface of the dented portion of the sleeve body, in other words, the window section. Along the central axis of the inner surface, the inlaid part is provided with the groove throughout the whole length, such that it can press the optical fiber with jacket against the groove, when the inlaid part is fitted in the window section.

Abstract: A connector is provided for securing one or more optical fibers to a mounting member, such as an instrument panel module wall or a light pipe within an instrument panel. The connector generally includes a body characterized by a longitudinal axis, a first end, an oppositely disposed second end, and an internal passage formed within the body along the longitudinal axis. The internal passage is tapered so as to have a smaller cross-section at the second end than at the first end, with the internal passage at the first end being sized to receive the one or more optical fibers. Expandable members are formed at the second end of the body, which enable the internal passage at the second end to radially expand and accommodate the optical fibers. In doing so, the expandable members serve to grip the optical fibers when disposed within the internal passage. At least one pair of resilient members extend from the midportion of the body, and both extend towards either the first or second end of the body.

Abstract: A method is described for sealing the buffer tube of an optical cable to the optical fiber to ready the cable for mounting in a terminus, which is relatively simple, avoids damage to the cable, and keeps the optical fiber centered on the buffer tube. The method includes placing a shrink tube (80, FIG. 2) around an end portion (72) of the buffer tube (16), and heating them to melt the end portion of the buffer tube and to shrink the shrink tube so it compresses the molten buffer tube against the outside of the optical fiber. The end portion (72A, FIG. 3) of the buffer tube which has been flowed closely around the optical fiber (14), seals the end of the buffer tube against the entrance of epoxy during termination to a terminus, prevents sliding of the optical fiber with respect to the buffer tube, and maintains the optical fiber centered on the end portion of the buffer tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly includes a housing having a forward end, a rearward end and an axially extending passageway therethrough. A ferrule assembly is mounted within the passageway and includes a forwardly projecting ferrule near a forward end of the connector assembly for axially receiving the fiber end of an optical fiber cable inserted into the passageway from the rearward end of the housing. A tube is removably positioned in the passageway, with a front end of the tube at the ferrule assembly and a rear end of the tube exposed at the rearward end of the housing for receiving epoxy injected into the tube. Therefore, the connector assembly can be substantially assembled and transported with the tube in position in the passageway, the epoxy later can be injected through the tube to the ferrule assembly. The tube then can be removed and the optical fiber cable can be inserted into the passageway into engagement with the injected epoxy.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector is provided which is of simple, dirt-resistant, and easily cleaned construction. The connector includes an outer body (1, FIG. 1) having a main bore (2), a ferrule (4) lying in precision sliding fit in the main bore, with an optical fibre (9) extending through the ferrule, a spacer (15) lying against the front of the ferrule, and a spherical lens (3) lying against the spacer. The outer member (1) has a larger second bore (10). A termination sleeve (8) lies in the second bore, presses forwardly on the ferrule, extends rearwardly through a stepped bore (11) in a securing member (12), and is biased forwardly by an elastomeric part (14) in the securing member. The spherical lens (3) has an anti-reflection coating and is bonded to the front surface (17) of the spacer.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule is provided with a fiber core mounted within the axial centerline of the ferrule, and the end face of the fiber ferrule has a chamfered lead in edge. The ferrule also has an end face which is offset from the axial centerline by an angle .beta.. The chamfered lead-in edge has edges proportionately angled such that the distance from the vertex of the polished end face to diametrically opposed edges of the convex surface are equal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic coupling apparatus for coupling light from a high power light source into a fiber optic while preventing thermal damage to the fiber optic at the fiber-to-light source coupling. The light source comprises a housing having a fiber input structure with inner surfaces defining a through-hole for receiving the fiber optic. The fiber input structure has outer surfaces which define a substantially conical profile of the structure that extends within the housing such that an axis of symmetry of the fiber input structure is substantially coincident with the light input to the fiber optic. The fiber input structure is further made from a high heat conductivity material and has a reflective coating on an input end face for reflecting light that is outside the acceptance angle of the fiber optic, but incident upon the fiber input structure.

Abstract: An electro-optical contact assembly provides a connection between an electrical system and a fiber optic system for transmission of a signal therethrough. The assembly includes a converter for converting the signal between electrical and optical forms. The assembly also includes a receptacle with a retention mechanism mounted thereon which allows secure retention of an optical fiber terminus in the receptacle. The retention mechanism allows manual release of its clip from engagement with the optical fiber terminus in order to allow removal of the terminus from the receptacle, thereby allowing optical connection and disconnection of the assembly from the electrical system as well as other systems by simply plugging and unplugging fiber optic termini into and out of the contact assembly. The assembly includes a conductor surrounding the receptacle and terminus to provide EMI and RFI shielding of the terminus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector having a shielding apparatus for protecting the exposed end of a fiber optic. The shielding apparatus of the connector generally comprises a cylindrical housing, a collet, and a protective sleeve. The cylindrical housing comprises first and second ends and a through-hole for reception of a fiber optic having a fiber optic end protruding from the first end of the cylindrical housing. The collet comprises a tubular body with first and second ends and a through-hole passing between the ends for movable reception of the cylindrical housing, with the second end of the tubular body being split to form a plurality of prongs arranged coaxially with the through-hole of the collet.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting means for positioning and securing an optical fiber such that the optical fiber may be joined with a mating optical fiber, the connecting means having an endface, the endface which may have a recess or counterbore provided to allow a controlled unsupported fiber length which will contribute to a superior optical fiber endface cleave when cleaving is the method of fiber termination. Cleaving may be accomplished with rotational or tangential scribing while the fiber periphery is under tension, the tension condition enhanced by the unsupported fiber length at the terminus endface. Polished fiber ends may also be used.

Abstract: A fiber optic inline connector includes mating connector bodies each of which has a concentric protrusion at a connector end and a concentric cable passage that extends through the connector body from the connector end to a cable end. The concentric protrusions include a pair of diametrically opposed prongs and a pair of diametrically opposed slots that are orthogonally related to the diametrically opposed prongs so that the slots of each protrusion receive the prongs of the other protrusion to align the cable passages when the connector bodies are mated. The mated connector bodies are locked together by a pair of diametrically opposed stiff lock tongues and a pair of diametrically opposed flexible lock fingers at the connector end of each connector body that are spaced radially outwardly of the respective protrusions.

Abstract: An inner, optical fiber core clamping ferrule has an optical fiber clamping portion for receipt in an outer ferrule and defining an axially extending through-passageway, an axial slit extending through the clamping portion divides the passageway into two opposed groove portions receiving a prepared end of an optical fiber extending along the through-passageway. The inner ferrule is force-fitted in the outer ferrule to extend co-axially therewith, with wall portions thereof maintaining the opposed walls of the spaced apart slit in open condition so that opposed walls of the groove portions are pressed into gripping engagement with the optical fiber. The opposed walls of the slit diverge as they extend radially outwardly away from the groove portions. The inner ferrule may be split for the entire length of the through passageway forming two halve hinged together at one end or have open slits formed in an otherwise imperforate tubular wall.

Abstract: A fiber optic termination for incorporating within a fiber optic connector is capable of mechanical assembly which can preclude the use of adhesives for termination assembly. A metal plunger compresses a bullet having an aperture therethrough into a constriction causing the bullet to grip a fiber. A metal insert lines the interior of an alignment ferrule and engages the actuating plunger with an interference fit. The interference fit retains the plunger over time and over a broad operating temperature range. Dimples on the outer surface of the metal insert create pockets of engagement between the insert and the alignment ferrule that resist axial displacement of the insert relative to the alignment ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule received within a ferrule holder. The ferrule holder is provided with venting to evacuate air from an adhesive receiving chamber to avoid air pocket formation in adhesive.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy apparatus providing improved light distribution with an end fitting for use with clad optical fibers, which apparatus cooperates with an unclad stripped terminal end of the optical fiber that is inwardly tapered towards its end such that light scattering media disposed between a glass tube surrounding at least the tapered portion of the optical fiber provides improved and predictable light distribution, the media being suitably cured to a rigid relationship thereby to continuously provide improved light distribution.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to gelled oil compositions which employ aluminum complex soaps as gelling agents. The gelled oils comprise an oil component, a bleed inhibitor of polybutene, and optional amounts of antioxidant and pour point depressant. The gelled oils are particularly suited for use as buffer tube gels and as filling compounds for waveguides.

Abstract: A temperature probe includes a sensor material optically communicating with a waveguide, and a sheath having a sheath coefficient of thermal expansion substantially matched to a thermal expansion coefficient of the waveguide. The waveguide has first and second ends secured proximate corresponding sheath ends. In another aspect of the invention, waveguide ends are secured near the sheath ends, the sheath is bent at one or more locations so that it is noncylindrical, and a midsection of the waveguide is loosely held within the bent sheath. In still another aspect of the invention, a metallic tube with the sensor material disposed therein is secured to the waveguide by direct attachment to a metallic coating on the waveguide.

Abstract: An elastic insert for receiving and securing an optical fiber within a passage of a housing, such as a ferrule of an fiber optic connector, when compacted therein by a plunger, the insert having deformable relief regions that are constructed to deform upon compaction so that the optical fiber is securely held by the insert, while controlling the forces exerted outwardly by the insert against the housing along the passage and a fiber optic connector for use with the insert.

Abstract: In a method of coupling an optical fiber to an optical component on the same substrate, eccentricity of the core of a coupling fiber is exploited to adjust the vertical position of the core by rotation of the fiber about its axis. This adjustment is carried out with the fiber held in contact with a horizontal reference surface of a substrate also carrying a laser diode constituting the component to which the fiber must be coupled. The method can be used to implement transmission headers for optical fiber telecommunication systems.

Abstract: An adhesiveless optical fiber connector utilizes a mechanical gripping element to hold the fiber in place. The gripping element will receive an optical fiber when it is disengaged and hold the fiber when engaged. It is engageable by moving a plug in a direction transverse to the fiber.

Abstract: A terminating device for an optical waveguide, comprising a sleeve-like terminating member (23, 25; 271) in which an optical waveguide section (47; 229) having a coupling face ground to be plane is glued on the one hand and in which an optical waveguide (19, 21, 213) abutting said optical waveguide section (47; 229) is inserted on the other hand. Such a terminating member can be used in an optical waveguide connector (15,17; 211). In an optical waveguide connection assembly (11; 211) using such connectors (15, 17; 211), portions of the terminating members (23, 25; 271) projecting from a coupling face of the connector (15, 17; 211) are centered in a centering means (83; 299) with respect to their required radial position.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic fiber alignment ferrule is provided with a polishing pedestal. The ferrule has an opening therethrough for receiving the end of a fiber, which extends beyond the pedestal. The fiber is cleaved and the end is severed. The ferrule is polished to remove the pedestal, resulting is a smoothly polished end surface.

Abstract: A crimp sleeve, for connection of the back shell of a fiber optic cable connector with a fiber optic cable of a type including a buffered optic fiber having an encircling jacket inclusive of fibrous matter, includes a crimpable body member having first and second open ends and defining a passage between the first and second open ends, the crimpable member having first and second interior surfaces bounding the passage successively lengthwise of the body member. The first interior surface extends from the first open end interiorly of the body member and has a first radius relative to a central axis of the body member and the second interior surface has a second radius relative to the central axis of the body member of measure less than the first radius.

Abstract: An optical transmitter (1) comprises a semiconductor laser optical source (14) housed in an optical fibre connector component. An optical baffle (8) such as a short section of optical fibre ensures that only minimal power is emitted to the environment when the transmission fibre (6) is withdrawn from the connector.

Abstract: There is provided an improved branching section of a sheathed multicore optical fiber which is free from twisted and/or bent optical fiber cores during the operation of assembling the component of the branching section so that the operation may be carried out effectively and efficiently to provide a stable branching section of a sheathed multicore optical fiber. Such a branching section is established at an end of a sheathed multicore optical fiber by using stop rings 13, 23 having respective noncircular flanges 13, 22 and a sleeve 27 comprising a plurality of matching oblong members 28a, 28b.

Abstract: An electrooptical device, such as a semiconductor laser, and an optical fiber are packaged together in light coupling alignment using an electrolytic technique that avoids heat-induced stresses that commonly result from joining methods that employ welding, soldering, or catalytic adhesive compositions. The particular technique of this invention also avoids the need to encapsulate the electrooptical device within an index matching gel to protect it from the electrolytic plating solution thereby enabling optical devices such as lenses, isolators, filters, etc, to be incorporated in the package. The electrooptical device is mounted onto a common metallic base and the optical device is mounted within the bore of a tubular metallic support member. This support member is affixed to the base by means of nodes of a flexible conductive gel and is positioned relative to the electrooptical device for maximum light coupling between the device and the optical fiber within the support member.

Abstract: An optical fibre feedthrough in which a polarization maintaining (PM) fibre is sealed within a metallic sleeve by a glass seal. The seal applies asymmetric stresses to the fibre which is orientated so that they reinforce its PM properties. This arrangement reduces the manufacturing tolerances needed to avoid destroying the PM properties of the fibre associated with symmetric stress seals. It has application to packages for opto-electronic components. A double optical fibre feedthrough is also disclosed.

Abstract: Two types of structural elements each employable for a light diverging/converging device are disclosed. One is a double circuit diverging ferrule which comprises a first semicylindrical ferrule element, a second semicylindrical ferrule element and a cylindrical bushing through which both the ferrule elements are press-fitted. The other is a single circuit converging ferrule which comprises a first semicylindrical ferrule element, a second solid semicylindrical ferrule and a cylindrical bushing through which both the ferrule elements are press-fitted. Three types of light diverging/converging devices, i.e., a diverging ratio variable type 1.times.2 circuit light diverging/converging device, a diverging ratio variable type 2.times.2 circuit light diverging/converging device and a 1.times.2 circuit light diverging/converging device having a constant diverging ratio each of which is constructed by using the aforementioned structural elements are also disclosed. A 2.times.

Abstract: A system for coupling laser radiation at a high power to an optical fiber while dissipating heat from scattered laser and optical pump radiation, including an optical fiber, a protective ferrule surrounding a portion of the optical fiber extending from the input face of the optical fiber and welded to the fiber in the region of the input face and otherwise separated from the fiber by an air space, and a holder surrounding the ferrule to absorb scattered radiation and dissipate heat.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector resists signal interruption with a structure that has an inner body, that receives and mounts an optical fiber, and that has an outer body having an axial passage that receives the inner body. The outer body has two sections arranged in axial succession. The outer-body back section mounts a captive element for mechanical coupling with a further optical device with which the connector mates. The forward, second section of the outer body is arranged for limited axial displacement relative to the first section. The connector has structure forming two springs or like resiliently acting elements; one biases the front end of the inner body axially forward relative to the back of the outer body, and the second biases the front of the outer body forward relative to the back section of the outer body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation fixture for preassembly of a portion of a fiber optic connector. The fixture can be separately assembled including a ferrule, a ferrule holder, coupling hardware, and heat shrinkable tubing to seat an optical fiber during curing.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises a deformable sleeve (5) for receiving the fiber(s) in a rigid connector body (13) to hold the fibers (20) in position relative to the body. After compression, the front end of the sleeve remains set back inside the body.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting apparatus includes an optical fiber having a cladding made of a fluoroplastic material, a fixing sleeve made of a fluoroplastic material in which the optical fiber is inserted, an adhesive layer made of a fluoroplastic material provided between an outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber inserted in the fixing sleeve and an inner surface of the fixing sleeve, and a ferrule for fitting the fixing sleeve therein.

Abstract: An optical fiber alignment device is provided for aligning an optical fiber ferrule which has a geometric axis which may or may not be coincident with the optical axis of the fiber therewithin, with a cylindrical optical transmitter/receiver component which has a geometric axis which may or may not be coincident with the optical axis of the component. The adaptor includes a first end for receiving the ferrule and a second end for embracing the cylindrical optical component. The first end has a geometric axis generally coincident with the geometric axis of the ferrule, and the second end has a geometric axis generally coincident with the geometric axis of the cylindrical optical component. The first and second ends of the adaptor are eccentric to each other, thereby offsetting the respective geometric axes thereof. Therefore, rotation of the adaptor about the cylindrical transmitter/receiver component allows for alignment optimization between the optical axes of the component and the optical fiber ferrule.

Abstract: Optical fiber connector comprises a ferrule receiving an optical fiber and a sleeve member for holding the ferrule. The body of the ferrule is made of glass on which a thin layer is deposited for reinforcement of the body. The thin layer may be made by hydrolysis, chemical vapor deposition, spray coating etc. The ferrule of the optical fiber connector is inexpensive, easy to assemble and suitable for mass production.

Abstract: The side surface of a ferrule (16) carrying a polarization-maintaining option fiber (10) has a projecting substantially dihedral-angled portion (17, 19) engaged in a complementary re-entrant substantially dihedral angled portion (22, 24) formed in a ferrule receiver (20). The invention is particularly applicable to making a laser-emitting head for an optical fiber telecommunications network.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a housing having a longitudinal passage extending therethrough and having two ends. A rear end is adapted for attaching a fiber optic cable therethrough. A front end is adapted for having a mating fiber contact plug secured thereto in the passage. The plug has a fiber-receiving passage coextensive with the passage in the housing. A retaining ring is disposed in a transverse groove in the passage in the housing for abutment against the fiber contact plug near the front end thereof to secure the plug in the passage in the housing. A tool is provided for assembling the fiber optic connector. The tool includes a head for receiving and holding the housing of the connector in position with the fiber contact plug and retaining ring insertable into the passage thereof. A pusher apparatus is mounted for movement relative to the head and is engageable with the retaining ring to push the retaining ring into the groove while the connector housing is held by the head of the tool.

Abstract: Connection device for connecting the end portions of optical fibres (30) comprising insertion means (12) and receiving means (11) designed for cooperation with at least a centering means (37) for radial and axial centering of the end portions of the optical fibres relative to each other. The centering means (37) is comprised of a sleeve (38) being closed in cross-section and provided with internal guiding elements (39) in the form of centering shanks extending in the longitudinal direction, and external guiding elements (40) in the form of ridge formed portions (40) extending in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve connected to the centering shanks and designed to allow the centering shanks to radially spring in a direction toward and from the center axis of the 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: A fiber optic package in which a plurality of fiber optic cables are encapsulated in a layer of flexible material which in turn is bonded to the surface of a low mass, low profile, apertured stiffener member. A portion of the encapsulating material extends beyond the edge of the stiffener and is configured into a plurality of tongues that encapsulate individual ones of the fiber optic cables. The stiffener member is fastened to an apertured backplane. Fittings on the ends of the fiber optic cables extend through the clearance apertures in the stiffener member and the backplane to feed the fiber optic cable to the front face of the backplane for coupling to an associated optical component.

Abstract: A multi-way, electro-optic connector comprises an optical fiber plug connector 1 and an electro-optic receptacle connector 100. Identical cover members 2 and 3, of the plug connector 1 define divergently curving optical fiber guiding channels 23 of at least a minimum curvature obviating transmission losses. Ferrule assemblies 5, each include an outer ferrule 25 receiving a reinforcing tube 26 and an inner ferrule 27 having slits 27a in optical fiber receiving ends and force-fitted into the reinforcing tube 26 with the core 24 received in a bore 31 of the outer ferrule as a sliding fit. Clamping collars, 9 and 10 are deformed to clamp cable reinforcing fibers 8 by assembly of the cover members 2,3. A one-piece, ganged sleeve member 130 and a retaining member 150 retain transducers 140 with leads trapped in grooves 138a,b and 139 for subsequent insertion in a main receptacle housing 110.

Abstract: A termination system is provided for use with optical fibre members installed in tubular passageways using a flow of air or other gas. The system comprises a chamber defined by a body having an opening provided with a removable cover. An end of at least one passageway in which a first optical fibre member may be installed is terminated on the body so that the passageway communicates with the interior of the chamber. Means are mounted on the cover for terminating an end of at least one second optical fibre member. Preferably the passageway carries a plurality of first optical fibre members and the cover has means for terminating the ends of an equal plurality of the second optical fibre members.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection system is provided, of the type wherein the front tips (30, 32, FIG. 2) of two optical fibers substantially abut one another, which precisely aligns the two fiber tips while keeping them pressed together, in a low cost plastic construction. Each connector of a mating pair includes an optical fiber assembly (24, 26) mounted in a housing, the assembly including a forward ferrule (40, 42) crimped to the front end portion of a fiber. One connector housing has an alignment sleeve (70) lying about the forward ferrule of that connector, the sleeve having slots forming tines (80-84) with free front ends extending forward of the corresponding ferrule (40). The other connector housing has a tine deflector (96) that deflects the free front ends of the tines against the front ends of the substantially abutting ferrules.

Abstract: The optical connection system comprises at least one optical connection element composed of three separate portions A, B, C; the portion A comprises an optical contact of the pump-action optical contact type whose calibrated end-piece is intended for the cabling of an optical fibre, the portion B comprises at one end a calibrated end-piece identical to the end-piece of the portion A and comprises at the other end an optical contact, of the lensed optical contact type, which contact is intended for the optical connection with a complementary optical connection element, the portion C comprises a calibrated guiding system in order to receive the calibrated end-pieces of the portions A and B, to place their respective ends in contact and to ensure a very accurate coaxial alignment of the two end-pieces.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting ferrule according to the present invention comprises head and tail cylindrical sections of relatively large diameter, and an intermediate cylindrical section of relatively small diameter integrally connected to said head and tail cylindrical sections. With this arrangement the ferrule can be flexibly bent at its intermediate cylindrical section under undesired force applied to the ferrule, thus causing no adverse effect on an associated slotted sleeve, and hence causing no insertion loss in transmission even when undesired force is applied to the ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a low cost ferrule assembly that protectively supports, positions and aligns an optical fiber The ferrule has an outer ferrule body terminating in an alignment passage and which seats an inner support member within which the fiber extends. This ferrule is particularly advantageous for use with unbuffered optical fibers and adhesiveless connectors.