Abstract: An optical fiber plug includes a body having a channel defined through the body, at least one set of recesses oppositely defined in a face of the body, and a clamping portion formed between the channel and a bottom face defining each of the at least one set of recesses. The deformation of the clamping portion is able to retain an insulating layer of an optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical connector in which the operation for inserting an optical fiber cord can be effected easily, and the optical fiber cord can be positively prevented from being abruptly bent. A bending guide portion of an arcuate shape is formed integrally with a housing body portion for receiving and holding an end portion of an optical fiber cord. The bending guide portion has a generally tubular shape, and its inner peripheral portion forms an inner peripheral bending limitation portion for limiting a minimum value of a bend radius of the optical fiber cord, while its outer peripheral side is open over an entire length thereof in a peripheral direction thereof. In place of the outer peripheral side, one side and the other side of the bending guide portion may be open over an entire length thereof in a peripheral direction thereof.

Abstract: An optical connector for connecting optical fibers together in an automobile, equipment or the like. The optical connector includes a housing body portion to be connected to a mating optical connector and a bending guide portion. The housing body portion has a fiber receiving hole portion for receiving an optical fiber exposed at an end portion of an optical fiber cord. The optical fiber cord extends rearward from the fiber receiving hole portion. The bending guide portion extends rearward from the housing body portion and has a holding portion for holding the optical fiber cord in a predetermined curved manner. The optical fiber cord is positioned and held in an axial direction thereof in the bending guide portion.

Abstract: An optical connector has a housing in which a ferrule and a stopper are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the housing, respectively. An optical fiber ribbon extends from the ferrule through the stopper engaged with the housing and comes out from the rear end of the housing. A protection boot extends from the rear end of the housing over a predetermined length. The protection boot surrounds the optical fiber ribbon. The protection boot has a front end mounted on the stopper inside the housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminal (10) of the present invention is for protecting a pair of optical fibers (71,72) entering an optical equipment housing (90). The fiber optic terminal includes an installment section (11), an orientation section (15), a first relief portion (12) and a second relief portion (13). The first relief portion and the second relief portion are integrally molded with the installment section and the orientation section. The fiber optic terminal further defines a first passageway (121) and a second passageway (131). In assembly, the two optical fibers are received in the fiber optic terminal through the passageways to connect with optical components in the housing, and the fiber optic terminal is tightly received in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting an end of a first fiber optic cable to an end of a second fiber optic cable, the apparatus comprising a first fiber optic cable comprising at least one plastic fiber, a second fiber optic cable comprising at least one plastic fiber, a first fitting have a cavity for securing the end of said first fiber optic cable, a second fitting for securing the end of said second fiber optic cable, and a connector for joining the first fitting to the second fitting to hold the end of the first fiber optic cable in alignment with the end of the second fiber optic cable to allow light to pass therebetween.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for holding fiber optic cable in a bend without violating the minimum bend radius. The guide is a removably attachable to the fiber optic cable. Duplex embodiments and related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for packaging optical-electronic components used in fiber-optics networks. A top lid with an opening covers all the components of the optical-electronic package. A fiber boot with a groove is provided, wherein the opening in the top lid mates with the fiber boot groove. The fiber boot groove is located between plural shoulders. An optical fiber passes through an opening in the fiber boot and is firmly held within the fiber boot.

Abstract: A connector subassembly and related connector that are configured to floatingly align and tune mated ferrules are disclosed. The connector subassembly includes a ferrule holder and a plug housing having an inner surface with slanted or sloped alignment features, such as, for example, a radially extending key. In an embodiment, the ferrule holder assembly is configured to hold the ferrule and has an outer surface defining a groove extending axially. The key is slidably disposed in the groove. The connector includes the ferrule holder, the plug housing, a spring element disposed within the plug housing and urging the ferrule holder in a direction axially toward the rearward opening, a crimp body attached to the plug housing so as to compress the spring element, a boot attached to the plug housing via the crimp body and disposed about a portion of an optical fiber, and a tube disposed about a section of the optical fiber and secured to the ferrule holder.

Abstract: A strain relief boot that can be easily attached to and removed from an assembled fiber optic assembly, as well as, related strain relief boot designs and methods of assembly are disclosed. The strain relief boot may be used during original assembly or as a replacement part. Numerous strain relief boot design alternatives and fiber optic assemblies that include the strain relief boot are disclosed.

Abstract: To protect a waveguide or cable in an installation channel, a protective profile is inserted into the channel and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section when installed. To install this in the channel, an apparatus having a drum with a profile wound thereon has the profile unwound and guided by guide rolls to a press roll, which presses the profile into the channel to the desired depth. The profile can have a center portion provided with embedded reinforcing elements or even optical or electrical leads.

Abstract: A ferrule boot for attachment to an optical fiber ribbon has a channel extending therethrough. The channel has at its distal end a first tapered lead-in section sized and dimensioned such that the optical fiber ribbon with the internal optical fibers stripped and exposed is insertable through the ferrule boot. The first tapered lead-in section is connected to a second tapered section, and the second tapered section prevents adhesives used to affix the optical fiber ribbon to a ferrule from wicking to the outside of the ferrule boot. The channel has a substantially straight section fitting intimately over the outside of the optical fiber ribbon to center and guide the exposed optical fibers to the center of the proximal end of the channel. In an embodiment, the ferrule boot also has a lip member disposed proximate to the proximal end of the channel to help seal the adhesive and ease insertion. Additionally, the lip may also prevent withdrawal of the optical fiber ribbon.

Abstract: An optical device includes a rigid pipe provided to cover the outer peripheries of a fixing joint portion and an optical fiber. The tip portion of the rigid pipe has a gap for providing flexibility between the optical fiber and the tip portion. Therefore, the rigid pipe suppresses bending of the optical fiber to avoid concentration of stress in the fixing joint portion for fixing the optical fiber to an optical unit section, thereby avoiding breakage of the optical fiber in the fixing joint portion.

Abstract: A junction box for a single-tube cable, and particularly an optical fiber cable for the connection of one or several wires or fibers of the cable to one or several wires or fibers of another cable. The box has a hollow support (3) suitable for a tensioned connected cable crossing (C) and a spacer (2) to hold the casing of the axially cut cable spread inside the hollow support (3) to free the cable wires or fibers (F). Application to the installation and maintenance of cable networks is also described.

Abstract: A strain relief boot and an optical connector assembly includes an optical connector having a cable with a power transmitting optical fiber and a boot. The boot has a central, hollow tube that holds the cable. The boot includes a series of discrete segments secured together, with each of the segments being preferably slidably connected together with a ball and socket joint. The boot may be manipulated into angles and the cable placed under tension forces, without loss of power transmission to the connector. Methods of assembling and using the boot are provided.

Abstract: The method provides for molding the rear end portion 4 of a tubular body 2 made of plastic material on an end portion 5 of a cable adaptor 6. The tubular body 2 has windows 10 formed in a front end portion 3 thereof. A coil spring 21 and a ferrule holder 13 having wings 19 are inserted through the front end portion 3 of the tubular body 2 and forced therethrough so that the wings 19 expand radially the the front end portion 3 and the end walls 11 of the windows 10. When the wings 19 arrive in the windows 10, the end walls 11 and the front end portion 3 may re-contract radially so that the wings 19 may catch the end walls 11 under the bias of the coil spring 21.

Abstract: The optical fiber connector according to the present invention has an optical fiber with an expanded center core at the free end of the fiber. The optical fiber is securely attached within the center bore of the ferrule. The ferrule has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the ferrule makes contact with another optical connector. The rear end of the ferrule is housed within a connector body. The free end of the optical fiber with the expanded center core is exposed at the front end of the ferrule, where a contact is made with another optical connector. The optical fiber connector has a typical structure, except for the expanded center core, including a ferrule, a connector body, strain relief boot, and a cable protecting the optical fiber outside the connector.

Abstract: A ferrule boot for attachment to an optical fiber ribbon has a channel extending therethrough. The channel has at its distal end a first tapered lead-in section sized and dimensioned such that the optical fiber ribbon with the internal optical fibers stripped and exposed is insertable through the ferrule boot. The first tapered lead-in section is connected to a second tapered section, and the second tapered section prevents adhesives used to affix the optical fiber ribbon to a ferrule from wicking to the outside of the ferrule boot. The channel has a substantially straight section fitting intimately over the outside of the optical fiber ribbon to center and guide the exposed optical fibers to the center of the proximal end of the channel. In an embodiment, the ferrule boot also has a lip member disposed proximate to the proximal end of the channel to help seal the adhesive and ease insertion. Additionally, the lip may also prevent withdrawal of the optical fiber ribbon.

Abstract: A single-piece guide boot for a fiber optic ribbon cable includes an angled section and a straight section or termination plug. The guide boot comprises an outer sleeve or body that defines an inner passageway, and has a first end for receiving the cable and a termination port. The inner passageway is dimensioned to allow a user to insert a cable through the passageway. The body with the inner passageway is used for guiding, bending, and/or twisting the cable. The body is angled at the desired angle (or radius of curvature), such as about 45 degrees or about 90 degrees. The body could have an outer diameter that decreases toward the first end. The inner passageway could be tapered to allow the cable to twist along the length of the boot without interference. The cable is inserted into the guide boot and through a cut-out window, at which time it is twisted or otherwise rotated. The cable is then re-inserted through the window and through the termination port of the termination plug.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable routing guide for bending an optical fiber cable while protecting the optical fiber cable from sharp bends that could cause optical fiber damage or degradation of signal transmission. The cable routing guide is made in the form of an elongated curved channel to receive and bend an optical fiber cable and the enclosing strain relief boot at an optical fiber cable connector. One end of the elongated curved channel is shaped to make abutting contact with the cable connector and has protruding studs shaped to prevent rotation of the cable routing guide relative to the cable connector. The cable routing guide is easily installed without the need for tools and provides compact installation and routing of optical fiber cables within an enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hologram transfer film which can realize easy and good transfer of a hologram and, at the same time, can realize stable transfer of the hologram in a transfer process. The hologram transfer film comprises: a substrate film; and a transfer layer provided on the substrate film, the transfer layer comprising a hologram-forming layer and a heat-sensitive adhesive layer provided in that order on the substrate film, the hologram-forming layer having a breaking strain of 0.5 to 15% at 25° C. and a breaking strain of 0.5 to 30% at 120° C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a crimp plug having a front portion, a center portion, and a securing portion. A conductor receiving cavity extends from the front e into the center portion. A stop shoulder within the center portion provides transition from the conductor receiving cavity to a plurality of conductor receiving passageway extending to a rear end. Each conductor receiving passageway serves to properly position the conductors while the stop shoulder serves to control the insertion length. A securing portion extends from the center portion and provides for securing of the cable.

Abstract: A strain relief assembly is provided for use in management of optical fibers that enter and exit the enclosure walls of optical fiber components, such as optical amplifiers, etc. The strain relief assembly includes a rigid plastic sleeve, and an elastomeric boot. The boot includes a main body portion having retaining shoulders located on opposing sides of a retaining channel, and further includes a cone-shaped tip portion to guide and support the optical fiber as it exits the wall of the enclosure. The retaining shoulders and retaining channel cooperate to lock the boot into a U-shaped opening in a wall of an enclosure. The main body portion of the boot includes an axial opening for receiving the sleeve and the cone-shaped tip portion includes an co-axially extending bore for receiving the optical fiber. The sleeve is a cylindrical rigid tube configured for receiving the optical fiber therethrough. In use, the fiber is fixed in place inside the sleeve with a UV curable resin.

Abstract: An optical module including a substrate having a groove; an optical waveguide layer formed on the substrate, the optical waveguide layer including an optical waveguide core having first and second ends, the first end being aligned with the groove, and an optical waveguide cladding covering the optical waveguide core; a ferrule having a through hole; and an optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule has a flat cut portion for semicylindrically exposing a part of the optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule is fixed at the flat cut portion to the substrate so that the part of the optical fiber exposed to the flat cut portion is inserted into the groove of the substrate until one end of the optical fiber abuts against the first end of the optical waveguide core.

Abstract: A fixing component for fixing an optical fiber cord to an optical connector in a press-fitting manner by compression deformation is formed with a connected combination of a tension member fixing portion for fixing, in a press-fitting manner, a tension member of the optical fiber cord put on an outer peripheral surface of the optical connector to the outer peripheral surface and a sheath fixing portion for fixing, in a press-fitting manner, a sheath of the cord put on the outer peripheral surface of the connector to the outer peripheral surface, and has a slit formed between the tension member fixing portion and the sheath fixing portion, and adapted to absorb compressed and deformed part of either or both of the two fixing portions.

Abstract: The outer periphery of the code leading end portion of the rear end portion of a connector housing is formed in a regular quadrilateral shape, while the inner periphery of the mounting end portion of a code hold boot member is formed in a regular quadrilateral shape which allows the mounting end portion inner periphery to be fitted with the outer surfaces of the code draw-out end portion. A plurality of projection-shaped engaging portions are formed in the respective composing surfaces of the outer periphery of the code leading end portion and, a plurality of engaging portions are formed in the respective composing surfaces of the inner periphery of the mounting end portion. The mounting end portion of the code hold boot member can be fitted with the outer surfaces of the code leading end portion in four different postures leading in upper, lower, right and left directions.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for a fiber optic ribbon cable includes a guide boot and a termination plug. The guide boot comprises an outer sleeve or body that defines an inner passageway, and has a first end for receiving the cable and a termination port. The inner passageway is dimensioned to allow a user to insert a cable through the passageway. The body with the inner passageway is used for guiding, bending, and/or twisting the cable. The body is angled at the desired angle (or radius of curvature), such as about 45 degrees or about 90 degrees. The body preferably has an outer diameter that decreases toward the first end. The inner passageway is preferably tapered to allow the cable to twist along the length of the boot without interference. The cable can be inserted into and through the guide boot without any twisting, and the cable can thereafter be twisted or otherwise rotated before the guide boot is connected with the termination plug.

Abstract: A prefabricated plug-in assembly includes a front subframe and a plug pin arranged in it. The assembly further has a holder for an optical conductor end. Light-curable adhesive is introduced into the holder in advance and, once the optical conductor end has been introduced, is cured by supplying light. To this end, the plug-in assembly is sufficiently transparent and translucent for the light wavelength of the light used for curing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coupling of a lightwave conductor cable with many lightwave conductors (8) on coupling elements in a housing, which contains a clamping element for the end of the lightwave conductor cable and a number of coupling elements (9), which correspond with the number of the lightwave conductors to be plugged. According to the invention the end of the lightwave conductor cable is fixable by the clamping element on a chassis part or clamping flange (2) of the housing, and the lightwave conductors, which extend out from the cable end, are surrounded with a flexible cable sleeve. The ends of the cable sleeves, which are faced toward the cable end, are connected together and anchored in the clamping element. (FIG.

Abstract: An optical module including a substrate having a groove; an optical waveguide layer formed on the substrate, the optical waveguide layer including an optical waveguide core having first and second ends, the first end being aligned with the groove, and an optical waveguide cladding covering the optical waveguide core; a ferrule having a through hole; and an optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule has a flat cut portion for semicylindrically exposing a part of the optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule is fixed at the flat cut portion to the substrate so that the part of the optical fiber exposed to the flat cut portion is inserted into the groove of the substrate until one end of the optical fiber abuts against the first end of the optical waveguide core.

Abstract: The fiber-optic cable is provided with a cable jacket from which at least one optical fiber and ends of a strength member emerge. To achieve reliable mechanical fixation of the strength member to a housing the strength member is bent back over an annular bend former onto the cable jacket. The ends are secured to the cable jacket rearwardly of the bend former by a retainer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic device including a connector housing including a front housing piece, an intermediate housing piece, and a rear housing piece that is non-unitarily connected to the intermediate housing piece. The rear housing piece and the intermediate housing piece define passages that are in general alignment with one another. The fiber optic device also includes a hub positioned within the connector housing. The hub includes a passage that aligns generally with the passage of the intermediate housing piece. The hub is spring biased toward a front end of the connector housing. The fiber optic device further includes a ferrule connected to the hub, and a fiber optic cable. The ferrule defines a passage that extends in general axial alignment with the passage of the hub. A fiber portion of the fiber optic cable is adhesively bonded within the passage of the ferrule. A buffered portion of the fiber optic cable extends through the passage of the rear housing piece.

Abstract: An optical connector plug has a front housing 1, a rear housing 2, a ferrule 3, a coil spring 4 and an optical cord fixing member 5, and in addition to the ferrule 3 and the coil spring 4, the optical cord fixing member 5 for fixing a tension resistive member and a cord outer jacket is received and held within an internal through space defined when the front housing 1 and the rear housing 2 are coupled. Also, upon assembling the optical connector plug, assembling of these members 1 to 5 can be realized by movement in an axial direction as much as possible. Accordingly, assembling of the optical connector plug is facilitated and suitable for automatic assembling.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for use with a fiber optic cable. The connector of the present invention includes a housing portion having a first end and a second end, the first end for mating with a second connector, the second end for receiving the fiber optic cable, the housing further including a cavity formed therein. A strain relief member communicates between the second end of the housing and the fiber optic cable for providing support therebetween. The connector further includes a lead-in tube disposed in the cavity, the lead-in tube having first fiber passageways formed therein. A ferrule is disposed in the cavity adjacent the lead-in tube. The ferrule includes a removable insert, the insert having second fiber passageways formed therein. The ferrule insert is further composed of a material which readily bonds with a quick-curing adhesive.

Abstract: An optical module including a substrate having a groove; an optical waveguide layer formed on the substrate, the optical waveguide layer including an optical waveguide core having first and second ends, the first end being aligned with the groove, and an optical waveguide cladding covering the optical waveguide core; a ferrule having a through hole; and an optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule has a flat cut portion for semicylindrically exposing a part of the optical fiber inserted and fixed in the through hole. The ferrule is fixed at the flat cut portion to the substrate so that the part of the optical fiber exposed to the flat cut portion is inserted into the groove of the substrate until one end of the optical fiber abuts against the first end of the optical waveguide core.

Abstract: An optical fiber device (1) includes an upper cover (18), a lower cover (19), and two optical fiber holders (2). Each optical fiber holder includes a retaining body (10), a strain relief boot (20), and an interconnection member (30). A passage is defined in each optical fiber holder, for receiving a plurality of optical fibers therethrough. An inner rib (311) is formed on an inner surface of the interconnection member, and is engagingly received in a groove (112) defined in a front portion of the retaining body. Two parallel outer ribs (321) are formed on an outer surface of the interconnection member, and are engagingly received in corresponding grooves (162) defined in the upper and lower covers. An engaging bead (211) is formed at a front end of the strain relief boot, and is engagingly received in a rear groove (123) defined in an intermediate portion of the retaining body.

Abstract: An optical ring network, an optical connector, and a hybrid connector is provided, wherein a leading-out direction of an optical fiber can be changed without bringing about bad influence on the light transmitted with the optical fiber. An optical plug 24 as an optical connector includes a pair of ferrules 31 to be attached to the respective ends of a pair of optical fibers 25 and an optical adapter 32 having accommodating chambers 101 to accommodate the respective end portions of the optical fibers 25 with the respective ferrules 31. And, directing members 26,27 to direct the respective optical fibers 25 led out of the optical adapter 32 are secured to the respective ferrules 31, and the ferrules 31 with the directing members 26,27 are pivotably accommodated in the respective accommodating chambers 101.

Abstract: A furcation apparatus for a multi-conductor cable of the type having reinforcing fibers for longitudinal strength. The furcation apparatus includes a furcation spacer having a plurality of passages extending through an interior of the furcation spacer from a first end to a second end. Each passage is of a size sufficient to receive a furcation tube having reinforcing fibers, and each furcation tube is of a size sufficient to receive one of the plurality of conductors of the cable. The furcation tube reinforcing fibers approach the furcation spacer from the second end and are anchored adjacent the first end, and the cable reinforcing fibers approach the furcation spacer from the first end and are anchored adjacent the second end, such that tensioning the furcation tube reinforcing fibers and cable reinforcing fibers places the furcation spacer under compressive stress.

Abstract: A linear sliding locking mechanism includes: a base having a passageway; a plurality of fingers having a first end and a second end, the plurality of fingers surrounding the passageway and extending from the base at the second end; a sliding activation piece surrounding the plurality of fingers; and wherein as the sliding activation piece is moved from the second end towards the first end, the plurality of fingers are biased together. In another exemplary embodiment, a mechanical splice connector for a fiber optical cable includes: a linear sliding locking mechanism; an inner housing having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to receive the linear sliding locking mechanism; a capillary supported by the inner housing; and a ferrule having a first side and a second side, the first side of the ferrule mounted to the second end of the inner housing, the ferrule including a fiber stub extending from the second side, the fiber stub extends within the capillary.

Abstract: A reusable fitment for connection to an optical fiber comprises a cylindrical main body, a translucent window member fixed to an inside of at least a top portion of the main body, and a connector detachably connected to a rear end portion of the main body.

Abstract: A connector boot for attachment to a flanged BTW-LC connector has extending at an angle therefrom a trigger member. The trigger on the boot acts as an anti-snag device and makes removal of the connector easier. The boot has a bore extending therethrough having an undercut portion for gripping the connector flange, and at least one key in the bore for mating with slots in the flange of the connector for preventing the boot and trigger from turning relative to the connector. In an embodiment of the invention, a second boot parallel to the first boot is joined thereto by a web, and a trigger member extends from the web at an angle to the boots.

Abstract: An angled fiber optical connector which includes a curved body portion that includes an internal passageway and a treated optical fiber disposed within the internal passageway. The treated optical fiber has been annealed or otherwise treated to reduce the micromechanical stresses within the fiber in order to reduce the degradation of the optical and physical properties of the fiber. In addition, the treated portion of the optical fiber disposed within the internal passageway can be configured and arranged to prevent physical contact with any of the interior surfaces of the internal passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing fiber optic cable to a connector, comprising providing a cable, said cable having an outer surface, an end section, a cable jacket, and a strengthening material; positioning a strain relief boot on said outer surface of said cable, said strain relief boot having an inner surface, wherein said inner surface has a first geometric pattern; providing a connector assembly, said connector assembly having a connector assembly part, a plug end, a cable end, and an exterior surface, wherein said exterior surface has a second geometric pattern which cooperates with said first geometric pattern on said inner surface of said strain relief boot, said connector part being located on said cable end; positioning said end section of said cable in a manner such that said cable jacket and said strengthening material touch, and cover said outer surface of said connector part; and using a simple tool to slide said strain relief boot toward said connector, and over said connector part, thereby

Abstract: An optical transmission component and a method of making the same in which one or a plurality of optical fibers 1 are fixed to a main body 3 of the optical transmission component with one end face of each optical fiber being exposed, and thus exposed end face is used as a connecting end face to be optically connected to another optical transmission component. The coating 1b of each optical fiber 1 is removed, so as to expose a predetermined length of an optical fiber 1a. An end face 1c of thus exposed optical fiber is processed by spark discharge processing in a short period of time, such that at least the front end of a core portion projects from the front end of its cladding portion. Thus processed optical fiber 1 is inserted into the main body and fixed thereto with an adhesive 5, while a predetermined pressure is being added along the optical axis of each optical fiber 1 from the end face 1c side.

Abstract: A connector for an optical fiber includes a fiber holder for positionally aligning and retaining the end of the optical fiber and a clamp for selectively clamping the optical fiber against movement in and relative to the connector. The connector is insertable into a coupler for optically coupling the optical fiber with another optical fiber held in the connector or with an optical device.

Abstract: A creep-resistant optical fiber attachment includes an optical fiber 10, having a cladding 12 and a core 14, having a variation region 16 (expanded or recessed) of an outer dimension on of the cladding and a structure, such as a ferrule 30, disposed against least a portion of the variation region 16. The fiber 10 is held in tension against the ferrule and the ferrule 30 has a size and shape that mechanically locks the ferrule 30 to the variation 16, thereby holding the fiber 10 in tension against the ferrule 30 with minimal relative movement (or creep) in at least one axail direction between the fiber 10 and the ferrule 30. The ferrule 30 may be attached to or part of a larger structure, such as a housing. The variation 16 and the ferrule 30 may have various different shapes and sizes. There may also be a buffer layer 18 between the cladding 12 and the ferrule 30 to protect the fiber 10 and/or to help secure the ferrule 30 to the fiber 10 to minimize creep.

Abstract: A buffering sleeve (46) is slid onto an outer end portion of an optical fiber cable (12) that includes an optical fiber surrounded by a buffer covering (16). The buffering sleeve (46) is crimped onto the buffer covering (16). A bared length of optical fiber (14) extends endwise outwardly from the buffering sleeve (46), into and through a center opening (40) in a ferrule (38) that is at the outer end of a connector fitting (10). Connector fitting (10) includes an inwardly opening inner socket (34) that snugly receives the buffer sleeve (46). The inner end portion of the inner socket (34) is crimped onto an inner end portion (52) of the buffering sleeve (46). The bared optical fiber (14) projects forwardly through center opening (40) in ferrule (38). Outwardly of the ferrule (38), the optical fiber (14) is cleaved and polished, flush with the outer end (39) of the ferrule (38).

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector that is tunable despite being fully assembled has a assembly having an enlarged ferrule holding member or flange that has a multi-faceted periphery, preferably in the shape of a hexagon. The connector has a front housing portion that has a multi-faceted seating region for the flange. The flange is disengageable from the seating region for tuning rotation by being movable axially toward the rear of the housing against the force of a spring. The connector can be tuned by incremental rotations of the assembly when the flange is disengaged.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminus and a connector containing such terminus are provided, with a relatively simple unit (110) that includes the terminus body (30), a helical spring (34) lying around a shaft (32) of the terminus body, and with a retention sleeve device (52) that retains the spring on the shaft prior to mounting the terminus assembly and which thereafter slideably mounts the terminus in a connector housing so the terminus body can slide rearwardly. The shaft is provided with a recess (160) that forms a forwardly-facing shoulder (162). The retention sleeve device lies around the shaft and has at least one tine (152) that extends rearward and at least partially radially inward and against the shaft shoulder, with the tine being biased radially inward.