Abstract: A connector for optical fibers. A coupler is designed to affix an optical component. A cable mounting structure is designed to retain an optical cable, and to retain a terminating ferrule in an optical alignment with the optical component. A distance between a front face of the termination ferrule and a tail end of the cable mounting structure is about 1.648″. An adjuster bears threads mating to threads of the cable mounting structure. The adjuster is coupled in a fixed axial relationship with the coupler. An axial relative displacement between the cable mounting structure and the optical component is adjustable by relative rotation of the cable mounting structure and adjuster. The length of the adjuster is about 0.415″. The cable mounting structure bears a shoulder unitarily formed with a threaded component of the cable mounting structure effective as a limit stop of to limit relative movement of the adjuster.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device having at least one exposed region. First and second metal seals bond and/or secure with, and surround, the exposed region of the device. An enclosure seals the device between the first and second metal seals. The enclosure has a first substrate and a second substrate, each with end surfaces including a deformable metal layer. The deformable metal layer seals the corresponding surfaces in response to the application of a compressive force and/or energy to the first and second substrates. The enclosure may be constructed to include a cavity, and/or constructed of relative short length. The enclosure may be used to secure to a portion of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device, and/or may be used to encase a portion or all of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device.

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 connector assembly (1) comprises a ferrule (40) for supporting a fiber element (83) of an optical fiber cable (80), a ferrule holder (50) having an insertion section (52) aligned with the ferrule, a fiber crimper (70) temporarily assembled in the insertion section and then press fitted to fix the fiber element at the first predetermined area; and a cable holder (60) temporarily assembled in the insertion section and then press fitted to fix the fiber cable at the second predetermined area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber optic connector which allows easy and secure assembly with a fiber optic cable, a supporting member used therein, and a method of assembling the fiber optic connector to the fiber optic cable. A member (41) which is used to fasten reinforcing members (105) extending from the fiber optic cable (100) is disposed in the vicinity of a rear end of an inner housing (40) of fiber optic connector (10). A supporting member (50) is fastened by crimping to an end portion of the fiber optic cable (100). An appropriate stripping operation is performed on the end portion of the fiber optic cable (100) so that optical fiber (150) and the reinforcing members (105) are exposed. Recesses (55a, 55b), which hold the reinforcing members are located in the supporting member (50).

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 preferred embodiment of a strain relief apparatus includes a body member incorporating a first end for facing the cable-receiving end of a connector, a second end for facing away from the cable-receiving end of a connector, and a flap extending from the body member. The flap is movable between an unbiased position and a forwardly-displaced position so that in its unbiased position the flap is oriented in an overlying relationship with a trigger of the connector. In its forwardly-displaced position, the flap urges the trigger toward the bottom side of the connector such that the trigger urges a latch of the connector to its unlatched position. Preferably, the flap has a handle extending therefrom, with the handle being configured so that a technician can reposition the flap from its unbiased position to its forwardly-displaced position as well as manipulate the connector, such as during patching operations.

Abstract: An end piece for a fiber-optic cable, with a sheath and strength members. An insert of the end piece has a rear hollow cylindrical attachment. The attachment has a rear end section with an outer swelling and a section nearer the front, which is free from the sheath. An end of the sheath is pushed onto the end section over the swelling. The section towards the front is covered by the strength member, which project from the sheath end. A common sleeve 6 is applied to the attachment in such a way that it fixes both the end of the sheath on the end section and the strength members on the section towards the front.

Abstract: A plug connection for connecting a light waveguide to a plug has a plug member with a connecting light waveguide extending from one side thereof having an end being spliced to a light waveguide of a light waveguide cable and at least one strain relief element being passed over the splice and connected to the plug member. The method of forming the plug connection includes providing a sufficient length of both the connecting light waveguide extending from the plug member and the light waveguide of the cable so that a connection in a normal, known splicing apparatus can be obtained outside of the position of the plug member and then conducting the strain relief element over the splice region and connecting it to the plug member.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a holder for one ore more optical cables, each optical cable having an optical fiber surrounded by strengthening fibers, both of which are surrounded by at least one polymeric coating layer. The cable is stripped in a layerwise manner such that an area of exposed fiber is succeeded by an area of exposed strengthening fibers, succeeded by an area of coated cable. A visible light curable adhesive is injected into the holder and cured by exposure to visible light for up to about 30 seconds, bonding the optical fiber layers and the holder into a unified structure.

Abstract: A fiber optics cable waveguide connector for fiber optics cables having an outer casing, a strain relief element, an optical inner casing and an optical waveguide includes a clamping nut having a thread, an outer casing clamping device engageable with the outer casing, an inner sleeve, a strain relief element clamping device engageable with the strain relief element, an optical waveguide clamping device engageable with the optical waveguide, a press-on sleeve having a thread for releasably securing the press-on sleeve and the clamping nut together and for providing a clamping force when the clamping nut and the press-on sleeve are screwed together, a ferrule connected to the press-on sleeve, and a union nut connected to the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector having strain relief insert means to engage the buffered coating of the optical fiber cable upon the crimping of a crimp ring to cause the insert to flow in a direction toward the connector and the fiber to move toward the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide has a curved elongated member that fits between the strain relief boot and optical fiber to allow the fiber optical cable to bend without violating the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. The fiber optic cable guide also retains at least a portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Tension is relieved on a coupling of an optical fiber by crimping a sleeve over an end portion of the tension-resistant sheath of the optic fiber lead to produce a narrowed portion, non-parallel sided in section. This is inserted and entrapped axially rotationally and radially in a retainer which is secured within a backshell by grub screws. A collar is fitted to entrap the grub screws. The lead is supported behind the retainer by a resilient block.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber cable terminal structure which includes a cap member that eliminates any danger of cutting of a reinforcing member even when external forces are applied to the optical fiber cable, and which allow easy re-engagement of an engaging member and an outer covering of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable terminal structure includes a substantially cylindrical cap member (10). The cap member (10) has a cavity (50) inside, and further has a curved surface (35a) on an end surface (35). Curved surface (35a) provides a smooth continuation between an inside surface (36) and an outside surface (32). Reinforcing member (170) of optical fiber cable (100), which is passed through the cavity (50) and folded back along the curved surface (35a), can be fastened to the outer surface (32) by the press-fitting of a sleeve member (90) onto outside surface (32).

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is disclosed for terminating an optical cable which has a plastic core and a surrounding jacket. The connector includes a body member which has a central bore extending therethrough within which is a longitudinally extending internally threaded portion dimensioned to grip the plastic jacket when the cable is screwed into the body member. The bore has a tapered section extending from the threaded portion to a cable entrant end of the body to facilitate insertion of an optical cable into the body.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly has a connector having a bore having a cable receiving end and a reentrant interface and forming a fiber holder. A latching arm has latch means for engaging a shoulder in a adapter, and camming lobes on the latching arm engage sloping ramps in the adapter to impart a bias force to move the connector toward the interface end. A bias force augmenting member is included for insuring reliable connections over extended periods of time. The augmenting member is a resilient member whose elastic force is added to the biasing force produced by the camming lobes.

Abstract: The stop ring of an optical connector is made by molding. The intermediate section of the stop ring is tapered to the front end to provide a satisfactory strength when the rear section of the stop ring is pressed by crimping. The rear section is provided with a knurl having front or sharp edges to provide resistance to separation of the braid of an optical cable.

Abstract: A multi-link boot assembly has a number of separate links which can be connected to form a flexible boot assembly capable of maintaining a predetermined bend radius as off-axial loads are applied, thereby effectively dispersing stresses along a cable as the cable is flexed or bent. Each link of the multi-link boot assembly includes a body portion defining a lengthwise extending bore for receiving the cable. The body portion extends between first and second opposed ends and generally includes a female section at the first end and a male section at the second end. The female section defines an opening for receiving the male section of another link during the assembly of the multi-link boot assembly. In order to connect each link with another link to form the flexible boot assembly, each link includes a connecting element at each of the first and second opposed ends which cooperably engages a corresponding connecting element of an adjacent link.

Abstract: An optical connector is disclosed for terminating an optical cable 10 comprising a plastic optical fiber 11 surrounded by a protective jacket 12. The connector includes a housing having an exterior latch 201 that secures it to an adapter 31. The latch is constructed as a cantilever with its fixed end positioned toward a front end of the housing. The connector further includes a cable-holding structure that attaches to the jacket of the optical cable in such a manner that the plastic optical fiber 11 connects to an associated optical device without the use of a ferrule. One cable-holding structure includes a guide tube 45 that is made from metal and is pressed, or insert molded, into the back end of one plastic housing 40. A portion of the guide tube protrudes from the back end of the housing and is crimped onto the optical cable. Here, the optical cable is immovably attached to the housing.

Abstract: The connector includes a plug pin, a forward housing part relative to the plug-in direction, and a rear housing part. The plug pin is axially displaceable in the forward housing part against the force of a helical spring. The forward housing part has internal retainers which secure the helical spring against slipping out backwardly before the two housing parts are connected to one another.

Abstract: A multifibre connector plug (1) comprises a connector plug part (6) for receiving a plurality of optical fibres (2), a coupling body (10) and a coupling sleeve (19). The connector plug part is provided with a contact face (7) at one end and is slidable in the coupling body. The connector plug part projects out of the coupling body with its end having the contact face. The coupling sleeve (19) encloses the coupling body and is slidable on this coupling body from a coupling position into a decoupling position against the action of a spring means (21). The spring means (21) comprises at least one spring (21) being an integrated unitary part of the coupling sleeve (19) and a free end (22) of the spring means engaging a corresponding support shoulder (23) of the coupling body (10).

Abstract: The end region of an optical fiber cable is removed to expose the coated optical fiber and some of the cable reinforcing non-optical fibers. The coating is removed from the optical fiber which, when covered with glue or the like, is inserted into a hole in a ferrule. The hole is large enough to accept the uncoated fiber but not the coated fiber. Thus the ferrule is pushed onto the fiber until the coating is contacted insuring that no uncoated optical fiber is exposed. The uncoated length of the optical fiber is long enough to extend out the end of the ferrule remote from the cable and is removed flush with the end of the ferrule. The entire assembly, on an optical disconnect type, an end region of the cable, the non-optical fiber, the coated optical fiber extending between the cable and the ferrule and an end region of the ferrule adjacent the cable, are all encapsulated in an optical fiber connector which may be straight or angled at 45.degree. or more in the region between the cable and the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical connector that can stably connect even a tension-resistant jacket-covered optical fiber cord is provided. In an optical connector, which includes an optical connector plug 10 having a ferrule 14 holding an optical fiber and a housing 16 accommodating the ferrule, and an adapter connecting the optical connector plugs; the optical fiber is an optical fiber cord 12 in which at least the jacket carries tension, a secondary coated optical fiber (120) and the jacket (123) carrying the tension of the optical fiber cord 12 are secured to the ferrule 14, and the ferrule 14 is immovably mounted to the housing 16.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved strain relief adapted for mounting within a connector housing so as to protect a terminated cable assembled thereto from damage as a result of flexure of the cable relative to the housing. The strain relief including a sleeve having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central lumen disposed therebetween. The sleeve being adapted to slidingly receive the cable within the central lumen. The distal portion of the strain relief includes a substantially rigid tube that has a pair of shoulders which project radially-outwardly from an external surface of the distal portion in diametrically-opposed relation to one another. An annular shoulder is positioned in spaced relation to the pair of shoulders and projects radially-outwardly from the external surface of the strain relief. A recess is defined between the pair of shoulders and the annular shoulder.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises a first tubular body having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough for receiving an optical fiber, a first end for connection to an adaptor and being polished into a tilted convex surface, and a second end. A second tubular body has a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough in substantial coaxial alignment with the passageway of the first tubular body for receiving the second end of the first tubular body. A positioning device integral with the second tubular body is provided for positioning a tilt direction of the tilted convex surface of the first tubular body in a predetermined registered position when the first end of the first tubular body is connected to the adaptor.

Abstract: An optical fiber connection unit has an aperture for mounting to a standard electrical box so that the unit can replace an electrical outlet (power or tele-communications). The unit has a peripheral wall having flanges for easy retention of optical fibers within the unit prior to affixing a cover plate. The cover plate and peripheral wall have discontinuities for passage of optical fibers at the bottom of the unit to connect to optical modules therein. The cover plate has an aperture to allow a standard electrical module to be mounted thereto for provision of both optical and electrical connection.

Abstract: An optical fiber termination assembly (1) in which a jacket (24) of an optical fiber cable (20) is clamped between a termination member (10) and an inner crimp eyelet (41), and a unitary deformable body (48) within an interior of the eyelet (41), deformable thin wall sections (50) optical fibers (21, 22), and the eyelet (41) being crimped inwardly to close the deformable thin wall sections (50) in frictional contact with the optical fibers (21, 22).

Abstract: A bend limiting strain relief boot 1 is disclosed wherein, an outer diameter of the boot 1 varies as a function of a desired minimum bend radius (.rho.), a side load applied (F), and the modulus of elasticity (E) of a material from which the boot 1 is made. An outer diameter (d.sub.o (.theta.)) of the boot varies as a function of its distance from a distal end of the connector following the relationship: ##EQU1## wherein d.sub.i is the inner diameter of the boot, F is the maximum applied load, .rho. is the desired minimum radius of curvature, .theta. is the angle of the applied load relative to said neutral axis, and E is the modulus of elasticity of the selected material.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly in which the ferrule is mounted in a barrel member having a first bore therein for containing a buffered fiber and a second, larger bore for containing any excess epoxy introduced during connectoriziation. The first and second bores are connected by a tapered section. A cable retaining member has a first, cup-shaped end which surrounds the barrel member, a first bore and a second smaller bore which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the buffered fiber to permit the buffered fiber to bend. The end of the retention member remote from the cup-shaped end has a tapered opening leading into the second bore.

Abstract: This invention is related to a fiber optic connector 10 including a precision ferrule 12 that is mounted in a machined tubular housing 40. An overmolded collar 70 secures the ferrule 12 to the housing 40 without the use of adhesives. Protruding lobes 26 on the ferrule 12 are received in a housing counterbore section 46 and the collar body 72 is molded around these lobes 26 to secure the ferrule against translation and rotation. The overmolded collar body 72 also engages a knurled surface 52 on the exterior of the tubular housing 40. The overmolded version of this connector 10 can be used with an epoxyless optical fiber termination. A press fit connector 110 is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber cable connector including a housing having a through hole to permit insertion of an end of an optical fiber cable, and a retaining portion to fix the optical fiber cable within the housing. The retaining portion is integrally connected to the housing in such a way that it may be yieldingly sheared and separated from the housing when pressed down, thus permitting the retaining portion to enter the through hole of the housing and engage the optical fiber cable within the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises a main body, two ferrules, an adapter, a keying element and a shroud. The main body has a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall opposite the first side wall, a fourth side wall opposite the second side wall, two latching arms respectively extending out from the first and third side walls, and two receiving bases attached to the second side wall. Each of the latching arms has at least one latching lug. The two ferrules are received in the receiving bases. The adapter is connected to the fourth side wall of the main body, wherein an optical fiber cable extends out from the adapter and is divided into two parts in an interior of the main body, and the two parts of the optical fiber cable are connected to the ferrules. The shroud movably envelops the receiving bases and has two through holes corresponding to the ferrules and at least one latching hole corresponding to the latching lug.

Abstract: A strain relief system for a fiber optic connector includes a boot made up of two halves, the halves being fitted together by press-fit pins supported by a flange which also serves increase the rigidity of the boot. The boot is held in place on the cable by using internal ribs at an distal from the connector. The force required to make the ribs hold the boot in place is provided by stretching a standard elastomeric boot over the outer diameter of the section containing the ribs. The system further incorporates a support clip at the connector end to assist the two halves in staying together and further resist lateral bending moments. The outer profile of the support clip can be adapted to fit a variety of different connector configurations, and thus the support clip also serves as an adapter for the strain relief system.

Abstract: A guide sleeve is provided for guiding a portion of a fiber optic cable through a turn and insuring that the turn radius of such portion of the cable does not decrease below the minimum bend radius of the cable. The guide comprises a curved sleeve that has a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. The sleeve has an interior surface that defines a passageway, and the sleeve defines a slot that communicates with the passageway and extends the entire length of the sleeve such that the sleeve has an open cross-section along the entire length of the sleeve. The slot is configured to allow insertion of a length of a cable through the slot and into the passageway. The slot allows the guide to be removably installed on a cable that already has connectors and boots installed on each end of the cable without affecting the integrity of the connector/boot connection.

Abstract: A plug-type connector is provided for one end of a fiber-optic cable, which cable includes at least one optical fiber surrounded by a fiber sheath, a strand-type strain-relief element and a cable sheath. The plug-type connector includes a ferrule with a central longitudinal bore for receiving an unsheathed end of the optical fiber, a ferrule-holder for receiving a rear region of the ferrule, and a casing in which the ferrule-holder is mounted. The ferrule holder is axially movable in the casing against a restoring force. The ferrule-holder and the casing each include central openings through which the optical fiber and the fiber sheath are movable into the cable sheath. The casing includes a receiving space into which an end of the strain-relief element can be introduced and immobilized by adhesive bonding and/or sealing. The receiving space is separated in a liquid-tight manner from the central opening in the casing.

Abstract: A cable sheath of cable end piece is partially removed, exposing at least one signal conductor and the ends of an elongated stress-relief device. The cable end piece is inserted through inlet orifice into a container. A spreading sleeve is inserted into the end of the cable sheath, thus spreading out the ends of the stress-relief device and therefore widening the cable sheath beyond the cross section width (or diameter) of the inlet orifice.

Abstract: Combined beam waveguide and metal cable plug connectorA combined beam waveguide and metal cable plug connector with an angled cable outlet, comprising a housing (1) in which beam waveguide plugs (4) and flat contact springs are disposed on the plug side in contact chambers (2, 3) provided for the purpose while an outlet aperture for the cables (5, 21) is provided at the rear. The opening for the cables comprises a channel (6), the base of which is bent at an angle of 90.degree. maximum to the plug axis and which is open towards the back of the plug connector. The metal cables (21) are taken out of the housing (1) in one or more layers on the channel base (6). A snap cap (7) closes the channel (6) at the rear and has lateral ducts (8) in which beam waveguide cables (5) are accommodated, the ducts (8) ensuring that the beam waveguide cables (5) are deflected with a radius which is not damaging to the beam waveguide cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a deformable rear end adapted to clamp a terminated fiber optic cable in such manner that the fiber and buffer of the cable are capable of limited axial movement within a surrounding sheath. To prevent the buffer from being clamped, a hollow tubular insert is positioned between the buffer and the sheath. The insert includes an enlarged terminal which radially spreads the strength members surrounding the buffer in a uniform distribution and offers protection from subsequent clamping on the outer surface of the sheath. The enlarged terminal also serves as a stop means when inserted between the buffer and the sheath. The rear body element of the connector is provided with internal threads which surround the cable jacket and strength members which, during a clamping operation, causes the sheath and strength members to deform into the threads for superior cable retention.

Abstract: A curved guide for filamentary signal transmission media such as optical fibers has a curved surface with a radius of curvature greater than a critical radius. Fingers extending from the surface are designed to trap and hold fibers in close proximity to the surface, thus preventing too sharp bending of the fiber. At one end of the guide is a mounting member for mounting the guide to any one of a number of different fiber bearing components such as connectors and coupler holding adapter collars.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable fixing structure capable of properly meeting any optical fiber cable having a wide range of diameters without deteriorating optical transmission characteristics when the optical fiber cable is fixed to a fixed-member. The optical fiber cable fixing structure includes an arcuate inner peripheral surface which is to be contacted with a side surface of the optical fiber cable, a first cable holding member secured to the fixed-member, an arcuate inner peripheral surface which is to be contacted with a side surface of the optical fiber cable, a second cable holding member slidably mounted on the fixed-member for sliding toward and away from the first cable holding member, and a stopper for removably securing the second cable holding member at any desired position. A plurality of protuberances each having a sharp tip are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the first and second cable holding members, respectively.

Abstract: A connecting assembly interconnects one fiber optic cable harness to another fiber optic cable harness, or to an electronic unit containing an optical transmitter or receiver. The backshell includes a coupling ring that prevents loosening of the connection without first relaxing tension on the individual fiber optic cables in the cable harness. The inability to rotate the connector end coupling ring before relaxing tension on the fiber optic cables prevents damage to the individual fiber optic cables from occurring when the backshell is rotated with respect to the connector.

Abstract: A sleeve for receiving branch or joint areas in optical or electrical cables, comprises a stable, essentially cylindrical hollow body (8) with at least one open end to receive the branch or joint areas, where a sleeve head (1) is inserted into the open end(s) and the sleeve head(s) (1) has (have) passage openings (2) in the form of radial slots (2) for the incoming or outgoing cables (3, 4). The slots (2) contain sealing bodies (11), which encompass the incoming or outgoing cable (3, 4) and seal the slots (2).

Abstract: An SC connector includes a back body having a locking member and a front body having a locking member and a buffer back post. The front body is disposed in the back body and the back body locking member and front body locking member engage to provide a one-piece ferrule buffer back post connector assembly.

Abstract: A cable guide for a bundle of optic fibre cables, consists of a number of stackable plastic quadrants, clamped together to form a number of channels. The quadrants have radial ribs to grip the cables and to provide stress relief. The cables are held in the channels by a restraint.

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: An adapter system protects optical fibers transitioning from a close-pack nfiguration within a rigid loose tube buffer to a fanned-out configuration using fan-out tube assemblies. Each fan-out tube assembly includes a hollow furcation tube surrounded firstly by a stranded strength member and secondly by an outer jacket surrounding the stranded strength member. The adapter system includes a first sleeve secured to an end of the loose tube buffer, a second sleeve joinable to the first sleeve, a first spacer plate incorporated in the second sleeve, and a second spacer plate maintained within the second sleeve and spaced apart from the first spacer plate. Each optical fiber exits the end of the loose tube buffer and is inserted through a furcation tube from a fan-out tube assembly such that the optical fibers are maintained in a spaced apart configuration when passing through the first and second spacer plates of the adapter system.

Abstract: A sheathing for optical fibres and for optical fibre cables comprises a continuous length of tubing with the tubing walls being designed to allow the tube to be bent to a predetermined radius but to hinder its bending to a radius smaller than the predetermined radius. The tube walls (12) include portions (18) which are spaced apart when the tube is straight, but abut one another at (20) when the tube is bent to the predetermined radius.

Abstract: A break-out device particularly adapted for providing enhanced strain relief to the fiber optic ribbon which is broken out into individual optical fibers within the device. The break-out device comprises a housing having an aperture in one end to receive a fiber optic ribbon and an aperture in the opposing end to allow an exit for individual buffered optical fibers. A flexible elongate strain relief clamp is provided which is adapted to be fixedly positioned within the housing. The strain relief clamp includes an aperture in the medial portion thereof adapted to receive a fiber optic ribbon therein, and the strain relief clamp is further adapted to then be folded back upon itself at the aperture so as to fixedly engage the fiber optic ribbon between the overlaying portions thereof.

Abstract: A bend-limiting apparatus 20 for attachment to an optical connector 10 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an axial bore 28 along its central axis for holding an optical cable 30. The front end 22 of the bend-limiting apparatus attaches to the optical connector and has an outside diameter which is comparable in size to the connector. The back end of the bend-limiting apparatus has an outside diameter which is comparable in size to the optical cable. The bend-limiting apparatus is made from a flexible material which is sufficiently stiff to accommodate heavy side loads, but includes a number of grooves 23 that are exclusively positioned on its back half to accommodate light side loads. These grooves preferably extend from an outside surface 29 of the apparatus into the axial bore, and also extend in a circumferential direction at least part way around the apparatus. Such a design effectively limits the minimum bend radius of an optical cable over a wide range of side loads.