Abstract: A method of making a microlensed fiber by splicing a doped silica rod to an optical fiber and shaping the end of the doped silica rod into a plano-convex refracting lens. The doped silica rod has a lower melting point and annealing point than undoped silica, and therefor less power is required to manufacture the microlensed fiber. This decreases wear to the heating elements of the manufacturing equipment and therefor increases the number of microlensed fibers that can be manufactured between cycles. A further aspect of the present invention is a microlensed fiber made by the above process.

Abstract: Asymmetric grating assisted couplers present unique problems if dispersion is to be reduced to levels at which high data rate signals can be transmitted. To overcome these problems, the method of the present invention includes precisely controlling and monitoring the cross-sectional geometry of the coupler during stretching and fusing. By monitoring states of polarization in lowest order modes as the coupler is formed, coupler fusion can be terminated when optimum form birefringence minimizing PMD is achieved. Dispersion is further minimized by impressing a saturated index of refraction grating with substantially flat add/drop characteristics in the coupler, and introducing a controlled amount of twist.

Abstract: An optical transmission line with reduced splice loss, and methods for fabricating an optical transmission line with reduced splice loss, are described. In one described method, a length of dispersion-compensating fiber, or other suitable first transmission fiber, is spliced to a first end of a length of a bridge fiber. The splice is heated to a maximum temperature to cause a measurable reduction in splice loss. The temperature of the splice is then ramped down to room temperature, such that the reduction in splice loss is maintained. A second end of the bridge fiber is then spliced to a length of a second transmission fiber. Further described is a technique for determining the maximum temperature for heating the splice between the first transmission fiber and the bridge fiber.

Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide or an optical assembly includes molding a waveguide material, optionally in alignment with one or more optical components. The one or more optical components are aligned in a precision mold that is also used to form the waveguide. A cladding and encapsulation material can also be molded. The molded materials can be used to hold the components together in alignment in a single assembly. A connector structure can be molded as part of the assembly or can be prefabricated and incorporated into the molded assembly to facilitate connecting the assembly to other components without requiring active alignment or polishing of optical fiber ends.

Abstract: An improved closure assembly for retaining fiber optic cables is disclosed wherein the closure assembly includes end plates having apertures for supporting the cables at the location of entry into the closure assembly. A unique gripping device is provided for retaining each cable with respect to the end plates, whereby sufficient force is applied to the cable to provide water-tight sealing at the junction of the cable and the end plate, yet with sufficient distribution of the force to avoid straining or distorting the cable. A unique optical fiber splice tray is disclosed having pivotal connectors at either end to permit attaching the trays in stacked relation, yet providing pivotal movement of each tray relative to the next adjacent tray, from either end. The trays include unique “V”-shaped integral fingers for retaining the individual optical fibers while permitting ready removal and reinsertion of the fibers for servicing of the closure assembly or the fibers.

Abstract: The specification describes a technique for evaluating optical fiber splices. The essence of the technique involves detecting thermal power emanating from the fiber splice as the result of absorption of the light carried by the fiber. The technique is particularly suited for cladding pumped lasers wherein the splicing operation may introduce excessive absorption of pump laser radiation and excessive heating at the splice locale.

Abstract: A video reproducing/recording system capable of changing a logo image/sound and a method therefor. The method includes selecting a data source path through which the logo image/sound is selected in a mode of changing the logo image/sound, storing video and/or audio data received through the selected data source path, selecting the stored video and/or audio data, designating the selected video and/or audio data as the logo image/sound, and outputting the designated logo video and/or audio data whenever the video reproducing/recording system is stopped. In the video reproducing/recording system, a user can change the logo image/sound to be an image or sound he or she desires, for example, a family photo or a scenery photo, through various interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for reducing splice loss in an optical fiber transmission line. One described technique includes splicing together at a splice point a first fiber having a first modefield diameter to a second fiber having a second modefield diameter larger than the first modefield diameter. The splice point is heated to a core expansion temperature to cause a controlled thermal diffusion of core dopant in the first fiber in order to reduce modefield mismatch between the first and second fibers. Splice loss is then reduced by heating the splice point to a differential diffusion temperature to cause a controlled diffusion of a cladding dopant in the first fiber, while maintaining the expanded core.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable splice places a hot-melt adhesive tube over fused fibers, bare buffer, bare strength member and part of the protective jacket of each cable joined. A heat shrink tube is disposed over the hot-melt tube and an elongated strengthening rod is inserted between these tubes, extending longitudinally for equal lengths beyond the tubes. The hot-melt adhesive tube and heat shrink tube are heated to seal the hot-melt adhesive around the fused fibers, bare buffer, bare strength member and portions of the outer protective jacket of each cable and to shrink the heat shrink tube to bind the rod to the hot-melt tube and its enclosed contents. The cable is helically wound around the lengths of the rod extending beyond the inner tubes and an outer heat shrink tube is shrunk to bind the rod to the joined cable, the inner heat shrink tube and its enclosed contents.

Abstract: A splice protection system including a water resistant material disposed on a flexible wrapper that retains the water resistant material is disclosed. The splice protection system is useful for preventing unwanted entry of external elements into the splice regions of signal transmission devices, thus preserving the integrity and function of the signal transmission devices.

Abstract: An optical fiber splicing method is provided for largely reducing an optical loss in a splice and eliminating a varying outer diameter and bending deformation. This splicing method splices opposing end faces of two optical fibers by fusion, and heats a formed fusion splice to match mode field diameters of the two optical fibers in the fusion splice, wherein the two optical fibers are fixed with an axial tension applied or not applied to the fusion splice, after the formation of the fusion splice, before the fusion splice is heated.

Abstract: A color-coded restoration splice block is formed to match the coloring of the individual fibers within a standard ribbon cable. Thus, during the splicing operation, the proper pairs of fibers will be mated and laid within the same fiber-holding groove, eliminating the problem of “crossing” fibers from one ribbon to another as they are spliced together. In a preferred embodiment, the entire groove is colored to match the sheath color of the pair of fibers disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A system and method for the vacuum assisted insertion of optical fibers includes a plate with one or more fiber alignment holes and a vacuum-sealed region on the exit end of the alignment holes. A vacuum source is connected to the vacuum-sealed region and creates a partial vacuum which draws air through the alignment holes creating an airstream into the alignment hole. As a fiber is moved toward the alignment hole, the airstream converging on the hole creates a centering force which acts to pull the fiber into alignment with the hole and the fiber passes directly into the hole. The use of a vacuum produces a precise alignment of a fiber or fibers that can be automated and is significantly quicker and more efficient than any other existing apparatus.

Abstract: A recoating splice sleeve is provided to protect fused or jointed optical fibers, at and adjacent their point of fusion, against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength at the splice after the fusion. The recoating splice sleeve includes an inner tube, and an outer tube having a portion with diminished structure integrity such that the portion is easily broken to facilitate removal of the outer tube. The inner tube is made of a fiber recoating material. The splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The splice sleeve, together with the fused optical fibers, are heated in order to melt the fiber recoating material around the fused fibers. Once the fiber recoating material of the inner tube has cured around the fused fibers, the outer tube is separated along a tube separation assist feature such as a portion having diminished structural integrity, removed and discarded.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice protector protects a splice between a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a first fiber coating and the second optical fiber includes a second fiber coating where the second fiber coating has a larger diameter than the first fiber coating. The splice protector includes a sleeve that is applied around the first fiber coating. The sleeve has a similar diameter to the diameter of the second fiber coating. A splint is applied around the splice of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and extends from the sleeve to the second fiber coating. Additionally, a method for applying a fiber optic splice protector is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning the splint around the splice, proof testing the splice, and heat curing the splint around the splice after proof testing of the splice.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersion-compensating optical fiber which can compensate for the chromatic dispersion and dispersion slope of a non-zero dispersion-shifted optical fiber by a short length. The dispersion-shifted optical fiber constitutes an optical transmission line together with a dispersion-compensating optical fiber fusion-spliced thereto. The dispersion-compensating optical fiber has, at a wavelength of 1550 nm, a chromatic dispersion DDCF of −40 ps/nm/km or less and a ratio (DDCF/SDCF) of dispersion slope SDCF to the chromatic dispersion DDCF of 0.005/nm or more.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for splicing together first and second optical fibers. A thermal treatment station is described, having a chassis, a fiber holding block for holding a pair of optical fibers that have been spliced together at a splice point, the fiber holding block including a cutaway portion exposing the splice point, and a torch, the fiber holding block and the torch being mounted to the chassis such that the positions of the splice point and the torch can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the splice point lies in the flame. A technique for splicing together two optical fibers is further described, in which the optical fibers are first spliced together using a fusion splicer and then thermally treated by positioning the splice point in a flame while monitoring splice loss.

Abstract: The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.

Abstract: The inventive coupling device enables a high interconnection density of single mode optical fiber in active and passive devises used in a fiber optic telecommunication system. The coupling device comprise a micro-lens formed by terminating a single mode optical fibers with an optimized gradient index fiber, thus avoiding a significant increase in fiber diameter. The gradient index is optimized to provide a long working distance to the minimum spot size so that efficient coupling can be achieved in a free space interconnection between either multiple single mode fibers or a single mode fiber to a transmitting or receiving device.

Abstract: Many optical components now use a microelectronic substrate called an optical micro-bench as a base from which to build. Conventional devices use one or more methods of fixing the various elements together and/or onto the semiconductor micro-bench. Typically these conventional methods require special coatings to be deposited on the substrate, and the use of a separate bonding material, e.g. solder, glass or adhesive. The present invention relates to the direct fixation of a semiconductor, e.g. silicon, indium phosphide or gallium arsenide, structural component to the micro-bench made of a similar material using a laser welding technique, which uses wavelengths that are not harmful to the other elements of the component. The present invention eliminates the use of any separate bonding material, as well as several steps in the bonding process.

Abstract: An optical fiber composite that can easily have a desired mean transmission property as a whole even after a length of optical fiber is cut off from one end or both ends, a cable comprising the composites, and methods for producing the composite and cable. An optical fiber composite 10 is produced by splicing a first optical fiber 11, a second optical fiber 12, and a third optical fiber 13 in this order. The first optical fiber 11 and the third optical fiber 13 each have a first chromatic dispersion, D1, at the wavelength of a signal-carrying lightwave. The second optical fiber 12 has a second chromatic dispersion, D2, at the wavelength of the signal-carrying lightwave. The third optical fiber has a length, L3, shorter than the length, L1, of the first optical fiber. It is desirable that the ratio L3/L1 be at most 0.1.

Abstract: An optical coupling between first and second optical components 1, 8 in which an input face 2A through which light is to pass of the first component 1 being directly bonded to an output face 8C through which light is to pass of the second component 8. Such a coupling may be provided, for example, between a rib waveguide 2 and an optical fibre 7.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling optical components and a substrate. A glass coating is located at the inner base between the optical component and the substrate. The assembly of the component, substrate and glass coating can be used in the field of imaging and in particular for endoscopy.

Abstract: A capillary optic produced by impression has a mold with an external profile figured for radiation transmission along an axis used as a mandrel for impression. The mold often takes the form of a precisely etched wire. At least one soft plate is used for impressing the mold into the soft plate. The mold is removed from the soft plate to leave a vacant impression figured for radiation transmission in the soft plate along an axis. The impression is then closed to provide for radiation transmission along the axis of the impression. In the most common embodiment, two relatively soft plates having identical compositions with flat and highly polished initial surfaces are used. The impression(s) can be coated with reflective materials. Disclosure of an optical connector and emitter is included.

Abstract: An attenuation device for a signal carried by an optical fiber in the form of a light signal is manufactured. The optical cores of a first and a second single-mode fiber are expanded. The first and second fibers are assembled facing each other in a capillary containing a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is polymerized to produce an attenuation element. The resulting attenuation device comprises a first and a second single-mode fiber with expanded optical cores assembled facing each other in a capillary containing a liquid crystal forming attenuation means.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and protecting spliced optical fibers that are part of cables that have ultra-high strength steel wires, in which the optical fibers are free to move within a sleeve inside of the wires. The apparatus includes ajoint box having opposing longitudinal cable termination ends. The high-strength steel wires of each cable are attached to a respective cable termination end. At least one optical fiber from each cable extends through its respective cable termination end and is spliced together to form a continuous optical fiber. The fiber or fibers are splinted and potted at locations longitudinally spaced from the splice to form ferrules. A central portion or shelf of the joint box includes fiber retaining devices which take the form of ferrule retainer assemblies. The ferrule retainer assemblies have a trough that contains and restrains a respective ferrule.

Abstract: A package for a fiber optic device or fiber optic component having at least one optical fiber extending therefrom. The package is comprised of a support substrate for supporting the optical device or optic component, the support substrate having at least one optical fiber extending therefrom. A housing surrounds the substrate and has an opening at one end. At least one optical fiber extends through the opening. A layer of metal seals the opening of each end of the tube and the glass fiber cladding where the optical fiber extends through the layer of metal. The layer of metal is applied using a thin film deposition process, such as ion-beam assisted deposition, electron-beam deposition, or ion-beam deposition.

Abstract: Provided are an optical transmission line including a connected part of the optical fibers having different refractive index profiles, wherein at least one of the optical fibers has a hollow region, and a method for connecting such optical fibers, wherein connection loss in a connection of such optical fibers is reduced. In the case of connecting an optical fiber 1, which does not have a hollow region and which consists of a core region 3 and a cladding region 4, and an optical fiber 2, which consists of a hollow core region 5 and a cladding region 6 having a plurality of refractive index variation parts 7 which extend along optical fiber 2, matching oil M is first injected into the connecting end portion of the hollow core region 5 to be connected with the optical fiber 1.

Abstract: A method and system for providing precise alignment of optical fiber cores to prepare for the splicing thereof without requiring specialized splicer optical systems or extensive redesigns of existing splicer optical systems. The optical fibers themselves are used to magnify an image of the cores at the splice point of the optical for precise alignment thereof. That is, in an optical fiber splicer having an optical system, the imaging device utilizes the cladding of optical fibers that are to be spliced together to precisely align the axial cores of the optical fibers.

Abstract: In a process of splicing optical fibers, a temperature distribution during the splicing of the waveguides at a constant discharge current will depend on ambient parameters, which include temperature, air pressure and air humidity, and these parameters also influence the quality of the splice being produced. The discharge current is regulated by measuring the actual intensity distribution of the thermionic emissions of the waveguide during the splicing operation and by comparing this intensity distribution with a stored reference intensity distribution. The device includes a sensor which is used for measuring the intensity distribution and for adjusting the ends of the waveguides relative to each other.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice apparatus has a covering that surrounds the splice between two optical fibers, and conducts residual pump energy in the fiber claddings away from the splice. This prevents the residual light from reaching components, such as plastic buffers, that are susceptible to failure from excess light absorption. The apparatus may use an optical epoxy covering that surrounds adjoining portions of both fibers, and that has a refractive index higher than that of the outermost fiber claddings. The covering may be surrounded by a glass capillary that is transparent to the residual light, and that conducts light from the covering further away from the splice. The capillary may be mounted in a metal housing by an adhesive epoxy that is transparent to the residual pump light, and can conduct light to an inner surface of the housing, which may be light absorbent to the wavelength range of the residual pump light.

Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunication system with a pump laser and an optical amplifier is designed to stabilize the pump laser while preventing back reflections from the pump laser into the optical amplifier. The pump laser emits radiation at a shorter wavelength, while the optical amplifier emits radiation at a longer wavelength. An optical fiber is provided to connect the devices which has an ultraviolet photosensitive core, a low attenuation single mode wavelength region and a very high attenuation, longer wavelength region. The photosensitive core allows a weak Bragg grating to be written into the fiber, to stabilize the pump laser. Apparent fundamental mode cutoff is accomplished with a depressed well design to attenuate the unwanted back reflections from the pump laser into the amplifier. The pump laser is also protected from longer wavelength signal amplifier or signal laser radiation.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for reducing ultraviolet and infrared degradation of a polymer core of large core polymer fiber. The method comprises coupling a large core polymer fiber with a glass rod resulting in the placement of the glass piece in the path of the ultraviolet and infrared radiation, thus intercepting the same and keeping the polymer core from being degraded due to long term exposure to low densities of ultraviolet or infrared radiation or from being destroyed in applications involving high density exposure to such radiation. The device comprises a large core polymer fiber having a glass rod incorporated therein to prevent exposure of the core of the fiber to ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with photopolymer materials sensitive to infrared, near infrared, red and green light radiation for initiating polymerization and to applications of such photopolymer, like holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) or reversible dye doped photopolymer (RDDP) materials, for making optical devices. The invention relates to holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal and reversible dye materials having improved electrical and optical switching properties.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing (or for attachment to a connector or an optical component) by automatically positioning a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station to process one or more optical fibers substantially simultaneously. The optical fiber may be held at a fixed position during processing. A vacuum system may further be used to automatically collect scrap produced by the cleaving process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing by automatically positioning an optical fiber at a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station. The processing of the optical fiber at the various stations is also preferably automated. The optical fiber may be held by an optical fiber holder and/or a carriage, which may translate and/or rotate the optical fiber amongst the various stations. Where the optical fiber is translated only along a single axis, the unit may be configured to be quite reliable, compact, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Methods for connecting two optical fibers having different mode field diameters ((MFD) with low connection loss is proposed. One method comprises steps of preparing the third fiber (Fiber 3), a short length and MFD being smaller than that of the first fiber (Fiber 1) and larger than that of the second (Fiber 2), connecting the Fiber 1 to 3, connecting Fiber 2 to 3, and increasing MFD of Fiber 3 near the part connected or to be connected to Fiber 1, or MFD of Fiber 2 near the part connected or to be connected to Fiber 3 by heating the corresponding part. The other method comprises steps of preparing a short length Fiber 3 having smaller MFD than that of Fiber 1, increasing MFD of Fiber 3 near the part to be connected to Fiber 1 by heating the corresponding part, and then connecting Fiber 1 to 3, and 3 to 2 in that order.

Abstract: The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and protecting spliced optical fibers that are part of cables that have ultra-high strength steel wires, in which the optical fibers are free to move within a sleeve inside of the wires. The apparatus includes a joint box having opposing longitudinal cable termination ends. The high-strength steel wires of each cable are attached to a respective cable termination end. At least one optical fiber from each cable extends through its respective cable termination end and is spliced together to form a continuous optical fiber. The fiber or fibers are restrained at locations on the continuous optical fiber spaced from the splice by winding portions of the fibers around a friction imparting element, such as a drum, that includes a curved outer surface. Tension forces applied to the fiber or fibers are transferred to the drum.

Abstract: A molding die 1 is constituted by an upper die 1a and a lower die 1b which are made of a material transparent to an ultraviolet light, and has a cavity 3 constituted by grooves 2c, 2d, whereas a resin injection gate 4 and a resin exit gate 7 are provided so as to communicate with the cavity 3. A junction of an optical fiber 10 is inserted into the cavity 3. A UV-curable resin is injected into the cavity 3 surrounding an exposing portion of the glass optical fiber 11 from the resin injection gate 4 positioned at one of coating ends of the optical fiber 10, whereas a part thereof is discharged from the resin exit gate 7 positioned at the other coating end. The ultraviolet light is emitted through the lower die 1b so as to cure the resin, thereby forming a reinforcement resin coating. As a consequence, bubbles can be prevented from occurring due to the residual air within the reinforcement resin coating in the junction of the optical fiber 10.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for protecting splices of optical fibers comprises an inner heat-shrinkable tube, an outer thinner heat-shrinkable tube and a reinforcing rod. The reinforcing rod has a metal layer on a flat surface thereof. When heating the assembly for applying it tightly to a splice an electrical current is passed through the metal layer. Then heat is developed which causes the tubes to shrink. The metal layer can be applied to have a larger resistance in its central region where it then will be heated first, the shrinking of the tubes then also starting in the central region, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The metal layer can be made to act like an electrical fuse, being evaporated when the heat is sufficiently intensive and then automatically interrupting the electrical current.

Abstract: Optical fiber coatings are disclosed having excellent ribbon stripping and adhesion behavior. The coatings are radiation-curable. The excellent stripping and adhesion behavior can be achieved by several means which include by use of additives, by use of radiation-curable oligomers having higher molecular weight, or by use of coatings having certain thermal properties. Combination of means can be employed. Stripping behavior can be measured by crack propagation and fiber friction measurements.

Abstract: There are disclosed an optical fiber splicing mechanism, an optical fiber splicing structure, and an optical fiber splicing method which are each capable of minimizing the size of an optical-fiber junction and the cost of splicing optical fibers as well as connecting the optical fibers reliably by a simple splicing process. Ends of two ferrules each having an optical fiber fitted therein are held in contact with each other, and the contact portions of the two ferrules are sheathed with a split sleeve. Further, the outside of the split sleeve is sheathed with a heat shrinking tube. Then, heat is applied to the heat shrinking tube to cause the same to shrink. The heat shrinking tube constricts the split sleeve by its shrinkage force, whereby the ferrules are fixed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a methodology, structure and process (200) for routing connecting, and forming optical fibers between optical ports such as optical transmitters and receivers/detectors to create optical pathways for signal transfer therebetween. More particularly, when connecting timed optoelectronic chips on a Multi Chip Module, an optical fiber is aligned above an optical port (202), the fiber and the port surface are heated (204), (206) and contacted (208) creating an adhesion bond therebetween. The fiber is then routed (210) to another optical port for connection (214). The fiber may then be connected to additional ports (218) or severed (220). Once severed, the optical pathway may be adjusted to synchronize timing between optoelectronic chips. If a chip's timing is advanced or delayed, the connecting optical pathway may be lengthened (224) or shortened (226). Last, the optical fibers are annealed (228) to relieve internal stresses and cure surface defects.

Abstract: A fiber protection sleeve assembly and method for installing the same in a splice junction of a fiber optic cable is provided. The fiber protection sleeve assembly is used in a splice junction in a fiber optic cable having a capillary tube with a capillary tube end and having an optical fiber arranged therein and extending therefrom, and includes a first tube and may also include a second tube and a third tube. The first tube is partially arranged in the capillary tube end for preventing contact between the optical fiber and the capillary tube end. The first tube may be a polymeric material, a thermoset or thermoplastic material, and an orange polyimide material about one inch long. The second tube frictionally engages the first tube for arranging the first tube in relation to the capillary tube end. The second tube may be a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, and a clear silicone tube about two inches long.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an arc shaping member to be used in fiber optic fusion splicers. The use of the an arc shaping member may minimize the undesirable effects of grunge and/or deposits than can buildup on arc electrodes. The buildup of grunge or other deposits can cause formation of an irregular electrical arc possibly resulting in an undesirable splice. The arc shaping member may be a passive or active. In a fiber optic splicer, the arc shaping member may be mounted in a plane parallel to the optical fiber(s) being spliced and in a plane perpendicular to the arc electrodes. The arc shaping member may be installed such that the member surrounds the electric arc created by the arc electrodes. The presence of the arc shaping member causes the electric arc to maintain the desired shape and/or intensity. An operator may control, independent of the arc voltage, the shape, size and heat intensity of the electrical arc.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon splice tester includes an acoustic sensor. A force applicator applies a tensile force to an optical fiber ribbon that contains a plurality of splices. The acoustic sensor detects sounds generated from the splices when the force is applied. A controller is connected to the acoustic sensor and is programmed to indicate when the sound corresponds to at least one defective splice.

Abstract: Each of imaging optical systems has a post-lens system having a front focus at a position of a rear focus of a pre-lens system. Each of the optical axes is set in a direction normal to the optical axes of optical fibers and different from the normal direction to a placement surface of the optical fibers. Each of image pickup planes of CCDs is inclined relative to the optical axis of the imaging optical system so that the longer an object distance of each optical fiber among the optical fibers, the shorter an image distance thereof, and each image pickup plane is located in parallel to the optical axes of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber-splice protection label or sleeve for one or more optical fiber fusion splices. The label is provided with a unique indicium such as a serial number in alphanumeric and/or barcoded forms. The indicium may be in the form of a strip of paper, plastic, foil, or other suitable material inserted between the inner and outer sleeve or otherwise embedded in the unit. The serial number may also be printed directly on the inner sleeve, outer sleeve, or support rod, and/or in the form of a sleeve. A hologram and/or other security feature may be used to prevent tampering or creation of counterfeit units. The number of digits are preferably chosen to allow a large number of units to be sold without duplication of numbers. Special standardized prefixes or other indicia may be chosen for government or other special applications. Serial numbers may further be encoded into a micro-miniature memory “chip” embedded in, e.g., the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an in-line fiber optic cable splice is sufficiently compact so as to allow for the spliced assembly to be wound onto a conventional fiber reel. Various short lengths (for example, 1000 to 3000 feet) of fiber cable can thus be spliced together to form a more conventional length of cable that can be used in different situations. The in-line splice comprises a pair of grip blocks for supporting the end portions of a pair of fiber cables to be spliced together. A pair of metallic sleeves are disposed over the fiber ends, with the cable strength members bent backward over the sleeves, exposing the bundle of optical fibers in the center of the cable. After splicing the cables together, a buffer tube is positioned over the fused region to protect the fibers. An outer heat shrink protective layer is disposed to cover the pair of grip blocks, as well as the buffer tube encased splice region.