Title: Optical communications systems

Abstract: A coupler for optically connecting two lengths of dielectric optical waveguide has a plug and a socket. The socket consists of a sleeve having a first capillary bore tube rigidly fixed in the sleeve and a second capillary bore tube slidable in the sleeve. A length of dielectric optical waveguide is threaded through the first tube and partially threads the second tube. The plug consists of a capillary bore tube of similar cross-section to the second capillary bore tube, with a length of dielectric optical waveguide partially threading, and rigidly attached to the capillary bore tube. When the plug is inserted in the socket the second capillary tube slide back along the length of the dielectric optical waveguide which is thus guided into the plug capillary bore. A modification of the invention provides a plug and socket connection for simultaneously joining a large number of dielectric optical waveguides.

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Inventors: Matthews, Michael Robert (London, EN)

Application Number: 497094
Filing Date: 1974-08-13
Publication_date: 1976-08-24
Assignee: The Post Office (London, EN)
Primary Class(es): 385/68 385/73
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

1394057	Oct, 1921	Woernley	339/48.
2444843	Jul, 1948	Modrey	339/42.
3519975	Jul, 1970	Prow et al.	339/42.
3734594	May, 1973	Trambarulo	350/96.
3790791	Feb, 1974	Anderson	350/96.
3810802	May, 1974	Buhite et al.	350/96.
3867679	Feb, 1975	Vanzetti et al.	350/96.
3902785	Sep, 1975	Matthews	350/96.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Rubin, David H.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Kemon, Palmer & Estabrook