| 20110033154 | Connector for Multiple Optical Fibers and Installation Apparatus - The present invention comprises a connector comprising shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy, an optical fiber conduit and an axial stress opening traversing the connector from the connector surface to the fiber conduit and along at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the connector. The fiber conduit is dimensioned for optical fibers and to secure two optical fibers in abutment alignment for light signal transmission from one fiber to the other, with minimal attenuation and for securing the fibers without crushing or other damage to the fibers. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of bringing optical fibers in abutment connection for signal conduction using a connector as above, wherein a wedging force is applied to the stress opening, whereby the wedging force will induce separation of the side walls of the slot and expansion of the fiber conduit for insertion of optical fibers and their abutment connection and securing of the fibers in abutment connection, when the wedging force is removed. Alternatively, a force may be applied to either side of the stress opening to again expand the opening and fiber conduit for the purpose of placement of optical fibers within the fiber conduit. Removal of the force will allow retention of the fibers in abutment connection of the fibers. In a still further embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus which applies a wedging force to a stress opening for expansion of a fiber conduit and insertion of optical fibers and their retention, light transmission abutment and connection in a connector as above. | 02-10-2011 |
