Corning Incorporated

Bicc Plc

Other

Graham R Handley

Neville J Ditchfield

Rodney J Davey

Alfred J Ward-Smith

Ronald B Radcliffe

A termination system is provided for use with optical fibre members installed in tubular passageways using a flow of air or other gas. The system comprises a chamber defined by a body having an opening provided with a removable cover. An end of at least one passageway in which a first optical fibre member may be installed is terminated on the body so that the passageway communicates with the interior of the chamber. Means are mounted on the cover for terminating an end of at least one second optical fibre member. Preferably the passageway carries a plurality of first optical fibre members and the cover has means for terminating the ends of an equal plurality of the second optical fibre members.

Termination system for optical fibres

A method is described for introducing one or more optical fibre members (1) into a tubular passageway (2). The method involves passing a current of fluid, preferably air, into and through a venturi (6) the downstream side of which communicates with the passageway (2). The optical fibre member (1) is introduced into the venturi (6) via a hypodermic tube (7) and then into the passageway (2). Apparatus for carrying out the method are described.

Method and apparatus for blowing an optical fibre member

An apparatus is provided for introducing at least one optical fiber member into a tubular passageway. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel for receiving the optical fiber member, the vessel either containing compressed air or other gas or being provided with an inlet by means of which compressed gas can be introduced. The vessel is connected to the passageway via a fiber-introducing device, e.g. a venturi or a mechanical device, which creates slack in the optical fiber member.

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Upton, United Kingdom

Graham R Handley