摘要 |
Switching between optical fibers is achieved through the use of a fixed (101) and movable (102) housing disposed within a slotted support member (103, 205). The fixed and movable housings respectively contain first (104, 105) and second (108) sets of optical fibers. Each housing has two grooved (204) and parallel exterior surfaces. Both housings are disposed in substantial abutment to one another in the slotted support member with the both sets of optical fibers parallel to one another. The sidewalls of the slot are grooved to be the mating opposite of the grooved housing surfaces. The first housing is fixedly positioned in the slot by the mutual engagement of the grooved exterior housing surfaces and the grooved sidewalls. Switching between optical fibers is accomplished by the translation of the movable housing surfaces to either of two positions which axially align a predetermined number of optical fibers in the first and second sets. Each position of the movable housing is precisely determined by the engagement of one grooved exterior housing surface and one grooved sidewall. <IMAGE> |