Patent ID: 6385365
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A fiber optic switching apparatus, comprising:a fiber alignment head having a groove formed therein; a first optical fiber mounted in the groove with an end of the first optical fiber being arranged to be spaced apart from an end of the groove; a switching member adjacent to the fiber alignment head pivotable between a first position and a second position; a second optical fiber arranged with an end of the second optical fiber adjacent to the switching member; and means for supporting the second optical fiber connected with the second optical fiber, the means for supporting the second optical fiber being detached from the switching member, the second optical fiber, the switching member and the groove being arranged such that when the switching member is in the first position, the end of the second optical fiber is retained by elastic forces and therefore the ends of the first and second optical fibers are in longitudinal alignment in the groove, when the switching member is in the second position, the second optical fiber is pushed upward by the switching member and the ends of the first and second optical fibers are out of alignment.