Method and apparatus for affixing an optic fiber tip in position with respect to a fiber communications circuit outside an optics package

A method of installing an optic fiber in position with respect to a device for communicating signals through said fiber, wherein said fiber extends from a sleeve and has a tip, comprising the steps of:

• affixing a first end of a flexible member to said sleeve and in axial alignment with said fiber;
• affixing said optic fiber to a retaining member at a position proximate said fiber tip such that said tip is fixed in position with respect to said device for communicating signals through said fiber;
• affixing a second end of said flexible member to said retaining member;
• and
• wherein said flexible member is selectively flexible between said first and second ends.

An optics assembly, comprising:

• an optic fiber having a tip extending from a sleeve;
• a device for communicating signals through said fiber;
• a retaining member for affixing said tip proximate said device for communicating signals;
• and
• a flexible member attached between said retaining member and said sleeve, said flexible member having the capability to selectively bend when said optics assembly is positioned in an optics package, wherein said flexible member comprises a length and a first and second end, and wherein said flexible member is more likely to flex at a point between said first and second ends in response to a bending force applied between said first and second ends.

An optics assembly, comprising:

• an optic fiber having a tip extending from a sleeve, wherein said sleeve comprises a cylinder having a diameter and a bead at one end;
• a device for communicating signals through said fiber;
• a retaining member for affixing said tip proximate said device for communicating signals;
• and
• a flexible member having a first and second end and attached between said retaining member and said sleeve, wherein said first end of said flexible member is attached to said bead such that said diameter of said cylinder is unaffected by said attachment of said flexible member to said cylinder, and wherein said flexible member is more likely to flex at a point between said first and second ends than at either of said first and second ends in response to a bending force applied between said first and second ends.

A method of installing an optic fiber in an optics package, wherein said fiber has a tip extending from a sleeve, comprising the steps of:

• affixing a point of said fiber proximate said fiber tip in a retaining member adjacent a device for communicating signals through said fiber;
• disposing a flexible member between said retaining member and said sleeve and in axial alignment with said fiber, said flexible member having a geometry which reduces bending stresses on said fiber at points proximate said retaining member and said sleeve;
• and
• positioning said fiber tip and said device for communicating signals in said optics package after said affixing step.