Abstract: A connector for optically connecting an optical fiber to an optical fiber port at a leading edge of the connector, the connector comprising: a housing configured to receive the optical fiber; a latch coupled to the housing and extending from the housing toward the leading edge of the connector; and a handle coupled to the latch, the handle operable to move the latch between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the optical fiber port, wherein moving the handle away from the leading edge of the connector unlocks the latch from the optical fiber port.

Abstract: A push-pull connection includes a push-pull boot connector and an adapter, which are connected together and retained with a latching mechanism. The push-pull boot connector includes a connector housing and a remote release push-pull strain relief boot. The connector housing, when pulled away from the mating face of the adapter, via the strain relief boot, will detach the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A patch panel includes a cabinet and a cassette. A pair of cassette guides is positioned within the cabinet. The pair of cassette guides are spaced along a lateral direction such that the cassette is receivable between the pair of cassette guides. The cassette is slidable along a transverse direction on the pair of cassette guides. At least one of the pair of cassette guides includes a first rail and a second rail that are spaced apart along a vertical direction. The cassette is slidable along the transverse direction between the first and second rails. Each end of the first rail is cantilevered such that each end of the first rail is moveable along the vertical direction.

Abstract: A push-pull connection includes a push-pull boot connector and an adapter, which are connected together and retained with a latching mechanism. The push-pull boot connector includes a connector housing and a remote release push-pull strain relief boot. The connector housing, when pulled away from the mating face of the adapter, via the strain relief boot, will detach the latching mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in connecting and disconnecting cable connectors to and from communication ports. In some embodiments, a connector assembly has a ganging member, a plunger member, and a key. The ganging member can retain a plurality of cable connectors, and be used to simultaneously connect/disconnect groups of cable connectors. The plunger member can have a plurality of elongated plungers usable to simultaneously unlock or lock the cable connectors.

Abstract: A breakout assembly for use in furcating optic fibers, the breakout assembly including a finished furcation tube assembly having inner tubes and strength filaments having been bonded together using a bonding substance to form a bonded portion, the bonded portion being connectable to a housing of the breakout assembly for simultaneously anchoring both the tubes and strength filaments of the furcation tube assembly to the housing.

Abstract: A push-pull connection includes a push-pull boot connector and an adapter, which are connected together and retained with a latching mechanism. The push-pull boot connector includes a connector housing and a remote release push-pull strain relief boot. The connector housing, when pulled away from the mating face of the adapter, via the strain relief boot, will detach the latching mechanism.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a lanyard organizing tool is provided comprising a plurality of retainer dust caps connected to an organizing chord, with reach retainer dust cap being releasably connectable to a terminating connector of a fiber optic cable. The retainer dust caps may be formed with release components that can be manually squeezed, or depressed, by an operator using one hand to release a connector from the chord conveniently, in order to connect the connector to an intended receiving port. Methods of using the lanyard organizing tool are also provided.

Abstract: An optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system having a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis includes a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body including a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis. The front includes a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other. The optical distribution frame further includes a first patch body disposed on the first outer portion, the first patch body including a plurality of adapters, and a second patch body disposed on the second outer portion, the second patch body including a plurality of adapters.

Abstract: Wall cabinets and fiber management trays are provided. A cabinet includes a mounting panel, the mounting panel including a rear panel and a mounting bracket extending from the rear panel along a transverse axis. The cabinet further includes a backboard mountable to the mounting panel such that a gap is defined between the backboard and the rear panel along the transverse axis. The backboard includes a main body defining a first cable manifold and a second cable manifold each extending along a longitudinal axis and a splice section positioned between the first cable manifold and the second cable manifold along a lateral axis. The cabinet further includes a plurality of splice trays disposed in the splice section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for furcating fiber optic cables are provided. In some embodiments, a molded array of furcation tubes is generated by compressing rearward portions of a plurality of furcation tubes together and heating at least a portion of the rearward portions to form a molded portion of the molded array. Reinforcing filaments can be bonded into and/or throughout the molded portion. The molded portion can have a plurality of internal chambers, each in communication with a separate furcation tube of the molded array, in which optic fibers can be slidably retained. The molded portion can be fixedly coupled to a housing, which in turn, can be coupled to a cable trunkline. Optic fibers can slide longitudinally within the trunkline, housing, and molded portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for manufacturing a fiber optic cable breakout assembly comprising a molded array of furcation tubes are provided. In some embodiments, a pin retainer is connected to a plurality of pins for use in facilitating heat transfer to furcation tubes and influencing a structural arrangement of a molded array of the furcation tubes. The pin retainer can be removably connected to a pull arm on a heating system for heating molding the furcation tubes, and the pull arm can be automatically retracted after a molding process is complete, to withdraw the pins from the molded array.

Abstract: An optically traceable patch cord includes a cable extending from a first connector at a first end to a second connector at a second end. A trace assembly in the cable is located between the first end of the cable and the second end of the cable. An optical tracing fiber extends from the trace assembly to one of the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in connecting and disconnecting cable connectors to and from communication ports. In some embodiments, a connector assembly has a ganging member, a plunger member, and a key. The ganging member can retain a plurality of cable connectors, and be used to simultaneously connect/disconnect groups of cable connectors. The plunger member can have a plurality of elongated plungers usable to simultaneously unlock or lock the cable connectors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for furcating fiber optic cables are provided. In some embodiments, a molded furcation tube array is generated by compressing rearward end portions of a plurality of furcation tubes together, and heating at least a portion of the rearward end portions to form a molded portion of the furcation tube array. Reinforcing filaments can be bonded into and/or throughout the molded portion. The molded portion can have internal chambers in communication with separate furcation tubes of the furcation tube array, in which optic fibers can be slidably retained, and the molded portion can be fixedly coupled to a housing, which in turn, can be coupled to a cable trunkline. Optic fibers can piston or slide longitudinally within the trunkline housing and molded portion.