Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup

Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup

Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup

Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and optically connecting the optical fibers to mating optical fibers, wherein the optical fibers and the mating optical fibers have termini mounted to respective ends thereof. The connector comprises a generally cylindrical plug body, a plug insert and a biasing member. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a wall defining a central longitudinal passage, and a circumferential groove formed on the outer surface of the wall dimensioned to receive portions of a U-shaped securing staple. The plug insert has a front face and is longitudinally slidably disposed within a first portion of the longitudinal passage for longitudinal movement between an extended position and a compressed position. The insert defines a plurality of termini cavities formed longitudinally through the front face for mounting a plurality of the termini of the optical fibers therein.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector is provided having translating termini, such that the terminal end of the termini will extend out of the forward end of an insert cap to prevent mud or debris from becoming lodged within the bores of the insert and within alignment sleeves which are contained within the insert cap. The fiber optic cable connector preferably is provided with continuous ceramic sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. The continuous ceramic sleeves have internal bores which are slightly larger than the outside diameter of the periphery of the termini, providing a clearance fit between the continuous ceramic sleeves and respective ones of the termini. The termini are independently gimbaled, with gimbal points being disposed distally from respective mating planes between opposing terminal ends of the termini.

Abstract: A hybrid electro-optic connector (14) has an insert (28), a rear seal body (60) and a centrally disposed support member (62) which extends between the insert (28) and the rear seal body (60). The insert (28) has a rearwardly open recess (84) which is configured for receiving the support member (62). The support member (62) is formed of non-conductive plastic, and has a forward end defining a shank (76) and a retainer ring (78). The retainer ring (78) and the recess (84) in the insert (28) have mating profiles (196, 198, 212) which are configured for aligning to receive and retain optical termini (18), alignment sleeves (56) and electrical contacts (22) in fixed positions within the insert (28). The insert (28) is formed of conductive plastic, and a forward housing (29) of the connector (14) is formed of a non-conductive plastic, which is over molded to the insert (28).

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a preterminated fiber mounted within a ferrule and a fiber guide tube for guiding a terminating fiber into the ferrule to optically coupled the terminating fiber to the preterminated fiber, with an index matching gel extending between the terminating fiber and the preterminated fiber. An index matching gel is initially disposed on an end face of the preterminated fiber and inside of the fiber guide tube. The index matching gel is placed on an end face of the terminating fiber by passing the terminating fiber through the fiber guide tube, with a portion of the gel being wiped free of the terminating fiber periphery as the fiber enters the ferrule. A window extends through a sidewall of the fiber guide tube for applying an adhesive to secure the terminating fiber to the connector.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic connector is provided having a plug connector half and a receptacle connector half. The plug and the receptacle have respective inserts that include exterior peripheries of a particular shape for mating with an interior profile of a housing of the receptacle. The peripheries of the inserts are preferably defined by cylindrical bodies having respective tabs which protrude outward from the outer diameters of the inserts. The interior profile of the receptacle housing defines a recess for receiving the tabs to both angularly align the insert associated with the receptacle and to angularly align the insert associated with the plug. The recess in the receptacle housing is defined by a groove which extends parallel to the longitudinal length of the receptacle housing, with the same groove receiving the protuberant tabs of both inserts to angularly align the inserts. The inserts have fiber optic termini mounted therein.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector (12) is provided for aligning the terminal ends (302) of optical fibers (214) of fiber optic cables for transmitting light signals therebetween. Termini (34) are provided which include end portions defined by ferrules (218) that extend around terminal ends (302) of the optical fibers (214). The termini (34) are independently gimbaled, with gimbal points (306) being disposed distally from respective mating planes (304) defined by opposing terminal ends (302) of the termini (34). Alignment sleeves (212) are provided to align the adjacent termini (34) of optical fibers (214) included within respective ones of the fiber optic cables. The alignment sleeves (212) have internal bores (284) that are slightly larger in size than the outside diameters of the peripheries (272) of the termini (34) defined by ferrules (218), providing a clearance fit between the ceramic alignment sleeves (212) and respective ones of the termini (34).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector (12) is provided for connecting the terminal ends (302) of optical fibers (214) of fiber optic cables. The terminal ends (302) of the optical fibers (214) are mounted within termini (34) which are aligned for transmitting light signals therebetween. The connector (12) includes a housing (14) having bores (188) within which the termini (34) are mounted in a gimbaled arrangement, with gimbal points (306) being disposed distally from respective mating planes (304) between opposing terminal ends (302) of the termini (34) such that the termini (34) are pivotally moveable about the gimbal points (306). Floating seal assemblies (252) extend around respective ones of the termini (34) between the mating planes (304) and the gimbal points (306), and seal between the respective ones of the termini (34) and the bores (188) of the connector housing (14).

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing continuous ceramic sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. The continuous ceramic sleeves have internal bores which are slightly larger than the outside diameter of the periphery of the termini, providing a clearance fit between the continuous ceramic sleeves and respective ones of the termini. The termini are independently gimbaled, with gimbal points being disposed distally from respective mating planes between opposing terminal ends of the termini. Floating seal assemblies extend around respective ones of the termini between the mating planes and the gimbal points, and seal between the respective ones of the termini and a connector housing. The floating seal assemblies each include an annular-shaped, floating collar having an aperture through which a respective one of the termini extends.