Abstract: A novel forward-facing, aft-attached cantilever beam is provided as a latch for securing a fiber optic connector to a receptacle. The beam has engagement structure on its free end which attaches to the receptacle. The connector includes a plug housing formed from a member having a forward end and a rearward end and an axial passageway therethrough through which at least one optical fiber provided in the fiber optic cable extends. The forward end is inserted into the receptacle with the rearward end extending from the receptacle. The cantilevered beam has an end fixed to a rearward portion of the member and its free end extends forwardly toward the forward end of the member. To engage the connector with the receptacle, the free end of the cantilevered beam is biased toward the member and the member is slid into the receptacle. Once fully inserted, the engagement structure on the cantilevered beam engages retention structure in the receptacle.

Abstract: A pin keeper for use in a transition between a multiple fiber ferrule holding at least two fibers and having a fiber to fiber spacing substantially equal to a first lateral dimension and a fiber optic body having a fiber to fiber spacing substantially equal to a second lateral dimension which is different from said first lateral dimension. The pin keeper is disposed between the ferrule and the fiber optic body. The fibers pass through the pin keeper, which splays the fibers from the first lateral dimension to the second lateral dimension.

Abstract: An overmolded alignment ferrule for a fiber optic device used to couple a plurality of optical fibers contained therein to an other fiber optic device. The overmolded alignment ferrule comprises a precision portion for aligning the optical fibers with the other fiber optic device, and an overmolded body portion extending rearward from the precision portion for incorporating the alignment ferrule into the fiber optic device. The precision portion may define a plurality of first guide pin channels for receiving guide pins and a plurality of first fiber channels for receiving the optical fibers. The overmolded body portion may define a plurality of second guide pin channels in communication with the first guide pin channels and at least two second fiber channels. Each second fiber channel is in communication with a respective one of the first fiber channels. In producing the precision portion, the first guide pin channels are desirably used as datum in defining with precision the first fiber channels.

Abstract: This invention is related to a fiber optic connector 10 including a precision ferrule 12 that is mounted in a machined tubular housing 40. An overmolded collar 70 secures the ferrule 12 to the housing 40 without the use of adhesives. Protruding lobes 26 on the ferrule 12 are received in a housing counterbore section 46 and the collar body 72 is molded around these lobes 26 to secure the ferrule against translation and rotation. The overmolded collar body 72 also engages a knurled surface 52 on the exterior of the tubular housing 40. The overmolded version of this connector 10 can be used with an epoxyless optical fiber termination. A press fit connector 110 is also disclosed.