Abstract: An apparatus for processing a fiber optic cable includes a housing having an inlet for receiving an end of the fiber optic cable. A stripping module is in the housing and configured to remove an end section of an outer jacket of the cable to provide exposed portions of strength members and at least one optical fiber. The apparatus further includes a trimming module in the housing that is configured to remove an end section of the exposed portions of strength members. A method is also disclosed where the stripping and trimming operations for a fiber optic cable are performed by the same apparatus and within the same housing.

Abstract: Fiber optic modules, fiber optic connectors, and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic module includes a body and a fiber tray. The body includes a fiber tray recess extending from a first surface, a fiber-end datum surface positioned an end of the fiber tray recess, and a plurality of lens surfaces. The plurality of lens surfaces, the fiber-end datum surface, and intervening portions of the body define a plurality of lenses each having a linear optical axis. The fiber tray includes a plurality of fiber support features disposed on a first surface. The plurality of fiber support features is configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers. The fiber tray is disposed within the fiber tray recess and secured to the body.

Abstract: Fiber optic module assemblies and optical-electrical connectors incorporating the same are disclosed. The fiber optic module assembly generally includes a total-internal-reflection (“TIR”) module having TIR body including a TIR surface to direct light to active optical components. The TIR body is coupled to a lens module including a lens body having a plurality of lens surfaces. A plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the TIR body that aligns ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the lens body. Alignment features and index-matching adhesive may be used to couple the TIR body to the lens body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic module assemblies are also disclosed, as well as kits of parts for providing optical communication of light between an active optical component and an optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stripping tight-buffered optical fibers are disclosed. The methods include removing a portion of the buffer layer and thin-coating layer to expose the bare fiber at the optical fiber end, wherein the cuts to the optical fiber needed to strip the optical fiber are made simultaneously. In some methods, a portion of the cover is used to clean the bare fiber as the cover portion is removed. In other methods, the normal force that secures the cover is alleviated so that the cover portion can be removed without breaking the bare fiber. Different apparatus configured to effectuate the stripping methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Fiber optic module assemblies and optical-electrical connectors incorporating the same are disclosed. The fiber optic module assembly generally includes a total-internal-reflection (“TIR”) module having TIR body including a TIR surface to direct light to active optical components. The TIR body is coupled to a lens module including a lens body having a plurality of lens surfaces. A plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the TIR body that aligns ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the lens body. Alignment features and index-matching adhesive may be used to couple the TIR body to the lens body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic module assemblies are also disclosed, as well as kits of parts for providing optical communication of light between an active optical component and an optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stripping tight-buffered optical fibers are disclosed. The methods include removing a portion of the buffer layer and thin-coating layer to expose the bare fiber at the optical fiber end, wherein the cuts to the optical fiber needed to strip the optical fiber are made simultaneously. In some methods, a portion of the cover is used to clean the bare fiber as the cover portion is removed. In other methods, the normal force that secures the cover is alleviated so that the cover portion can be removed without breaking the bare fiber. Different apparatus configured to effectuate the stripping methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid surge protector for a network interface device (NID) is disclosed. The hybrid surge protector includes a fail-safe spring connected to the ground electrode of a three-electrode gas tube. Tabs on the fail-safe spring are held away from the gas-tube end electrodes by a fusible element. The hybrid surge protector also includes metal-oxide varistor elements (“MOVs”) in contact with the gas-tube end electrodes and with the ground electrode via an MOV spring. This arrangement provides for two initial paths to ground-one path from the gas-tube end electrodes to the ground electrode through the gas tube, and another from the gas-tube end electrodes to the ground electrode through the MOVs and the MOV spring. The dominant path to ground starts as the MOV ground path but switches to the gas-tube path as the gas tube becomes activated. Another path to ground via the fail-safe spring is also available should the gas tube overheat.

Abstract: A hybrid surge protector for a network interface device (NID) is disclosed. The hybrid surge protector includes a fail-safe spring connected to the ground electrode of a three-electrode gas tube. Tabs on the fail-safe spring are held away from the gas-tube end electrodes by a fusible element. The hybrid surge protector also includes metal-oxide varistor elements (“MOVs”) in contact with the gas-tube end electrodes and with the ground electrode via an MOV spring. This arrangement provides for two initial paths to ground-one path from the gas-tube end electrodes to the ground electrode through the gas tube, and another from the gas-tube end electrodes to the ground electrode through the MOVs and the MOV spring. The dominant path to ground starts as the MOV ground path but switches to the gas-tube path as the gas tube becomes activated. Another path to ground via the fail-safe spring is also available should the gas tube overheat.