Abstract: Devices and methods are described that permit simple correction of a fiber optic polarity reversal problem. An adapter is described having receptacles to receive a connector on a first end, or user end, and on a second end, or contractor end. Both the receptacles provide keying arrangements so that the connectors can be received only when correctly oriented with respect to the adapter. The keying arrangement on the contractor end, however, is reversable so that the connector may be inserted in one of two predetermined orientations, at the behest of the contractor or installer. Adapters are also described that receive connectors only in a physically reversed orientation to counteract a reverse polarity condition. In addition, a jumper is described that can be interposed between a connector and adapter to correct a reverse polarity condition.

Abstract: A multifiber connector is provided according to one embodiment which includes a multifiber ferrule, splice components and a crimp tube that defines a lengthwise extending passageway having a lateral cross-sectional shape that is generally oval for receiving and maintaining a plurality of optical fibers in a lateral side-by-side relationship. The crimp tube therefore provides the optical fibers to the splice components in an aligned and properly spaced manner for alignment and optical interconnection with respective optical fiber stubs. According to another embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided that includes a ferrule, mechanical splice components, an associated cam member for actuating the mechanical splice components and means for controlling the position of the cam member relative to the mechanical splice components such that the cam member can be precisely moved from a first unactuated position to a second actuated position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector and connector sleeve assembly comprising a connector with reduced parts that is received in one side of the connector sleeve. The connector has a bayonet style protrusion that is received in a bayonet cut-out in the connector sleeve. The other side of the connector sleeve is configured to receive a standard connector design such as an SC connector or an ST type connector. The connector has an enlarged portion for being gripped by fingers such that the reduced part connector can be readily connected and disconnected from the connector sleeve in tight spaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter for sealingly receiving ferrules of standard optical fiber connectors such that the end faces of the ferrules are protected from moisture when inserted into the adapter. The adapter has a sealing sleeve that defines a sealing surface at each end to circumferentially seal about a ferrule. An alignment sleeve that is sized for operatively aligning the end faces of the ferrules is disposed coaxially inside the sealing sleeve. A retainer retains the sealing sleeve and allows for mounting of connectors thereto.

Abstract: A guide sleeve is provided for guiding a portion of a fiber optic cable through a turn and insuring that the turn radius of such portion of the cable does not decrease below the minimum bend radius of the cable. The guide comprises a curved sleeve that has a radius of curvature not less than the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. The sleeve has an interior surface that defines a passageway, and the sleeve defines a slot that communicates with the passageway and extends the entire length of the sleeve such that the sleeve has an open cross-section along the entire length of the sleeve. The slot is configured to allow insertion of a length of a cable through the slot and into the passageway. The slot allows the guide to be removably installed on a cable that already has connectors and boots installed on each end of the cable without affecting the integrity of the connector/boot connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic mechanical splice having one or more grooves transverse to the groove in which the optical fibers lie to dissipate air trapped in index matching material from the junction point of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector assembly tool that performs three assembly functions on FC and ST type connectors having a factory installed fiber in response to moving a handle from a first to a second position, namely activating an optical fiber alignment device (a slider) to align an optical fiber of a given cable with a factory installed fiber in a connector and securing such alignment in place by crimping a crimp tube disposed about the cable sought to be connectorized while maintaining an abutment between the factory installed fiber of the connector and the optical fiber sought to be connected to the connector, such tool comprising a base, a car slideably disposed on the base moveable from a first to a second position, a handle pivotably mounted on the base slideably engageable with the car and moveable from a first to a second position, a stop device on the base engageable with the handle when the car is in the second position and a fiber holder affixed to the base and spaced apart from the car and stop devic

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a slotted housing has an interior ribbed member projecting through the housing slot. A dust cap is rotatably fixed to the housing to prevent rotation while a tool slides a locking member over the housing slot to force the ribbed member inwards, centering optical fibers. A portion of the connector is factory built so that users need use no epoxies or curing devices.

Abstract: A device for use in connecting an optical fiber with another optical fiber or other optical component. The device comprises a housing having a passage therein where chamfered sleeves are placed end to end. Springs urge a plurality of spherical balls radially inward against chamfered conical surfaces of the sleeves, thereby keeping the sleeves in proper alignment.

Abstract: A single fiber optical connector with a tube holding two first rods. A curve is induced into optical fibers by force provided by tapered ends of two second rods resting on the first rods. The curve causes the optical fibers to rest in a groove formed by the first rods for splicing.