Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, an energy source is used to remove excess adhesive from the end face of the fiber and likely from an end face of the ferrule.

Abstract: A connector body includes a connector body (111) having a main body (10) and two sub bodies (12) that project from a first side of the main body (10). A latching mechanism (14) at the first side of the main body is positioned between the sub bodies. Electrical conductors (18a, 18b) are positioned in the sub bodies and have interface ends at a forward face of the main body. First and second ferrules (16a, 16b) are mounted at the main body. The first and second ferrule are spring biased in a forward direction perpendicular to the forward face of the main body. The first and second ferrules have interface ends accessible at the forward face. Optical fibers (19a, 19b) are supported by the first and second ferrules (16a, 16b).

Abstract: A method for positioning an optical fiber having an end portion within an alignment groove of an alignment device includes orienting the optical fiber in the alignment groove of the alignment device; causing the optical fiber to elastically flex; using an interference point to assist in forming a curved profile of the flexed fiber, and using inherent elasticity of the flexed optical fiber to assist in retaining the end portion of the optical fiber in contact with the alignment groove. A connection system includes a connector, alignment device, and adapter, with an interference point on at least one of the connector, alignment device, or adapter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic cable and a ferrule-less fiber optic connector. The ferrule-less fiber optic connector includes a main connector body including a distal end and a proximal end. The fiber optic connector also includes a fiber fixation component that mounts within the main connector body and that axially fixes a portion of an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable within the main connector body. The optical fiber includes a bare fiber portion that extends distally beyond the fiber fixation component and includes a free-end portion located at the distal end of the main connector body. The free-end portion is not supported by a ferrule. The optical fiber is anchored relative to the fiber fixation component before the fiber fixation component is mounted within the main connector body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a connectorized pigtail and a closure. The connectorized pigtail includes: a) a stub cable including a jacket containing at least one optical fiber and at least two electrical conductors, the stub cable having opposite first and second ends; and b) a hybrid optical and electrical connector that is factory terminated at the first end of the stub cable. The closure mounts at the second end of the stub cable for enclosing optical and electrical connections between the second end of the stub cable and a field cable.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to detecting an optical signal and/or optical power in a ferrule-less optical fiber. In certain embodiments, one or more optical detectors are incorporated into an adapter that is configured to interface with a connectorized or non-connectorized ferrule-less optical fiber. The optical detector detects the presence or absence, and/or the optical power level, of the optical signal being transmitted through ferrule-less optical fiber and produces an electrical output representative of the detected optical signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, an energy source is used to remove excess adhesive from the end face of the fiber and likely from an end face of the ferrule.

Abstract: A multifiber connector comprising a rectangular-shaped ferrule having a plurality of fibers, alignment structure positioned on a front face of the ferrule, the alignment structure being at least one of alignment pins and pin-receiving holes, a housing defining a ferrule opening, the ferrule opening sized and shaped to accommodate disposition of the ferrule therein, wherein when disposed within the ferrule opening the ferrule extends forward from a front face of the housing; the housing having an outer periphery, wherein the outer periphery is defined by at least a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls, each of the side walls defining a recess having a curved surface, each recess positioned at an intermediate point along the height of the first and second side walls, and a key on the outer periphery of the housing on at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall, the key being offset to one side of a centerline bisecting the connector into first and second side portions, wherein the key p

Abstract: A method for positioning an optical fiber having an end portion within an alignment groove of an alignment device includes orienting the optical fiber in the alignment groove of the alignment device; causing the optical fiber to elastically flex; using an interference point to assist in forming a curved profile of the flexed fiber, and using inherent elasticity of the flexed optical fiber to assist in retaining the end portion of the optical fiber in contact with the alignment groove. A connection system includes a connector, alignment device, and adapter, with an interference point on at least one of the connector, alignment device, or adapter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic connector; and a connector contact holder. The connector includes a connector body defining a forward plug end, a ferrule, a spring that biases the ferrule in a forward direction, and a rear piece that retains the spring within the connector body. The connector contact holder includes an attachment portion that attaches to the fiber optic connector, a lateral offset portion that extends laterally outwardly from the fiber optic connector and a forward extension structure that projects forwardly from the lateral offset portion toward the forward plug end of the connector body. The forward extension structure includes connector contact mounts. Connector electrical contacts are held by the connector contact mounts.

Abstract: A connector body includes a connector body (111) having a main body (10) and two sub bodies (12) that project from a first side of the main body (10). A latching mechanism (14) at the first side of the main body is positioned between the sub bodies. Electrical conductors (18a, 18b) are positioned in the sub bodies and have interface ends at a forward face of the main body. First and second ferrules (16a, 16b) are mounted at the main body. The first and second ferrule are spring biased in a forward direction perpendicular to the forward face of the main body. The first and second ferrules have interface ends accessible at the forward face. Optical fibers (19a, 19b) are supported by the first and second ferrules (16a, 16b).

Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a connectorized pigtail and a closure. The connectorized pigtail includes: a) a stub cable including a jacket containing at least one optical fiber and at least two electrical conductors, the stub cable having opposite first and second ends; and b) a hybrid optical and electrical connector that is factory terminated at the first end of the stub cable. The closure mounts at the second end of the stub cable for enclosing optical and electrical connections between the second end of the stub cable and a field cable.

Abstract: A multifiber connector comprising a rectangular-shaped ferrule having a plurality of fibers, alignment structure positioned on a front face of the ferrule, the alignment structure being at least one of alignment pins and pin-receiving holes, a housing defining a ferrule opening, the ferrule opening sized and shaped to accommodate disposition of the ferrule therein, wherein when disposed within the ferrule opening the ferrule extends forward from a front face of the housing; the housing having an outer periphery, wherein the outer periphery is defined by at least a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls, each of the side walls defining a recess having a curved surface, each recess positioned at an intermediate point along the height of the first and second side walls, and a key on the outer periphery of the housing on at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall, the key being offset to one side of a centerline bisecting the connector into first and second side portions, wherein the key p

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

Abstract: A multifiber connector comprising a rectangular-shaped ferrule having a plurality of fibers, alignment structure positioned on a front face of the ferrule, the alignment structure being at least one of alignment pins and pin-receiving holes, a housing defining a ferrule opening, the ferrule opening sized and shaped to accommodate disposition of the ferrule therein, wherein when disposed within the ferrule opening the ferrule extends forward from a front face of the housing; the housing having an outer periphery, wherein the outer periphery is defined by at least a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second side walls, each of the side walls defining a recess having a curved surface, each recess positioned at an intermediate point along the height of the first and second side walls, and a key on the outer periphery of the housing on at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall, the key being offset to one side of a centerline bisecting the connector into first and second side portions, wherein the key p

Abstract: A connector system comprising a set of plug housings, each plug housing having a front face and defining a first keying element at least partially on the front face, the first keying element of each plug housing in the set of plug housings being different, a set of receptacles, each receptacle being an adapter configured to connect two plugs together, each receptacle defining a front opening and a second keying element projecting from at least one interior surface of the receptacle into the front interior space of the receptacle, the second keying element of the each receptacle of the set of receptacles being different and being adapted to cooperate with the first keying element of one and only one plug housing of the set of plug housings such that each receptacle of the set of receptacles mates with only one plug housing of the set of plug housings.

Abstract: A ferrule assembly comprising: (a) a ferrule body defining a plurality of bores and having an end face having an inner portion and outer portions on opposite sides of said first portion; (b) a plurality fibers disposed in said bores and protruding beyond said end face; and (c) a protruding element on each outer portion, said protruding element having a first or second configuration, in said first configuration, said protruding element comprises a portion of said outer portion that protrudes beyond said inner portion but not as far as said fibers protrude, and in said second configuration, said protruding element comprises at least one fiber in a bore in said outer portion that protrudes beyond any fiber in a bore in said inner portion.

Abstract: A receptacle for optically coupling with a plug from a set of plugs, each of the plugs in the set of plugs having a plug housing with a unique front face geometry and a ferrule disposed within the plug housing, the receptacle comprising: a tub having a plurality of walls that define an interior for receiving a plug, said tub interior having a tub interior geometry corresponding to one and only one unique front face geometry and defining by a ferrule guiding portion in the tub, wherein said ferrule guiding portion projects from one or more of the plurality of walls into the tub interior and includes a keying element in a predefined position within said receptacle interior, the keying element preventing mating engagement between the receptacle and the plugs of the set of plugs except for the plug having said corresponding unique front face geometry.