Abstract: High-connection density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are provided and comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber optic equipment units. At least one of the one or more U space fiber optic equipment units may be configured to support particular fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths in a given 1-U space. The fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths may be supported by one or more fiber optic components, including but not limited to fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors, including but not limited to simplex, duplex, and other multi-fiber fiber optic components. The fiber optic components may also be disposed in fiber optic modules, fiber optic patch panels, or other types of fiber optic equipment.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a jacket and modules including optical fibers. The jacket has an interior that forms an elongate conduit between proximal and distal ends. The modules extend lengthwise through the conduit without being bound together in a pattern of twisting or wound together in a pattern of stranding. Also, the jacket and modules are sized such that free space is provided within the conduit between the modules and the jacket. The jacket is at least ten meters long, and the orientation, alignment, and size of the modules allow individual modules to slide lengthwise relative to one another through the conduit. Pulling one of the modules from the proximal end of the jacket while holding the other modules fixed at the distal end of the jacket draws the one module further into the jacket on the distal end of the jacket.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include stacked fiber optic modules and fiber optic equipment supporting stacked fiber optic modules. In one embodiment, a stacked fiber optic module is provided. This embodiment of the stacked fiber optic module comprises a body having a first sub-body and a second sub-body where the second sub-body can translate relative to the first sub-body. The stacked fiber optic module further comprises a first plurality of fiber optic components disposed in a first longitudinal axis in the at least one front side. The stacked fiber optic module also further comprises a second plurality of fiber optic components disposed adjacent the first plurality of fiber optic components in a second longitudinal axis parallel or substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis in the at least one front side.

Abstract: High-connection density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are provided and comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber optic equipment units. At least one of the one or more U space fiber optic equipment units may be configured to support particular fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths in a given 1-U space. The fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths may be supported by one or more fiber optic components, including but not limited to fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors, including but not limited to simplex, duplex, and other multi-fiber fiber optic components. The fiber optic components may also be disposed in fiber optic modules, fiber optic patch panels, or other types of fiber optic equipment.

Abstract: High-connection density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are provided and comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber optic equipment units. At least one of the one or more U space fiber optic equipment units may be configured to support particular fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths in a given 1-U space. The fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths may be supported by one or more fiber optic components, including but not limited to fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors, including but not limited to simplex, duplex, and other multi-fiber fiber optic components. The fiber optic components may also be disposed in fiber optic modules, fiber optic patch panels, or other types of fiber optic equipment.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly includes an optical fiber cable, legs, connectors, and covers. The optical fiber cable includes a jacket and sub-units. The jacket has an interior defining a passage and the sub-units extend through the passage and include optical fibers extending lengthwise through the sub-units. The legs of the interconnect assembly extend from the passage on an end of the jacket, where the legs are continuations of or extensions from the sub-units such that the optical fibers further extend through the legs. The connectors are attached to the optical fibers on distal ends of the legs and the covers are attached to the connectors. The covers each include an end having a track for wrapping one or more of the legs over in order to package the legs and connectors, such as for placement of the legs and connectors within a pulling grip for installation of the interconnect assembly through a duct.

Abstract: Molded fiber optic cable furcation assemblies, and related fiber optic components, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an end portion of a fiber optic cable with a portion of a cable jacket removed to expose optical fibers and/or a cable strength member(s) therein and thereafter placing the cable into a mold for creating a molded furcation plug about the end portion of the fiber optic cable. The furcation plug may be overmolded about the end portion of the fiber optic cable. The molded furcation plug can be used to pull a fiber optic cable without damaging the optical fiber(s) disposed within the fiber optic cable. The molded furcation plug is advantageous since it manufactured with fewer parts, without epoxy, and/or without a labor intensive process that may be difficult to automate.

Abstract: Pulling grip housing assemblies for a fiber optic assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, the pulling grip assembly is comprised of a pulling grip housing for receiving part of a fiber optic assembly. A pulling grip sleeve is also provided. The pulling grip sleeve has at least one sleeve locking feature suitable for cooperating with a housing locking feature of the pulling grip housing to secure the pulling grip housing to the pulling grip sleeve. In this manner, the pulling grip housing can easily be secured to the pulling grip sleeve and removed when pulling of a fiber optic assembly is completed. The pulling grip housing and pulling grip sleeve can also be reused for pulling other fiber optic assemblies.

Abstract: High-density fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings and related equipment are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front opening of a fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing is configured to receive fiber optic components. The width and/or height of the front opening can be provided according to a designed relationship to a width and/or height, respectively, of a front side of a main body of the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. In this manner, a high density of fiber optic components and/or connections for a given space of the front side of the fiber optic module can be supported by the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. The fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings disclosed herein can be disposed in fiber optic equipment including but not limited to a fiber optic chassis and a fiber optic equipment drawer.

Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic connector is configured to include a switchable polarity key that can be used to define first and second polarity configurations for the connector. The connector has a multi-fiber ferrule surrounded by an inner housing. The inner housing has top and bottom recesses sized to accommodate the polarity key. The polarity key is removably secured in either a top or bottom recess using a latching feature. The polarity of the connector can be switched by moving the polarity key from one position in the connector to the other rather than having to disassemble the connector.

Abstract: High-density fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings and related equipment are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front opening of a fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing is configured to receive fiber optic components. The width and/or height of the front opening can be provided according to a designed relationship to a width and/or height, respectively, of a front side of a main body of the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. In this manner, a high density of fiber optic components and/or connections for a given space of the front side of the fiber optic module can be supported by the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. The fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings disclosed herein can be disposed in fiber optic equipment including but not limited to a fiber optic chassis and a fiber optic equipment drawer.

Abstract: Overmolded ferrule assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. Some embodiments include positioning a first plurality of fibers in an alignment fixture in a predetermined arrangement such that a predetermined length of the first plurality of fibers extends beyond an end of the alignment fixture. Similarly, some embodiments include positioning a cover portion of the alignment fixture onto the first plurality of fibers, such that corresponding cover recesses on the cover portion align with the corresponding base recesses on the base portion. One method includes the steps of injecting a flowable material into a port on the alignment fixture, waiting a predetermined time for the flowable material to cure, and after the predetermined time, separating the base portion and the cover portion from the first plurality of fibers and the flowable material to create the overmolded ferrule boot.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector that employs an optical fiber guide member, and a cable assembly that uses the connector are disclosed. The connector has a connector housing formed by mateable sections. The connector housing defines a housing passage having opposite connector-end and channel-end portions that define respective connector-end and channel-end passages, with the channel-end portion configured to be arranged adjacent the end of a fiber optic cable. An optical fiber guide member is disposed in the channel-end passage and has a first transition end that faces the connector-end passage. The optical fiber guide member has a conduit configured to loosely confine and guide the optical fibers to the connector-end passage. Connector sub-assemblies can be operably supported at the connector-end portion supporting end portions of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A rotary locking apparatus for locking and unlocking a fiber optic equipment tray and related methods are disclosed. The rotary locking apparatus may be a torsional rotary locking apparatus. The torsional rotary locking apparatus includes a rod having at least one protrusion and a torsion spring attached to the rod. The torsion spring may also be attached to a tray mount on the fiber optic equipment tray. The rod can be rotatably actuated such that the at least one protrusion selectively engages or disengages one or more of a plurality of slots in a tray guide to allow the fiber optic equipment tray to move from a closed to an open position. The torsion spring may be configured to lock the fiber optic equipment tray in either the open or the closed position when the at least one protrusion engages one of the plurality of slots in the tray guide.

Abstract: Pulling grips for installing a fiber optic assembly are disclosed. The pulling grip includes a pulling grip housing for receiving part of a fiber optic assembly therein. The pulling grip may also include a pulling grip sleeve and/or pulling sock. In one embodiment, the pulling grip housing has a friction fit with the pulling grip sleeve when assembled, thereby inhibiting rotation therebetween. Consequently, the friction fit advantageously inhibits twisting of the fiber optic assembly when installing the same using the pulling grip. In this manner, the pulling grip housing can easily be insert into the pulling grip sleeve and removed when pulling of a fiber optic assembly is completed. The pulling grip housing, pulling grip sleeve, and/or pulling sock may also be reused for pulling other fiber optic assemblies.

Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic connector is configured to include a switchable polarity key that can be used to define first and second polarity configurations for the connector. The connector has a multi-fiber ferrule surrounded by an inner housing. The inner housing has top and bottom recesses sized to accommodate the polarity key. The polarity key is removably secured in either a top or bottom recess using a latching feature. The polarity of the connector can be switched by moving the polarity key from one position in the connector to the other rather than having to disassemble the connector.

Abstract: A clip, configured to support a furcation body, includes a keyhole member, a catch, a cover, and an arm. The keyhole member may be received in a keyhole of a mounting surface, and is offset from a bottom of the clip via a slot guide such that when the bottom of the clip slides along the mounting surface, a top of the keyhole member engages an underside of the mounting surface to lock the clip to the mounting surface. The catch extends from the bottom of the clip in a direction that the keyhole member is offset from the bottom of the clip. The cover is coupled to a wall of the clip extending from the bottom of the clip in a direction away from the catch. The arm extends from the clip in a direction away from the catch and provides a handling point above the clip.

Abstract: A ferrule assembly includes a ferrule comprising a ferrule boot insertion end and a ferrule boot. The ferrule boot includes a lower component and an upper component. The lower component of the ferrule boot includes a first grooved surface that includes a plurality of first grooves that are dimensioned to receive a plurality of optical fibers. The upper component includes a second grooved surface that includes a plurality of second grooves that are dimensioned to receive the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the lower component is coupled to the upper component such that individual ones of the plurality of first grooves are substantially aligned with individual ones of the plurality of second grooves. The lower component and the upper component also define a fiber insertion end and a ferrule insertion end of the ferrule boot. The ferrule insertion end of the ferrule boot is at least partially positioned within the ferrule at the ferrule boot insertion end.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly includes an optical fiber cable, legs, connectors, and covers. The optical fiber cable includes a jacket and sub-units. The jacket has an interior defining a passage and the sub-units extend through the passage and include optical fibers extending lengthwise through the sub-units. The legs of the interconnect assembly extend from the passage on an end of the jacket, where the legs are continuations of or extensions from the sub-units such that the optical fibers further extend through the legs. The connectors are attached to the optical fibers on distal ends of the legs and the covers are attached to the connectors. The covers each include an end having a track for wrapping one or more of the legs over in order to package the legs and connectors, such as for placement of the legs and connectors within a pulling grip for installation of the interconnect assembly through a duct.

Abstract: Overmolded ferrule assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. Some embodiments include positioning a first plurality of fibers in an alignment fixture in a predetermined arrangement such that a predetermined length of the first plurality of fibers extends beyond an end of the alignment fixture. Similarly, some embodiments include positioning a cover portion of the alignment fixture onto the first plurality of fibers, such that corresponding cover recesses on the cover portion align with the corresponding base recesses on the base portion. One method includes the steps of injecting a flowable material into a port on the alignment fixture, waiting a predetermined time for the flowable material to cure, and after the predetermined time, separating the base portion and the cover portion from the first plurality of fibers and the flowable material to create the overmolded ferrule boot.