Abstract: A passive optical alignment coupling between an optical connector having a first two-dimensional planar array of alignment features and a foundation having a second two-dimensional planar array of alignment features. One of the arrays is a network of orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves defining an array of discrete protrusions that are each in a generally pyramidal shape with a truncated top separated from one another by the orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves, and the other array is a network of longitudinal cylindrical protrusions. The cylindrical protrusions are received in the grooves, with protrusion surfaces of the cylindrical protrusions in contact with groove surfaces and the top of the discrete protrusions contacting the surface bound by the cylindrical protrusions.

Abstract: A passive optical alignment coupling between an optical connector having a first two-dimensional planar array of alignment features and a foundation having a second two-dimensional planar array of alignment features. One of the arrays is a network of orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves defining an array of discrete protrusions that are each in a generally pyramidal shape with a truncated top separated from one another by the orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves, and the other array is a network of longitudinal cylindrical protrusions. The cylindrical protrusions are received in the grooves, with protrusion surfaces of the cylindrical protrusions in contact with groove surfaces and the top of the discrete protrusions contacting the surface bound by the cylindrical protrusions.

Abstract: A passive optical alignment coupling between an optical connector having a first two-dimensional planar array of alignment features and a foundation having a second two-dimensional planar array of alignment features. One of the arrays is a network of orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves defining an array of discrete protrusions that are each in a generally pyramidal shape with a truncated top separated from one another by the orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves, and the other array is a network of longitudinal cylindrical protrusions. The cylindrical protrusions are received in the grooves, with protrusion surfaces of the cylindrical protrusions in contact with groove surfaces and the top of the discrete protrusions contacting the surface bound by the cylindrical protrusions.

Abstract: A passive optical alignment coupling between an optical connector having a first two-dimensional planar array of alignment features and a foundation having a second two-dimensional planar array of alignment features. One of the arrays is a network of orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves defining an array of discrete protrusions that are each in a generally pyramidal shape with a truncated top separated from one another by the orthogonally intersecting longitudinal grooves, and the other array is a network of longitudinal cylindrical protrusions. The cylindrical protrusions are received in the grooves, with protrusion surfaces of the cylindrical protrusions in contact with groove surfaces and the top of the discrete protrusions contacting the surface bound by the cylindrical protrusions.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a base and an auxiliary portion of dissimilar materials. The auxiliary portion is shaped by stamping. As the auxiliary portion is stamped, it interlocks with the base, and at the same time forming a desired structured feature on the auxiliary portion, such as a structured reflective surface, an alignment feature, etc. With this approach, relatively less critical structured features can be shaped on the bulk of the base with less effort to maintain a relatively larger tolerance, while the relatively more critical structured features on the auxiliary portion are more precisely shaped with further considerations to define dimensions, geometries and/or finishes at relatively smaller tolerances. The auxiliary portion may include a composite structure of two dissimilar materials associated with different properties for stamping different structured features.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a base and an auxiliary portion of dissimilar materials. The auxiliary portion is shaped by stamping. As the auxiliary portion is stamped, it interlocks with the base, and at the same time forming a desired structured feature on the auxiliary portion, such as a structured reflective surface, an alignment feature, etc. With this approach, relatively less critical structured features can be shaped on the bulk of the base with less effort to maintain a relatively larger tolerance, while the relatively more critical structured features on the auxiliary portion are more precisely shaped with further considerations to define dimensions, geometries and/or finishes at relatively smaller tolerances. The auxiliary portion may include a composite structure of two dissimilar materials associated with different properties for stamping different structured features.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a base and an auxiliary portion of dissimilar materials. The auxiliary portion is shaped by stamping. As the auxiliary portion is stamped, it interlocks with the base, and at the same time forming a desired structured feature on the auxiliary portion, such as a structured reflective surface, an alignment feature, etc. With this approach, relatively less critical structured features can be shaped on the bulk of the base with less effort to maintain a relatively larger tolerance, while the relatively more critical structured features on the auxiliary portion are more precisely shaped with further considerations to define dimensions, geometries and/or finishes at relatively smaller tolerances. The auxiliary portion may include a composite structure of two dissimilar materials associated with different properties for stamping different structured features.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a base and an auxiliary portion of dissimilar materials. The auxiliary portion is shaped by stamping. As the auxiliary portion is stamped, it interlocks with the base, and at the same time forming a desired structured feature on the auxiliary portion, such as a structured reflective surface, an alignment feature, etc. With this approach, relatively less critical structured features can be shaped on the bulk of the base with less effort to maintain a relatively larger tolerance, while the relatively more critical structured features on the auxiliary portion are more precisely shaped with further considerations to define dimensions, geometries and/or finishes at relatively smaller tolerances. The auxiliary portion may include a composite structure of two dissimilar materials associated with different properties for stamping different structured features.

Abstract: A cable retention structure defining a castellated fiber cable clamping surface. The castellated surface has a series of alternating small and large cavities distributed along the axial direction. The small cavities are sized such that when the castellated surface is pressed against the buffer jacket exterior of the fiber cable, the small cavities will be able to clamp the fiber cable jacket within its full dimensional tolerance range. The large cavities are sized to provide sufficient clearance to accommodate the relatively soft material of the cable jacket which cannot be accommodated by the small cavities. The cable jacket is securely held by the retention structure to prevent slipping. Accordingly, fiber cables having buffer jackets with large dimensional variations can still be securely retained by the castellated retention structure in accordance with the present invention.