Abstract: A method of laying an at least partially buried fiber optic cable includes placing a fiber optic cable with at least one associated alternating electromagnetic field emitting locating transponder (AEFELT) underground such that at least one AEFELT is buried underground.

Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic assembly includes a multi-fiber fiber optic ferrule, and a keying feature on the ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including one or more ferrule assemblies having a ferrule and a keyed ferrule holder defining a first key slot and a second key slot, and a connector housing defining a key that is received within the first or the second key slot. The first key slot configures the connector in a first keyed position for simultaneous, coplanar end face polishing of the ferrules, and the second keyed position configures the connector for mating with a receptacle, optical device or another connector. A fiber optic connector including a connector outer housing defining a first key slot for positioning the connector housing in a first keyed position and a second key slot for positioning the connector housing in a second keyed position, a connector inner housing defining a key and a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder, wherein the ferrule assembly is biased outwardly within the connector outer housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including one or more ferrule assemblies having a ferrule and a keyed ferrule holder defining a first key slot and a second key slot, and a connector housing defining a key that is received within the first or the second key slot. The first key slot configures the connector in a first keyed position for simultaneous, coplanar end face polishing of the ferrules, and the second keyed position configures the connector for mating with a receptacle, optical device or another connector. A fiber optic connector including a connector outer housing defining a first key slot for positioning the connector housing in a first keyed position and a second key slot for positioning the connector housing in a second keyed position, a connector inner housing defining a key and a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder, wherein the ferrule assembly is biased outwardly within the connector outer housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly comprising a fiber optic receptacle adapted to be mounted within a connector port of a network connection terminal and a fiber optic plug mounted upon an end of a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic receptacle and the fiber optic plug comprise complimentary alignment and keying features that allow the fiber optic receptacle to receive only a fiber optic plug of like ferrule configuration. The fiber optic plug comprises an alignment sleeve operable for receiving and optically connecting at least one plug ferrule and at least one receptacle ferrule. The receptacle is suitable for use in enclosures requiring a minimal receptacle penetration depth, wherein the fiber optic receptacle comprises a shoulder that is secured against an inner wall of the enclosure to provide strain relief against cable pulling forces of up to about 600 lbs.

Abstract: A fiber optic distribution cable having at least one mid-span access location includes a plurality of optical connection nodes for providing access to preterminated optical fibers of the distribution cable. Preferably, the optical connection nodes are articulated and linked together to form a low-profile linear chain of connection nodes that is sufficiently flexible to be deployed through small diameter conduit and aerial lashing equipment. Each connection node includes a housing that surrounds the distribution cable, a connecting link for receiving and routing one or more of the preterminated optical fibers, and an adapter for interconnecting a preterminated and connectorized optical fiber of the distribution cable with a connectorized optical fiber of a branch cable or drop cable. The distribution cable may also include a tether attached to the distribution cable such that the linear chain of connection nodes is slidably or removably attached to the distribution cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a multifiber ferrule and at least one force centering element for applying a biasing force to the ferrule in the longitudinal direction without introducing a moment about a lateral axis. The connector further includes a coil spring for exerting the biasing force and a spring seat disposed between the coil spring and the ferrule. The rearward portion or the forward portion of the spring seat may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending protrusions that are laterally spaced apart to transfer the biasing force to the ferrule. Alternatively, the forward portion of the spring seat or the rear face of the ferrule may define a convex surface. Alternatively, the ferrule defines a convex surface in the direction of a first lateral axis and the spring seat defines a convex surface in the direction of a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a distribution cable having at least one predetermined mid-span access location and a tether for mitigating cable length errors at the mid-span access location in a pre-engineered fiber optic communications network. At least one optical fiber of the distribution cable is accessed at the mid-span access location and optically connected to an optical fiber disposed within the tether. Preferably, the first end of the tether is attached to the distribution cable by overmolding the mid-span access location with a flexible encapsulant material. The end of the optical fiber of the tether may be splice-ready or connectorized at the second end of the tether and protected within a crush resistant tube. Alternatively, the second end of the tether may terminate in an optical connection terminal defining at least one optical connection node, or may terminate in a linear chain of articulated optical connection nodes.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to be mounted within an opening through a wall of a connection terminal. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a round spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly includes a fiber optic receptacle adapted to be mounted within a connector port of a network connection terminal and a fiber optic plug mounted upon an end of a fiber optic cable, wherein the fiber optic receptacle and the fiber optic plug comprise complimentary alignment and keying features that allow the fiber optic receptacle to receive only a fiber optic plug of like ferrule configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes an alignment sleeve insert operable for receiving and optically connecting at least one receptacle ferrule and at least one opposing plug ferrule. The receptacle is suitable for use in enclosures requiring a minimal receptacle penetration depth, wherein the fiber optic receptacle comprises a shoulder that is secured against an inner wall of the enclosure to provide strain relief against cable-pulling forces of up to about 600 lbs.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a multifiber ferrule and at least one force centering element for applying a biasing force to the ferrule in the longitudinal direction without introducing a moment about a lateral axis. The connector further includes a coil spring for exerting the biasing force and a spring seat disposed between the coil spring and the ferrule. The rearward portion or the forward portion of the spring seat may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending protrusions that are laterally spaced apart to transfer the biasing force to the ferrule. Alternatively, the forward portion of the spring seat or the rear face of the ferrule may define a convex surface. Alternatively, the ferrule defines a convex surface in the direction of a first lateral axis and the spring seat defines a convex surface in the direction of a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis.

Abstract: An adjustable tether assembly for a fiber optic distribution cable includes a tether cable and an overmolded housing secured at the end of the tether cable having at least one connector port. The tether assembly is attached to the distribution cable such that the position of the connector port is adjustable along the length of the distribution cable for mitigating differences between the pre-engineered span length distance and the actual span length distance following installation of the distribution cable. A method for mitigating a span length measurement difference in a pre-engineered fiber optic communications network is provided that includes optically connecting an adjustable tether assembly at a mid-span access location of a fiber optic distribution cable and positioning a housing secured at the free end of a tether cable having at least one connector port at a desired location in the network to compensate for the span length measurement difference.

Abstract: A one-piece fiber optic receptacle is provided for aligning and optically connecting a plug ferrule with a back-side ferrule of like configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes a receptacle housing defining an internal cavity opening through an external end and an opposed internal end, an alignment sleeve disposed within the internal cavity and received within the internal end of the receptacle housing, and a sleeve retainer secured to the internal end of the receptacle housing and operable for providing access to the alignment sleeve from the internal end of the receptacle housing. The alignment sleeve includes a chamfer for guiding the back-side ferrule into the alignment sleeve. The sleeve retainer has an opening and a plurality of alignment ribs disposed about the opening for permitting angular rotation of the alignment sleeve relative to the sleeve retainer during insertion of the plug ferrule and the back-side ferrule into the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least one mid-span access location along the length of the distribution cable. At least one of the optical fibers is accessed, terminated and then connectorized at the mid-span access location to an optical connector disposed within a receptacle. The mid-span access location, the accessed, terminated and connectorized optical fiber, the optical connector and at least a portion of the receptacle are encapsulated with a protective overmolded shell. A tether including at least one optical fiber connectorized at a first end of the tether is optically connected to the optical connector through the receptacle. A second end of the tether opposite the first end terminates in a network optical connection terminal, thereby compensating for a span length measurement difference between the actual location of the mid-span access and the desired location of the optical connection terminal.

Abstract: A pin retainer for a fiber optic connector includes a ferrule having a front face defining a hole for receiving a guide pin. The pin retainer permits the guide pin to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing the front face of the ferrule. The pin retainer includes a frame and at least one retaining tab for engaging the guide pin when the guide pin is inserted into the hole from the front face. The frame may have an open side for permitting the pin retainer to be fabricated using a highly efficient wire EDM process. The pin retainer provides a pin retention force of at least about 8 lbs and may include a plurality of retaining tabs for engaging the guide pin in more than one location. The ferrule may be provided with an external feature to position the pin retainer on the ferrule.

Abstract: A one-piece fiber optic receptacle is provided for aligning and optically connecting a plug ferrule with a back-side ferrule of like configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes a receptacle housing defining an internal cavity opening through an external end and an opposed internal end, an alignment sleeve disposed within the internal cavity and received within the internal end of the receptacle housing, and a sleeve retainer secured to the internal end of the receptacle housing and operable for providing access to the alignment sleeve from the internal end of the receptacle housing. The alignment sleeve includes a chamfer for guiding the back-side ferrule into the alignment sleeve. The sleeve retainer has an opening and a plurality of alignment ribs disposed about the opening for permitting angular rotation of the alignment sleeve relative to the sleeve retainer during insertion of the plug ferrule and the back-side ferrule into the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A one-piece fiber optic receptacle is provided for aligning and optically connecting a plug ferrule with a back-side ferrule of like configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes a receptacle housing defining an internal cavity opening through an external end and an opposed internal end, an alignment sleeve disposed within the internal cavity and received within the internal end of the receptacle housing, and a sleeve retainer removably secured to the internal end of the receptacle housing and operable for providing access to the alignment sleeve from the internal end of the receptacle housing. The fiber optic receptacle further includes biasing member supports that facilitate loading and ensure alignment of at least one biasing member during assembly and use. Tapered posts may be provided on at least one of the alignment sleeve and the sleeve retainer for retaining and guiding the at least one biasing member during assembly and use.

Abstract: Flexible closures and other flexible optical assemblies that are installed within a factory, or in the field, and then deployed using cable installation methods, wherein the flexible closures and assemblies have the ability to bend and twist without incurring physical damage to their structure, optical fibers and splices disposed within, and without significant attenuation in the optical fibers when exposed to conventional installation stresses. Flexible closures that replace conventional substantially rigid closures in order to facilitate pre-engineered and assembled distribution cable installation within an optical network, and the physical, bending and material properties of such closures, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly includes a receptacle adapted to be mounted within a wall of an enclosure and a plug mounted upon a fiber optic cable. The receptacle and the plug are provided with mating keys that permit the receptacle to receive only a plug of like ferrule configuration. The plug includes an adapter sleeve operable for receiving and optically connecting at least one plug ferrule and at least one receptacle ferrule when the plug is inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle is configured for use in a small volume enclosure requiring a minimal receptacle penetration depth. The receptacle is provided with a shoulder that engages the interior surface of the wall of the enclosure to provide strain relief against tensile pulling forces of up to about 600 lb/ft. The receptacle is provided with a dust cap and the plug is provided with a dust/pulling cap.