Abstract: In the connector of the present invention two impact mounted seven optical fiber ferrules are aligned through the alignment of the central optical fiber and the alignment of at least one of the outer optical fibers in the ferrules. Due to the symmetrical, repeatable orientation of the optical fibers in the ferrule, all of the remaining optical fibers will automatically be aligned when the central optical fiber and one of the outer optical fibers are aligned, thus greatly simplifying the alignment process for the plurality of optical fibers within the connector of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention each of the seven optical fibers is color coded. The optical fibers within the transmitting and receiving optical fiber bundles are arranged in a mirror image orientation, such that light signals transmitted on a particular colored optical fiber is received within a similarly colored optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates an optical fiber cleaving mechanism within a prior art optical fiber impact mounting device. The optical fiber cleaving mechanism is pivotally mounted within the fiberoptic connector holding mechanism, such that an optical fiber cleaving blade is disposed proximate the tip of the fiberoptic connector. After the optical fiber has been engaged within the fiberoptic connector an end of the optical fiber protrudes from the tip of the fiberoptic connector. An actuator member is then manipulated to cause the optical fiber cleaving mechanism to rotate downwardly, such that the cleaving blade will make cleaving contact with the surface of the optical fiber. Immediately prior to the contact of the cleaving blade with the optical fiber, a portion of the cleaving mechanism makes contact with the protruding end of the optical fiber to bend it downwardly, and the subsequent contact of the cleaving blade will cleave the optical fiber.