Abstract: A V-groove adapter for interconnecting optical conductors includes V-grooves that are precisely aligned with respect to one another to provide a desired alignment of the respective cores of the optical conductors received within the respective V-grooves. By controlling the widths of the respective V-grooves and the axial alignment of the V-grooves with respect to one another, the cores of the optical conductors received within the respective V-grooves can be coaxially aligned or offset by predetermined distance with repeatable precision on the order of 1 &mgr;m. The V-grooves are initially fabricated in a monocrystalline material. A metal layer is formed over the V-grooves in order to form an inverse replica of the V-grooves which is used as an insert in an injection mold so that the V-groove adapters can be mass produced using injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A one-piece optical fiber adapter for coupling a first optical fiber connector to a second optical fiber connector is disclosed. The adapter is comprised of an elongate tubular one-piece body formed about a longitudinal axis, and has a first end and a spaced second end. The first end of the body is sized and shaped to receive any one of the several different types of optical fiber connectors therein, and the second end of the body is sized and shaped to also receive any one of the several differing types of optical fiber connectors therein. An elongate tubular alignment sleeve is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the body, and is received therein in a snap fit. In a first embodiment, an alignment sleeve holder is provided which is snap fit into the tubular body along the longitudinal axis thereof, the alignment sleeve being snap fit within the alignment sleeve holder. In a second embodiment, a stepped alignment sleeve used for coupling a 2.5 millimeter diameter ferrule to a 1.

Abstract: An alignment sleeve in accordance with the present invention interconnects optical ferrules of dissimilar size and axially aligns the ferrules with precision in a mating relationship so as to reduce loss in the optical signal passed from one ferrule to the other. A plurality of lands on the inner wall of the alignment sleeve contact and hold the respective ferrules in a predetermined axial relationship with respect to one another. The alignment sleeve comprises a compliant material which conforms to slight variances in the diameters of the ferrules received by the alignment sleeve. The alignment sleeve advantageously provides for the interconnection of ferrules of dissimilar size with precise alignment of their respective cores, which reduces the connection loss of the two ferrules. The alignment sleeve can be mass produced using injection molding techniques. The mold utilized in the injection molding process includes a precision core pin that can be manufactured using a precision grinder or lathe.

Abstract: An attenuator element for use within an optical fiber adapter is disclosed. The attenuator element has an elongate block-like head, the head having tapered side walls and beveled surfaces extending along a portion of the respective side walls and a lower planar surface thereof, a neck extending from the lower surface thereof, and an attenutaor disk extending from the neck. The attenuator element is constructed and arranged so that it may be inclined through an angle of from 90° to 82° with respect to the longitudinal axis of an alignment sleeve used to couple two optical fiber connectors together in order to accommodate the coupling of optical fiber ferrules having end faces which are aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve, or where the ferrule end faces may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A dust cover for protecting a sleeve housing of a fiber optic adapter having opposed interior sidewalls is provided, which includes an elongate member having first and second opposed ends wherein the elongate member has a multifaceted outer surface with at least one planar surface for engaging the opposed interior sidewalls of the fiber optic adapter. The first end of the elongate member is sized and shaped to align the elongate member within the fiber optic adapter and receive the sleeve housing. The first end of the elongate member also includes a longitudinally extending central bore for receiving the sleeve housing and a plurality of landings, which are contiguous the longitudinally extending bore, and which are tapered toward the second end. The landings securely hold the sleeve housing within the central bore of the elongate member.

Abstract: A distribution module for use in a traditional electrical panel that provides coupling functionality for optical and electrical connectors. The distribution module is comprised of a housing with a passage defined therein. The distribution module further includes high density, modular coupling strips, which are chosen based on the type of connectors to be coupled. These coupling strips are joined together and then secured in the passage formed in the housing. Once assembled, the distribution module is received into an opening in the panel thereby integrating both optical and electrical couplers in a single panel.

Abstract: In order to mount optical fiber connectors in a panel (22), the panel is provided with a plurality of openings in each of which is disposed a buildout system. Each buildout system includes a buildout block each having a portion disposed on a rear side of the panel and adapted to have an optical fiber connector assembled thereto. Any one of three buildout blocks may be used in order to receive a desired connector which may be an ST, SC, or FC connector. Secured through a latching arrangement to the portion of the buildout block on a front side of the panel is a buildout which may have any one of three configurations to accept any one of the three connectors. The latching arrangement between buildout block and buildout is the same for any combination of buildout block and buildout. As a result of the structure of the buildout system, a buildout and a buildout block may be selected to connect any combination of the connectors.

Abstract: An optical connector (20) includes a ferrule assembly (22) which is adapted to be received in a plug frame (70). The ferrule assembly is held in the plug frame by a cable retention assembly (40) which is adapted to be secured to said plug frame. A leading end of the plug frame is symmetrical in an end cross-section which is normal to a longitudinal axis of the connector. After the ferrule assembly has been assembled to the plug frame, the direction of any eccentricity of the plug passageway or of an optical fiber terminated by the ferrule assembly is determined. Then the plug frame is assembled to a housing of a grip (90) such that the direction of eccentricity is aligned with a key (92) of the grip. The plug frame is capable of being assembled to the grip notwithstanding the rotational orientation of the plug frame with respect to the grip.

Abstract: Terminated arrays (22,22) of optical fibers are spliced together by a splicing device (20) which includes a housing (40). The housing includes two sidewalls (42,42) and two endwalls (46,46), each endwall adapted to have an end portion of a terminated array inserted therethrough. The end portions of the terminated arrays are received between two negative chips (33,33) disposed between two backing plates (60,60) to cause the terminated arrays to be aligned. Clamping means (70) includes two spring clips (72,72) each adapted to be disposed in an armed position to allow insertion of the end portions of the terminated arrays and then to be moved to a clamping position in which portions of the clips are in compressive engagement with the backing plates to hold the terminated arrays in alignment and in the housing.

Abstract: A connector body (26) which terminates at least one transmission medium includes on each side thereof a cantilevered arm (66) having a latching nub (70) projecting from a free end of the arm. A release cover (80) having a gripping portion (88) oriented toward a cable input end (32) of the connector body is mounted slidably on the connector body with the latching nubs of the arms each projecting through a window (90) in the cover. Conductors in the connector body are connected to conductors of another connector or of a device by inserting the connector body and release cover into a coupling (100) or into a receptacle. The latching nubs of the arms protrude into openings (106--106) provided in a housing (102) of the coupling to secure the connector body thereto. In order to withdraw the connector body from the coupling, a user moves the cover slidably along the connector body toward the cable input end.