Abstract: Furcation tubing is made of glass-filled Teflon (PTFE) that provides reduced longitudinal shrinkage and increased tensile bond strength in the standard colors utilized for fiber identification. The furcation tubing experiences no more longitudinal shrinkage than furcation tubing made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and has a tensile bond strength no less than furcation tubing made of clear, etched Teflon (PTFE). A fanout furcation kit prevents movement of the separated optical fibers in a funnel area of a lower furcation body. The funnel area is bathtub shaped with an increasing depth in the direction of an insert block having at least two rows of passageways in a staggered array. Guide walls defining the funnel area form a seal with an upper furcation body. Use of the furcation tubing and fanout furcation kit significantly reduces unacceptable attenuation and micro-damage to optical fibers deployed in an outdoor fiber optic network.

Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splice connector including a single connector element operable for providing optical fiber alignment and strain relief includes opposed splice components that define first and second grooves for receiving the bare glass portions of mating optical fibers, as well as the coated or buffered portion of at least one of the optical fibers when the splice components are biased together by an actuator. The mating optical fibers are aligned while the coated or buffered portion of one of the optical fibers is retained within the same connector element, thus eliminating positioning problems that occur when separate connector elements are utilized for fiber alignment and strain relief. The splice components may be unbiased to allow removal of at least one of the mating optical fibers without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splice connector including a single connector element operable for providing optical fiber alignment and strain relief includes opposed splice components that define first and second grooves for receiving the bare glass portions of mating optical fibers, as well as the coated or buffered portion of at least one of the optical fibers when the splice components are biased together by an actuator. The mating optical fibers are aligned while the coated or buffered portion of one of the optical fibers is retained within the same connector element, thus eliminating positioning problems that occur when separate connector elements are utilized for fiber alignment and strain relief. The splice components may be unbiased to allow removal of at least one of the mating optical fibers without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the optical fibers.

Abstract: A polishing fixture and method suitable for use with springless fiber optic connectors, as well as connectors with integrated springs, is provided. The polishing fixture comprises at least a base plate and a plurality of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly includes a spring and the movement of the connector against the force of the spring applies a spring force to the connector during polishing to compensate for the variation of the protrusion of the connector and optical fiber below the base plate of the polishing fixture. The polishing fixture of this invention can be used with circular and non-circular shaped connectors and with single and multi-fiber connectors.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.