Abstract: A device for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector having guide pins is provided. The device has a surface with at least one rail disposed on the surface. The rail has a height above the surface sufficient to accommodate guide pins extending from an optical connector. A system for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector is also provided that includes an overlay disposed on the cleaning device. A guide member that is disposed on top of the overlay is also provided for receiving the optical connector. A method for cleaning an optical connector with the disclosed device and system is also provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle is provided that includes a receptacle housing and an adapter sleeve disposed therewithin and biased toward a first end of the receptacle housing through which a fiber optic plug is inserted. In an embodiment, the fiber optic receptacle includes the adapter sleeve is biased toward a first end of the receptacle housing through which a fiber optic plug is inserted in order to maintain physical contact between front faces of the plug ferrule and the receptacle ferrule without requiring that the fiber optic connector of the fiber optic plug be latched to the adapter sleeve, thereby increasing the float between the respective ferrules. In another embodiment, a fiber optic plug and receptacle assembly is provided in which either the plug or the receptacle includes an alignment stop while the other one includes an alignment feature and a stop feature to ensure alignment of the plug and receptacle and to limit insertion of the plug within the receptacle.

Abstract: A snag-reducing member is disclosed for an optical fiber cable connector having a housing for insertion into a receptacle and a latch pivotably extending from the housing for securing the housing to the receptacle. The snag-reducing member includes a body configured to radially receive the optical fiber cable and to be axially slid along the optical fiber cable into engagement with the housing, and a trigger having a proximal end attached to the body and a distal end extending from the body. The distal end is movable toward and away from the body for engaging and pivoting the latch to selectably release the connector from the receptacle when the body is engaged with the housing. The distal end extends in a direction so as to reduce snagging of the latch when the optical fiber cable and connector are moved in a direction away from the receptacle. Duplex embodiments and related methods of assembling connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for holding fiber optic cable in a bend without violating the minimum bend radius. The guide is a removably attachable to the fiber optic cable. Duplex embodiments and related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle is provided that includes a receptacle housing and an adapter sleeve disposed therewithin and biased toward a first end of the receptacle housing through which a fiber optic plug is inserted. In an embodiment, the fiber optic receptacle includes the adapter sleeve is biased toward a first end of the receptacle housing through which a fiber optic plug is inserted in order to maintain physical contact between front faces of the plug ferrule and the receptacle ferrule without requiring that the fiber optic connector of the fiber optic plug be latched to the adapter sleeve, thereby increasing the float between the respective ferrules. In another embodiment, a fiber optic plug and receptacle assembly is provided in which either the plug or the receptacle includes an alignment stop while the other one includes an alignment feature and a stop feature to ensure alignment of the plug and receptacle and to limit insertion of the plug within the receptacle.

Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for mounting on a panel comprises an outer housing defining an interior passage extending longitudinally therethrough, and at least one mounting element connected with the outer housing for mounting the connector onto the panel. The connector also includes a connector insert subassembly inserted through the rear end of the outer housing into the interior passage thereof. The connector insert subassembly is slidable longitudinally within the outer housing, and comprises an inner housing defining an inner passage extending longitudinally therethrough, and a ferrule holder and ferrule mounted within the inner passage of the inner housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for holding fiber optic cable in a bend without violating the minimum bend radius. The guide is a removably attachable to the fiber optic cable. Duplex embodiments and related methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector having guide pins is provided. The device has a surface with at least one rail disposed on the surface. The rail has a height above the surface sufficient to accommodate guide pins extending from an optical connector. A system for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector is also provided that includes an overlay disposed on the cleaning device. A guide member that is disposed on top of the overlay is also provided for receiving the optical connector. A method for cleaning an optical connector with the disclosed device and system is also provided.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector having guide pins is provided. The device has a surface with at least one rail disposed on the surface. The rail has a height above the surface sufficient to accommodate guide pins extending from an optical connector. A system for cleaning the polished end faces of fibers of an optical connector is also provided that includes an overlay disposed on the cleaning device. A guide member that is disposed on top of the overlay is also provided for receiving the optical connector. A method for cleaning an optical connector with the disclosed device and system is also provided.

Abstract: A ferrule and an associated fabrication method are provided that facilitates fiber-to-fiber contact without requiring the end portions of the optical fibers to protrude beyond the front face of the ferrule. The ferrule includes a ferrule body having opposed front and rear faces and defining at least one optical fiber bore extending between the front and rear faces and adapted to receive an optical fiber. Advantageously, at least the medial portion of the front face through which the optical fiber bores open protrudes outwardly beyond at least some peripheral portions of the front face. By designing the front face such that the medial portion protrudes outwardly beyond peripheral portions of the front face, angular errors in the peripheral portions of the front face and dirt or other particles that accumulate on the peripheral portions of the front face will not prevent the medial portions of the front faces of a pair of ferrules from making contacting as the respective fiber optic connectors are mated.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for mounting on a panel comprises an outer housing defining an interior passage extending longitudinally therethrough, and at least one mounting element connected with the outer housing for mounting the connector onto the panel. The connector also includes a connector insert subassembly inserted through the rear end of the outer housing into the interior passage thereof. The connector insert subassembly is slidable longitudinally within the outer housing, and comprises an inner housing defining an inner passage extending longitudinally therethrough, and a ferrule holder and ferrule mounted within the inner passage of the inner housing.

Abstract: A snag-reducing member is disclosed for an optical fiber cable connector having a housing for insertion into a receptacle and a latch pivotably extending from the housing for securing the housing to the receptacle. The snag-reducing member includes a body configured to radially receive the optical fiber cable and to be axially slid along the optical fiber cable into engagement with the housing, and a trigger having a proximal end attached to the body and a distal end extending from the body. The distal end is movable toward and away from the body for engaging and pivoting the latch to selectably release the connector from the receptacle when the body is engaged with the housing. The distal end extends in a direction so as to reduce snagging of the latch when the optical fiber cable and connector are moved in a direction away from the receptacle. Duplex embodiments and related methods of assembling connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide has a curved elongated member that fits between the strain relief boot and optical fiber to allow the fiber optical cable to bend without violating the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. The fiber optic cable guide also retains at least a portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The face of a ferrule and ferrule assembly is polished in the present invention so a portion of optical fibers extending therethrough protrude beyond the front face of the ferrules. The ferrules are secured in a polisher and polished with a fibrous material that preferentially etches the ferrule relative to the optical fibers. The front face of the ferrule assembly is polished with a fibrous material having abrasive materials attached thereto, without the need for a slurry.