Abstract: Debris-removing cap includes a cap body having a receiving cavity and an interior surface disposed within the receiving cavity. The cap body is configured to be attached to an optical device such that a mating face of the optical device is disposed within the receiving cavity. The interior surface is configured to face the mating face of the optical device. The debris-removing cap also includes a lens wiper that is coupled to the interior surface within the receiving cavity and extends away from the interior surface toward the mating face of the optical device. The lens wiper moves relative to the mating face when activated by a user of the debris-removing cap. The lens wiper engages a lens of the mating face when activated by the user to remove debris from the lens.

Abstract: Optical connector includes a ferrule body having a side face. The optical connector also includes a ferrule lens that is coupled to the ferrule body and positioned along the side face. The ferrule lens is configured to align with a lens of a communication device for communicating optical signals therebetween. The optical connector also includes a surface wiper that is coupled to and extends away from the side face. The surface wiper has a height relative to the side face that is greater than a height of the ferrule lens. The surface wiper is configured to at least one of flex or compress when engaging the lens of the communication device during a side-mating operation.

Abstract: Debris-removing cap includes a cap body having a receiving cavity and an interior surface disposed within the receiving cavity. The cap body is configured to be attached to an optical device such that a mating face of the optical device is disposed within the receiving cavity. The interior surface is configured to face the mating face of the optical device. The debris-removing cap also includes a lens wiper that is coupled to the interior surface within the receiving cavity and extends away from the interior surface toward the mating face of the optical device. The lens wiper moves relative to the mating face when activated by a user of the debris-removing cap. The lens wiper engages a lens of the mating face when activated by the user to remove debris from the lens.

Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle coupled to one and only one different information network, each receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for coupling with the different receptacles, each plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.

Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle coupled to one and only one different information network, each receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for coupling with the different receptacles, each plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.

Abstract: A clamping assembly having a top and bottom and front and back orientation, at least one optical axis, and a pre-actuated state in which a fiber is not secured to the clamping assembly and a post-actuated state in which a fiber is secured to the clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a platform disposed in the housing and being fixed therein both radially and axially, the platform defining a fiber-receiving channel along the optical axis to receive at least one fiber, at least a portion of the fiber-receiving channel being accessible from the top; (c) a first cam member disposed in the housing above and adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel, the first cam member being radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; (d) a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam

Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle coupled to one and only one different information network, each receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for coupling with the different receptacles, each plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.

Abstract: An adapter includes an integrally-molded metal housing defining a first port axially aligned with a second port, each adapted to receive an optical connector plug having a cylindrical ferrule. A junction portion defines a cylindrical axial passage between the ports and has a first end adjacent the first port and a second end adjacent the second port. The first end of the junction portion has a ridge portion extending inwardly, thereby restricting a diameter of the passage at the first end. An alignment sleeve is disposed in the passage, the alignment sleeve having a diameter suitable for receiving a ferrule of each optical connector plug and axially aligning the ferrules to effect optical coupling of fibers contained in the ferrules. An end cap is disposed at the second end and is engaged with the junction portion to restrict the diameter of the passage at the second end, thereby securing the sleeve in the passage.

Abstract: A fiber optic adapter has a single piece housing 1 with a retention shoulder 8. A coupling element 2 is received by the housing 1 and abuts the retention shoulder 8 to prevent extraction of the coupling element 2 from the housing 1. The coupling element 2 is retained therein by a retaining element 10 for a secure assembly.

Abstract: A tubular body for use with an optical fiber connector, and the connector using such a tubular body. The optical fiber connector includes a coupling nut with an aperture formed therein, a spring and a retainer which are axially arranged on the tubular body. The coupling nut and the spring are retained externally on the tubular body by the retainer with the coupling nut being movable along the outside surface of the body and axially displaced by the spring. The body includes a retainer attachment portion on the outside surface thereof. The retainer attachment portion includes an annular groove and an annular ridge which are formed on the outside surface thereof. The annular groove is sized and dimensioned for receiving a radially applied retainer. The outside diameter of the attachment portion on the outside surface of the body is sized and dimensioned for receiving an axially attached retainer.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector plug body (1) receives a ferrule (2) therewithin. The plug body (1) receives an internal body (5) in a snap fit to retain the ferrule (2) within the plug body (1). Two inwardly biased latch members (14) on the plug body (1) are received within a circumferential groove on the internal body. The resulting assembly is resistant to disassembly upon application of tensile and lateral forces to the internal body.

Abstract: A fiber optic termination for incorporating within a fiber optic connector is capable of mechanical assembly which can preclude the use of adhesives for termination assembly. A metal plunger compresses a bullet having an aperture therethrough into a constriction causing the bullet to grip a fiber. A metal insert lines the interior of an alignment ferrule and engages the actuating plunger with an interference fit. The interference fit retains the plunger over time and over a broad operating temperature range. Dimples on the outer surface of the metal insert create pockets of engagement between the insert and the alignment ferrule that resist axial displacement of the insert relative to the alignment ferrule.

Abstract: An overmolded alignment ferrule for an optical fiber connector having a high precision preformed precision portion and a lower precision overmolded body portion, the precision portion including an anti-displacement feature and a anti-flexural feature for preventing flexural, rotational or torsional movement of the precision portion relative the body portion. The overmolded alignment ferrule being formed by overmolding the body portion about the precision portion generally surrounding and embedding the anti-displacement features and the anti-flexure features and extending rearward therefrom.

Abstract: An elastic insert for receiving and securing an optical fiber within a passage of a housing, such as a ferrule of an fiber optic connector, when compacted therein by a plunger, the insert having deformable relief regions that are constructed to deform upon compaction so that the optical fiber is securely held by the insert, while controlling the forces exerted outwardly by the insert against the housing along the passage and a fiber optic connector for use with the insert.

Abstract: A scribe-and-break tool for fracturing the free end of an optical fiber that is especially suitable for hand-holdable configurations and field use which has an elongate body with a plunger that is interrelated to a blade for scribing the free end of an optical fiber retained in tension within a depressible head that extends outward from the body and is depressible inward to bring the free end of the optical fiber into contact with the blade, thereby scribing the free end of the fiber causing the free end to break off.

Abstract: An optical connector comprising, an alignment ferrule 11 receiving a plunger 38 and receiving an insert 35 between the plunger 38 and a constriction 32, the plunger 38 being constructed to receive an optical fiber 3 and a buffer 4 covering the optical fiber 3, and the plunger 38 and the insert 35 being constructed for movement forwardly to compact the insert 35 in the constriction 32 and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber 3.

Abstract: A clamp comprising; two sections 12, 12 hinged together for closure toward each other and onto an exterior of a divisible, multiple fiber cable 2, friction surfaces 24, 24 of the sections 12, 12 are adapted for engaging along an exterior of a first portion 25 of the multiple fiber cable 2, for holding the first portion 25 together while the multiple fiber cable 2 is split partially along its length into single fiber cables 3, 3 and while optical connectors 5, 5 are assembled to the single fiber cables 3, 3.

Abstract: An optical connector comprising, an alignment ferrule 11 receiving a plunger 38 and receiving an insert 35 between the plunger 38 and a constriction 32, the plunger 38 being constructed to receive an optical fiber 3 and a buffer 4 covering the optical fiber 3, the plunger 38 and the insert 35 being constructed for movement forwardly to compact the insert 35 in the constriction 32 and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber 3, and projecting barbs comprising a frictional surface 44 on the plunger 38 being force fit with corresponding ribs 47 along the alignment ferrule 11.