Abstract: A self-locking connector is disclosed in which locking of the mating halves of the connector is achieved near or at complete mating of the connector. The locking mechanism comprises a cylindrical locking ring mounted in front of a detent ring which rotates with the coupling nut of the connector. The locking ring is formed with circumferentially extending slots providing narrow strips which are axially resilient. The strips carry locking tabs which are engageable with recesses in the detent ring.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a grounding lug formed with an integral extension arm resiliently engaging one side of an electrical contact in the connector. A notch is formed in the extension arm which allows the arm to be readily removed so that the grounding connection between the lug and the contact may be broken when it is not needed.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector member having a removable front plate for protecting the faces of optical fibers mounted within the connector. The plate is retained within the connector shell by a resilient retention finger. The finger extends into a T-shaped slot formed on the outer surface of the plate. The slot opens at the front face of the plate. An extraction tool is disclosed which may be inserted into the slot to release the retention finger and grip shoulders formed on the sides of the slot allowing the plate to be withdrawn from the connector shell by pulling the tool forwardly of the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector in which a ferrule is compressed around the end of the fiber bundle in the cable. The bore in the ferrule has a cylindrical wall with circumferentially spaced flat surfaces thereon which minimize the compression hoop effects on the peripheral fibers of the bundle, thereby maximizing fiber bundle consolidation.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector in which a ferrule is compressed around the end of the fiber bundle in the cable. The bore in the ferrule has a cylindrical wall with circumferentially spaced flat surfaces thereon which minimize the compression hoop effects on the peripheral fibers of the bundle, thereby maximizing fiber bundle consolidation.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a fiber optic connector has a transparent sleeve formed on the end of the fiber optic bundle of the cable. The end of the sleeve is closed and extends over the end surface of the bundle to form an optical window therefor and a protective spacer so that when two cables are mated in abutting relationship the end surfaces of the fiber bundles are spaced apart, preventing end surface bundle scratching which causes excessive light diffusion and results in light reception losses.