Abstract: A holder operative for inserting a fiber in a data communication system and method for using the same. The holder is adapted to connect a terminus of a first fiber to a terminus of a second fiber. The terminus of each fiber including an optical fiber surrounded by a ferrule. The ferrule is mounted within a plug member which has a shoulder portion. The holder includes a housing which has first and second openings formed therein. At least one chamber is formed in the housing and communicates with the first and second openings. The chamber is adapted to receive the termini of the first and second fibers. The holder also includes means for maintaining the termini in spaced apart relationship. In one embodiment, the termini are maintained in spaced apart relationship by means of two steps at spaced location within the chamber. The shoulder portion of each terminus seats against the step when the terminus is placed within the chamber.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a terminus of an optical fiber to a passage within a fiber optic cable connector. The terminus includes an optical fiber surrounded by a ferrule. The ferrule is mounted within a plug member which has a shoulder portion. The adapter includes a housing with a chamber formed therein which is adapted to receive the terminus of the fiber. The adapter also includes means for removably attaching the fiber to the housing. In one embodiment the means for removably attaching the fiber is a cap with has a channel formed through it. The cap retains the terminus of the fiber within the chamber. A plug extension is formed on the housing with at least a portion of the plug extension being adapted to fit within the passage in the fiber optic connector for removably engaging the adapter to the fiber optic connector. The plug extension includes a shaft and a shoulder.

Abstract: A connecting assembly interconnects one fiber optic cable harness to another fiber optic cable harness, or to an electronic unit containing an optical transmitter or receiver. The backshell includes a coupling ring that prevents loosening of the connection without first relaxing tension on the individual fiber optic cables in the cable harness. The inability to rotate the connector end coupling ring before relaxing tension on the fiber optic cables prevents damage to the individual fiber optic cables from occurring when the backshell is rotated with respect to the connector.