Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a fiber optic connector of the type having a main body to which is secured a ceramic ferrule. The improvement resides in that the mating ferrule is a ceramic ferrule arranged in a press-fit engagement within the recess such that the ferrule does not abut against the bottom of the recess and extends beyond the main body a fixed predetermined distance to be compatible for mating with other like connectors. The requirement for using epoxy to fix the ferrule to the body and later polishing down of the ferrule is eliminated. The invention also resides in a tool for assembling the fiber optic connector and the method of using the tool to assemble the connector.

Abstract: A tool for preparing a fiber optic cable for termination with a fiber optic connector. The cable is of the type having a concentric arrangement, from the exterior of the center thereof, an outer protective cover, a layer of strength members and a buffer layered cover fiber. A longitudinally extending first member of the tool includes a longitudinal passage extending therethrough and the cable is mountable therein with a predetermined length extending from the front thereof. The front of the member is a frusto-conical shape on the exterior thereof and the cable is clamped within the member. A second clamp member also having a longitudinal passage therethrough is of a size such that the second clamp member can be received on the exterior of the frusto-conical end of the first member such as to hold strength members of the fiber optic cable securely against the outer surface of the frusto-conical end when the strength members are folded thereover.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector is provided for coupling a fiber optic cable. The connector includes a two part clamp body having a V groove therethrough defining a passage. The passage is of two different sizes to securely hold the fiber of a cable and the fiber covered with buffer layer of a cable therein. A metal tube extends out the back of the connector and serves as a base with a strength layer of the cable whereby an outer sleeve can be crimped onto the Kevlar to hold the Kevlar between the outer sleeve and the inner tube. The two part body is held together by a split sleeve at the front portion thereof and a coupling member serves to couple the connector to an adapter for connecting the connector to a light connector or other fiber optic device. A keying mechanism is provided to ensure that upon repeated couplings the fiber connector is always connected in the same relative rotation position to prevent scarring of the end of the fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly for connecting a fiber optic cable thereto. The connector assembly includes an arrangement whereby the cable can be crimped and attached to the connector without crimping force being exerted on the buffer layer of the cable. The connecting end of the connector has the capillary ferrule extending outwardly therefrom in a spring loaded manner. In connection with another connector the respective ferrules are held in a centering sleeve and retract against the compressive force of a spring into each connector thereof to ensure alignment and tight connection between the core elements held by the ferrules. In order to permit repeat connections, the ferrules are held non-rotatively within the connectors.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly for connecting a fiber optic cable thereto. The connector assembly includes an arrangement whereby the cable can be crimped and attached to the connector without crimping force being exerted on the buffer layer of the cable. The connecting end of the connector has the capillary ferrule extending outwardly therefrom in a spring loaded manner. In connection with another connector the respective ferrules are held in a centering sleeve and retract against the compressive force of a spring into each connector thereof to ensure alignment and tight connection between the core elements held by the ferrules. In order to permit repeat connections, the ferrules are held non-rotatably within the connectors. Further compensating means is provided for ensuring that the fiber core of the cable is maintained flush with the end of the capillary ferrule at all times and under varying temperature conditions.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector is disclosed for optically coupling a pair of fiber optic cables or a single fiber optic cable and a light source or detector. A terminal member includes a pair of identical matching halves defining a through hole extending axially therethrough. The through hole has a first portion extending through a mating end of the terminal member and sized to snugly receive a length of the fiber core stripped of the outer coating and properly positioning the core with respect to the mating end of the terminal member. The through hole has a second portion extending through a rear end of the terminal member and sized for receiving the outer coating of the fiber optic cable. Projections are formed in the second portion of the through hole for clamping the outer coating to prevent lengthwise movement of the fiber optic cable relative to the terminal member.

Abstract: A connector concurrently connects electrical conductors and optical fibers terminated in the connector to electrical conductors and optical fibers respectively terminated in an array of electrical contacts and optical fiber connecting elements, such as in a similar connector. The connector includes a housing having a mating end with electrical contacts supported in the housing and exposed at the mating end. An optical fiber is clamped within the housing and a fiber encompassing member extends from the clamp toward the mating end of the housing for abutment with fiber connection elements of the connecting array. The clamp and the fiber encompassing member are mounted within the housing for retractive movement in a direction away from the mating end relative to the electrical contacts of the connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber clamp comprises two clamping portions with rounded fiber clamping surfaces for clamping an optical fiber therebetween. Each clamping portion includes a semicylindrical projection which extends normal to the axis of the clamped fiber and is complimentary to the projection of the other clamping portion to form a laterally extending support stud when a fiber is clamped. The stud is inserted in a mounting block to secure the fiber a fixed distance above and parallel to the upper surface of the mounting block. A cantilevered fiber support extends from the first and second clamping portions and comprises a three-quarter round cylindrical section extending from one side of the first clamping portion and a reversed three-quarter round cylindrical section extending from the opposite side of the second clamping portion. The clamping portions are preferably interconnected by a hinge portion in a unitary structure to facilitate wrapping the clamping portions about a fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a housing having a mating end for intermating with an array containing optical fibers, for example a second fiber optic connector. A fiber clamp for holding an optical fiber is mounted in a mounting block with the combination movable toward and away from the mating end of the housing. A resilient member forces the combination of the mounting block and the fiber clamp toward the mating end while allowing movement away from the mating end in response to an overriding opposite force. A rigid fiber encompassing member extends from the fiber clamp to the mating end of the connector for receiving and transmitting the force which overrides the force of the resilient member.