Abstract: A plug which has a plugging portion and a stem extending therefrom is formed of an elastomeric material in order to deform to create a wiping engagement and a seal with the walls of a receiving cavity. The stem and plugging portion include both cavities for receiving alignment pins in the device being plugged and a manually engageable portion on a distal end of the stem for removing the plug from the sealed cavity, such as within an optical subassembly module. The side edges of the plugging member conform to the cavity cross-section to enhance the sealing yet do not unduly deform the member. The sealing member is formed with one or more standoffs to engage an end face of the cavity, assuring no contact between the optical elements and the plug. The edges of the plug deform upon insertion to create the seal and form a wiping engagement with the cavity interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining connectors of two cables, e.g., optical cables, that plug into a receptacle. The connectors each have a pull member operative to release engagement of an ear member of the connector with a hook member of the receptacle to permit detachment of the connector from the receptacle. The connectors may be type MPO connectors, for example. The connectors are joined by a collar that is slid over the pull members. The collar has two apertures, each configured to receive one of the pull members. The apertures each have a projection positioned to be received in a recess on the pull members. Preferably, the collar is resilient to allow resilient deformation as the projections slide toward capture in the recesses. The connectors may be simultaneously detached from the receptacle by pulling the collar in a direction away from the receptacle.

Abstract: A plug which has a plugging portion and a stem extending therefrom is formed of an elastomeric material in order to deform to create a wiping engagement and a seal with the walls of a receiving cavity. The stem and plugging portion include both cavities for receiving alignment pins in the device being plugged and a manually engageable portion on a distal end of the stem for removing the plug from the sealed cavity, such as within an optical subassembly module.. The side edges of the plugging member conform to the cavity cross-section to enhance the sealing yet do not unduly deform the member. The sealing member is formed with one or more standoffs to engage an end face of the cavity, assuring no contact between the optical elements and the plug. The edges of the plug deform upon insertion to create the seal and form a wiping engagement with the cavity interior.