Abstract: Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The methods present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. Specifically, the methods include presenting a length of distribution optical fiber outward of the protective covering that is longer than the opening at access location. After the opening is made in the protective covering at the access location, the optical fibers for distribution are selected. Then a tool according to the present invention is positioned about the optical fibers selected for distribution and slid within the protective covering of the fiber optic distribution cable until it reaches a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable. Consequently, the tool is positioned for cutting the distribution optical fiber at a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable at a downstream location.

Abstract: Fiber optic assemblies including a plurality of optical fibers in a connector having a ferrule are disclosed. The ferrule has a front end face and a plurality of bores with the plurality of optical fibers being disposed within one of the respective plurality of bores. The fiber optic assemblies have the plurality of optical fibers recessed from the front end face of the ferrule by a suitable distance to inhibit physical contact of the plurality of optical fibers when mated with a complementary connection. Consequently, the fiber optic assemblies are suited for hundreds or thousands of connections and disconnections (i.e., mating cycles) with reduced susceptibility from damage and/or optical attenuation caused by dirt, debris and the like as expected with the consumer electronic/device environments.

Abstract: Small-form-factor fiber optic interface assemblies (180) for electronic devices (100) are disclosed. The fiber optic interface assemblies include a receptacle (120) configured to matingly engage with a plug (20) of a fiber optic cable assembly (10). Example assemblies include a flexible mount (228) supported by a circuit board (150) and configured to absorb a mechanical force when the plug is mated to the receptacle. The receptacle aperture (223) has at least one transverse dimension (L, W) of between about 2 mm and 4 mm. The assemblies can support both optical and electrical communication and functionality.

Abstract: A fiber optic interface device (10) with a positionable cover (100) is disclosed. The device includes a ferrule (50) supported by a housing (21). The ferrule has a front section (65) with a surface (66) and is configured to support at least one optical path interface (OPI) at the front-section surface. The cover supports a cleaning member (170) and is positionable in open and closed positions. In the closed position, the cleaning member is proximate to the at least one optical path interface, and in the open position the at least one optical path interface is exposed.

Abstract: Optical fiber ferrules (10, 20) for making optical or optical and electrical connections are disclosed, along with receptacle and plug fiber optic interface devices (60, 70) using the ferrules, and cable assemblies (6, 7) using the fiber optic interface devices. The optical fiber ferrules support optical pathways (14) and have front ends (12F, 22F) with mating geometries that facilitate a relatively high number of mating/unmating cycles. The ferrule is translatable within the enclosure (62e, 72e). Resilient members (75) provide the ferrule with forward-bias and rear-bias positions when the fiber optic interface device is un-mated and mated, respectively.

Abstract: Fiber optic interface devices (20, 320) for electronic devices (300) are disclosed. A plug-type fiber optic interface (20) has an axially moveable multi-fiber ferrule (100) that supports optical fibers (52) or a combination of optical fibers and gradient-index lenses (600). A resilient member (150) serves to provide the ferrule with forward-bias and rear-bias positions relative to a recessed front end (22) of a housing (21). A fiber optic interface assembly (570) that includes mated plug and receptacle fiber optic interface devices (20, 320) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for laser processing arrays of optical fibers and high-fiber count splicing connectors and adapters are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a structure having optical fibers arranged in a plurality of rows and placing a protection element adjacent to a first row of optical fibers and a second row of optical fibers. Thereafter, the first row of optical fibers can be processed using the laser. The protection element may also be used to move optical fibers. In one embodiment, the protection element has a first portion and a second portion that have relative movement therebetween. In other variations, an absorption element may be provided adjacent the first row of optical fibers for inhibiting incidental damage to the structure.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating fiber optic connectors, comprising an adapter housing defining at least one feature for engaging with at least one plug housing engaged with at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors, and at least one alignment member maintained within the adapter housing for receiving connective ends of each of the first and second fiber optic connectors. An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating first and second fiber optic connectors, wherein the connectors may be similar or dissimilar and while reducing side load forces through the use of a stabilizing member.

Abstract: A fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly defining a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be attached in a vertical orientation, facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. Embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.

Abstract: A factory finished fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly having a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use with other like assemblies as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be installed in a vertical orientation facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot assembly that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. High density embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.

Abstract: Patch panel assemblies (150) that contain patch panel modules (50) for use in optical fiber telecommunication systems are disclosed. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a front mounting frame (210F) and at least one internal mounting frame (210I) that support a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel assembly also includes a hinge assembly (224) configured allow bend-insensitive fiber cables (70) to be routed therethrough. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a housing (152) with a drawer (270) that supports a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel modules employ bend-insensitive optical fibers (12C) to connect front and rear ports (92, 98) so that the patch panels have a reduced size as compared to conventional patch panel modules.

Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable and one or more attachment points to allow one or more tethers to optically connect to optical fibers within the cable. The cable assembly may be used as a drop cable for extending optical connections to a plurality of points. An attachment structure is provided for maintaining the tether to the cable to prevent damage to the tether. The attachment structure provides a loose attachment to allow the tether to move relative to the distribution cable, so the tether can move in a generally translational movement, is able to slightly twist, and to have limited lateral movement during coiling, installation, and removal of the cable assembly. This loose attachment structure may prevent damage to the tether due to forces being placed on the cable, such as during coiling or uncoiling of the cable. In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure is attached to the cable and receives the tether.

Abstract: Patch panel assemblies (150) that contain patch panel modules (50) for use in optical fiber telecommunication systems are disclosed. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a front mounting frame (210F) and at least one internal mounting frame (210I) that support a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel assembly also includes a hinge assembly (224) configured allow bend-insensitive fiber cables (70) to be routed therethrough. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a housing (152) with a drawer (270) that supports a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel modules employ bend-insensitive optical fibers (12C) to connect front and rear ports (92, 98) so that the patch panels have a reduced size as compared to conventional patch panel modules.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a mating portion of a fiber optic connector for reducing an insertion force for the mating portion includes providing a mating portion of a fiber optic connector and treating the mating portion of the fiber optic connector by applying a cleaning and/or lubricating solution thereto to reduce the insertion force of the mating portion.

Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable having an optical ribbon stack therein, at least one network access location for accessing the ribbon stack, and at least one ERL insert assembly, which can include for example at least one resilient plug for holding one or more optical ribbons of the fiber optic cable at, or near, the network access location to inhibit optical ribbon stack movement and torque, for example, translation and/or rotation at the network access point. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting optical fiber movement or torque, translation and/or rotation at a predetermined position within a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.