Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable, a second fiber optic cable attached to the first fiber optic cable, and an apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the second fiber optic cable from attachment to the first fiber optic cable. A cable assembly comprising a distribution cable, a tether cable attached and optically interconnected to the distribution cable at a first position, and removably attached to the distribution cable at one or more second positions, and a tether cable release apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the tether cable from the distribution cable to allow the tether and a tethered assembly to be pulled to a predetermined location within a network.

Abstract: There is provided fiber optic hardware and hardware components adapted to provide a desired amount of fiber optic connectivity and/or functionality for a desired amount of volume, materials, etc. The fiber optic hardware components include, but are not limited to multiports, local convergence points (LCPs), particularly LCPs for multiple dwelling units or similar applications, network interface devices, equipment frames, and fiber distribution hubs. Certain fiber optic hardware components are adapted to accommodate microstructured optical fiber or other bend performance optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.

Abstract: A substantially flat fiber optic drop cable assembly comprises: a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber optic ferrule and a housing; a crimp body coupled to the housing of the fiber optic connector; a fiber optic cable comprising a pair of strength members disposed partially within the fiber optic cable; a first sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the first sheath coupled to the crimp body; a second sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the second sheath coupled to the fiber optic cable; and a demarcation element joining the first sheath and the second sheath, wherein the demarcation element comprises a substantially tubular element; wherein the pair of strength members are configured to engage the crimp body about the first sheath, the second sheath, and the demarcation element.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.

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 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: A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.

Abstract: A ferrule comprising a molded ferrule body defining fiber bores, an end face of a connective end of the ferrule positioned about the fiber bores, and an integral reference surface for determining the angularity of the end face. The integral reference surface is not machined subsequent to a ferrule molding process and is accessible after assembly of the ferrule body into a connector body. A multi-fiber ferrule comprising a connective end defining an end face, a rear non-connective portion defining a protruding shoulder, and an integral reference datum positioned on a surface of the shoulder accessible for determining the angularity of a plane defined by the end face, wherein the integral datum is accessible when the ferrule is received within a connector body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cable assembly comprising a flexible network access point that includes a flexible cover over a mid-span access location, providing environmental protection for the mid-span access location and facilitating installation of a distribution cable. Subsequent to installation, the mid-span access location is exposed and accessed by pulling a ripcord, for example, thereby removing a portion of the flexible cover. This exposes one or more connectors, which may be single or multi-fiber connectors, that are configured to receive the receptacles of one or more drop cables and/or tethers. Thus, a semi-hardened, selectively-usable closure is provided.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether attached and spliced to at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a slack coil or loop of bend performance optical fiber therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and slack coil of optical fiber maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a cross-sectional diameter less than about 1.25 inches.

Abstract: A cable assembly including a fiber optic cable and at least one network access point positioned on the cable at which at least one optical fiber within the cable is accessed and preterminated. The cable assembly comprises a tether adapted to be selectively extended and including at least one tether optical fiber therein that is optically connected to the at least one optical fiber that is preterminated, and a tether storage member for storing at least a portion of the tether therein, wherein at least one of the at least one optical fiber that is preterminated and the at least one tether optical fiber comprises a bend performance optical fiber.

Abstract: There is provided fiber optic hardware and hardware components adapted to provide a desired amount of fiber optic connectivity and/or functionality for a desired amount of volume, materials, etc. The fiber optic hardware components include, but are not limited to multiports, local convergence points (LCPs), particularly LCPs for multiple dwelling units or similar applications, network interface devices, equipment frames, and fiber distribution hubs. Certain fiber optic hardware components are adapted to accommodate microstructured optical fiber or other bend performance optical fiber.

Abstract: A loopback device utilizing bend insensitive optical fiber to facilitate deployment of a connectorized fiber optic distribution cable through small-diameter conduit. A loopback device utilizing bend insensitive optical fiber for use within an optical network to route optical signals transmitted downstream along one or more optical fibers back upstream along the same or other optical fibers for the purpose of the determining the integrity of the downstream and upstream optical paths from a single upstream location. A loopback device including one or more bend insensitive optical fibers, a multi-fiber loopback ferrule and a dust cap for sealing engaging a connector plug attached to a distribution cable or a tether of a pre-engineered distribution cable assembly prior to installation of the distribution cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether attached and spliced to at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a slack coil or loop of bend performance optical fiber therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and slack coil of optical fiber maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a cross-sectional diameter less than about 1.25 inches.

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 multi-fiber fiber optic ferrule comprising a ferrule body, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within at least one optical fiber bore defined by the ferrule body, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within at least one guard fiber bore defined by the ferrule body. A multi-fiber ferrule defining at least one optical fiber bore opening through a front face, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within the ferrule and maintained within the at least one optical fiber bore, at least one guard fiber bore opening through the front face, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within the at least one guard fiber bore.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.

Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable, a second fiber optic cable attached to the first fiber optic cable, and an apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the second fiber optic cable from attachment to the first fiber optic cable. A cable assembly comprising a distribution cable, a tether cable attached and optically interconnected to the distribution cable at a first position, and removably attached to the distribution cable at one or more second positions, and a tether cable release apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the tether cable from the distribution cable to allow the tether and a tethered assembly to be pulled to a predetermined location within a network.

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. In one method of making the fiber optic distribution cables, an indexing tube is provided for indexing a tether tube within the indexing tube for providing the distribution optical fiber with a suitable excess fiber length. In another method, a demarcation point is provided for inhibiting the movement (i.e., pistoning) of the distribution optical fiber into and out of the distribution cable. In still another method, one or more caps are provided for closing one or more the openings in the protective covering used for accessing the optical fibers within the fiber optic distribution cable. Additionally, other methods may include providing a fiber optic distribution cable having a dry construction and/or a non-round cross-section.