Abstract: An optical cable tracing system is constructed using an optical/electrical (hybrid) cable 10 containing both optical and electrical transmission media. This cable provides desirably high bandwidth via optical fibers 15 while connection accuracy is provided via electrical wires 13, which are used to operate indicator lights 941 at one or both ends of the cable. A hybrid plug connector 300 terminates the cable at each end and includes a dielectric housing 20, 30 that encloses the optical fiber (glass or plastic), which extends through a front opening 21 in the housing. A single cantilever latch 22 is mounted on a top-side of the housing that is adapted to engage a mating jack receptacle 440 in a locking relationship. A conductor-holding apparatus is molded into the bottom side of the housing where it holds a number of insulated electrical conductors and metallic blade terminals 36 that pierce the insulation and make electrical contact with each of the conductors.

Abstract: A tuning index tool for use in determining the degree of tuning necessary for a tunable optical fiber connector has a first stationary member having a connector adapter affixed thereto and a second movable member within the first member and spring loaded with respect thereto. The second member has a connector adapter affixed thereto axially aligned with the adapter in the first member. The movable member is incrementally rotatable with respect to the stationary member by being pulled against the spring force to disengage the ferrules of connectors in the adapters, which are aligned in a split sleeve. Rotation changes the orientation of the eccentricity vectors of the two connectors, and hence the insertion loss. Measurements of insertion loss are made, and the orientation of the connectors for minimum loss is noted.

Abstract: A plug type connector is adapted to be latched to a backplane wall in a fixed position and has a tapered front, nose or connector end for insertion into an adapter which plugs into the backplane wall. The adapter may be misaligned in any or all of the X, Y, Z axes. The tapered nose cams the X or Y misaligned adapter into axial alignment as the adapter and its mount are being inserted. A shortened front or connector end of the connector causes the ferrule of the connector to project beyond the optical plane of the connection so that it reaches a ferrule in a Z aligned adapter to complete the connection. A coil spring within the housing of the connector is tuned to allow counter movement of the ferrule where the ferrule in the adapter is too long, thereby shifting the position of the optical plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for terminating an optical fiber. The connector comprises a one-piece housing, a ferrule assembly and an insert. The insert has keys formed thereon that are adapted to mate with keyways formed in the housing. The housing has a first opening formed therein that first receives the ferrule assembly and then the insert and a second opening opposite the first opening. The end of the ferrule assembly that holds the end of the optical fiber protrudes through the second opening. The insert has a flange thereon that has two oppositely located flat surfaces and two oppositely located keys. The keys each have a chamfered surface. The keys and the flat surfaces of the flange provide the flange with a substantially rectangular cross-section. The first opening formed in the housing has a substantially square cross-section.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector that is tunable despite being fully assembled has a assembly having an enlarged ferrule holding member or flange that has a multi-faceted periphery, preferably in the shape of a hexagon. The connector has a front housing portion that has a multi-faceted seating region for the flange. The flange is disengageable from the seating region for tuning rotation by being movable axially toward the rear of the housing against the force of a spring. The connector can be tuned by incremental rotations of the assembly when the flange is disengaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector for terminating an optical fiber. The connector comprises a one-piece housing, a ferrule assembly and an insert. The insert has keys formed thereon that are adapted to mate with keyways formed in the housing. The housing has a first opening formed therein that first receives the ferrule assembly and then the insert and a second opening opposite the first opening. The end of the ferrule assembly that holds the end of the optical fiber protrudes through the second opening. The insert has a flange thereon that has two oppositely located flat surfaces and two oppositely located keys. The keys each have a chamfered surface. The keys and the flat surfaces of the flange provide the flange with a substantially rectangular cross-section. The first opening formed in the housing has a substantially square cross-section.

Abstract: A tuning wrench for tuning optical fiber connectors has an enlarged portion from which extends a limiting portion having a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening in the ferrule housing portion of an optical connector. A tubular member protrudes from the limiting portion and has an internal diameter dimensioned to slide over the connector ferrule. The distal end of the tubular member has a pair of tangs adapted to fit within or openings in the front of the flange portion of the ferrule-barrel member of the connector. The distance from the face of the limiting member to the tangs is such that axial pressure on the wrench moves the flange rearwardly out of engagement with its housing but the face of the limiting member butts against the front of the housing before the spring member within the housing bottoms. Rotation of the wrench thus causes rotation of the ferrule-barrel assembly to alter the angular orientation of the eccentricity vector of the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical connector (20) includes a ferrule assembly (22) which is adapted to be received in a plug frame (70). The ferrule assembly is held in the plug frame by a cable retention assembly (40) which is adapted to be secured to said plug frame. A leading end of the plug frame is symmetrical in an end cross-section which is normal to a longitudinal axis of the connector. After the ferrule assembly has been assembled to the plug frame, the direction of any eccentricity of the plug passageway or of an optical fiber terminated by the ferrule assembly is determined. Then the plug frame is assembled to a housing of a grip (90) such that the direction of eccentricity is aligned with a key (92) of the grip. The plug frame is capable of being assembled to the grip notwithstanding the rotational orientation of the plug frame with respect to the grip.