Abstract: An optical fiber connector element comprises a connector body (10) which receives an optical fiber (12). The connector body (10) is provided with a bayonet coupling (30) to enable two identical connector elements to be mated to connect optically the optical fibers. The bayonet coupling (30) has two diametrically opposed connection arms (50,52), the arms of one connector fitting in the spacing between the arms of another connector to enable a bayonet connection to be established. An alignment feature (60) is positioned such that when the alignment feature (60) of the one connector and of the other connector are aligned, the arms (50,52) of the one connector are inserted into the spaces (54) between the arms of the other connector with the correct relative positioning to enable the bayonet fitting to be established. This facilitates the assembly of the coupling, which may be required in darkness and in adverse weather conditions when gloves are required.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector element (10) receives at one end a sheathed optical fiber cable (12), and the individual optical fibers (14) are separated out within the connector element. Each of the individual optical fibers is terminated with a ferrule (16) at the cut end. The connector has an end face (20) which is provided with a transparent window (26), the ferrules (16) being positioned internally adjacent the window. The invention provides a single carrier component (60) for the window (26) and which includes an integral seal component (64). The end face is also provided with an O-ring seal (29) to provide a seal between two coupled connectors, and the O-ring seal (29) is housed frictionally in a channel (28) having tapered side walls (51,53). An improved ferrule carrier design is also disclosed in which a channel (54) is provided for each fiber having a guide ramp (60) which is arranged to direct the optical fiber radially out of the ferrule carrier during assembly so as to prevent damage to the fibers.

Abstract: A cylindrical plug connector is provided for terminating an electrical cable which includes at least first and second inner conductors surrounded by an outer insulating jacket. A generally cylindrical dielectric housing mounts at least an outer cylindrical conductive contact and an inner conductive contact. The inner conductive contact is terminated to one of the first and second inner conductors of the cable. A terminal has a body portion in engagement with the outer cylindrical conductive contact. The terminal includes a first crimp arm projecting from the body portion for crimping termination with the other of the first and second inner conductors of the cable, and a second crimp arm projecting from the body portion for crimping onto the outer insulating jacket of the cable.