Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting low voltage device to an electrified ceiling framework. The connector includes a connector body and a conductive member attached to the connector body. The conductive member includes a contact portion configured to provide electrical contact to a conductive surface of the electrified ceiling framework. The connector is also configurable in a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of a portion of the connector into an opening in the electrified ceiling framework. The second position engages the electrified ceiling framework to provide an electrical connection and mechanical support to the connector and devices that may be attached thereto.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with an electrified ceiling framework having a conductive body with a first end and second end. The first end of the conductive body is arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a first conductive surface disposed adjacent to a ceiling framework. The first end also includes a conductive, mechanically biased member capable of maintaining physical contact with the first conductive surface. The second end includes a surface arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a device selected from the group consisting of a voltage source, a second conductive surface, an electrical device and combinations thereof. The conductive body provides electrical connectivity between the conductive surface and the device.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with an electrified ceiling framework having a conductive body with a first end and second end. The first end of the conductive body is arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a first conductive surface disposed adjacent to a ceiling framework. The first end also includes a conductive, mechanically biased member capable of maintaining physical contact with the first conductive surface. The second end includes a surface arranged and disposed to provide selective electrical contact to a device selected from the group consisting of a voltage source, a second conductive surface, an electrical device and combinations thereof. The conductive body provides electrical connectivity between the conductive surface and the device.

Abstract: A clamping assembly having a top and bottom and front and back orientation, at least one optical axis, and a pre-actuated state in which a fiber is not secured to the clamping assembly and a post-actuated state in which a fiber is secured to the clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a platform disposed in the housing and being fixed therein both radially and axially, the platform defining a fiber-receiving channel along the optical axis to receive at least one fiber, at least a portion of the fiber-receiving channel being accessible from the top; (c) a first cam member disposed in the housing above and adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel, the first cam member being radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; (d) a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly kit (7) comprising: (a) a ferrule assembly (1) having at least one bore hole to receive an optical fiber and a first contact surface; (b) a positioning member (2) having a second contact surface and an aperture adapted to receive the ferrule assembly (1), wherein the first contact surface and the aperture are configured to form a first interface in which a first radial position relationship between the ferrule assembly (1) and the positioning member (2) is maintained; (c) a housing having an interior cavity adapted for receiving the positioning member (2) and the ferrule assembly (1), the housing and the second surface of the positioning member (2) are configured to form a second interface such that a second radial position relationship between the positioning member (2) and the housing is maintained, wherein one of the first or second radial position relationships is adjustable in increments less than a quarter rotation, and the other radial position relationship is predetermined, a

Abstract: A method of coupling a high-power optical signal between an optical fiber and a mating optical component, the optical signal ranging in wavelength from x to y, and having a first diameter while propagating in a mode field within the fiber, the method comprising: (a) converting the high-power optical signal between the first diameter in the fiber and a second diameter significantly greater than the first diameter using a GRIN lens fused to an end of the fiber, the GRIN lens having a diameter substantially the same as that of the optical fiber and a length l complying with the following equation: ¼x+½nx?l?¼y+½ny, wherein n=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . 100; (b) establishing physical contact between the GRIN lens and a coupling surface of the mating optical component; and (c) while the high-power optical signal is at the second diameter, optically coupling it between the lens and the mating optical component.

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical fiber assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a ferrule sub-assembly comprising a ferrule having a front end and a fiber secured therein and a positioning member; (b) positioning the ferrule sub-assembly in a housing adapted to receive the positioning member in a plurality of predetermined radial positions; (c) preparing the front end such that the fiber is suitable for optical coupling with a mating device; (d) rotating the ferrule sub-assembly to at least a portion of the plurality of predetermined radial positions within the housing while measuring the power loss associated with each radial position to determine the optimal radial position; and (e) optionally polishing the end of the ferrule into the desired configuration after the optimum radial position is determined.

Abstract: A method of qualifying a ferrule assembly as being adequate to make physical contact upon mating, the method comprising approving the ferrule assembly if an undercut of the ferrule assembly does not exceed a maximum allowable undercut based on ferrule deformation at a particular compressive load and apex offset.

Abstract: A method of coupling a high-power optical signal between an optical fiber and a mating optical component, said optical signal having a first diameter while propagating in a mode field within said fiber, said method comprising: (a) converting said high-power optical signal between said first diameter in said fiber and a second diameter using a collimator optically coupled to said fiber, said second diameter being significantly greater than said first diameter, and (b) while said high-power optical signal is at said second diameter, optically coupling it between said lens and said mating optical component.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly kit (7) comprising: (a) a ferrule assembly (1) having at least one bore hole to receive an optical fiber and a first contact surface; (b) a positioning member (2) having a second contact surface and an aperture adapted to receive the ferrule assembly (1), wherein the first contact surface and the aperture are configured to form a first interface in which a first radial position relationship between the ferrule assembly (1) and the positioning member (2) is maintained; (c) a housing having an interior cavity adapted for receiving the positioning member (2) and the ferrule assembly (1), the housing and the second surface of the positioning member (2) are configured to form a second interface such that a second radial position relationship between the positioning member (2) and the housing is maintained, wherein one of the first or second radial position relationships is adjustable in increments less than a quarter rotation, and the other radial position relationship is predetermined, a

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical fiber assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a ferrule sub-assembly comprising a ferrule having a front end and a fiber secured therein and a positioning member; (b) positioning the ferrule sub-assembly in a housing adapted to receive the positioning member in a plurality of predetermined radial positions; (c) preparing the front end such that the fiber is suitable for optical coupling with a mating device; (d) rotating the ferrule sub-assembly to at least a portion of the plurality of predetermined radial positions within the housing while measuring the power loss associated with each radial position to determine the optimal radial position; and (e) optionally polishing the end of the ferrule into the desired configuration after the optimum radial position is determined.

Abstract: A method of qualifying a ferrule assembly as being adequate to make physical contact upon mating, the method comprising approving the ferrule assembly if an undercut of the ferrule assembly does not exceed a maximum allowable undercut based on ferrule deformation at a particular compressive load and apex offset.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector utilizing a fiber array ferrule 20 has a housing 1 with an internal geometry that provides transverse alignment of the ferrule relative to the housing 1 when the connector is in an unmated condition and permits transverse displacement of the ferrule relative to the housing when the connector is in a mated condition. This structure advantageously permits proper pre-mating alignment with a mating connector ferrule or other optical device while also improving isolation of the ferrule from external loads imposed on the housing 1 when the connector is in a mated condition.

Abstract: A connector for engaging a mating connector comprising: (a) a housing having a longitudinal axis and a front and back orientation and being adapted for receiving a signal carrying medium; and (b) an articulated latch connected to the housing at one or more primary joints and having a plurality of sections, wherein at least one of the sections has an engagement structure which is adapted to engage a corresponding structure on the mating connector such that the connector and the mating connector cannot be separated without actuating the latch, and wherein at least two sections are connected at a secondary joint, the primary and secondary joints being configured such that, when an actuating force is applied to the articulated latch, a moment on one side of the actuation point is reduced by an opposing moment on the opposite side of the actuation point, thereby reducing the axial force on the connector.

Abstract: A novel forward-facing, aft-attached cantilever beam is provided as a latch for securing a fiber optic connector to a receptacle. The beam has engagement structure on its free end which attaches to the receptacle. The connector includes a plug housing formed from a member having a forward end and a rearward end and an axial passageway therethrough through which at least one optical fiber provided in the fiber optic cable extends. The forward end is inserted into the receptacle with the rearward end extending from the receptacle. The cantilevered beam has an end fixed to a rearward portion of the member and its free end extends forwardly toward the forward end of the member. To engage the connector with the receptacle, the free end of the cantilevered beam is biased toward the member and the member is slid into the receptacle. Once fully inserted, the engagement structure on the cantilevered beam engages retention structure in the receptacle.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule comprises a precision ferrule capillary (2) and a ferrule base (10). The ferrule capillary (2) has a polygonal collar (6). The ferrule base (10) is molded over the collar (6). The ferrule base (10) and the collar (6) cooperate to resist rotational and axial displacement of the ferrule capillary relative to the ferrule base (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector which can be used to terminate, among other things, an optical fiber. The connector includes a housing, and the housing defines a cavity. The housing has an end configured for insertion into an associated receptacle. On the housing is a latch for securing the housing in the associated receptacle. The latch has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and each end of the latch is either connected to or simply supported by the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly for receiving an optical fiber and reducing transverse offset loss has a ferrule (15) having a plurality of tabs (19) disposed circumferentially thereabout. The ferrule (15) and a compression spring (20) are retainably received in a cable attachment body (25) in one of a plurality of possible rotational orientations to form an assembly (11). Apertures (44) and longitudinal cutouts (42) in the plug body (40) receive retention lugs (35) on the cable attachment body (25). In an FC connector, a plurality of latch beams (67) on the plug body (40) retainably engage an internal retention diameter (71) in an FC coupling nut. The ferrule assembly (11) together with the plug body (40) are assembled to the FC coupling nut (60) using axial motions.

Abstract: A bend limiting strain relief boot 1 is disclosed wherein, an outer diameter of the boot 1 varies as a function of a desired minimum bend radius (.rho.), a side load applied (F), and the modulus of elasticity (E) of a material from which the boot 1 is made. An outer diameter (d.sub.o (.theta.)) of the boot varies as a function of its distance from a distal end of the connector following the relationship: ##EQU1## wherein d.sub.i is the inner diameter of the boot, F is the maximum applied load, .rho. is the desired minimum radius of curvature, .theta. is the angle of the applied load relative to said neutral axis, and E is the modulus of elasticity of the selected material.

Abstract: Optical fiber connector assemblies. The connectors comprise plug bodies having two cantilevered beams disposed in a rear interior portion of the plug body and a ferrule which houses an optical fiber that is front-loaded into the plug body and which is adapted to bias the two cantilevered beams when placed in the plug body such that the plug body snaps around the plug member to captivate the ferrule member in the optical fiber connector. The connector is further comprised of a spring placed axially in the plug body for spring-loading the ferrule member in the plug body, and a rear housing adapted to receive the rear portion of the ferrule member when the ferrule member is placed in the plug body. The optical fiber connectors which are described herein ensure precise optical alignment of optical waveguides in the connector and are simple to assemble.