Abstract: A down pressure plow system with a float function is disclosed for use in a vehicle. The plow system includes a plow frame assembly and a plow blade carried by the plow blade assembly. An actuator is configured to move the plow blade up and down. A down pressure linkage is coupled to the plow frame assembly. The down pressure linkage applies a downward force to the plow blade upon actuating the actuator to move the plow blade and simultaneously allows the plow blade to move upward upon an upward force being applied to the plow blade.

Abstract: A down pressure plow system with a float function is disclosed for use in a vehicle. The plow system includes a plow frame assembly and a plow blade carried by the plow blade assembly. An actuator is configured to move the plow blade up and down. A down pressure linkage is coupled to the plow frame assembly. The down pressure linkage applies a downward force to the plow blade upon actuating the actuator to move the plow blade and simultaneously allows the plow blade to move upward upon an upward force being applied to the plow blade.

Abstract: A connector assembly including an outer housing having a front end, a back end, and a central axis extending therebetween. The outer housing has a passage that extends therethrough. The connector assembly also includes a slidable connector that is disposed within the passage. The slidable connector includes a communication module. The connector assembly also includes a spring frame that is positioned between the slidable connector and the outer housing. Prior to mating with a mating connector, the spring frame mechanically couples the slidable connector with respect to the outer housing. After the mating connector and the communication module are communicatively coupled, the spring frame releases the slidable connector from the outer housing such that the slidable connector is permitted to move relative to the outer housing. The spring frame mechanically couples the slidable connector relative to the mating connector.

Abstract: A connector assembly including an outer housing having a front end, a back end, and a central axis extending therebetween. The outer housing has a passage that extends therethrough. The connector assembly also includes a slidable connector that is disposed within the passage. The slidable connector includes a communication module. The connector assembly also includes a spring frame that is positioned between the slidable connector and the outer housing. Prior to mating with a mating connector, the spring frame mechanically couples the slidable connector with respect to the outer housing. After the mating connector and the communication module are communicatively coupled, the spring frame releases the slidable connector from the outer housing such that the slidable connector is permitted to move relative to the outer housing. The spring frame mechanically couples the slidable connector relative to the mating connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing movably coupled to the front housing between retracted and advanced positions. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing that moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. Fiber optic connectors are fixedly coupled to the rear housing with a mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position. Optionally, the fiber optic connector assembly may be side-loaded into position with respect to a fixed connector assembly, and then the fiber optic connector is driven to the advanced position in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of loading.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing that is movably coupled to the front housing. The rear housing is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. In the retracted position, the rear housing is spaced apart from the front housing. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing. The drive mechanism moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. At least one fiber optic connector fixedly coupled to the rear housing. The fiber optic connector has a mating end received by the front housing. The mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction for mating with a corresponding connector when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position.

Abstract: An adapter includes an integrally-molded metal housing defining a first port axially aligned with a second port, each adapted to receive an optical connector plug having a cylindrical ferrule. A junction portion defines a cylindrical axial passage between the ports and has a first end adjacent the first port and a second end adjacent the second port. The first end of the junction portion has a ridge portion extending inwardly, thereby restricting a diameter of the passage at the first end. An alignment sleeve is disposed in the passage, the alignment sleeve having a diameter suitable for receiving a ferrule of each optical connector plug and axially aligning the ferrules to effect optical coupling of fibers contained in the ferrules. An end cap is disposed at the second end and is engaged with the junction portion to restrict the diameter of the passage at the second end, thereby securing the sleeve in the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus to form a duplex-like fiber optic connector by maintaining plug assemblies in a side-by-side relation to enable simultaneous mating with sleeves of a receptacle housing. The apparatus has a pair of separate housings, each housing having a chamber where one of the plug assemblies is retainably received. A retention member is incorporated into one of the housings and a clasp member is incorporated into the other of the housings. The clasp member and the retention member are retainably interconnected to hold the housings in a side-by-side relationship with float therebetween, whereby the float accommodates any misalignment between the plug assemblies and the sleeves.

Abstract: A universal adapter including a generic fixed housing (10) capable of receiving diverse back panel assemblies (20-1, 20-2 . . . 20-n) each having a set of coupling elements (22-1, 22-2 . . . 22-n) which may differ according to industry standards. The adapter facilitates optical coupling of, for example, a Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI) style connector or an ESCON.TM. style connector with either an SC.TM. style connector, an ST.TM. style connector, an FC style connector, or any other type of optical connector.

Abstract: A duplex fiber optic connector assembly enables mating the fibers of a first multifiber cable with like fibers of a second cable or cables with maximum axial alignment of the respective fiber paris. An interconnect member receives cable terminating connectors in opposite sides thereof. Each connector carries the fibers of a respective cable in individual ferrules, each ferrule having limited floating mount within the respective connector. The mating pairs of ferrules are received in opposite ends of receptor members each of which has an axially profiled bore adapted to receive the respective ferrules and a profiled outer surface which allows movement about the geometric center of the receptor so as to axially align the bores of the ferrules received therein. Connectors at each end of a predetermined length of fiber optic cable provide a fiber optic extension cord, analogous to the well-known electrical extension cord, for convenient and efficient interconnection between optical signal-using equipments.

Abstract: A duplex fiber optic connector assembly enables mating the fibers of a first multifiber cable with like fibers of a second cable or cables with maximum axial alignment of the respective fiber paris. An interconnect member receives cable terminating connectors in opposite sides thereof. Each connector carries the fibers of a respective cable in individual ferrules, each ferrule having limited floating mount within the respective connector. The mating pairs of ferrules are received in opposite ends of receptor members each of which has an axially profiled bore adapted to receive the respective ferrules and a profiled outer surface which allows movement about the geometric center of the receptor so as to axially align the bores of the ferrules received therein. Connectors at each end of a predetermined length of fiber optic cable provide a fiber optic extension cord, analogous to the well-known electrical extension cord, for convenient and efficient interconnection between optical signal-using equipments.

Abstract: A connector for an optical fiber comprising, a body (86, 86') at least one ferrule (66, 66', 68, 68') encircling a corresponding optical fiber, a coil spring (337) compressible between a flange on the corresponding ferrule and a ridge (48) of the body (86, 86'), and the corresponding ferrule extends through a recess (52) in a second ridge (46) and is pivotally moveable in the recess (52).

Abstract: A fiber optic connector (1) for an optical fiber cable (2), comprising; a strain relief (3) encircling the cable (2), a housing (4), and a fixture (5) attached to the strain relief (3), the fixture (5) interlocking with the housing (4) at a stationary position angularly pointing the strain relief (3) and the cable (2) relative to the housing (4).

Abstract: A connector for joining light transmitting fiber cables through a cover (14) to a transmitter and/or receiver device (3) comprises a plug connector half (6) and a retention frame (48). The plug connector half (6) comprises a plug (8) having profiled passageway (43) for receiving an optical fiber, a transceiver adapter (10) adapted to axially receive the plug (8) through the cover (14) and extending forward axially (38) for aligning the plug (8) relative to the transmitter and/or receiver device (3). The retention frame (48) is mounted to the cover (14) and captivates the transceiver adapter (10) with play so as to permit free floating of the transceiver adapter (10) relative to the cover within the retention frame (48). The connector (7) is characterized by an elastomeric grommet body (64) interposed between the cover (14) and the captivated transceiver adapter (10).

Abstract: A connector guide (30) includes an apertured body (31) adapted to receive a guide pin (26) to position, align, and/or polarize mating connectors (14, 22). The guide embodiments include projections (32, 34, 36, 56) adapted to lock guide means to connector mating structures such as a printed circuit board (12) or a cover (23).

Abstract: A face plate adaptor (10) includes spring driven doors (60) to seal apertures (42) and integral projections (46, 48) which latch connector halves (90, 100) to the plate. The adapter (10) precludes dust from collecting thereon and therein and provides an adequate bend radius for cable (90) extending within a wall box (16) to which the face plate is attached.

Abstract: A transceiver package (22) having a receptacle adapted to receive a connector (12) terminating a cable (18) having optical fibers; key element means (56) for being of varied width to fit a corresponding groove (13) of said connector (12) respective ports (70, 71) for mating with said connector (12); and functional parts of a transceiver including: a transmitter active device (191) and a receiver active device (190), integrated circuit substrate means (112), and posts (122, 124).

Abstract: A duplex fiber optic connector assembly enables mating the fibers of a first multifiber cable with like fibers of a second cable or cables with maximum axial alignment of the respective fiber pairs. An interconnect member receives cable terminating connectors in opposite sides thereof. Each connector carries the fibers of a respective cable in individual ferrules, each ferrule having limited floating mount within the respective connector. The mating pairs of ferrules are received in opposite ends of receptor members each of which has an axially profiled bore adapted to receive the respective ferrules and a profiled outer surface which allows movement about the geometric center of the receptor so as to axially align the bores of the ferrules received therein. Connectors at each end of a predetermined length of fiber optic cable provide a fiber optic extension cord, analogous to the well-known electrical extension cord, for convenient and efficient interconnection between optical signal-using equipments.

Abstract: Means 1 in the form of a cover for a connector assembly 86, a skirt 2' of the cover encircling a front end 4 of the connector assembly 86, connecting means 7 for connecting the cover to the connector assembly 86 when the skirt 2' is removed from the front end 4, internal webs 9, 9 of the cover lodged in a gap 29 in the front end 4 to retaini the cover on the front end 4, and pockets 11, 11, 11 external to the skirt 2' frictionally receiving the keying elements 94, 94', 94" in the absence of any one of the keying elements 94, 94', 94" in the connector assembly 86.

Abstract: A fiber optic wall outlet (8) has an annular flange (220) for mounting a wall, and a hood (218) mounted in the flange (220). The hood (218) is movable between a closed position wherein the hood 218) is flush with the wall, and an open position wherein the hood (218) projects away from the wall. The wall outlet (8) further includes a spring member (248) which urges the hood (218) to snap outward, and fingers (228) which engage against the annular flange (220) and prevent hood (218) from snapping outward. When a positive upward force is applied to hood (218), the fingers (228) are freed from the flange (220) and the hood (218) snaps outward. An interconnect assembly (6) to which a first optical fiber cable (172) is connected is mounted in wall outlet (8).