Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes an adapter body defining a port leading to an alignment structure. The optical adapter also defines a platform disposed at the first port. The platform is recessed inwardly from an outer periphery of the adapter body. The platform includes latching members having catch surfaces. A fiber optic connector includes a connector plug body holding an optical fiber. The connector also includes a latching arm having a latching end that defines two rearwardly facing catch surfaces separated by a central webbing, which extends along a length of the latching arm. The rearwardly facing catch surfaces align with the catch surfaces of the latching members when the fiber optic connector is received at the fiber optic adapter.

Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a fiber alignment device that includes curved-type alignment bores. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of forming the fiber alignment device with curved-type alignment bores.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber alignment device (20) including a guide feature (62a, b) defining a fiber alignment groove (48). The fiber alignment device (20) also includes a fiber engagement component (44) defining a reference surface arrangement and elastic cantilever arms (56a, b) for pressing optical fibers into the fiber alignment groove (48). First portions of the guide feature (62a, b) engage the reference surface arrangement. Second portions of the guide (62a, b) feature engage the cantilever arms (56a, b) to flex the cantilever arms to a staged position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.

Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an alignment device that includes a groove-type alignment structure with a support region for receiving an optical fiber inserted along a fiber insertion axis. The optical fiber has a first side and a second, opposite side. The groove-type alignment structure engages the first side of the optical fiber. The alignment device includes a stabilization structure that engages the first side of the optical fiber and a first angled transition surface that engages the second, opposite side of the optical fiber. The present disclosure also relates to an alignment system that includes a first housing piece; a second housing piece adapted to mate with the first housing piece; and a flat structure positioned between the first and second housing pieces.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an alignment device that includes a groove-type alignment structure with a support region for receiving an optical fiber inserted along a fiber insertion axis. The optical fiber has a first side and a second, opposite side. The groove-type alignment structure engages the first side of the optical fiber. The alignment device includes a stabilization structure that engages the first side of the optical fiber and a first angled transition surface that engages the second, opposite side of the optical fiber. The present disclosure also relates to an alignment system that includes a first housing piece; a second housing piece adapted to mate with the first housing piece; and a flat structure positioned between the first and second housing pieces.

Abstract: A portable device for attaching a connector to an optical fiber, the optical fiber having an end, the device comprising means for receiving the optical fiber at the end of the optical fiber; and a connector station for autonomously attaching the connector to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A polarity switching hybrid interface is configured to couple both optical fibers and electrical conductors. The hybrid interface incorporates polarity switching circuitry such that the polarity of electrical contacts on a first side of the hybrid interface is opposite to the polarity of the electrical contacts on an opposite side of the hybrid interface. As such, the polarity of the electrical conductors coupled to each side of the hybrid interface need not be known. Each side of the hybrid interface is configured to interface with the same type of hybrid optical/electrical connector.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a fiber alignment device that includes curved-type alignment bores. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of forming the fiber alignment device with curved-type alignment bores.

Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic connector; and a connector contact holder. The connector includes a connector body defining a forward plug end, a ferrule, a spring that biases the ferrule in a forward direction, and a rear piece that retains the spring within the connector body. The connector contact holder includes an attachment portion that attaches to the fiber optic connector, a lateral offset portion that extends laterally outwardly from the fiber optic connector and a forward extension structure that projects forwardly from the lateral offset portion toward the forward plug end of the connector body. The forward extension structure includes connector contact mounts. Connector electrical contacts are held by the connector contact mounts.

Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.

Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes an adapter body defining a port leading to an alignment structure. The optical adapter also defines a platform disposed at the first port. The platform is recessed inwardly from an outer periphery of the adapter body. The platform includes latching members having catch surfaces. A fiber optic connector includes a connector plug body holding an optical fiber. The connector also includes a latching arm having a latching end that defines two rearwardly facing catch surfaces separated by a central webbing, which extends along a length of the latching arm. The rearwardly facing catch surfaces align with the catch surfaces of the latching members when the fiber optic connector is received at the fiber optic adapter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems including fiber optic connector having retractable noses for protecting bare fiber ends of ferrule-less connectors. In certain examples, the retractable noses are used in combination with protective shutters. In other examples, the retractable noses can accommodate multiple optical fibers.

Abstract: A portable device for attaching a connector to an optical fiber, the optical fiber having an end, the device comprising means for receiving the optical fiber at the end of the optical fiber; and a connector station for autonomously attaching the connector to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic connector; and a connector contact holder. The connector includes a connector body defining a forward plug end, a ferrule, a spring that biases the ferrule in a forward direction, and a rear piece that retains the spring within the connector body. The connector contact holder includes an attachment portion that attaches to the fiber optic connector, a lateral offset portion that extends laterally outwardly from the fiber optic connector and a forward extension structure that projects forwardly from the lateral offset portion toward the forward plug end of the connector body. The forward extension structure includes connector contact mounts. Connector electrical contacts are held by the connector contact mounts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.