Abstract: A factory-prepared preterminated and pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable having at least one mid-span access location for providing access to a plurality of preterminated optical fibers pre-connectorized with a multi-fiber connector is provided. Also provided is a method of forming a pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable by terminating and pre-connectorizing a predetermined number of the plurality of optical fibers of the cable to create a pre-connectorized mid-span access location. The fiber optic distribution cable provides a low profile mid-span access location that is sufficiently flexible to be installed through relatively small-diameter buried conduits and over aerial installation sheave wheels and pulleys without violating the minimum bend radius of the cable or the optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a multifiber ferrule and at least one force centering element for applying a biasing force to the ferrule in the longitudinal direction without introducing a moment about a lateral axis. The connector further includes a coil spring for exerting the biasing force and a spring seat disposed between the coil spring and the ferrule. The rearward portion or the forward portion of the spring seat may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending protrusions that are laterally spaced apart to transfer the biasing force to the ferrule. Alternatively, the forward portion of the spring seat or the rear face of the ferrule may define a convex surface. Alternatively, the ferrule defines a convex surface in the direction of a first lateral axis and the spring seat defines a convex surface in the direction of a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical waveguide panel assembly having at least one slot for slidably receiving an optical waveguide module attachment, the slot including at least one optical waveguide module attachment with an outer surface having channels for receiving the side edges of the slot. In one embodiment, the slot includes a plurality of optical waveguide module attachments such that successive optical waveguide module attachments are stacked over a preceding optical waveguide module attachment. The optical waveguide module attachments may be separated by one or more spacers. Also provided for is an optical waveguide panel assembly having a plurality of slots, each slot containing a plurality of optical waveguide module attachments, thus forming a dense optical fiber output array.

Abstract: A molded fiber optic ferrule includes a ferrule body having an end face and a geometry feature integrally formed on an exterior surface of the ferrule body. The ferrule body defines a plurality of fiber bores for receiving end portions of optical fibers and at least one opening through the end face adapted to receive an alignment member for aligning the optical fibers with corresponding end portions of the opposing optical fibers of a mating multifiber ferrule. The geometry feature may include a geometric reference feature or an end face having a first surface normal to the longitudinal axis of the ferrule body and a second surface disposed at an angle relative to the first surface and the longitudinal axis. The geometric reference feature may be utilized to determine the angularity of the end face or the height of the optical fibers relative to the surface of the end face.