Abstract: A fiber optic connector inner housing employing a front-loading retention feature for receiving and retaining a ferrule holder, and related fiber optic connectors, cables, and methods are disclosed. In one example, the inner housing has an opening extending therethrough and at least one bayonet locking mechanism that includes an insertion slot, a rotation slot, and a retention slot disposed in an interior surface of the opening. A ferrule holder having a key portion is inserted into the opening such that the key portion is received by the insertion slot. The ferrule holder is next rotated in the rotation slot and released such that a bias member within the inner housing moves the key portion of the ferrule holder into the retention slot, thereby retaining the ferrule holder in the inner housing and preventing accidental removal of the ferrule holder from the inner housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprises a ferrule extending along a longitudinal axis, a ferrule holder having a body in which the ferrule is received and at least one arm extending from the body, and a housing having a passage in which the ferrule holder is received. The passage is shaped to accommodate insertion of the ferrule holder from a front end of the housing, and the housing further includes at least one retention member that cooperates with the at least one arm to retain the ferrule holder in the housing. The at least one arm is configured to flex toward and away from an outer surface of the body to provide a snap-fit coupling between the ferrule holder and housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule extending along a longitudinal axis and a ferrule holder from which the ferrule extends. The ferrule holder has an outer surface with a first keying feature. The fiber optic connector also includes a housing in which the ferrule holder is received. The housing has an inner surface with a second keying feature that cooperates with the first keying feature to limit rotation of the ferrule holder about the longitudinal axis. The ferrule holder is movable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis between an unmated position and a mated position. A minimum clearance between the first keying feature and second keying feature is greater in the mated position than in the unmated position.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule extending along a longitudinal axis and a ferrule holder from which the ferrule extends. The ferrule holder has an outer surface with a first keying feature. The fiber optic connector also includes a housing in which the ferrule holder is received. The housing has an inner surface with a second keying feature that cooperates with the first keying feature to limit rotation of the ferrule holder about the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the housing has a substantially rectangular profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second keying feature is located in a corner region of the substantially rectangular profile.

Abstract: Fiber trays and fiber optic modules and assemblies using the same are disclosed, wherein optical fibers are secured to a fiber tray that is then secured to a body of the fiber module. The body defines a plurality of lenses that reflect light using a total-internal-reflection surface to direct light to active optical components. The fiber tray is secured to the body such that the plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the body that align ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic modules are also disclosed, as well as methods of processing a plurality of optical fibers using a fiber tray.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical plug connectors and methods for making the same. The disclosure is directed to optical connectors. In one embodiment, the optical connector includes an optical body having at least one optical channel with an optical interface at a first side. The at least one optical channel having a total internal reflection (TIR) surface with a lens at the second side for turning the optical signal, and at least one fiber lead-in aligned to the TIR surface. The TIR surface may be angled in one or more directions from a longitudinal axis to allow a small form-factor for the optical body. In one embodiment, the optical body has a plurality of optical channels each having a discrete TIR surface. The optical connections disclosed herein may optionally also include an electrical connection if desired.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sub-assembly comprises a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one metal strength member. A collar is attached to an end portion of the metal strength member, wherein the optical fiber extends beyond an outer axial end of the collar. In another example a fiber optic cable assembly is fabricated from the fiber optic cable sub-assembly wherein a connector housing is attached to the collar, and an interface operably connects an end portion of the optical fiber to an active optical component within the connector housing. In further examples, methods of assembly for a fiber optic cable sub-assembly are provided along with using the sub-assembly for making a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical plug connectors and methods for making the same. The disclosure is directed to optical connectors. In one embodiment, the optical connector includes an optical body having at least one optical channel with an optical interface at a first side. The at least one optical channel having a total internal reflection (TIR) surface with a lens at the second side for turning the optical signal, and at least one fiber lead-in aligned to the TIR surface. The TIR surface may be angled in one or more directions from a longitudinal axis to allow a small form-factor for the optical body. In one embodiment, the optical body has a plurality of optical channels each having a discrete TIR surface. The optical connections disclosed herein may optionally also include an electrical connection if desired.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sub-assembly comprises a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one metal strength member. A collar is attached to an end portion of the metal strength member, wherein the optical fiber extends beyond an outer axial end of the collar. In another example a fiber optic cable assembly is fabricated from the fiber optic cable sub-assembly wherein a connector housing is attached to the collar, and an interface operably connects an end portion of the optical fiber to an active optical component within the connector housing. In further examples, methods of assembly for a fiber optic cable sub-assembly are provided along with using the sub-assembly for making a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are structures and methods for active optic cable (AOC) assembly having improved thermal characteristics. In one embodiment, an AOC assembly includes a fiber optic cable having a first end attached to a connector with a thermal insert attached to the housing for dissipating heat from the connector. The AOC assembly can dissipate a suitable heat transfer rate from the active components of the connector such as dissipating a heat transfer rate of 0.75 Watts or greater from the connector. In one embodiment, the thermal insert is at least partially disposed under the boot of the connector. In another embodiment, at least one component of the connector has a plurality of fins. Other AOC assemblies may include a connector having a pull tab for dissipating heat from the assembly.

Abstract: Cable assemblies having a connector with a stable fiber length within the connector and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a filling material is disposed in the passageway of a fiber optic cable near a first end where the connector is attached for inhibiting the optical fiber from movement adjacent to the first end of the cable. The filling material may be placed into fiber optic cable using any suitable method such as injecting into the end of the cable or forming a window in the cable and inserting the filling material into the window.

Abstract: Fiber trays and fiber optic modules and assemblies using the same are disclosed, wherein optical fibers are secured to a fiber tray that is then secured to a body of the fiber module. The body defines a plurality of lenses that reflect light using a total-internal-reflection surface to direct light to active optical components. The fiber tray is secured to the body such that the plurality of optical fibers may be secured within fiber support features of the body that align ends of the optical fibers to the lenses defined by the body. Optical-electrical connectors employing such two-piece fiber optic modules are also disclosed, as well as methods of processing a plurality of optical fibers using a fiber tray.

Abstract: An adapter plate assembly includes an adapter for mating two connectors and an adapter plate. The adapter includes a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough. The adapter further includes an adapter footprint and an adapter flange. The first end has an external threaded portion and the second end has an external threaded portion. The adapter is adapted to receive a ruggedized connector in the first and a multi-fiber connector in the second end. The adapter plate includes an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the adapter, a footprint receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the adapter footprint, a flange receiving portion for receiving the adapter flange, and an attachment feature. A method of assembling the adapter plate and mounting the adapter plate to a non-standard wall is described.

Abstract: Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.

Abstract: A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.

Abstract: Ferrule assemblies and fiber optic connectors that are easily transformable from a female configuration to a male configuration or vice-versa by the craft are disclosed. The ferrule assemblies and/or fiber optic connectors are used with a guide pin keeper that is easily and quickly installed or removed from the ferrule assembly/connector during manufacturing or post-manufacturing process by the craft. The guide pin keeper is installable and/or removable from the ferrule assembly in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ferrule assembly without having to disassemble the ferrule boot from the ferrule. Moreover, the guide pin keeper allows installation of the guide pins from the front side of the ferrule. Thus, the guide pin keeper and/or guide pins can easily and quickly be installed or removed during the manufacturing process or in the field by the craft for transforming the ferrule assembly or connector.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable sub-assemblies comprise a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one strength member. The fiber optic cable sub-assembly further comprises a collar including an inner portion seated within a cavity of an outer portion, wherein the inner portion is attached to an end portion of the strength member of the cable, and the optical fiber extends through the collar to protrude from an outer axial end of the collar. Methods of assembling a fiber optic cable sub-assembly include providing a cable having a strength member along with a collar having an inner portion and an outer portion, attaching the inner portion to an end portion of the strength member so the optical fiber extends from an outer axial end of the collar along with methods for making cable assemblies.

Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sub-assembly comprises a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one metal strength member. A collar is attached to an end portion of the metal strength member, wherein the optical fiber extends beyond an outer axial end of the collar. In another example a fiber optic cable assembly is fabricated from the fiber optic cable sub-assembly wherein a connector housing is attached to the collar, and an interface operably connects an end portion of the optical fiber to an active optical component within the connector housing. In further examples, methods of assembly for a fiber optic cable sub-assembly are provided along with using the sub-assembly for making a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: Optical fiber ferrules with complementary mating geometry that are suitable for making optical connections are disclosed along with fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the same. In one embodiment, the fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a plurality of optical pathways and a mating geometry that includes at least one slot monolithically formed in the body of the fiber optic ferrule. The slot of the ferrule permits a relatively high number of mating/unmating cycles without generating excessive wear and debris, thereby making it suitable for consumer electronic devices or the like. The disclosure is also directed to fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the ferrule.