Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A system for providing a configurable hybrid electrical/optical connector assembly is disclosed. The system provides a connector housing, having a channel through which some connection between transmission elements is made. An insert cap is produced, securable to the housing within the channel. The insert cap has a plurality of universal channel apertures formed through it. An electrical channel insert is provided, and disposed within one of the plurality of channel apertures. The electrical channel insert is adapted to secure an electrical transmission element. An optical channel insert is also provided, and disposed within another of the plurality of channel apertures. The optical channel insert is adapted to secure an optical transmission element.

Abstract: A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.

Abstract: Blank insert caps (pin/socket type) for use in a connector/assembly are partially manufactured or pre-formed to a generic or universal state having a plurality of prospective terminal/contacts. Minimal subsequent processing (performed when desired) configures the blank insert cap into a hybrid insert cap having a desired combination of electrical and fiber optic pin terminals (in the case of pin-style insert cap) or electrical and fiber optic socket terminals (in the case of socket-style insert caps). The blank insert caps include partially formed structures that, when further processed by removal of specific material, are configured into a receptacle for receiving the desired terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a fiber optic connection with an alignment chamber. In the alignment chamber is a first fiber optic terminal and a second fiber optic terminal coupled to the first fiber optic terminal. In addition, a securing mechanism is placed within the alignment chamber and forces the first fiber optic terminal and second fiber optic terminal together. Also in this embodiment an ejection mechanism is disclosed that ejects the first fiber optic terminal upon the removal of the securing mechanism.

Abstract: A cable reel or cable reel assembly is provided for storing, deploying, retrieving and transporting a cable assembly (having a cable and connectors). The cable reel includes a central hub and two side flanges constructed, in one embodiment, of composite plastic material having reinforcing material(s). An annular rim and spaced apart spoke sections in each side flange function to provide multiple carrying handles. In a specific embodiment, a secondary hub (and third flange) adjacent the central hub is positioned and disposed within a side periphery defined by the annular rim of one of the side flanges enabling two cable reels to be stacked together such that the annular rims of respective cable reels may be in close or actual contact. In another embodiment, a retractable handle is disposed within the side periphery when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A body, such as a connector for use in cable assemblies, includes a staking pin or retaining body inserted and secured within an aperture extending from a first surface to a second surface of the body. A portion of the pin extends through the aperture and beyond one of the surfaces (which provides a pin function for a desire application). A plurality of projections or grooves positioned along the external surface of the staking pin are substantially flush with a surface of the aperture to retain its position in the body. The staking pin includes a cavity, a portion of which preferably has a chamfered surface to aid in disposing an object, such as a staking pin ball, within the cavity. The cavity is capable of radially expanding when the staking pin ball, having an outer dimension greater than an inner dimension the cavity, is inserted within the cavity of the pin.

Abstract: A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer, secured within the connector, is provided that secures the alignment sleeve within the connector. In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly extends around a termini and seals between the termini and a connector housing. The single seal assembly provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture of a floating collar and the termini body and sealing between the floating collar and a seal surface of a bore in the connector housing.

Abstract: A fiber optic termini device having an inner bore for receiving a terminating end of a fiber optic cable includes a rearward extending crimp member or body. The crimp member is formed of two distinct portions, either integrally formed or by a combination of two separate components. A first portion has a first outside diameter while the second portion has a second outside diameter that is less than the outside diameter of the first portion. The second portion extends longitudinally rearward from the first portion. Both portions have crimp grooves or protrusions for securing material positioned between a crimp sleeve and the first and second portions.

Abstract: A body, such as a connector for use in cable assemblies, includes a staking pin or retaining body inserted and secured within an aperture extending from a first surface to a second surface of the body. A portion of the pin extends through the aperture and beyond one of the surfaces (which provides a pin function for a desire application). A plurality of projections or grooves positioned along the external surface of the staking pin are substantially flush with a surface of the aperture to retain its position in the body. The staking pin includes a cavity, a portion of which preferably has a chamfered surface to aid in disposing an object, such as a staking pin ball, within the cavity. The cavity is capable of radially expanding when the staking pin ball, having an outer dimension greater than an inner dimension the cavity, is inserted within the cavity of the pin.

Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer, secured within the connector, is provided that secures the alignment sleeve within the connector. In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly extends around a termini and seals between the termini and a connector housing. The single seal assembly provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture of a floating collar and the termini body and sealing between the floating collar and a seal surface of a bore in the connector housing.

Abstract: Blank insert caps (pin/socket type) for use in a connector/assembly are partially manufactured or pre-formed to a generic or universal state having a plurality of prospective terminal/contacts. Minimal subsequent processing (performed when desired) configures the blank insert cap into a hybrid insert cap having a desired combination of electrical and fiber optic pin terminals (in the case of pin-style insert cap) or electrical and fiber optic socket terminals (in the case of socket-style insert caps). The blank insert caps include partially formed structures that, when further processed by removal of specific material, are configured into a receptacle for receiving the desired terminal.

Abstract: A system for providing a configurable hybrid electrical/optical connector assembly is disclosed. The system provides a connector housing, having a channel through which some connection between transmission elements is made. An insert cap is produced, securable to the housing within the channel. The insert cap has a plurality of universal channel apertures formed through it. An electrical channel insert is provided, and disposed within one of the plurality of channel apertures. The electrical channel insert is adapted to secure an electrical transmission element. An optical channel insert is also provided, and disposed within another of the plurality of channel apertures. The optical channel insert is adapted to secure an optical transmission element.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a preterminated fiber mounted within a ferrule and a fiber guide tube for guiding a terminating fiber into the ferrule to optically coupled the terminating fiber to the preterminated fiber, with an index matching gel extending between the terminating fiber and the preterminated fiber. An index matching gel is initially disposed on an end face of the preterminated fiber and inside of the fiber guide tube. The index matching gel is placed on an end face of the terminating fiber by passing the terminating fiber through the fiber guide tube, with a portion of the gel being wiped free of the terminating fiber periphery as the fiber enters the ferrule. A window extends through a sidewall of the fiber guide tube for applying an adhesive to secure the terminating fiber to the connector.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a preterminated fiber mounted within a ferrule and a fiber guide tube for guiding a terminating fiber into the ferrule to optically coupled the terminating fiber to the preterminated fiber, with an index matching gel extending between the terminating fiber and the preterminated fiber. An index matching gel is initially disposed on an end face of the preterminated fiber and inside of the fiber guide tube. The index matching gel is placed on an end face of the terminating fiber by passing the terminating fiber through the fiber guide tube, with a portion of the gel being wiped free of the terminating fiber periphery as the fiber enters the ferrule. A window extends through a sidewall of the fiber guide tube for applying an adhesive to secure the terminating fiber to the connector.