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 dust cover for covering one or more fiber optic ferrules of an optical fiber connector. The dust cover comprises a base portion and at least one protruding portion extending therefrom, each of the at least one protruding portion having a cavity therein for receiving one of the one or more ferrules to cover the one or more ferrules when the dust cover is mounted to the connector. The dust cover is particularly designed for connectors having a plurality of ferrules for terminating a plurality of optical fibers, and is especially advantageous for connectors having a retractable body portion which normally surrounds the ferrules when the connector is not in use; and permits all of the plurality of ferrules of a connector to be individually covered substantially simultaneously in a single operation.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector 1 comprises, an optical fiber 3 and a flexible buffer 4 and multiple strength members 5 of an optical fiber cable 2, and a holder 8 imbedding the fiber 3 at a front end 9 of the holder 8, and imbedding the buffer 4 and the strength members 5 and an exterior of the cable 2 to provide a unitary connection to component parts of the cable 2.

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 termination for optical members comprises an alignment ferrule 1 and an optical fiber member 3 having a buffer 4 and an optical fiber 2. The alignment ferrule 10 has a tubular passagway 22 for encircling the buffer 4 and the optical fiber 2, and a tip 9 with centrally disposed aperture 13 therethrough for closely receiving an end of the fiber 2 from the tubular passsageway 22. The tubular passageway 22 of the alignment ferrule has a connection section with inwardly directed threads 32. The termination 7 further comprises a crimping body 8 of deformable, elastic material intimately surrounding the flexible buffer 4 and fiber 2. The crimping body 8 has a connection section 29 with outwardly directed threads 31 which engage with the inwardly directed threads 32 of the passageway 22 of ferrule 1.

Abstract: An adhesiveless connector 1 for a fiber optic cable 3 has an alignment ferrule 7 with a tubular passageway 24 for encircling an optical member 3 having a jacket 6 and fiber 2 and a tip 8 with centrally disposed aperture 16 for closely receiving an end of the fiber 2 from the tubular passageway 24. An internal precision alignment surface 15 leads from the tubular passageway 24 to the aperture 16. The ferrule 7 has locking means 10 at its rear end for gripping the jacket 6 of the optical member 3 and a clamping means comprising a collet 48 with compression ring portion 54 for gripping the fiber buffer 4. The compression ring portion 54 is urged radially by the inner surface 23 of the tip 8 to compress against the fiber buffer 4 for alignment of the end of the fiber 2 within the aperture of the ferrule 16.

Abstract: A termination for a fiber optic cable has a connector and an optical fiber member having flexible buffer and optical fiber with the connector comprising an alignment ferrule having tubular passageway for encircling the flexible buffer and optical fiber and a tip with centrally-disposed aperture therethrough for receiving an end of the fiber from the tubular passageway. The termination further includes a crimping body of deformable, elastic material intimately surrounding the flexible buffer and optical fiber and attached by crimping thereto and engaged by compression fitting within the tubular passageway and against the walls of the tubular passageway. The compression fit provides a fit resistant to disengagement.