TEST SYSTEM FOR CHECKING A SPLICE CONNECTION BETWEEN A FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR AND ONE OR MORE OPTICAL FIBERS

Abstract

A test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers includes a body, an adapter movable relative to the body between a first position and second position, and an optical power delivery system. The adapter has a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector. The optical power delivery system is configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position. Related methods and installation tools incorporating such test systems are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/871,396 and 61/871,558, both of which were filed on Aug. 29, 2013, and both of whose content is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for examining an optical coupling between optical fibers, and more particularly to a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers.

Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmission. Due at least in part to extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation provided by optical fibers, the variety of applications in which optical fibers are being used is continuing to increase. For example, optical fibers no longer serve merely as a medium for long distance signal transmission, but are being increasingly routed directly to the home and, in some instances, directly to a desk or other work location.

In a system that uses optical fibers, there are typically many locations where one or more optical fibers are optically coupled to one or more other optical fibers. The optical coupling is often achieved by fusion splicing the optical fibers together or by terminating the optical fibers with fiber optic connectors. Fusion splicing has the advantage of providing low attenuation, but can make reconfiguring the system difficult, typically requires expensive tools to perform the operation, and involves additional hardware to protect the spliced area after the operation. Termination, on the other hand, provides the flexibility to reconfigure a system by allowing optical fibers to be quickly connected to and disconnected from other optical fibers or equipment.

One challenge associated with termination is making sure that the fiber optic connectors do not significantly attenuate, reflect, or otherwise alter the optical signals being transmitted. Performing termination in a factory setting (“factory termination”) is one way to address this challenge. The availability of advanced equipment and a controlled environment allow connectors to be installed on the end portions of optical fibers in an efficient and reliable manner. In many instances, however, factory termination is not possible or practical. For example, the lengths of fiber optic cable needed for a system may not be known before installation. Terminating the cables in the field (“field termination”) provides on-site flexibility both during initial installation and during any reconfiguring of the system, thereby optimizing cable management. Because field termination is more user-dependent, fiber optic connectors have been developed to facilitate the process and help control installation quality.

One example of such a development is the UNICAM® family of field-installable fiber optic connectors available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. UNICAM® fiber optic connectors include a number of common features, including a mechanical splice between a preterminated fiber stub (“stub optical fiber”) and an optical fiber from the field (“field optical fiber”), and are available in several different styles of connectors, such as ST, SC, and LC fiber optic connectors. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary fiber optic connector 10 belonging to the UNICAM® family of fiber optic connectors. A brief overview of the fiber optic connector 10 will be provided for background purposes. It should be noted, however, that the systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to verifying the continuity of an optical coupling between any pair of interconnected optical fibers, and more particularly, between a field optical fiber and an optical fiber of any fiber optic connector, including single-fiber or multi-fiber connectors involving mechanical or fusion splices.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fiber optic connector 10 includes a ferrule 12 received in a ferrule holder 16, which in turn is received in a connector housing 19. The ferrule 12 defines a lengthwise, longitudinal bore for receiving a stub optical fiber 14. The stub optical fiber 14 may be sized such that one end extends outwardly beyond a rear end 13 of the ferrule 12. The fiber optic connector 10 also includes a pair of opposed splice components 17, 18 within the ferrule holder 16, a cam member 20 received over a portion of the ferrule holder 16 that includes the splice components 17, 18, a spring retainer 22 fixed to the connector housing 19, and a spring 21 for biasing the ferrule holder 16 forwardly relative to the spring retainer 22 and connector housing 19. At least one of the splice components 17, 18 defines a lengthwise, longitudinal groove for receiving and aligning the end portion of the stub optical fiber 14 and an end portion of a field optical fiber 15 upon which the fiber optic connector 10 is to be mounted. An index-matching material (e.g., index-matching gel) may be provided within this groove for reasons mentioned below.

To allow the fiber optic connector 10 to be mounted on the field optical fiber 15, the splice components 17, 18 are positioned proximate the rear end 13 of the ferrule 12 such that the end portion of the stub optical fiber 14 extending rearwardly from the ferrule 12 is disposed within the groove defined by the splice components 17, 18. The end portion of the field optical fiber 15 can be inserted through a lead-in tube (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) and into the groove defined by the splice components 17, 18. By advancing the field optical fiber 15 into the groove defined by the splice components 17, 18, the end portions of the stub optical fiber 14 and the field optical fiber 15 make physical contact and establish an optical connection or coupling between the field optical fiber 15 and the stub optical fiber 14. The index-matching material (e.g., index-matching gel) provided within the groove surrounds this optical connection to help reduce losses in optical signals that are transmitted between the filed optical fiber 15 and stub optical fiber 14.

The splice termination of the fiber optic connector 10 is completed as illustrated in FIG. 1B by actuating the cam member 20, which engages a keel portion of the lower splice component 18 to bias the splice components 17, 18 together and thereby secure the end portions of the stub optical fiber 14 and the field optical fiber 15 within the groove defined by the splice components 17, 18. This step is typically completed using a specially-designed installation tool. The cable assembly may then be completed, for example, by strain relieving a buffer 25 of the field optical fiber 15 to the fiber optic connector 10 in a known manner

Cable assemblies like the one described above (i.e., cable assemblies having a splice connection between a stub optical fiber and field optical fiber) are typically tested end-to-end. Among other things, testing is conducted to determine whether the optical continuity established between the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15 is acceptable. While optical connections and fiber optic cables can be tested in many different ways, a widely accepted test involves the introduction of light having a predetermined intensity and/or wavelength into either the stub optical fiber 14 or the field optical fiber 15. By measuring the light propagation through the fiber optic connector 10, and more particularly, by measuring the insertion loss and/or reflectance using an optical power meter or OTDR, the continuity of the optical coupling between the stub optical fiber 14 and the field optical fiber 15 can be determined If testing indicates that the optical fibers are not sufficiently coupled (for example, the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 and the end portion of the stub optical fiber 14 are not in physical contact or are not aligned), the operator must either scrap the entire fiber optic cable assembly or, more commonly, replace the fiber optic connector 10 in an attempt to establish the desired optical continuity. To replace the fiber optic connector 10, the operator typically removes (i.e., cuts) the fiber optic connector 10 off from the field optical fiber 15 and repeats the mechanical splice termination process described above utilizing a new fiber optic connector. Field-installable fiber optic connectors have been developed that permit the splice termination to be reversed and thereby avoid the need to scrap the entire fiber optic cable assembly or the fiber optic connector. Regardless, significant time and expense is still required to mount the fiber optic connector onto the field optical fiber, remove the cable assembly from an installation tool, conduct the continuity test and, in the event of an unacceptable splice termination, repeat the entire process.

To facilitate relatively simple, rapid, and inexpensive continuity testing, Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C. has developed installation tools for field-installable mechanical splice connectors that permit continuity testing while the fiber optic connector remains mounted in the installation tool. In other words, the continuity testing is performed as part of the termination process. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an installation tool 30 that is an example of those offered by Corning Cable Systems. The installation tool 30 is designed specifically to facilitate mounting the UNICAM® family of fiber optic connectors upon the end portions of one or more field optical fibers. Again, a brief overview will be provided for background purposes, but it should be noted that the systems and methods disclosed later herein are applicable to other types of installation tools. Indeed, as will be apparent, the systems and methods disclosed later herein may be applicable to any tool for checking the splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers, regardless of whether such tool is also used to secure the fiber optic connector to the one or more optical fibers.

With this in mind, the installation tool 30 includes a body or housing 32 having an actuation assembly 33 and cradle 36. The cradle 36 is slidable along guide rails 38 inside the body 32 and normally biased toward the actuation assembly 33, as shown in FIG. 3. Prior to inserting a fiber optic connector into the installation tool 30, the cradle 36 is moved away from the actuation assembly 33. This movement may be achieved by pressing a load button 40, which is operably coupled to the cradle 36 through mechanical linkages (not shown) within the body 32. With the load button 40 depressed (FIG. 4), a user may place a fiber optic connector 10 into the space between the actuation assembly 33 and cradle 36, and subsequently move a lead-in tube 26 of the fiber optic connector 10 axially through a camming member or wrench 34 of the actuation assembly 33 until the cam member 20 of the fiber optic connector 10 is seated in the camming member 34. At this point, the lead-in tube 26 extends beyond crimp arms 44 that are positioned next to the camming member 34. Before inserting a field optical fiber 15 into the lead-in tube 26, the load button 40 is released so that the cradle 36 moves back toward the camming member 34 until the front portion of the fiber optic connector 10 becomes seated in the cradle 36. A VFL assembly 46, the purpose of which will be described below, is also slid toward the fiber optic connector 10 before closing a lid or cover 48 of the installation tool 30 and completing the termination process.

The field optical fiber 15 is eventually inserted into the back of the lead-in tube 26 of the fiber optic connector 10 until it abuts the stub optical fiber 15 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) within the splice components 17, 18. A user then actuates the cam member 20, for example by pressing a cam button 50 operably coupled to the camming member 34 by mechanical linkages (not shown), to bias the splice components 17, 18 together and thereby secure the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15 between the splice components 17, 18. Once an acceptable splice termination is verified, the crimp arms 44 are actuated by rotating a crimp knob 52 to secure the lead-in tube 26 onto the field optical fiber 15.

As previously mentioned, the installation tool 30 permits continuity testing while the fiber optic connector 10 remains mounted on the installation tool 30. Referring to FIG. 3, the VFL assembly 46 includes an adapter 54 having opposed first and second ends 56, 58, a coupler 60, a jumper (not shown; hidden within the installation tool 30), and an optical power generator (also hidden from view) in the form of a Helium Neon (HeNe) gas laser. The first end 56 of the adapter 54 is configured to receive the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 when the VFL assembly 46 is moved toward the fiber optic connector 10 that is held between the camming member 34 and cradle 36. The second end 58 of the adapter 54 is removably secured to the coupler 60, for example by a threaded connection. Within the coupler 60, the adapter 54 is mated/optically coupled to a test connector (not shown) that defines an end of the jumper. The jumper includes a waveguide (e.g., a test optical fiber) extending from the test connector to the optical power generator. With such an arrangement, light energy propagated by the optical power generator can be launched via the jumper into the adapter 54 and ultimately into the stub optical fiber 14 within the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10.

The light energy delivered by the optical power generator in this particular example is a visible wavelength (e.g., red) of laser light. The laser light is transmitted to the area within the fiber optic connector 10 where the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 meets the end portion of the stub optical fiber 14, referred to herein as the “termination area.” As a result, the termination area is illuminated with the visible light and produces a “glow” indicative of the amount of light from the stub optical fiber 14 being coupled into the field optical fiber 15. At least a portion of the fiber optic connector 10 is formed of a transparent or non-opaque (e.g., translucent) material, for example the splice components 17, 18 and/or the cam member 20, so that the glow at the termination area can be monitored by a photo receptor 66 in the body 32 of the installation tool 30. If the photo receptor 66 detects that the glow dissipates below a threshold amount after inserting the field optical fiber 15 into the fiber optic connector 10 and actuating the cam member 20, continuity of the optical coupling between the field optical fiber 15 and the stub optical fiber 14 is presumed to be established.

The installation tool 30 shown in FIGS. 2-4 includes a red LED light 68 and green LED light 70 to indicate whether there is an acceptable splice connection. The details of such a system, along with alternative embodiments of feedback monitors, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,094,988 (“the '988 patent”). As described in the '988 patent, the determination of an acceptable splice connector may be reduced to a simple “go” or “no-go” decision based on the illuminated LED light. This avoids the subjectivity associated with an operator assessing whether the change in the amount of glow emanating from the termination area is substantial enough to indicate an acceptable splice termination.

The Corning Cable Systems LLC method for verifying an acceptable splice termination described above is commonly referred to as the “Continuity Test System” (CTS), and the combined functionality of the visible light laser and jumper are commonly referred to as a “Visual Fault Locator” (VFL). The CTS/VFL provide many advantages, some of which are described in the '988 patent. Despite these advantages, there remains room for improvement in these and other systems for testing a splice connection between a stub optical fiber and field optical fiber.

For example, one of the challenges in designing such a testing system stems from the fact that different types of fiber optic connectors are used in the industry. Some of the more commonly-used types of fiber optic connectors include ST, SC, LC, and MTP connectors. Some manufactures, including Corning Cable Systems LLC, include different adapters for the different connector types. The installation tool 30, for example, allows the adapter 54 to be interchanged based on the type of fiber optic connector being mounted on the field optical fiber 15. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, one adapter 54A is provided to interface with LC-style connectors, which have a 1.25 mm-diameter ferrule. Another adapter 54B is provided to interface with ST and SC-style connectors, both of which have 2.5 mm-diameter ferrules. Corning Cable Systems LLC also offers an adapter configured to interface with MTP-style connectors in some versions of the company's UNICAM® installation tool.

The use of interchangeable adapters increases the overall number of parts that must be provided with a testing system. There may already be a number of other parts included with the system, particularly when the system is incorporated into an installation tool as described above. This can make packaging the parts in a user-friendly and convenient manner (e.g., as part of a toolkit) more difficult. Safely storing the adapters when not in use is important because the adapters are typically small and, therefore, at risk of being lost or misplaced by users. The relatively small size of the adapters can also make them difficult to handle and interchange, especially when used as part of a tool that has space constraints where the adapters are installed.

Other manufacturers attempt to address the above-mentioned challenges by providing completely separate tools for different styles of fiber optic connectors. As can be appreciated, such an approach can be more expensive and cumbersome for end-users.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers. The test system includes a body, an adapter movable relative to the body between a first position and second position, and an optical power delivery system. The adapter has a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector. The optical power delivery system is configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to an installation tool for terminating one or more field optical fibers with a fiber optic connector. The installation tool integrates a test system like that described above for checking a splice connection between the fiber optic connector and the one or more field optical fibers.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to an installation tool for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector that has a specific design, namely one where the fiber optic connector includes a stub optical fiber disposed between two or more splice components and a cam member at least partially surrounding the two or more splice components. The two or more splice components are configured to receive the field optical fiber adjacent the stub optical fiber. The cam member is configured to bias the two or more splice components upon actuation and thereby establish a splice connection between the stub optical fiber and field optical fiber. The installation tool includes a body configured to support the fiber optic connector, an actuation assembly configured to actuate the cam member of the fiber optic connector, and a test system similar to that described above for checking the splice connection between the fiber optic connector and the field optical fiber. Accordingly, the test system includes an adapter and optical power delivery system. The adapter is movable relative to the body of the installation tool between a first position and second position. The adapter also has a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector. The optical power delivery system is configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

Yet another embodiment of this disclosure relates to a kit for terminating a field optical fiber. The kit includes a fiber optic connector, installation tool, and test system. More specifically, the fiber optic connector includes a stub optical fiber, a termination area to which the stub optical fiber extends, and an end portion configured to allow insertion of the field optical fiber to the termination area. The installation tool is configured to establish a splice connection between the stub optical fiber and field optical fiber. The test system is integrated into the installation tool and includes an adapter movable relative to a body of the installation tool between a first position and second position. The adapter has a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector. The test system also includes an optical power delivery system configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

Methods of checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers are also disclosed. One of the methods involves supporting the fiber optic connector on a body. After detecting the type of fiber optic connector, a first connector receiving area of an adapter is aligned with the fiber optic connector. The adapter, which also includes a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a different type of fiber optic connector, is movable relative to the body to align the first connector receiving area or second connector receiving area with the fiber optic adapter. The method further involves delivering light energy through the first connector receiving area to a termination area of the fiber optic connector, detecting the amount of light energy at the termination area, and determining if the splice connection is acceptable based on the amount of light energy detected.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

Indeed, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Persons skilled in the technical field of fiber optic connectors will appreciate how features and attributes associated with embodiments shown in one of the drawings may be applied to embodiments shown in others of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of one example of a field-installable mechanical splice connector being mounted on a field optical fiber by inserting the field optical fiber through a rear end of the mechanical splice connector;

FIG. 1B is a lengthwise cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1A, but showing the field optical fiber mechanically spliced to a stub optical fiber within the mechanical splice connector by means of splice components that have been moved to an actuated position by a cam member;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of one example of an installation tool for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector, such as the mechanical splice connector of FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein the installation tool is shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the installation tool of FIG. 2 in an open configuration prior to use;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the installation tool of FIG. 2 in an open configuration, wherein a fiber optic connector is shown being loaded into the installation tool;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of adapters used in the installation tool of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views of one embodiment of a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector, such as the mechanical splice connector of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and an optical fiber;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views of another embodiment of a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and an optical fiber;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views of yet another embodiment of a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and an optical fiber;

FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views of a possible configuration for the test systems schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6A-8B, wherein different stages of operation are shown;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one example of an installation tool for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector, wherein the installation tool integrates a test system for checking a splice connection between the fiber optic connector and the field optical fiber;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged perspective of a portion of the installation tool of FIG. 10 before a fiber optic connector is loaded into the installation tool;

FIG. 11B is an enlarged perspective of a portion of the installation tool of FIG. 10 after a fiber optic connector has been loaded into the installation tool;

FIG. 11C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion the installation tool of FIG. 10 with a different fiber optic connector loaded into the installation tool and with an adapter of the test system in a different operating position;

FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective views of another example of an installation tool for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector, wherein the installation tool integrates a test system for checking a splice connection between the fiber optic connector and field optical fiber;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sub-assembly of the test system used in the installation tool of FIGS. 12A-12C;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a modified perspective view of confronting components within the sub-assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a test system according to yet another embodiment for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and a field optical fiber;

FIGS. 17A-17D are perspective views of one embodiment of an installation tool for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector, wherein the installation tool includes the test system of FIG. 16; and

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic views of an alternative embodiment of a test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector, such as the mechanical splice connector of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and an optical fiber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be further clarified by the following examples, which relate to test systems for checking a splice connection between one or more optical fibers and a fiber optic connector. The splice connection may be the optical coupling between any number of optical fibers, such as, but not limited to, the splice connection between a preterminated optical fiber associated with a fiber optic connector (e.g., a “stub optical fiber”) and an optical fiber from a cable in the field (“field optical fiber”). To this end, the examples described below may be used for checking the splice connection in fiber optic connectors similar to the fiber optic connector 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Reference can be made to the background section above for a complete description of the fiber optic connector 10, including the mechanical splice connection between the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15. However, as noted in the background section, the examples disclosed herein may also be applicable to checking the splice connection of other types of fiber optic connectors, including those involving fusion splices in or behind the fiber optic connector, those installed in a factory rather than in the field, and/or those involving multiple fibers instead of single fibers. Therefore, any references to the fiber optic connector 10 below are merely to facilitate discussion to illustrate possible, non-limiting embodiments/uses for the test systems disclosed.

With this in mind, FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate one example of a test system 100. In general, the test system 100 includes a body 102, an adapter 104, and an optical power delivery system 106. The body 102 may be any structure that supports the adapter 104 and, if desired, the components of the optical power delivery system 106. The adapter 104 may be any structure movable relative to the body 102 between different operating positions, and includes two or more connector receiving areas 110 configured to interface with different types of fiber optic connectors 10. The optical power delivery system 106 may be any arrangement of components configured to deliver light energy to at least one the connector receiving areas 110 for the different operating positions of the adapter 104. Thus, as can be appreciated, the generic structures shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B represent a wide variety of shapes and configurations. The same reference numbers for these structures will be used when discussing some of the possible implementations (i.e., non-schematic embodiments) below.

In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the adapter 104 includes first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B for interfacing with different types of fiber optic connectors. For example, the first connector receiving area 110A may be configured to interface with one or more types of fiber optic connectors having a 1.25 mm diameter ferrule, such as LC-type fiber optic connectors, while the second fiber optic connector 110B may be configured to interface with one or more types of fiber optic connectors having a 2.5 mm diameter ferrule, such as SC and ST-type fiber optic connectors. Different embodiments may have different numbers of connector receiving areas 110 to accommodate these same types of connectors in a different manner (e.g., dedicated connector receiving areas for SC, ST, and LC-type fiber optic connectors) and/or to accommodate other types of fiber optic connectors.

In a first position of the adapter 104 (FIG. 6A), the first connector receiving area 110A is aligned with the fiber optic connector 10 whose splice connection is being tested. In a second position of the adapter 104 (FIG. 6B), the second connector receiving area 110B is aligned with the fiber optic connector 10. The adapter 104 is moved relative to the body 102 between the first and second positions depending on the type of the fiber optic connector 10. In other words, the adapter 104 is moved so that the connector receiving area 110 configured to interface with the type of fiber optic connector whose splice connection is being tested is aligned with the fiber optic connector 10. The movement may be translational (as shown), rotational, a combination of both translation and rotation, etc. In embodiments with translational movement, the adapter 104 may slide relative to the body 102 so as to be a sliding member. The movement may occur in more than one direction to not only align the appropriate connector receiving area 110 with the fiber optic connector 10, but also to bring the appropriate connector receiving area 110 into proximity of and/or engagement with the fiber optic connector 10. In this regard, the arrows shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B between the adapter 104 and fiber optic connector 10 may be reversed and represent additional movement of the adapter 104 relative to the body 102. In such embodiments, the fiber optic connector 10 may be supported by a connector holding area 112 on the body 102. The connector holding area 112 securely positions the fiber optic connector 10, and the adapter 104 is moved relative to the body 102 toward or away from the fiber optic connector 10. Alternatively, after moving the adapter 104 to the first or second position, the fiber optic connector 10 may be moved relative to the body 102 to be brought into proximity of and/or engagement with the connector receiving area 110 that has been aligned with the fiber optic connector 10. Embodiments will also be appreciated where there may be movement of both the adapter 104 and the fiber optic connector 10 relative to the body 102 to bring the two components into close proximity of and/or engagement with each other.

Note that the adapter 104 may be secured relative to the body 102 in the first and second positions. For example, one or more locking elements (not shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) may be provided on the adapter 104 for cooperating with one or more complementary locking elements on the body 102 in the different operating positions of the adapter 104.

In terms of the optical power delivery system 106, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate there being respective optical power generators 120, waveguides 122, and test connectors 124 associated each connector receiving area 110. Specifically, first and second optical power generators 120A, 120B, first and second waveguides 122A, 122B, and first and second test connectors 124A, 124B are associated with the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B, respectively. These components of the optical power deliver system 106 may function in a manner similar to those discussed in the background section for the Visual Fault Locator (VFL)/Continuity Test System (CTS) offered by Corning Cable System LLC. Thus, the optical power generators 120 may each be a gas laser, such as a Helium-Neon laser, configured to produce a visible wavelength of light. The waveguides 122 may each be optical fibers within a respective fiber optic cable that, together with the associated test connector 124, forms part of a jumper cable between the adapter 104 and respective optical power generator 120.

The waveguides 122 are configured to launch light energy propagated by the optical power generators 120 into the test connectors 124, which in turn deliver the light energy to the connector receiving areas 110. More specifically, the adapter 104 is configured such that the first and second test connectors 124A, 124B communicate with the respective first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. The first and second test connectors 124A, 124B may be received in receptacles, adapters, or other mating structures on a side of the adapter 104 opposite the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. When the adapter 104 is in the first position with the first connector receiving area 110A interfacing with the fiber optic connector 10, the first test connector 124A is optically coupled to the fiber optic connector 10. Light propagated by the optical power generator 120A and launched into the first test connector 124A is transmitted through the optical coupling to the fiber optic connector 10 so that the light energy eventually reaches the termination area of the fiber optic connector 10. When the adapter 104 is in the second position with the second connector receiving area 110B interfacing with the fiber optic connector 10, the second test connector 124B is optically coupled to the fiber optic connector 10. Light propagated by the second optical power generator 120B and launched into the second test connector 124B is transmitted through the optical coupling to the fiber optic connector 10 so that the light energy eventually reaches the termination area of the fiber optic connector 10.

In terms of how the light energy at the termination area is used to check the splice connection between the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15, any the principles discussed in the '988 patent mentioned above may apply. This includes, for example, conventional methods, such as an operator observing and subjectively interpreting the amount of visible wavelength light emanating from the termination area, and more advanced methods involving a photo-sensitive device, opto-electronic circuit, and feedback monitor. In the more advanced methods, the photo-sensistive device may be a photo-detector, photo-transistor, photo-resistor, optical integrator (e.g., integrating sphere), or the like that detects the amount of glow emanating from the termination area. The opto-electronic circuit converts optical power of the detected amount of glow into electrical power that is delivered to the feedback monitor. The feedback monitor may be in the form of one or more LED's, such as those used in the UNICAM® installation tool mentioned in the background section above. The feedback monitor may alternatively be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an analog gauge, a mechanical needle or pointer, an electrical meter or scale, an audible signaling device, or any other device configured to provide a perceptible signal based on the amount of optical power emanating from the termination area. The signal itself may even be indicative of an acceptable splice connection, as may be the case where the amount of optical power detected at the termination area is compared to a predetermined limit or threshold by the opto-electronic circuit. These and other aspects pertaining to observing/detecting the amount of light energy at the termination area to check the splice connection will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the field of optical connectivity and, therefore, need not be described in further detail.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a test system 200 where the optical power delivery system 106 includes a common optical power generator 120 associated with the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. To this end, the first waveguide 122A and second waveguide 122B are each coupled to the optical power generator 120. An optical splitter (not shown) or similar device may be associated with the optical power generator 120 so that the light energy propagated by the optical power generator 120 can be delivered to the first and second waveguides 122A, 122B. Indeed, in some embodiments, the splitter or similar component may be configured so that the optical power generator 120 delivers light energy only to the first waveguide 122A (and ultimately the first test connector 124A and first connector receiving area 110A) when the adapter 104 is in the first position and only to the second waveguide 122B (and ultimately the second test connector 124B and second connector receiving area 110B) when the adapter 104 is in the second position.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another alternative embodiment of a test system 300, but in this embodiment only a single optical power generator 120, waveguide 122, and test connector 124 are provided. The test connector 124 may be aligned with the first connector receiving area 110A or second connector receiving area 110B manually, such as by moving the test connector 124 relative to the adapter 104, or vice-versa, until the test connector 124 mates with an area of the adapter 104 in communication with connector receiving area 110 with which the test connector 124 is being aligned. Thus, the adapter 104 and test connector 124 may be configured to mate and un-mate with each other.

Various embodiments of test systems based upon the general principles already mentioned will now be described in further detail. To this end, FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a portion of a test system 400 that may be a 3D representation of the test systems 100, 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 6A-8B. In other words, the test system 400 is one possible implementation/form factor/packaging for the test systems 100, 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 6A-8B. In the test system 400, the adapter 104 is shown as a block including first and second receptacles 402, 404 on a front side 406. The first and second receptacles 402, 404 have distinct shapes and at least partially define the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. The adapter 104 may also include first and second channels or guides 408, 410 extending from the front side 406 of the block to further define the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B.

The optical power delivery system of the test system 400 is not shown in FIGS. 9A-9D to simplify matters. However, first and second mating structures 414, 416 can be seen on a rear side 418 of the adapter 104 opposite the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. The first and second mating structures 414, 416 are configured to receive and align the first and second test connectors 122A, 122B of the optical power delivery system with the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. The adapter 104 may alternatively be designed to perform these functions (e.g., by the block having an appropriate structural configuration) such that the first and second mating structures 414, 416 are not necessary.

In the embodiment shown, the first connector receiving area 110A is configured to interface with LC-type fiber optic connectors. For example, the first receptacle 402 and/or first channel 408 may be shaped to only receive, engage, or otherwise mate with a connector holder 420 or end cap associated with this type of fiber optic connector. The connector holder 420 or end cap may be provided with the fiber optic connector 10 by the manufacturer of the fiber optic connector 10, especially when the test system 400 is incorporated into an installation tool for the fiber optic connector 10, such that the user need not be concerned with handling additional components or assemblies. Exemplary installation tools will be described in further detail below. Alternatively, the connector holder 420 or end cap may be provided initially as a component of the adapter 104 that further defines the first connector receiving area 110A. Regardless of how the connector holder 420 or end cap is provided, the block of the adapter 104 may include a locking element 424 configured to cooperate with a complementary locking element (not shown) on the connector holder 420 to allow the components to be secured together. The locking element 424 may be in the form of a ball plunger, a spring plunger, latch, detent, magnet, or any other structure that is able to cooperate with the complementary locking element (e.g., a hole, pocket, flange, latch, magnet, etc.) to securely position the connector holder 420 relative to the adapter 104.

FIG. 9A illustrates the adapter 104 in the first position with the first connector receiving area 110A aligned with a fiber optic connector 10, which is a LC-type fiber optic connector, and FIG. 9B illustrates the fiber optic connector 10 and connector holder 420 moved to engage and interface with the first connector receiving area 110A. When in this position, the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 is aligned with and optically coupled to the ferrule of the first test connector 122A (FIGS. 6A-8B), assuming the first test connector 122A has been mated to the adapter 104 via the first mating structure 414. The splice connection between the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15 within the fiber optic connector 10 may then be checked in the manner described above for the test systems 100, 200, and 300.

In the embodiment shown, the second connector receiving area 110B is configured to interface with SC and ST-type fiber optic connectors. Thus, if the fiber optic connector whose splice connection is being tested is either a SC or SC-type fiber optic connector rather than a LC-type fiber optic connector, the adapter 104 is moved to the second position shown in FIG. 9C to align the second connector receiving area 110B with the fiber optic connector 10. The manner in which the second connector receiving area 110B is configured to interface with the fiber optic connector 10 may be similar to that discussed above with respect to the first connector receiving area 110A. That is, the second receptacle 404 and/or second channel 410 may be shaped to only receive, engage, or otherwise mate with a connector holder 420 or end cap associated with SC or ST-type fiber optic connectors. FIG. 9D illustrates the fiber optic connector 10 and connector holder 420 moved to engage and interface with the second connector receiving area 110B. When in this position, the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 is aligned with and optically coupled to the ferrule of the second test connector 122B (FIG. 6A-8B), assuming the second test connector 122B has been mated to the adapter 104 via the second mating structure 416. The splice connection between the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15 within the fiber optic connector 10 may then be checked in the manner described above.

Note that the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B may be labeled and/or color coded to match labels and/or colors of the connector holders 420, end caps, or other structures associated with the fiber optic connectors 10. Such labeling and/or color coding makes it easier for a user to know whether to move the adapter 104 to the first or second position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a test system 500 according to another embodiment, with the test system 500 advantageously being incorporated into an installation tool 500 for terminating a field optical fiber 15 with the fiber optic connector 10. The installation tool 502 includes a body 504, a camming member 506, and the test system 500. In general, the body 504 is configured to support the fiber optic connector 10 so that the cam member 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) is received in an actuation assembly 508 that includes the camming member 506. The lead-in tube (hidden in FIG. 10) of the fiber optic connector 10 extends from the actuation assembly 508 and through a pair of crimp arms 510 (FIGS. 11A-11C). After setting up the test system 500 in the manner described below, a user closes a cover 512 of the installation tool 502 over a workspace that includes the test system 500 and actuation assembly 508. The user then inserts a field optical fiber 15 through the lead-in tube and into the splice components 17, 18 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the fiber optic connector 10 so as to abut or nearly abut the end of the stub optical fiber 14. Next, a trigger, button, knob, or other actuator 514 may be pressed to cause the camming member 506 to actuate the cam member 20 of the fiber optic connector 10. The cam member 20 biases the splice components 17, 18 together upon actuation to secure the end portions of the stub optical fiber 14 and field optical fiber 15, thereby establishing the splice connection. The crimp arms 510 may then be actuated by rotating a crimp knob 516 or the like, at which point the cover 512 may be opened and the fiber optic connector 10 removed. Additional strain relieving to complete the cable assembly may then take place in a known manner.

As can be appreciated, the general principles of operation to establish the splice connection are the same or similar to those embodied in the UNICAM® installation tools offered by Corning Cable Systems LLC. Nevertheless, several new features and improvements can be seen in the embodiment shown herein. For example, the body 504 includes a recess or well that defines the connector holding area 112, and the fiber optic connector 10 is provided with a connector holder 522 having a base 524 with a shape that corresponds to the connector holding area 112. Such an arrangement securely positions the fiber optic connector 10 relative to the body 504 and facilitates interfacing with the test system 500. Additionally, the actuation assembly 508 is configured so that the fiber optic connector 10 can be loaded into the installation tool 502 prior to actuation and unloaded from the installation tool 502 after actuation along the same path of movement (e.g., in a vertical direction). The actuation assembly 508 effectively has an “always open” pathway due to the camming member 506 having a unique configuration and moving in a particular manner relative to the body 504. These and other details relating to such an embodiment are fully described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/871,558, entitled “FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR INSTALLATION TOOL” and filed on Aug. 29, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations of the actuating assembly 508 will be appreciated by persons skilled in optical connectivity, including configurations where the camming member 506 is more like those in the UNICAM® installation tools previously or currently offered by Corning Cable Systems LLC.

A feature of the installation tool 502 pertinent to this disclosure is the test system 500, which is shown in further detail in FIGS. 11A-11C. The test system 500 is similar to the test system 400 (FIGS. 9A-9D) in that the adapter 104 includes a first connector receiving area 110A configured to interface with LC-type fiber optic connectors and a second connector receiving area 110B configured to interface SC and ST-type fiber optic connectors. Again, the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B may be at least partially defined by distinctly shaped connector receptacles (hidden from view in FIGS. 11A-11C) on a front side of the adapter 104 that receive, engage, or otherwise mate with the connector holder 522, end cap, or other structure associated with the corresponding type(s) of fiber optic connector(s). Thus, the principles discussed above for the test system 400 relating to such a manner of interfacing are also applicable to the test system 500. The description above relating to how a splice connection may be checked using the test system 400 also remains applicable to the test system 500.

One of the differences between the test system 500 and the test system 400 relates to the movement of the adapter 104 between the first and second positions. In the test system 500, the adapter 104 is rotatable with respect to the body 504 to move between the first and second positions. The adapter 104 in this embodiment is also configured to translate relative to the body 504 to move into engagement and interface with the fiber optic connector 10. For example, the adapter 104 may be mounted on a cradle or carriage 530 that slides along one or more guide rails 532 in the body 504 of the installation tool 502, thereby enabling the translational movement. A pivotal connection 534 between the adapter 104 and cradle 530 enables the rotational movement, which allows the adapter 104 to bring the first connector receiving area 110A into alignment with the fiber optic connector 10 (representing the first position of the adapter 104) or the second connector receiving area 110B into alignment with the fiber optic connector 10 (representing the second position of the adapter 104). This rotational movement and alignment generally takes place before the translational movement, i.e. before the adapter 104 is moved relative to the body 504 to engage or otherwise interface with the fiber optic connector 10.

For example, a general sequence of steps may involve first making sure that the adapter 104 is spaced from the connector holding area 112 (FIG. 11A). This may be done by pressing a button (not shown) or other actuator operably coupled to the cradle 530 in some embodiments, and in other embodiments by manually moving the adapter 104 and cradle 530 along the guide rails 532 away from the connector holding area 112. The fiber optic connector 10 is then loaded into the installation tool 502 (e.g., by positioning the connector holder 522 in the connector holding area 112). Next, if necessary, the adapter 104 is rotated about the pivotal connection 534 to align the appropriate connector receiving area 110 with the fiber optic connector 10. More specifically, if the adapter 104 is not already aligned in the appropriate manner, the adapter 104 is moved to the first position when the fiber optic connector 10 is an LC-type connector and to the second position when the fiber optic connector 10 is a SC or ST-type connector. The adapter 104 is then moved toward the fiber optic connector 10 to bring the first or second connector receiving area 110A, 110B into proximity of and/or engagement with the fiber optic connector 10. FIG. 11B illustrates the installation tool 502 after this step when an LC-type fiber optic connector 10 has been loaded into the installation tool 502, and FIG. 11C illustrates the installation tool 502 after this step when a SC or ST-type fiber optic connector 10 has been loaded into the installation tool 502. The step may be achieved by releasing the same button or actuator that was pressed to move the adapter 104 away from the connector holding area 112. This may be the case if the cradle 530 is spring-loaded or biased toward the connector holding area 112 such that the button or actuator pressed to move the adapter 104 away must be held in a depressed state during subsequent steps. Alternatively, the translational movement of the adapter 104 back toward the connector holding area 112 may be achieved by pressing a different button or actuator or by manually sliding the adapter 104 and cradle 530 along the guide rails 532.

In some embodiments, the translational movement of the adapter 104 may be associated with the movement of the cover 512 (FIG. 10) between an open position that provides access to the workspace and a closed position that covers the workspace. The adapter 104 is operably coupled to the cover 512 in such embodiments so as to be driven by the cover 512. For example, when the cover 512 is in the open position, the adapter 104 is spaced from the connector holding area 112. Moving the cover 512 to the closed position slides the cradle 530 along the guide rails 532 such that the adapter 104 moves toward the connector holding area 112. Thus, if a fiber optic connector 10 has been loaded into the installation tool 502, moving the cover 512 to the closed position brings the connector receiving area 110 of the adapter 104 that has been aligned with the fiber optic connector 10 into a position that permits the splice connection to be checked using the test system (i.e., the connector receiving area 110 being in engagement with or close proximity of the fiber optic connector 10). Moving the cover 512 back to the open position slides the cradle 530 back along the guide rails 532 such that the adapter 104 moves away from the connector holding area 112. By associating this translational movement of the adapter 104 with the cover 512, the need for buttons/actuators or manual operations to effect the movement is eliminated.

Another difference between the test system 500 and the test system 400 relates to the structural configuration of the adapter 104. As best shown in FIG. 10, the adapter 104 is an elongated block. The front side that includes the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B is spaced an appreciable distance from a back side 540. The adapter 104 still includes first and second mating receptacles 542, 544 for receiving the first and second test connectors 122A, 122B (FIGS. 6A-8B), but a direct optical coupling between the first or second test connector 122A, 122B and a fiber optic connector interfacing with the associated connector receiving area 110A, 110B is not established. Instead, the adapter 104 contains/houses first and second jumpers (not shown) or other waveguides extending from the first and second mating receptacles 542, 544 to the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B, respectively. Any optical coupling between the first or second test connector 122A, 122B and a fiber optic connector is established via the first or second jumper in such embodiments. Using the first and second jumpers helps strip extraneous modes out of the light being launched into the fiber optic connector. To provide the necessary bending for this purpose, the first and second jumpers may be mandrel-wrapped within the adapter 104. Providing a consistent launch condition is believed to improve the accuracy of the test system 500.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate another embodiment of an installation tool 602 that includes a body 604, an actuation assembly 606, and a test system 600. The configuration and operation of the actuation assembly 606 may be the same as or similar to: a) the actuation assembly 508, b) those previously or currently developed by Corning Cable Systems LLC in the company's UNICAM® installation tools, or c) those known from other installation tools for terminating a field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector. Accordingly, the actuation assembly 606 is not shown in detail in FIGS. 12A-12C and need not be further described herein.

Although the test system 600 includes an adapter 104 that appears significantly different than the adapters discussed above, the general principles described above for the different embodiments of test systems remain applicable. For example, the adapter 104 is still movable between different operating positions based on the type of fiber optic connector being used to terminate a field optical fiber. To this end, the adapter 104 includes a plurality of connector receiving areas 110 configured to interface with different types of fiber optic connectors. First, second, and third connector receiving areas 110A, 110B, 110C are provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12C for interfacing with LC, SC, and ST-type fiber optic connectors. Each connector receiving area 110 is at least partially defined by a distinctly shaped receptacle 612 configured to interface with complementary-shaped connector holder 614 or end cap. The different connector holders 614 or end caps are unique to the different types of fiber optic connectors that can be used with the installation tool 602.

To move between different operating positions, the adapter 104 is rotated relative to the body 604, as noted by the arrow in FIG. 12A. The adapter 104 is moved until the appropriate connector receiving area 110 for the type of fiber optic connector being installed on the field optical fiber is brought to what is considered the “aligned” or “main” operating position of the adapter 104. The adapter 104 may be secured or locked whenever one of the connector receiving areas 110 is rotated to this position, as will be described in greater detail below.

Prior to or after this step, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the fiber optic connector 10 interfaces with the adapter 104 by inserting the associated connector holder 614 into the distinctly shaped receptacle 612 for the connector holder 614. Note that the different connector receiving areas 110 and different connector holders 614 or end caps may be labeled and/or color-coded to facilitate conveying the proper connector receiving area for the style of fiber optic connector being installed. A cover 620 of the installation tool 602 may next be closed, as shown in FIG. 12C. Either by moving the cover 620 to the closed position or by manually moving the adapter 104 prior to closing the cover 620, the fiber optic connector 10 is brought into the appropriate position for completing the termination process. This position includes, for example, the cam member 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the fiber optic connector 10 being received in the actuation assembly 606 so that a camming member in the actuation assembly 606 can actuate the cam member 20. The termination process may then be completed in a manner similar to that described with respect to the installation tool 502. The splice connection within the fiber optic connector may also be checked in a manner similar to that described with respect to the test systems described above. Thus, although not shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, the test system 600 further includes an optical power delivery system for delivering light energy to the different connector receiving areas 110.

It is therefore apparent that the different configuration of the adapter 104 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12C represents the primary difference compared to previously-mentioned embodiments. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate the adapter 104 in further detail to better appreciate this aspect. As can be seen, the adapter 104 in this embodiment forms a sub-assembly 628 together with a locking plate 630 and spindle 632. Both the adapter 104 and locking plate 630 include central apertures to accommodate the spindle 632. More specifically, a central aperture 634 of the adapter 104 is shaped and sized to allow the adapter 104 to rotate about the spindle 632. The adapter 104 in this embodiment is a wheel having teeth 638 about its periphery to make the adapter 104 easier for a user to rotate by hand. A central aperture 636 of the locking plate 630, on the other hand, is shaped to prevent rotation about a portion of the spindle 632 that has a non-circular cross-section. Other ways of making the adapter 104 rotatable with respect to the body 604 and the locking plate 630 non-rotatable will be appreciated.

The adapter 104 and locking plate 630 are maintained on a first end portion of the spindle 632, which includes a pivot feature 650 on an opposite end portion for pivotally connecting to the body 604. Such an arrangement enables the adapter 104 to be raised relative to the actuation assembly 606, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, to better present the connector receiving areas 110 to a user. In other words, the connector receiving areas 110 can be made more easily accessible for inserting the connector holder 614 and fiber optic connector 10. Once the fiber optic connector 10 is made to interface with the adapter 104 (e.g., by inserting the associated connector holder 614 in the receptacle 612 of the connector receiving area 110 in the main/aligned position), the adapter 104 can be lowered relative to actuation assembly 606 to bring the fiber optic connector 10 to the appropriate position for completing the termination process. For the fiber optic connector 10, this position involves the cam member 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) being received in the actuation assembly 606. As previously mentioned, the raising and lowering of the adapter 104 relative to the actuation assembly 606 may be achieved by linking the movement to that of the cover 620 (FIGS. 12A-12C) between the open and closed positions. The spindle 632 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes a connection feature 652 to allow the spindle 632 to be operably coupled to the cover 620 for this purpose.

Still referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the locking plate 630 abuts or nearly abuts a back side 660 of the adapter 104. In the embodiment shown, the locking plate 630 includes a ball plunger 662 configured to engage recesses or holes 664 or the like in the back side 660 of the adapter 104. A recess 664 is associated with each connector receiving area 110 to allow each connector receiving area 110 to be secured in the main/aligned position that is mentioned above. Thus, the ball plunger 662 and recesses 664 represent complementary locking elements. Different types of complementary locking elements may be provided in alternative embodiments.

When a connector receiving is in the main/aligned position, a hole 670 extending through the locking plate 630 is aligned with the receptacle 612 of the connector receiving area 110. More importantly when a fiber optic connector is interfacing with the connector receiving area 110 (e.g., with the associated connector holder received in the receptacle 614), the ferrule of the fiber optic connector is aligned with the hole 670 in the locking plate 630. The hole 670 is configured to allow the light energy propagated by the optical power delivery system (not shown) to reach the ferrule and, ultimately, the termination area of the fiber optic connector. For example, consistent with the description of embodiments above, the optical power delivery system may include an optical power generator, waveguide, and test connector. The hole 670 in the locking plate 630 may be configured to receive the ferrule of such a test connector to allow an optical connection to be established with the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Although only one hole 670 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, there may be additional holes in alternative embodiments that involve more than one waveguide and test connector. For example, there may alternatively be a waveguide and test connector associated with each connector receiving area 110, similar to the test system 100 (FIGS. 6A and 6B) and the test system 200 (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an adapter 104 for a test system 700 according to yet another embodiment, and FIGS. 17A-17D are perspective views an installation tool 702 that integrates the test system 700. In this embodiment, the adapter 104 functions both as a fiber optic connector type selection mechanism and as a cover for the installation tool 702. A first connector receiving area 110A on a front side 706 of the adapter includes a first passage 708 configured to receive a ferrule of a LC-type fiber optic connector. Thus, the first passage 708 may have a 1.25 mm diameter. A second connector receiving area 110B on the front side 706 of the adapter 104 includes a second passage 710 configured to receive the ferrules of SC and SC-type fiber optic connectors and, therefore, may be 2.5 mm in diameter. The components of an optical power delivery system (not shown) may be enclosed within a housing 714 coupled to a rear side of the adapter 104 and configured to deliver light energy to the first and second passages 708, 710. Again, the optical power delivery system may be consistent with those discussed above that include: a) respective optical power generators, waveguides, and test connectors for each connector receiving area, b) a common optical power generator for respective waveguides and test connectors, or c) a common optical power generator, waveguide, and test connector. The first and second passages 708, 710 are each configured to receive the ferrule of one of the test connectors (or the common test connector) from the rear side of the adapter 104 to allow an optical connection to be established with the ferrule of a fiber optic connector inserted into the passage 708, 710 from the front side 706 of the adapter 104.

To function as a cover, the adapter 104 includes first and second walls 720, 722 extending axially from the front side 706 to overhang the first and second connector receiving areas 110A, 110B. The adapter 104 can be moved toward and away from a body 724 of the installation tool 702 to move the first and second walls 720, 722 to closed and open positions. For example, FIG. 17A illustrates the adapter 104 in a closed position when a LC-type fiber optic connector is being used with the installation tool 702. The first wall 720 covers a workspace of the installation tool 702 that includes the connector holding area 112, fiber optic connector 10, a connector holder 726, and an actuation assembly 730. The process of terminating a field optical fiber with the fiber optic connector 10 and checking the splice connection established within the fiber optic connector may be similar to that discussed with respect to other embodiments. Accordingly, reference can be made to the description above such that these aspects need not be described again.

To remove the fiber optic connector 10 and field optical fiber 15 after establishing and checking the splice connection, the adapter 700 is moved back away from the body 724, as shown in FIG. 17B. Doing so permit access to the workspace and allows the fiber optic connector 10 to be removed. The connector holder 726 is shown as being supported on the connector receiving area 112 in FIG. 17B merely for illustrative purposes to better appreciate the arrangement of components. Typically the connector holder 726 is removed from the installation tool 702 with the fiber optic connector 10.

If a SC or ST-type fiber connector is going to be used with the installation tool 702 next, the adapter 700 is rotated to bring the second connector receiving area 110B into alignment with the connector holding area 112, as shown in FIG. 17C. Before or after this step, the SC or ST-type fiber optic connector is loaded into the installation tool 702 (e.g., by supporting the associated connector holder 726 on the connector holding area 112). The fiber optic connector 10 is not shown in FIG. 17C to simplify matters. At this point, the adapter 700 may be moved back toward the body 724, as shown in FIG. 17D, so that the second connector receiving area 110B interfaces with the fiber optic connector 10 (e.g., the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 being received in the second passage 710) and so that second wall 722 covers the workspace. The installation tool 702 may then be used to establish and check a splice connection between the stub optical fiber 14 of the fiber optic connector 10 and the field optical fiber 15.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments, modifications, and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below. For example, although the embodiments schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6A-8B each illustrate the optical power delivery system 106 including one or more jumper cables, embodiments will also be appreciated where the optical power delivery system 106 does not include any jumper cables, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Examples of such an optical power deliver system are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,680,384, which is assigned to Corning Cable Systems, LLC, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

Claims

1. A test system for checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers, the test system comprising:

a body;

an adapter movable relative to the body between a first position and second position, the adapter having a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector; and

an optical power delivery system configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

2. The test system of claim 1, wherein the optical power delivery system is configured to deliver light energy only to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and only to the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

3. The test system of claim 1, wherein the optical power delivery system includes an optical power generator, waveguide, and test connector, the waveguide being configured to launch light energy propagated by the optical power generator into the test connector.

4. The test system of claim 3, wherein the optical power delivery system includes first and second waveguides and first and second test connectors, and wherein the first and second test connectors are coupled to the adapter and aligned with the first and second connector receiving areas, respectively.

5. The test system of claim 4, wherein the optical power delivery system includes first and second optical power generators associated with the first and second waveguides, respectively, such that the first optical power generator is configured to propagate light energy to the first connector receiving area and the second optical power generator is configured to propagate light energy to the second connector receiving area.

6. The test system of claim 4, wherein the optical power generator is associated with both the first and second waveguides such that the first waveguide is configured to launch light energy propagated by the optical power generator into the first test connector and the second waveguide is configured to launch light energy propagated by the optical power generator into the second test connector.

7. The test system of claim 6, wherein the optical power delivery system further comprises a splitter.

8. A test system according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to translate relative to the body to move between the first and second positions.

9. The test system of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to rotate relative to the body to move between the first and second positions.

10. The test system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a connector holding area configured to support the fiber optic connector on the body, the first connector receiving area of the adapter being aligned with the connector holding area when the adapter is in the first position, and the second connector receiving area of the adapter being aligned with the connector holding area when the adapter is in the second position.

11. The test system of claim 1, wherein the adapter comprises first and second receptacles that have distinct shapes and that define the first and second connector receiving areas, respectively.

12. The test system of claim 1, wherein the body defines a workspace where the adapter is positioned, the test system further comprising:

a cover coupled to the body and moveable between an open position that provides access to the workspace and a closed position that covers the workspace, wherein the adapter is operably coupled to the cover so as to be moveable therewith.

13. The test system of claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to be secured relative to the body in the first and second positions.

14. The test system of claim 13, wherein the adapter includes first and second locking elements, the test system further comprising:

a support member coupled to the body and confronting the adapter, wherein the support member includes a locking element configured to cooperate with the first locking element on the adapter to secure the adapter in the first position and with the second locking element on the adapter to secure the adapter in the second position.

15. An installation tool for terminating field optical fiber with a fiber optic connector, wherein the fiber optic connector includes a stub optical fiber disposed between two or more splice components and a cam member at least partially surrounding the two or more splice components, the two or more splice components being configured to receive the field optical fiber adjacent the stub optical fiber, the cam member being configured to bias the two or more splice components upon actuation and thereby secure the stub optical fiber and field optical fiber, the installation tool comprising:

a body configured to support the fiber optic connector;

an actuation assembly configured to actuate the cam member of the fiber optic connector; and

a test system comprising: an adapter movable relative to the body between a first position and second position, the adapter having a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector; and an optical power delivery system configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

16. The installation tool of claim 15, wherein the adapter is operably coupled to the actuator so as to be movable to the first position or the second position when the actuation assembly actuates the cam member.

17. The installation tool of claim 15, wherein the optical power delivery system includes an optical power generator, waveguide, and test connector, the waveguide being configured to launch light energy propagated by the optical power generator into the test connector.

18. The test system of claim 17, wherein the optical power delivery system includes first and second waveguides and first and second test connectors, and wherein the first and second test connectors are coupled to the adapter and aligned with the first and second connector receiving areas, respectively.

19. The test system of claim 18, wherein the optical power delivery system includes first and second optical power generators associated with the first and second waveguides, respectively, such that the first optical power generator is configured to propagate light energy to the first connector receiving area and the second optical power generator is configured to propagate light energy to the second connector receiving area.

20. A kit for terminating a field optical fiber, comprising

a fiber optic connector having a stub optical fiber and a termination area to which the stub optical fiber extends, wherein an end portion of the fiber optic connector is configured to allow insertion of the field optical fiber to the termination area;

an installation tool configured to establish a splice connection between the stub optical fiber and field optical fiber, the installation tool including a body; and

a test system integrated into the installation tool, the test system comprising. an adapter movable relative to the body between a first position and second position, the adapter having a first connector receiving area configured to interface with a first type of fiber optic connector and a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a second type of fiber optic connector; and an optical power delivery system configured to deliver light energy to the first connector receiving area when the adapter is in the first position and the second connector receiving area when the adapter is in the second position.

21. A method of checking a splice connection between a fiber optic connector and one or more optical fibers, comprising:

supporting the fiber optic connector on a body;

detecting the type of fiber optic connector;

aligning a first connector receiving area of an adapter with the fiber optic connector, wherein the adapter also includes a second connector receiving area configured to interface with a different type of fiber optic connector, and further wherein the adapter is movable relative to the body to align the first connector receiving area or second connector receiving area with the fiber optic adapter;

delivering light energy through the first connector receiving area to a termination area of the fiber optic connector; and

detecting the amount of light energy at the termination area; and

determining if the splice connection is acceptable based on the amount of light energy detected.