Abstract: A back post for an optical fiber connector according to the present disclosure is made from a main material mixed with an additive material. The main material is selected from the group consisting of poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyether imide (PEI) and polyether sulfone (PES) and the additive material is carbon fiber or glass fiber, wherein the content of the main material in the back post is from 50% to 95% by weight.

Abstract: A fiber holder which can wind an optical fiber easily and accurately, and hold an optical fiber in a wound state is provided. The optical fiber is accommodated in the groove (introduction portion) formed on the fiber bobbin, after that, the bobbin cover is rotated in the rotational direction of the helical groove while the optical fiber is kept in contact with the cutout formed in the bobbin cover. With this, the optical fiber can be accommodated in the groove. Thus, the optical fiber can be wound easily and accurately, and the optical fiber can be held on the fiber bobbin.

Abstract: A component for peeling the coating and breaking the optical fiber, which comprises the first member made of resin material including a groove portion enabling to receive a coated optical fiber, an optical fiber cutting blade and a coat removing blade integrally formed within the groove portion, and a breaking portion in an intermediate portion, and the second member made of resin material including a groove portion corresponding to the groove portion in the first member enabling to receive a coated optical fiber, a coat removing blade corresponding to the coat removing blade in the first member, and a breaking portion in an intermediate portion corresponding to the breaking portion in the first member.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber management spool, the spool including a barrel extending up from a bottom portion. The spool further includes at least one outer fiber retaining arm extending up from an annular portion of the bottom portion and the annular portion extends radially away from an outer circumferential surface of the barrel. The at least one snap finger extends downward from a central portion of the bottom portion, wherein the snap finger is configured to engage a panel to releasably secure the spool to the panel.

Abstract: An insect-infestation prevention device and a fiber optic telecommunications equipment including an insect-infestation prevention device is disclosed. The fiber optic telecommunications equipment includes a housing with a main housing portion defining a first transverse wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, cooperatively defining an interior. A cable exit/entry is provided opening on one of the front wall, the rear wall, the top wall, and the bottom wall. A removable insect-infestation prevention device is located adjacent the cable exit/entry opening, the insect-infestation prevention device including cable openings communicating with the cable exit/entry opening. The cable openings of the device are sized to accommodate fiber optic cables exiting or entering the housing while limiting the amount of free space around the fiber optic cables to prevent insects from entering the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber packaging module that contains a plurality fiber optic connectors. The module includes an outer shell containing a plurality of fiber optic connectors connected to respective fiber optic cables. The module also includes a body comprised of a low density material disposed within the outer shell, the body having an outer side surface and an inner side surface. Also, a plurality of receiving portions are formed on the body to hold the fiber optic connectors.

Abstract: An automated fiber optic connector processing system for processing a plurality of fiber optic cables and connectors, with each of said cables including an optical fiber, includes a pallet fixture for holding a plurality of fiber optic cables and connectors during movement along a manufacturing line so that the connectors may be secured to the cable ends, and the ends of the cables finished. The pallet fixture includes a pallet base plate, with a stationary fixture mounted along one edge of the pallet base plate. The stationary fixture defines a plurality of channels for receiving fiber optic cable connectors of the plurality of fiber optic cables, and at least one latching plate for retaining the connectors in the plurality of channels. An oven having an elongated oven opening is provided at a first processing station.

Abstract: A furcation tube for an optical fiber cable comprising a plurality of channels for receiving a plurality of optical fiber strands that allows for the breakout of multiple fiber groups without the need for marking individual fibers. For example, a 24 fiber cable can be broken out into two, 12-fiber groups within the same furcation tube for connectorization. This improves the sortabilility of the optical fiber strands and eliminates the extra bulk of using multiple furcation tubes. The furcation tube includes strength members disposed therein for strain relief.

Abstract: A fiber mount device 2 includes a fiber sub-mount main body 31 that is made of ceramic transmitting a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, a bonding pad 33 that is provided on the upper surface of the fiber sub-mount main body 31, and a laser absorption layer 32 that is provided on at least a part of the lower surface of the fiber sub-mount main body 31 and absorbs the laser beam having the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A strain relief device is disclosed that allows the passage of at least one telecommunication cable therethrough. The exemplary strain relief device has a one-piece, rectangular tubular body, an external strength member securing section to secure strength members from the at least one telecommunication cable to the rectangular tubular body and a sealing member to provide an environmental seal between the at least one telecommunication cable and the strain relief device and between the strain relief device and a mounting structure into which the strain relief device is inserted. The rectangular tubular body has an outer surface and at least one cable channel extending between a first end of the rectangular tubular body and a second end rectangular tubular body.

Abstract: An optical device includes a light guiding member that guides light an optical element that functions by being irradiated with the light guided by the light guiding member and a holding member that internally includes a first housing portion housing the light guiding member and a second housing portion housing the optical element and internally holds the light guiding member and the optical element by the first housing portion and the second housing portion so that the light guiding member and the optical element are internally coupled optically. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are communicatively connected inside the holding member and the light guiding member housed in the first housing portion and the optical element housed in the second housing portion are in contact with each other inside the holding member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic retention device to properly accommodate for cable management arrangements and schemes in telecommunication infrastructures that are massive in scale and/or require subsequent adaptation of the infrastructures. The device includes a C-shaped opening and a spring biased door which moves inwardly to allow cable entry and exit to the device. In one embodiment, the spring is an integral extension of the door. In another embodiment, the spring is a separate torsion coil spring.

Abstract: An organizing device is for organizing multiple optical fiber lines to run parallel to each other on a plane. The organizing device includes a guiding unit and a positioning unit. The positioning unit includes a main body slidably disposed on the guiding unit, a first positioning part extending from the main body, and a second positioning part that extends from the main body in a same direction as the first positioning part and that is spaced apart from the first positioning part. The main body, the first positioning part and the second positioning part cooperate to define a positioning slot. The distance between the first and second positioning parts corresponds to a diameter of the optical fiber lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insert for an optical fiber assembly reliably retaining an optical cable by preventing an axial and rotational movement thereof and further to an optical fiber assembly using such an insert. The insert is provided for guiding a part of the optical cable (12) which comprises at least one optical fiber element (14) and being accommodated in a housing of the optical fiber assembly, wherein said part of the optical cable (12) has a cut-out portion (16) in which a jacket (10) of said optical cable (12) is partially removed, thereby exposing said at least one optical fiber element (14).

Abstract: An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. The refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer.

Abstract: A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing and a cable spool assembly disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The cable spool assembly has a first tear-away end and a second tear-away end. The first and second tear-away ends include at least one area of weakness extending from an inner diameter of the cable spool assembly to an outer diameter of the cable spool assembly. A mounting plate is rotationally engaged with the cable spool assembly such that the cable spool assembly and the housing selectively and unitarily rotate about an axis of the mounting plate.

Abstract: Optical fiber anchors accomplishing low creep confinement or fixing of a section of optical fiber in an assembly compact enough to be used conveniently as an anchor or as an enabling part of a strain or temperature sensor while retaining low optical losses and the original buffer coating to prevent the fiber from being exposed to abrasion and other influences that could lead to breakage. A rigid body is used that is mechanically stiff and hard enough to prevent the fiber from cutting into it or distorting the medium or substrate when subjected to stress, even over a long period of years. Trapping can be accomplished by molding the bent fiber into the substrate or body, adhesively bonding or soldering the optical fiber into a confining curved groove in a body or substrate.

Abstract: A cable exit trough is mountable to a lateral trough section either during initial assembly of the cable routing system, or at a later date. The exit trough includes a bracket portion mountable to the top edge of one of the sides of the lateral trough section. Two lead-ins are provided to lead the cable in an upward direction from the lateral trough section to the exit trough. The exit trough includes an exit trough portion extending from the bracket portion upwardly away from the lateral trough section. The exit trough portion includes a convexly curved bottom trough surface, and two convexly curved upstanding sides. The exit trough portion and the lead-ins define a cable pathway from the lateral trough section to an exit point of the exit trough portion which can either lead downwardly relative to the lateral trough section, or horizontally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning optical transports in a ferrule. The transports are aliened in the ferrule by mounting the ferrule on a jig having grooves into which the ends of the optical transports are inserted for transversely aligning the fibers in the ferrule. A row of transports is placed in the ferrule cavity with the front ends of the transports extending past the ferrule and into the grooves of the jig, thereby laterally aligning the transports with the grooves. The fibers are affixed to the ferrule. The ferrule can then be removed from the jig and the front ends of the transports that extended into the grooves of the jig cleaved flush with the front face of the ferrule.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices and methods for protecting an optical fiber during assembly of an optical system. In certain aspect, the invention provides an optical fiber protector. The optical fiber protector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to contact and couple to an optical fiber connector. The second portion is configured to couple to an optical component. The optical fiber protector further includes a bore for receiving at least a portion of an optical fiber there through.

Abstract: A wire holder used to safely receive optical fiber cables. The wire holder includes a main body and a plurality of collection arms. The main body defines a rotation axis and includes a first cylindrical outer surface. The plurality of collection arms extends from the first cylindrical outer surface encircling the cylindrical outer surface. Each collection arm includes a first fixing poles extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis. Each first fixing pole defines two openings passing through the first fixing poles. The openings of the first fixing poles form a first circular space to receive the optical fiber cables.

Abstract: A system including an overhead cable pathway structure and an adapter panel or cable termination device that mounts overhead to the cable pathway structure. The cable termination device including a plurality of adapters and a cable pathway exit having a curved surface that guides cables exiting from the overhead cable pathway structure to the adapters.

Abstract: A communications interconnection system includes: a communications rack having a pair of upright members; a patch panel mounted to the upright members, the patch panel having mounting locations for telecommunications connectors; and a cable management system mounted to the rack. The cable management system comprises a cable mounting member having a cable securing portion and a pair of arms attached to the cable securing portion, the arms being substantially parallel to each other and slidably mounted relative to the panel to enable adjustment of the distance between the cable securing portion and the communications rack. This configuration can enable the cable management system to be used with communications racks of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: Advantageous breakout assemblies and associated mounting members for use in fiber optic applications are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved fiber optic breakout assemblies and associated mounting members (e.g., mounting panels) that include mating features. The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for breakout assemblies and mounting members for use in fiber optic applications, and wherein the breakout assemblies and mounting members are cost-effective, efficient and/or user-friendly. Improved, convenient, low-cost and effective systems, assemblies and methods are provided for easily breaking/branching out one or more fiber optic cables/fibers from a bundle or harness containing a plurality of fiber optic cables/fibers by utilizing advantageous breakout assemblies and mounting members that include mating features, and related assemblies.

Abstract: An array cable includes radius guides at a tap point of the cable to take up slack for loose fibers at the tap point. The tap point is enclosed in a flexible enclosure that allows the assembly to be pulled through constricted space such as air handling spaces.

Abstract: An inlet device is described herein for inserting a telecommunication cable into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing, a retainer clip attached to the housing and a compression member. The housing can include a compressible portion at the second end of the housing. The retainer clip can secure the inlet device in a close fitting port of a telecommunication enclosure.

Abstract: A rotatable furcation assembly for furcating optical fibers of a multi-fiber fiber-optic cable to form multiple connecting cables is disclosed. The furcation assembly includes a furcation plug having a central, longitudinal axis and an interior sized to accommodate the furcation of the optical fibers. The furcation assembly also has a clip member with a holding feature and at least one mounting feature. The holding feature has a truncated tubular body that holds the furcation plug such that the furcation plug can axially rotate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing secure fiber optic connections are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locking apparatus comprising a locking plate to secure fiber optic connections is disclosed. The locking plate is configured to be attached to a fiber optic adapter panel and adjustably positioned to a selected position such that when a fiber optic connector on the end of a fiber optic cable is connected to a fiber optic adapter on the fiber optic adapter panel, the fiber optic cable is allowed to pass through a cut-out area of the locking plate but a finger portion of the locking plate does not allow the fiber optic connector to pass through the cut-out area. A lock disposed on the locking plate is configured to keep the locking plate in the selected position. The locking apparatus may also be used to securely store unused or unconnected ports of an optical splitter in a separate enclosure, such as a parking lot compartment.

Abstract: A breakout assembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a housing including a tubular body defining a passage extending from a first end to an opposite second end of the body. An interior surface of the body includes a plurality of longitudinal guides, the interior surface further including a stop. The tubular body defines a plurality of openings extending through the body on opposite sides of the stop. The breakout assembly further includes a cap which is slidably received within the body of the housing, wherein notches within the cap receive the guides of the housing, and wherein the cap is engageable with the stop. The cap defines a plurality of internal openings extending through the cap. A multi-fiber cable can be received within the body from one end, and a plurality of breakout tubings are received within the body of the opposite end.

Abstract: Provided with a holding member main body having an upward U-shaped cross section and having a space to which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons can be accommodated in a laminated state; and a lid body having a downward U-shaped cross section, wherein latch structures that engage to each other when lid body covers holding member main body are provided at wall portions of lid body and holding member main body, the lid body includes an optical fiber ribbon pressing portion that presses the laminated optical fiber ribbons accommodated in holding member main body. Heating operation is not required unlike a heat shrinkable tube, and the optical fiber ribbons are held by only a simple operation of covering the lid body, so that the operation of holding the optical fiber ribbons in a laminated state is easily performed and readjustment of the position of the optical fiber ribbons in a longitudinal direction can be performed.

Abstract: An optical fiber clamp and fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The optical fiber clamp includes one or more clamp units. Each clamp unit includes a clamp body formed of silicon, a guide hole formed under a top surface of the clamp body, the guide hole having an upper diameter greater than a lower diameter of the guide hole and having an inclined sidewall; and a locating hole connected to and extends downward from a bottom of the guide hole through the clamp body, the locating hole having an upper diameter equal to a lower diameter of the locating hole and smaller than the lower diameter of the guide hole.

Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber module including a reel having a flange on one side of both sides thereof, a first optical fiber being wound around the reel, a first adhesive being applied to a roll of the first optical fiber so that lines of the first optical fiber are fixed to each other and the roll of the first optical fiber is fixed to the flange of the reel, and a first sheet member being fixed to the roll of the first optical fiber with the first adhesive.

Abstract: An optical fiber fixing device includes a substrate, a cover, a locking assembly, and a fixing plate. The substrate has a loading surface. A number of poles are positioned on the loading surface. Every two adjacent poles cooperate to form a receiving groove. The cover is rotatably connected to one end of the substrate. The fixing plate is positioned on the cover, and has a main body and a number of abutting portions extending from the main body. The abutting portions are corresponding to the receiving grooves respectively. Each abutting portion has two opposite abutting surfaces inclined with respect to the loading surface. Each abutting surface faces one of the poles, and thus the two abutting surface of each abutting portion cooperate with two corresponding poles and the loading surface to fix two optical fibers in the corresponding receiving groove.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include an optical fiber modules encapsulated by flame retardant encapsulant. According to an example embodiment of the invention, an optical fiber module is provided. The optical fiber module comprises an optical fiber shaped to form one or more loops within the module, and a flame retardant encapsulant covering any exposed portion of the optical fiber. The flame retardant encapsulant is rated UL94 V-1 or better. The loop portion of the optical fiber may be affixed permanently within the module and any exposed surface of the fiber is coated with the encapsulant.

Abstract: An optical fiber stripper that may cooperate with an optical fiber handler for stripping one or more coating from an optical fiber is disclosed. The stripper is used as a part of a termination system for preparing the optical fiber for an optical connection, thereby providing the craft with a simple, reliable, and easy termination of the optical fiber. By way of example, the stripper cooperates with an optical fiber handler having an optical fiber secured therein for preparing the end of the optical fiber for a mechanical splice in a fiber optic connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an optical waveguide includes a stripper, a cleaner, a cleaver, a sensor, and an actuator assembly. The stripper is adapted to remove an outer coating of a part of an optical waveguide. The cleaner is adapted to clean the part of the optical waveguide and includes a means for cleaning the part of the optical waveguide. The cleaver is adapted to cleave the optical waveguide. The sensor is configured for determining a feature of the optical waveguide. The actuator assembly is configured to move the optical waveguide with respect to at least one of the stripper, the cleaner, and the cleaver. Further, the actuator assembly includes a means for moving the optical waveguide and a means for clamping the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A telecommunications infrastructure includes first and second trough members for routing signal-carrying fibers. Coupling members may be used to adjustably couple a first trough member arranged alongside a second trough member together. Coupling members may also be used to adjustably couple a first trough member together with a second trough member terminating at the first trough member.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an optical device includes (i) a holder assembly for holding an optical device and for limiting movement of the optical device within the holder assembly to movement in the Z-direction and (ii) a housing for permitting limited movement of the holder assembly in the X-direction, for supporting and optionally permitting movement of the holder assembly in the Y-direction, for supporting and for substantially preventing movement of the holder assembly in the Z-direction. When the holder assembly optionally holding the optical device is positioned within the housing to obtain a desired position of the optical device, a bonding material may be used for fixing the location in the X-direction, and optionally the Y-direction, of the holder assembly within the housing. A method of operating the apparatus for obtaining a desired position of an optical device is further provided.

Abstract: A backplane, a method for making a backplane, and optical communication apparatuses. The backplane includes: a plurality of optical elements each selected from the group consisting of: (i) optical fibers, (ii) optical waveguides, and (iii) a combination thereof, where the plurality of optical elements have the same length, where the plurality of optical elements form at least one bundle, where the elements are bundled at both ends of the at least one bundle such that end portion lengths of the plurality of optical elements differ from each other, thus forming a broadcast-star topology, and where the plurality of optical elements is connected such that communication distance between at least two blades that can be inserted into the back plane is constant.

Abstract: An assembly, in particular for interfacing an embedded element, in particular a waveguide, at the surface of a substrate, such as a composite panel which forms part of a vehicle, typically an aircraft, to an external module, consolidation tooling for mounting an assembly to a substrate, and a method of mounting an assembly to a substrate.

Abstract: A fiber optic harness assembly includes first through sixth groups of optical fibers and first and second connector sets. The groups of optical fibers are arranged in data transmission pairs such that one group of each pair is configured to transmit data and the other group is configured to receive data. The pairs of the groups are organized such that a first pair includes the first and second groups, a second pair includes the third and fourth groups, and a third pair includes the fifth and sixth groups. The optical fibers of the groups are sized and routed to facilitate low-skew and efficient parallel optics connections for high-speed data transmission.

Abstract: A drawer slide having first and second rails interconnected by a center rail. The center rail includes a spool configured to provide half-speed travel of the center rail relative to the travel of the first rail. The drawer slide is configured for use with a drawer assembly having a drawer and a chassis. The drawer assembly further includes a radius limiter secured to the center rail. The radius limiter travels at half-speed relative to the drawer. The radius limiter also automatically rotates relative to the travel of the drawer. The chassis includes sides including threaded backing plates, and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets include tri-lobed holes for receipt of a reciprocally shaped washer and a fastener for mounting the brackets to the chassis sides.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector that has a mating end and a cable end. A fiber optic cable is terminated to the cable end of the connector. A cable director is coupled to the fiber optic cable rearward of the connector. The cable director includes a flexible support sleeve and a clip extending from the support sleeve. The support sleeve includes a raceway that receives the fiber optic cable. The support sleeve has a first end segment and a second end segment. The support sleeve has a first attachment point proximate to the first end segment and a second attachment point proximate to the second end segment. The support sleeve is held in a bent shape when the clip is attached to both the first attachment point and the second attachment point. The support sleeve is configured to be straightened to a loading position in which the raceway is substantially linear when the clip is removed from at least one of the first or second attachment points.

Abstract: A telecommunications module includes a main housing portion and a cover, the main housing portion defining a first sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, the cover defining a second sidewall when mounted on the main housing portion. An optical component located within the module receives an input signal from a signal input location of the housing and outputs an output signal toward a signal output location on the front wall. The telecommunications module is configured such that the signal input location can be selected to be either on the front wall or the rear wall of the main housing. The cover defines a protrusion extending from the second sidewall toward the main housing portion, the protrusion being selectively breakable to expose a recess on the front wall of the main housing portion that defines a signal input location.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable mounting adapters and related fiber optic cable assemblies and methods for attaching an external mounting device to the fiber optic cable are disclosed. The fiber optic mounting adapters can be configured to be secured to a portion of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic mounting adapters can also be configured to be secured to external mounting devices compatible to be secured to fiber optic equipment, to secure the fiber optic mounting adapter, and in turn the fiber optic cable, to the fiber optic equipment. Securing a portion of a fiber optic cable can reduce or prevent bending strain from being propagated along the fiber optic cable. Undesired bending strain of a fiber optic cable can cause undesired optical attenuation. Bending strain can also risk damaging optical fibers, such as furcated legs, exposed from the end portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon holding member capable of readjusting a position of an optical fiber ribbon without requiring a heating operation is provided. A holding member main body that has a U-shaped cross section and a space to which a plurality of optical fiber ribbons can be accommodate in a laminated state, and a lid body an opening surface of which has a reverse U-shaped cross section are employed. A latch structure is formed on wall portions of a lid body and a holding member main body, and engages to each other when the lid body covers the holding member main body. Heating operation is not required, and the optical fiber ribbons are held by only a simple operation of covering the lid body, so that the operation of holding the optical fiber ribbons is easily performed and readjustment of the position of the optical fiber ribbons can be performed.

Abstract: An optical fiber holder 21 includes an alignment mechanism part 51 having a base part 52 formed in a holder body 22, a movable base part 53 arranged on the base part 52, and an alignment lid 54 arranged on the movable base part 53. A slit 61 capable of receiving parallel-arranged plural optical fiber core wires 11 is formed between the movable base part 53 and the alignment lid 54 in the superposed state. By turning the movable base part 53 and the alignment lid 54 to the side of the base part 52, the optical fiber core wires 11 received in the slit 61 are aligned in a receiving groove 23 formed in the holder body 22.

Abstract: A fiber mount device 2 includes a fiber sub-mount main body 31 that is made of ceramic transmitting a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength, a bonding pad 33 that is provided on the upper surface of the fiber sub-mount main body 31, and a laser absorption layer 32 that is provided on at least a part of the lower surface of the fiber sub-mount main body 31 and absorbs the laser beam having the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A channeled substrate for forming integrated optical devices that employ optical fibers and at least one active optical component is disclosed. The channeled substrate includes a substrate member having an upper surface one or more grooves formed therein, and a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet, which is preferably made of thin glass, is fixed to the substrate member upper surface to define, in combination with the one or more grooves, one or more channels. The channels are each sized to accommodate an optical fiber to allow for optical communication through the transparent sheet between the active optical component and the optical fibers. Channeled substrates formed by molding and by drawing are also presented. Integrated optical devices that employ the channeled substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal fan-out device comprising a housing having first and second openings, the housing comprising first and second housing components, each of the first and second housing components having a first end and a second end, a channel running between the first and second ends, and sides along each side of the channel, a resilient material disposed in the channel to restrict movement of fibers within the channel, and an engagement mechanism operatively connected to the housing to inter-engage the first and second housing components together.