Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
Patent
1991-11-29
1993-10-12
Lee, John D.
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
385 77, 385 76, G02B 636
Patent
active
052533158
ABSTRACT:
A new and improved apparatus and method for use in installing fiber optic cable, one embodiment of which utilizes a novel connector-coupling nut assembly, is disclosed herein. The apparatus largely comprises an elongated connector body with spring means disposed about the body's circumference for receiving and retaining a coupling nut which has a threaded internal configuration for mating with the spring means of the elongated connector body. When received by the connector body, the novel coupling nut is held in a securely captive position along the elongated connector body by suitable retaining means configured about the exterior surface of the connector body and the interior surface of the coupling nut, which means interact with each other. A second embodiment of this invention utilizes a novel connector-coupling nut assembly which comprises an elongated connector body with a shoulder and retaining means disposed about the body's circumference for receiving and retaining a coupling nut which has an internal shoulder and retaining means disposed about the circumference of the coupling nut for mating with the shoulder and retaining means of the elongated connector body. When received by the connector body, the novel coupling nut is held in a securely captive position along the elongated connector body by the retaining means of the body and coupling nut which means interact with each other. In a third embodiment of this invention of this invention, a universal connector body is provided with the capability of mating with most existing connectors on the market. This universal capability is afforded by providing a universal inner housing which mates with a wide variety of coupling nut assemblies or outer housings, allowing these coupling nut assemblies or outer housings to mate with the universal connector body. The connector body design has the fiber terminated to a precision tip, which is spring-loaded within the housing to which the strength member is terminated to prevent interruption of the optical signal if the cable is pulled or otherwise disturbed. This design also provides for the take-up of slack buffered fiber due to the retraction of the spring-loaded tip. The manner in which the universal connector body mates with the universal inner housing provides a method of indexing the rotation of the connector body, allowing it to be tuned as to insertion loss upon installation or thereafter. The inner housing is compatible with a wide variety of connector outer housings, including ST, SC, FC, D4, and high-density types described herein.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4911518 (1990-03-01), Miller
patent: 4953941 (1990-09-01), Takahashi
patent: 5024503 (1991-06-01), Gunn et al.
Barns Stephen W.
Grayson George
Lee John D.
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