公开(公告)号：US06547449B1

公开(公告)日：2003-04-15

申请号：US09464815

申请日：1999-12-17

申请人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  Thomas Theuerkorn ,  Dennis M. Knecht

发明人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  Thomas Theuerkorn ,  Dennis M. Knecht

IPC分类号： G02B636

CPC分类号： G02B6/3893 ,  G02B6/3821 ,  G02B6/3861 ,  G02B6/3885

摘要： A preassembled multifiber connector is provided that includes a connector housing and a windowless multifiber ferrule that is substantially rectangular in lateral cross-section. The windowless multifiber ferrule can be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity defined by the connector housing to thereby form a multifiber connector that is free of optical fibers. Thus, the multifiber connector is capable of being preassembled prior to inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber bores defined by the windowless multifiber ferrule. A corresponding method of preassembling a multifiber connector is therefore also provided according to the present invention. A ferrule is also provided that is capable of being selectively converted from a windowless configuration to a windowed configuration. The ferrule of this embodiment includes a ferrule body that not only defines at least one optical fiber bore, but that also defines a well extending through a side surface of the ferrule body. The ferrule body also includes a removable web at least partially covering the well to thereby define the windowless configuration of the ferrule. The web is capable of being selectively removed from the well such that the uncovered well forms a window through the side surface of the ferrule that opens into the at least one optical fiber bore to thereby define a windowed configuration of the ferrule.

公开(公告)号：US06499887B2

公开(公告)日：2002-12-31

申请号：US10039372

申请日：2001-12-31

申请人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  Thomas Theuerkorn ,  Dennis M. Knecht

发明人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  Thomas Theuerkorn ,  Dennis M. Knecht

IPC分类号： G02B638

CPC分类号： G02B6/3893 ,  G02B6/3821 ,  G02B6/3861 ,  G02B6/3885

摘要： A preassembled multifiber connector is provided that includes a connector housing and a windowless multifiber ferrule that is substantially rectangular in lateral cross-section. The windowless multifiber ferrule can be at least partially disposed within an internal cavity defined by the connector housing to thereby form a multifiber connector that is free of optical fibers. Thus, the multifiber connector is capable of being preassembled prior to inserting the plurality of optical fibers into the optical fiber bores defined by the windowless multifiber ferrule. A corresponding method of preassembling a multifiber connector is therefore also provided according to the present invention. A ferrule is also provided that is capable of being selectively converted from a windowless configuration to a windowed configuration. The ferrule of this embodiment includes a ferrule body that not only defines at least one optical fiber bore, but that also defines a well extending through a side surface of the ferrule body. The ferrule body also includes a removable web at least partially covering the well to thereby define the windowless configuration of the ferrule. The web is capable of being selectively removed from the well such that the uncovered well forms a window through the side surface of the ferrule that opens into the at least one optical fiber bore to thereby define a windowed configuration of the ferrule.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种预组装的多光纤连接器，其包括连接器壳体和在横截面上基本上为矩形的无窗多芯线圈。 无窗多芯线圈可以至少部分地设置在由连接器壳体限定的内部空腔内，从而形成不具有光纤的多纤维连接器。 因此，在将多根光纤插入由无窗多光纤套圈限定的光纤孔之前，多纤连接器能够被预先组装。 因此，根据本发明也提供了预组装多纤连接器的相应方法。 还提供了能够从无窗构造选择性地转换为窗口构造的套圈。 该实施例的套管包括不仅限定至少一个光纤孔的套管主体，而且还限定了穿过套圈主体的侧表面的阱。 套圈主体还包括至少部分地覆盖井的可移除的网，从而限定套圈的无窗构造。 纸幅能够从井中选择性地移除，使得未覆盖的井通过穿过至少一个光纤孔的套圈的侧表面形成窗口，从而限定套圈的窗口构造。

公开(公告)号：US6068410A

公开(公告)日：2000-05-30

申请号：US995175

申请日：1997-12-22

申请人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

发明人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

IPC分类号： G02B6/255 ,  G02B6/38

CPC分类号： G02B6/3846 ,  G02B6/2551 ,  G02B6/3821 ,  G02B6/3887

摘要： A splice housing assembly and an associated assembly method are provided in which the ferrule is mechanically decoupled from the splice body such that the ferrule has at least limited movement, typically in an off-axis direction, relative to the splice body. For example, the ferrule can be mechanically decoupled from the splice body by spacing the ferrule in a lengthwise direction from the splice body such that a medial portion of the first optical fiber extends between the ferrule and the splice body.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种接头外壳组件和相关联的组装方法，其中套圈与接头本体机械地分离，使得套圈相对于接合体具有至少有限的移动，通常在偏轴方向上。 例如，可以通过使套圈沿着与接合体的长度方向间隔使得套圈能够从接合体机械地分离，使得第一光纤的中间部分在套圈和接头体之间延伸。

公开(公告)号：US5971624A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-26

申请号：US806

申请日：1997-12-30

申请人： Markus A. Giebel ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  James P. Luther ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

发明人： Markus A. Giebel ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  James P. Luther ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

IPC分类号： G02B6/38

CPC分类号： G02B6/3809 ,  G02B6/3885

摘要： A splicing connector and an associated splice mechanism are provided to splice first and second pluralities of optical fibers without buckling the optical fibers. The connector includes a housing and a retainer disposed of at least partially within the housing which defines a channel through which a plurality of optical fibers extend. The connector also includes a clip for securing the optical fibers within the retainer such that the end portions of the optical fibers are exposed through the forward end of the housing in preparation for splicing the optical fibers. Further, the connector includes a spring for urging the retainer and the optical fibers secured within the retainer toward the forward end of the housing, thereby permitting the optical fibers to be spliced without buckling the optical fibers.

摘要翻译： 提供了拼接连接器和相关联的接合机构，以在不使光纤弯曲的情况下接合第一和第二多根光纤。 连接器包括壳体和保持器，其至少部分地设置在壳体内，其限定多个光纤延伸穿过的通道。 连接器还包括用于将光纤固定在保持器内的夹子，使得光纤的端部通过壳体的前端暴露以准备接合光纤。 此外，连接器包括用于将保持器和固定在保持器中的光纤朝向壳体的前端推压的弹簧，从而允许光纤在不使光纤弯曲的情况下被拼接。

公开(公告)号：US5923802A

公开(公告)日：1999-07-13

申请号：US870666

申请日：1997-06-06

申请人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

发明人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Thomas Theuerkorn

IPC分类号： G02B6/38 ,  G02B6/36

CPC分类号： G02B6/3878 ,  G02B6/3823

摘要： The at least partially flexible connector assembly includes a slack storage tube connected to the first end of a fiber optic cable for loosely storing excess lengths of the optical fibers. The slack storage tube is typically at least partially flexible. By including a flexible slack storage tube, the connector assembly can be readily flexed, such as during installations of the fiber optic cable in which the end portion of the fiber optic cable must be bent relatively sharply. However, the slack storage tube does generally include crush resistance means for supporting the slack storage tube as the connector assembly is flexed such that the longitudinal bore defined by the slack storage tube remains open. The crush resistance means can include a wire helically wound about the slack storage tube. Alternatively, the slack storage tube can be a corrugated tube. The connector assembly also includes a number of ferrules mounted on the end portions of respective optical fibers as well as a ferrule holder for holding the ferrules in respective predetermined positions. In addition, the connector assembly can include a plug connected at a first end to the slack storage tube and having a second end that is adapted to receive and engage the ferrule holder. By disposing the ferrule holder within the second end of the plug, the plug effectively secures the ferrule holder and, in turn, the ferrules to the slack storage tube so as to form the connector assembly.

摘要翻译： 所述至少部分柔性的连接器组件包括连接到光纤电缆的第一端的松弛存储管，用于松散地存储多余的光纤。 松弛储存管通常至少部分地具有柔性。 通过包括柔性松弛存储管，连接器组件可以容易地弯曲，例如在光纤电缆的安装期间，其中光纤电缆的端部必须相对尖锐地弯曲。 然而，松弛存储管通常包括用于在连接器组件弯曲时支撑松弛储存管的抗压装置，使得由松弛储存管限定的纵向孔保持打开。 抗挤压装置可以包括围绕松弛储存管螺旋缠绕的线。 或者，松弛存储管可以是波纹管。 连接器组件还包括安装在相应光纤的端部上的多个套圈以及用于将套圈保持在相应的预定位置的套圈保持器。 另外，连接器组件可以包括在第一端连接到松弛存储管并且具有适于接收和接合套圈保持器的第二端的插头。 通过将套圈保持器设置在插头的第二端内，插头将套圈保持器有效地固定，并且将套圈再次固定到松弛存储管上，从而形成连接器组件。

公开(公告)号：US5940561A

公开(公告)日：1999-08-17

申请号：US841537

申请日：1997-04-23

申请人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  James P. Luther ,  Markus A. Giebel

发明人： David L. Dean, Jr. ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  James P. Luther ,  Markus A. Giebel

IPC分类号： G02B6/38

CPC分类号： G02B6/3833 ,  G02B6/3825 ,  G02B6/3869 ,  G02B6/3882 ,  G02B6/3893

摘要： An adapter assembly is provided for removably receiving two optical fiber ferrules of the type with open grooves extending longitudinally rearward of the end face of the ferrule. The assembly comprises a sleeve with an interior surface that defines a passageway therethrough sized for receiving the ends of the ferrules therein. The interior surface also defines two longitudinal grooves opposite each other that open to the passageway. A guide pin is located in each groove such that an exposed portion of the outer surface of the guide pin along the entire length of the guide pin inside the sleeve is exposed to the passageway. The exposed portion are sized and located relative to each other to slide in the ferrule grooves and operatively align the end faces of the ferrules rotationally and laterally relative to each other when the two ferrules are inserted into the sleeve.

摘要翻译： 提供一种适配器组件，用于可拆卸地接收两种类型的光纤套圈，其具有在套圈的端面纵向延伸的开口槽。 组件包括具有内表面的套筒，该内表面限定穿过其中的通道，其尺寸适于容纳其中的套圈的端部。 内表面还限定了相对于通道相对的两个纵向凹槽。 引导销位于每个凹槽中，使得引导销的外表面的外表面的外露部分沿着套筒内的引导销的整个长度暴露于通道。 暴露部分的尺寸和位置相对于彼此以在套圈凹槽中滑动，并且当两个套圈插入套筒中时，套圈的端面相对于彼此旋转地和横向地可操作地对准。

公开(公告)号：US5867621A

公开(公告)日：1999-02-02

申请号：US842126

申请日：1997-04-23

申请人： James P. Luther ,  Terry L. Cooke ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  David L. Dean

发明人： James P. Luther ,  Terry L. Cooke ,  Dennis M. Knecht ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  David L. Dean

IPC分类号： G02B6/38

CPC分类号： G02B6/3825 ,  G02B6/3885

摘要： An adapter is provided for operatively mating two optical fiber connectors of the type that are aligned relative to each other by guide pins. The adapter has two sleeve body halves that are joined together at a mating ends. A guide pin mount is captured between the two sleeve body halves that defines an opening to allow abutment of the two connectors therethrough. Two guide pins mounted on the guide pin mount parallel with the passageway defined through the sleeve and located so as to engage the guide pin holes on the connectors and align two connectors inserted into the adapter.

摘要翻译： 提供了适配器，用于可操作地配合通过导销相对于彼此对准的类型的两个光纤连接器。 适配器具有两个套筒本体半部，其在配合端连接在一起。 引导销安装件被捕获在两个套筒本体半部之间，该两个套筒本体半部限定开口以允许两个连接件通过其抵接。 安装在引导销上的两个引导销与通过套筒限定的通道平行地安装，并且定位成与连接器上的引导销孔接合并对准插入到适配器中的两个连接器。

公开(公告)号：US06396993B1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-28

申请号：US09475915

申请日：1999-12-30

申请人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Brian J. Gimbel ,  Otto I. Szentesi

发明人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Brian J. Gimbel ,  Otto I. Szentesi

IPC分类号： G02B600

CPC分类号： H02G1/081 ,  G02B6/3807 ,  G02B6/3897 ,  G02B6/4465

摘要： The challenge of pulling an optical fiber having a connector at its terminal end without incurring damage to the fiber or connector due to excessive pulling or bending is met by introducing a breakaway feature that disconnects the connectorized fiber from the pulling mechanism upon detecting excessive force. The breakaway feature may be positioned at several locations along the pathway connecting the optical fiber and the pulling force. In one embodiment the breakaway feature is disposed on a cover over the connectorized front end of the optical fiber. In other embodiments the breakaway element is inserted along the cord connecting the connectorized optical fiber to the pulling force.

摘要翻译： 通过在检测到过大的力时引入断开连接的纤维与拉动机构的分离特征来满足在其末端拉动具有连接器的光纤而不会由于过度拉伸或弯曲而对光纤或连接器造成损坏的挑战。 分离特征可以沿着连接光纤的路径和拉力定位在多个位置。 在一个实施例中，分离特征设置在光纤的连接前端上的盖上。 在其他实施例中，分离元件沿着将连接的光纤连接到拉力的绳插入。

公开(公告)号：US6149313A

公开(公告)日：2000-11-21

申请号：US223908

申请日：1998-12-31

申请人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson

发明人： Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Joel C. Rosson

IPC分类号： G02B6/38

CPC分类号： G02B6/3825 ,  G02B6/3885 ,  G02B6/3882 ,  G02B6/3893

摘要： A gender selectable fiber optic connector is provided which can be readily converted between male and female configurations following assembly and polishing of the connector. The gender selectable fiber optic connector includes a housing, a ferrule operably connected to the housing such that a forward portion of the ferrule extends beyond the housing, and a shroud adapted to be mounted upon the forward portion of the ferrule such that the forward portion of the ferrule extends through a passageway defined by the shroud. In order to alter the gender of the fiber optic connector, the shroud has both male and female configurations. In this regard, the male configuration of the shroud includes at least one guide pin extending lengthwise through the passageway defined by the shroud for engaging a lengthwise extending alignment groove defined by the ferrule in order to produce a male fiber optic connector. In contrast, the female configuration of the shroud is free of guide pins such that mounting the female configuration of the shroud upon the ferrule produces a female fiber optic connector. In addition to the gender selectable fiber optic connector and the associated shroud, a method of fabricating the gender selectable fiber optic connector is provided. Moreover, an outlet assembly is also provided for receiving a fiber optic connector having a rectangular shape in lateral cross-section, such as an MT connector or the gender selectable fiber optic connector having a rectangularly-shaped shroud, and for precisely aligning the rectangularly-shaped fiber optic connector with a substantially cylindrical ferrule, such as a DC or QC ferrule, so as to increase the flexibility with which different types of ferrules can be interconnected as well as the precision of the resulting interconnection.

摘要翻译： 提供了性别可选择的光纤连接器，其可以在连接器的组装和抛光之后容易地在阳和阴配置之间转换。 性别可选择的光纤连接器包括壳体，可操作地连接到壳体的套圈，使得套圈的前部延伸超过壳体，以及适于安装在套圈的前部上的罩， 套圈延伸穿过由护罩限定的通道。 为了改变光纤连接器的性能，护罩具有阳和阴配置。 在这方面，护罩的阳型结构包括至少一个引导销，纵向延伸穿过由护罩限定的通道，用于接合由套圈限定的纵向延伸的对准槽，以便产生阳光纤连接器。 相比之下，护罩的阴构造没有引导销，使得将护罩的阴构造安装在套圈上产生阴光纤连接器。 除了性别可选择的光纤连接器和相关的护罩之外，还提供了一种制造性别可选光纤连接器的方法。 此外，还提供出口组件用于接收具有横截面的矩形形状的光纤连接器，例如MT连接器或具有矩形形状的护罩的性别可选择的光纤连接器，并且用于精确地对准矩形截面， 具有基本上圆柱形的套圈，例如DC或QC套圈，以增加不同类型的套圈可互连的柔性，以及所得互连的精度。

公开(公告)号：US06350062B2

公开(公告)日：2002-02-26

申请号：US09307530

申请日：1999-05-07

申请人： Dennis M. Knecht ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  David L. Dean, Jr.

发明人： Dennis M. Knecht ,  Joel C. Rosson ,  Markus A. Giebel ,  James P. Luther ,  Karl M. Wagner ,  David L. Dean, Jr.

IPC分类号： G02B636

CPC分类号： G02B6/3834 ,  G02B6/3833 ,  G02B6/3837 ,  G02B6/3874 ,  G02B6/3882 ,  G02B6/3885

摘要： A multifiber ferrule is provided that includes a ferrule body that defines at least one elongate hole opening through the front face of the ferrule body that, in turn, includes a lead-in portion proximate the front face for guiding the respective alignment member into the elongate hole. The ferrule body at least partially defines one or more elongate holes, such as a guide pin hole or an alignment groove, each having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. Each elongate hole includes the lead-in portion proximate the front face and an adjacent alignment portion. The lead-in portion expands radially outward from the longitudinal axis in a direction extending from the adjacent alignment portion to the front face of the ferrule body. As such, the opening of the lead-in portion through the front face of the ferrule body is larger in lateral cross-section than the opening of the lead-in portion into the adjacent alignment portion. The lead-in portion is therefore capable of guiding the respective alignment member into the adjacent alignment portion that, in turn, is sized to snugly receive the alignment member, thereby serving to properly align the ferrule with the alignment members. In addition, the lead-in portion of each elongate hole defined by the multifiber ferrule serves as a receptacle for dirt or other particulates that are transferred from the alignment member as the alignment member is inserted into the respective elongate hole.

摘要翻译： 提供一种多光纤套圈，其包括套圈本体，其限定穿过套圈本体的前表面的至少一个细长孔，该细长孔又包括靠近前表面的引入部分，用于将相应的对准构件引导到细长的 孔。 套圈主体至少部分地限定一个或多个细长孔，例如引导销孔或对准槽，每个具有延伸穿过其中的纵向轴线。 每个细长孔包括靠近前表面的引入部分和相邻的对准部分。 引导部分在从相邻的对准部分延伸到套圈主体的前表面的方向上从纵向轴线径向向外扩展。 因此，引导部分穿过套圈主体的前表面的横截面比通向相邻对齐部分的导入部分的开口大。 因此，引入部分能够将相应的对准部件引导到相邻的对准部分中，该相应的对准部分又被调整为紧密地接纳对准部件，从而用于使套圈与对准部件正确对准。 此外，由多光纤套圈限定的每个细长孔的引入部分用作用于污垢或其它微粒的容器，当对准构件插入到相应的细长孔中时，其从对准构件传送。