US20050213897A1 - Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor - Google Patents
Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor Download PDFInfo
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- US20050213897A1 US20050213897A1 US10/811,750 US81175004A US2005213897A1 US 20050213897 A1 US20050213897 A1 US 20050213897A1 US 81175004 A US81175004 A US 81175004A US 2005213897 A1 US2005213897 A1 US 2005213897A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ferrule
- fiber optic
- splice cover
- disposable
- splice
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3846—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with fibre stubs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3898—Tools, e.g. handheld; Tuning wrenches; Jigs used with connectors, e.g. for extracting, removing or inserting in a panel, for engaging or coupling connectors, for assembling or disassembling components within the connector, for applying clips to hold two connectors together or for crimping
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor. More specifically, the invention relates to field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connectors and methods therefor.
- Communication networks are used to transport a variety of signals such as voice, video, data transmission, and the like.
- One common way to connect optical waveguides is by using optical connectors.
- Optical connectors hold the mating optical waveguides in respective ferrules of the mating connectors.
- the ferrules and optical waveguides therein require polishing of the end face for proper operation. Polishing a ferrule is a relatively complex process that generally requires several steps along with inspection and testing using precision equipment to verify that the connector has an acceptable optical performance. In other words, polishing ferrules and testing optical performance is best performed in a factory setting under ideal working conditions.
- cables When both ends of a cable are connectorized in the factory, the cable ends up having a predetermined length. Unfortunately, in the field a particular application for the cable may not require the entire predetermined length of the jumper cable, thereby creating excess cable length. This excess cable length can cause problems. For instance, the excess length of the cable must be stored within the enclosure or rack, which holds a plurality of cables. Generally speaking, the space within the enclosure or rack is generally at a premium, thus it is difficult and time consuming to store the excess cable length. Moreover, storing excess cable length leads to unorganized or undesirable housekeeping issues within the enclosure or rack. Thus, cables preferably have a length that is tailored for the particular application for an orderly and organized installation.
- One way of tailoring the length of a cable for an application is to connectorize the cable in the field.
- One known method of field installing a connector so the cable has a tailored length uses a factory polished connector having an optical fiber pigtail.
- Using a connector having a pigtail attached requires cutting the cable to length and fusion splicing the pigtail to an optical fiber of the cable in the field.
- this method tailors the length of the cable it requires extra components such as furcation tubing to protect the pigtail and shrink tubing for immobilizing the optical splice.
- these components require the craftsman to perform extra steps that increase the installation time for the connector.
- Other drawbacks of this method include a larger cable diameter at the location of the splice and a lack of flexibility about the splice location, thereby making routing and storage cumbersome and difficult.
- Optical connectors have been designed to overcome the drawbacks of optical connectors having pigtails.
- An example of an optical connector that overcomes these problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,819.
- This optical connector has a ferrule with a longitunidal bore running between a first end and a second end with a fusion access means defined within the ferrule.
- the ferrule also includes an optical fiber stub disposed within a portion of the ferrule. Specifically, the optical fiber stub is polished at the first end of the ferrule and extends into and terminates within the fusion access means of the ferrule.
- the cable is cut to the appropriate length and an optical fiber of the cable is inserted from the second end of the ferrule into the fusion access means to align it with the optical fiber stub for fusion splicing. Consequently, the fusion splice is disposed within the ferrule, thereby eliminating some of the problems associated with having the splice location in a medial portion of the cable as with the connector having a pigtail. But this connector design has limitations since forming the fusion access means within the ferrule removes ferrule material and alters the structural integrity of the ferrule.
- FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of an optical connector according to the present invention that is installed on an end of an optical cable.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector taken along line 2 - 2 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of a component kit for the optical connector of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the ferrule block subassembly of FIG. 3 along with a container for holding and protecting the same during shipping according to the present invention.
- FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a ferrule subassembly of FIG. 4 before polishing has been performed.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the splice cover handling block subassembly of FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 6 a - f are a plurality of perspective views showing the steps of preparing the cable of FIG. 1 for connectorization up to the fusion spliced subassembly.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a press tool according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the press tool according to FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ferrule door subassembly of the press tool of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the slide assembly of the press tool of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover assembly of the press tool of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the saddle of the press tool of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 13 a - 13 f depict a plurality of steps during the assembly of the connector of FIG. 1 using the press tool of FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 14 and 14 a respectively are a perspective and an exploded view of a transfer tool according to the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the transfer tool of FIG. 14 gripping a portion of the assembly of FIG. 6 e.
- FIG. 1 depicts an assembled perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic connector 10 (hereinafter connector 10 ) attached to a fiber optic cable 90 (hereinafter cable 90 ) with a dust cap 80 thereon according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of connector 10 taken along section line 2 - 2 .
- Connector 10 is suitable for field installation so that the length of the cable may be tailored for the specific application.
- connector 10 is suitable for fusion splicing in the field and when assembled a fusion splice is advantageously disposed within connector 10 .
- connector 10 since the splice is disposed within connector 10 , the body of the cable is not affected by connectorization, therefore, the routing and storage of the associated cable is not affected like connectors having pigtails attached. Furthermore, the splice of connector 10 is disposed within connector 10 so that the structural integrity of a ferrule of connector 10 is not compromised. Since the structural integrity of the ferrule is not compromised, connector 10 is suitable for small form factor configurations as discussed herein.
- FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of an exemplary component kit 5 for connector 10 before the assembly.
- component kit 5 for connector 10 includes a ferrule block subassembly 20 , a splice cover handling block subassembly 30 , a housing 40 , a trigger 50 , a crimp band 60 , a boot 70 , dust cap 80 , and a twist tie 98 .
- Ferrule block subassembly 20 includes a disposable ferrule handling block 28 that does not form a portion of the assembled connector 10 , but rather is used during assembly of connector 10 as explained herein.
- splice cover handling block subassembly 30 includes a disposable splice cover handling block 38 that does not form a portion of the assembled connector 10 , but rather is used during assembly of connector 10 as explained herein.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of ferrule block subassembly 20 of FIG. 3 .
- Ferrule block subassembly 20 includes a fiber optic stub 22 , a ferrule 24 , and disposable ferrule handling block 28 .
- Fiber optic stub 22 is formed from any suitable optical waveguide and is longer than ferrule 24 .
- Fiber optic stub 22 preferably has its coating(s) removed, thereby leaving a core and a cladding so that it is ready for fusion splicing with an optical waveguide 90 a of cable 90 in the field.
- Ferrule 24 has a longitudinal bore that extends from a first end 24 a to second end 24 b and the bore diameter is suitably sized for receiving fiber optic stub 22 therein.
- fiber optic stub 22 of a suitable cleaved length is inserted into the longitudinal bore of ferrule 24 so that a portion of fiber optic stub 22 extends beyond both first end 24 a and second end 24 b .
- fiber optic stub 22 is attached to ferrule 24 using a suitable adhesive such as a curable epoxy. After the epoxy sets the portion of optical fiber stub 22 extending beyond first end 24 a of ferrule 24 is cleaved if necessary.
- the first end 24 a of ferrule 24 and fiber optic stub 22 are polished as is known to one skilled in the art. Polishing forms a surface on the ferrule subassembly (not numbered) that is suitable for optical connection.
- Optical fiber stub 22 extends beyond second end 24 b of ferrule 24 so that the fusion splice is disposed downstream of ferrule 24 , but the splice of optical connector 10 is still advantageously disposed within connector 10 .
- the design of the connector according to the present invention does not affect the structural integrity of the ferrule as in other field installable connector designs.
- a suitable length of optical fiber stub 22 for insertion into ferrule 22 is about 10 millimeters for a ferrule having a length of about 6.5 millimeters.
- ferrule 24 has an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters that is configured for small form factor connectors; however, the concepts of the present invention may be used with any suitably sized ferrule.
- Ferrule 24 may be formed from any suitable material such as ceramics, metals, glass, or composite materials.
- Ferrule 24 can also have any suitable configuration such as an angled physical contact (APC), ultra physical contact UPC, pencil tip configurations, or other suitable configurations.
- APC angled physical contact
- UPC ultra physical contact
- pencil tip configurations or other suitable configurations.
- single fiber small-form factor connectors such as MU can incorporated the concepts of the present invention; however, the concepts are not limited to small form-factor connectors, nor are they limited to single fiber connectors.
- the concepts of the present invention are suitable with multi-fiber connectors such as MT-RJ or MTP connectors.
- Ferrule block subassembly 20 also includes a disposable ferrule handling block 28 as a portion of a kit for connector 10 .
- Disposable ferrule handling block serves several functions for field-installable connector 10 , but does not form a portion of the assembled connector 10 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- Disposable ferrule handling block 28 is used for holding and handling the ferrule subassembly (not numbered) during the installation process since it is relatively small and difficult for a craftsman to handle.
- Disposable ferrule handling block 28 includes a first end 28 a and a second end 28 b .
- first end 28 a includes a suitable sized longitudinal bore 28 c for removably inserting the ferrule subassembly.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a container 29 for housing and protecting ferrule block subassembly 20 during shipping and prior to assembly of the connector 10 .
- Container 29 is advantageous since it protects the relatively fragile optical fiber stub 22 that is cantilevered beyond ferrule 24 .
- Ferrule block subassembly 20 preferably has a friction fit within container 29 so that it does not inadvertently fall out.
- container 29 has a living hinge 29 b so that ferrule block subassembly 20 is disposed within the container when a lid 29 a is closed.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of splice cover handling block subassembly 30 of FIG. 3 .
- Splice cover handling block subassembly 30 includes a crimp body 32 , a spring 34 , a splice cover 36 , and a disposable splice cover handling block 38 .
- Crimp body 32 includes a first end 32 a and a second 32 b with a longitudinal passage therebetween.
- First end 32 a is sized so that crimp band 60 can fit thereover as shown in FIG. 2 .
- first end 32 a includes a plurality of ridges (not numbered) for securing strength members between crimp body 32 and crimp band if necessary for strain relief.
- Second end 32 b of crimp body 32 has protrusions 32 c used for securing housing 40 onto connector 10 . Specifically, when housing 40 is installed protrusions 32 c engage complementary windows 40 a on housing 40 , thereby securing housing on connector 10 .
- the rearward ridge of crimp body 32 can also include a notch (not visible) that is located at about 90 degrees from both protrusions 32 c for aligning crimp body 32 on a tool for assembly as will be explained herein.
- second end 32 b of crimp body 32 traps spring 34 on splice cover 36 of connector 10 .
- Splice cover 36 includes a first end 36 a and a second end 36 b having a longitudinal passage therethrough.
- First end 36 a is sized for crimping onto a buffer layer 90 b that surrounds an optical fiber 90 a of cable 90 .
- the longitudinal passageway at second end 36 b is intended to have a friction fit with ferrule 24 when connector 10 is assembled, thereby securing the same.
- a special tool can be used in order to accomplish this assembly step as will be discussed below.
- Second end 36 b also includes a notch 36 c for aligning the splice cover 36 with housing 40 .
- Second end 36 b has a shoulder 36 d adjacent thereto that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of spring 34 for centering the same on splice cover 36 .
- splice cover 36 When assembled, the fusion splice between optical fiber stub 22 and optical fiber 90 a of cable 90 is disposed therein for protecting the fusion splice. Additionally, splice cover 36 includes a pair of apertures 36 e for filling the longitudinal passageway of splice cover 36 , thereby inhibiting movement and mechanical loads on the fusion splice.
- splice cover 36 is filled with a suitable filling material such as RTV silicone that is applied using a hypodermic syringe.
- connector 10 may be tunable -for minimizing insertion loss.
- Disposable splice cover handling block 38 has a first end 38 a and a second end 38 b with a through passageway therebetween having an open side (not visible) for installing crimp body 32 , spring 34 , and splice cover 36 .
- First end 38 a includes a plurality of resilient fingers 38 c for holding second end 38 b of splice cover 36 .
- Disposable splice cover handling block 38 also has a plurality of arms 38 d at second end 38 b that are used for holding crimp body 32 therein for securing the assembly therein.
- Housing 40 has a first end (not numbered) and a second end (not numbered) with a longitudinal passageway therethrough. Housing also includes a pair of windows 40 a near the first end for securing crimp body 32 thereto. Specifically, during assembly protrusions 32 c are aligned with windows 40 a and snap-fit therein to secure housing 40 with crimp body 32 that is attached to cable 90 . Housing 40 also includes a keyed portion (not visible) that cooperates with notch 36 c of splice cover 36 for alignment purposes. Additionally, housing 40 also has a lever 40 b that is movable in a resilient fashion and used to lock and unlock connector 10 with a cooperating adapter.
- Trigger 50 includes a resilient lever and a pair of fingers (both not numbered).
- the resilient lever is used for engaging lever 40 b and inhibits lever 40 b from being snagged-on or tangled with cables or other devices.
- the fingers of trigger 50 engage grooves on the first end of housing 40 for attaching the trigger to housing 40 .
- Trigger 50 is also configured to attach to an end of boot 70 .
- Connector 10 may also include dust cap 80 for attaching to the connector for protecting the end of ferrule 24 during shipping or handling and must be removed before optical connection.
- FIG. 6 a is a perspective view showing cable 90 before preparation for fusion splicing.
- cable 90 is buffered optical fiber having optical fiber 90 a and buffer layer 90 b .
- An exemplary method of connectorizing an end of cable 90 will be explained.
- trigger 50 may be attached to an appropriate end of boot 70 or it can be attached later in the assembly process.
- boot 70 and trigger 50 are slid onto and down cable 90 followed by crimp band 60 as shown in FIG. 6 b .
- Buffer layer 90 b is then marked at a predetermined location such as about 30 millimeters from the end. As shown in FIG.
- splice cover handling block subassembly 30 is then slid onto and down cable 90 so that resilient fingers 38 a face the end of cable 90 .
- predetermined portions of buffer layer 90 b along with a coating of optical fiber 90 a are stripped away using an appropriate means so that a core and a cladding of optical fiber 90 a remain for fusion splicing.
- optical fiber 90 a is cleaved to a suitable length, for instance, about 8 millimeters beyond buffer layer 90 b as shown in FIG. 6 d .
- FIG. 6 f is a view showing the fusion splice between the core and cladding of optical fiber 90 a and fiber optic stub 22 .
- the cable may have a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket that are cut at appropriate lengths for connectorization. If this type of cable was connectorized, the procedure would be similar to the above procedure, but the cable jacket and strength members would also be cut and split so it could be folded back out of the way. In this case, twist tie 98 of the connector kit would be used for tying and holding the jacket and strength members out of the way during the connectorization process; however, other suitable means may be used for this purpose.
- FIG. 7 shows a perspective view
- FIG. 8 shows a partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a press tool 200 according to the present invention.
- press tool 200 includes a base assembly (not numbered), a ferrule door assembly 220 , a cable clamp door assembly 230 , an actuator assembly (not numbered), a slide assembly 250 , and a cover assembly 260 .
- the base assembly includes a base 212 , a ferrule stop 214 , a saddle 216 , and a plurality of footpads 218 .
- the base assembly also has the other assemblies attached thereto, thereby forming press tool 200 as will be explained.
- Ferrule stop 214 and saddle 216 are respectively attached to base using a bolt 215 and a pair of bolts 217 .
- a detailed perspective view of saddle 216 is illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- Saddle 216 includes at least one planar surface 216 a , a plurality of retention overhangs 216 b , and at least one keying portion 216 c . When press tool 200 is assembled the at least one planar surface 216 a of saddle 216 is generally on the same plane as cover 261 .
- alignment of the planar surfaces allows a plurality of pins 402 of a suitable crimp tool 400 to be generally horizontal, thereby correctly positioning crimp tool 400 in a perpendicular position to splice cover 36 .
- Pins 402 of crimp tool 400 are arranged in an asymmetrical position on the same, thereby keying the crimp tool 400 to press tool 200 .
- Retention overhangs 216 b of saddle 216 are used for engaging the short side of pins 402 of crimp tool 400 so that crimp tool 400 maintains a proper position and does not lift-up during the crimping operation.
- Keying portion 216 c keys crimp tool 400 to press tool 200 so that it can only crimp in the correct orientation and cannot crimp in a backwards orientation. Additionally, footpads 218 are attached to the bottom of base 212 for inhibiting movement of press tool 200 during operation.
- Ferrule door assembly 220 includes a first assembly 220 a and a second assembly 220 b that cooperate to secure ferrule block -subassembly 20 of connector 10 to base 212 during the operation of press tool 200 .
- First assembly 220 a has a ferrule door subassembly 221 and a shoulder bolt 234 .
- Shoulder bolt 234 secures ferrule door subassembly 221 to base 212 so that the ferrule door subassembly is free to rotate when in the unlocked position.
- ferrule door subassembly 221 includes a ferrule door 222 , a plunger 223 , a spring 224 , and a retainer 225 .
- Ferrule door 222 has a through bore 222 a , an arm (not numbered) having a locking catch 222 b , and a cutout 222 c having a predetermined shape on its top surface.
- Bore 222 a is sized for the shoulder of bolt 234 and acts as the pivot point for ferrule door subassembly 221 .
- Locking catch 222 b is used for engaging a portion of second assembly 220 b , thereby locking ferrule door subassembly 221 in a closed position.
- Cutout 222 c has a shape that is generally complementary to the profile of housing 40 of connector 10 and its use will be described later.
- Plunger 223 of ferrule door subassembly 221 is biased downward for applying a downward force to ferrule block subassembly 20 when ferrule door subassembly 221 is in the locked position.
- plunger 223 has a planar portion 223 a and a shaft portion 223 b .
- planar portion 223 a applies the downward force to ferrule block subassembly 20 , thereby holding the same in a fixed position during use.
- Spring 224 is used to apply the downward force and in this case is a disk spring.
- Shaft portion 223 b of plunger 223 passes through a vertical bore (not visible) of ferrule door 222 and is secured to ferrule door by retainer 225 .
- Second assembly 220 b of ferrule door assembly 220 cooperates with first assembly 220 a and is used for locking ferrule door subassembly 221 in a closed position.
- first and second assemblies 220 a , 220 b engage each other at an intersection of a vertical bore and a horizontal bore (not numbered) in base 212 as will be described.
- Second assembly 220 b includes a locking shaft 226 , a pin 227 , a spring 228 , and a retaining screw 229 .
- Locking shaft 226 includes a notched end (not numbered) having a bore therethough for receiving pin 227 .
- locking shaft 226 includes a medial notch (not numbered) for retaining locking shaft 226 within the horizontal bore of base 212 and allowing a predetermined range of motion.
- Spring 228 is inserted into horizontal bore of base 212 and biases locking shaft 226 in an outward direction.
- Locking shaft 226 and pin 227 are inserted into the horizontal bore until the medial notch is aligned with the threaded bore on base 212 , then retaining screw 229 is inserted and threaded into base 212 .
- retaining screw 229 allows locking shaft to have a limited range of motion defined by the medial notch while spring 228 biases locking shaft 226 and pin 227 in an outward direction.
- the arm of ferrule door subassembly 221 enters the vertical bore of base 212 .
- the vertical bore is positioned on base 212 such that the notched end of locking shaft 226 and pin 227 are positioned at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal bores of base 212 . Consequently, during closing of the ferrule door subassembly 221 the tapered portion of its arm engages pin 227 , thereby pushing locking shaft 226 inward against spring 228 .
- Press tool 200 may also include a cable clamp door assembly 230 that is used for positioning and clamping the cable during use of press tool 200 .
- Cable clamp door assembly includes a cable clamp door 232 and a shoulder bolt 234 .
- Cable clamp door 232 includes a through bore (not numbered) sized for the shoulder of shoulder bolt 234 and acts as the pivot point for cable clamp door 232 .
- Base 212 includes a threaded bore (not visible) for attaching shoulder bolt 234 thereto. Additionally, base 212 includes a plurality of pins (not numbered) adjacent to cable clamp door assembly 230 . The plurality of pins are used for positioning the cable therebetween before closing of the cable clamp door 232 , thereby securing the cable during use of press tool 200 .
- Press tool 200 also includes an actuator assembly (not numbered) that drives a slide assembly 250 used for assembling ferrule 24 with splice cover 36 of connector 10 .
- slide assembly. 250 is also useful for installing housing 40 of connector 10 as will be discussed herein.
- slide assembly 250 can include a fixed handle thereon for moving the same in a linear fashion.
- the actuator assembly includes a handle 242 , a shaft 244 , and a pinion gear 246 for driving slide assembly 250 .
- Handle 242 includes a threaded end that engages a threaded bore of shaft 244 .
- Shaft 244 has a stepped down diameter portion that is sized to fit into a bore hole (not numbered) in base 212 and extend therebeyond so that shaft 244 can rotate relative to base 212 .
- the stepped down diameter portion of shaft 244 extends into a cavity (not numbered) of base 212 so that pinion gear 246 can be attached thereto by suitable means.
- rotating handle 242 causes pinion gear 246 to also rotate, thereby causing a portion of slide assembly 250 to move in linear fashion.
- FIG. 10 depicts slide assembly 250 of press tool 200 .
- Slide assembly 250 fits within the cavity of base 212 and is secured thereto using bolts (not shown).
- Slide assembly 250 includes a linear slide 252 and a slide adapter assembly 253 .
- Linear slide 25 . 2 includes a guide 252 a and slide 252 b that moves along guide 252 a .
- gear rack 251 of slide assembly 250 engages pinion gear 246 so that when handle 242 is rotated slide adapter assembly 253 and slide 252 b moves along guide 252 a of slide assembly 250 in a linear fashion.
- Slide adapter assembly 253 includes a gear rack 251 , a sliding portion 254 , a slide adapter door 255 , a stop pin 256 , a hinge pin 257 , and an alignment pin 258 .
- Gear rack 251 attaches to sliding portion 254 using a plurality of bolts (not shown) and sliding portion 254 attaches to slide 252 b using bolts (not shown).
- Slide adapter door 255 attaches to sliding portion 254 using hinge pin 257 so that adapter door 255 is rotatable about hinge pin 257 .
- slide adapter door 255 is positioned so that a bore 255 a and a bore 254 a are aligned and hinge pin 257 is insert through the aligned bores 254 a , 255 a .
- Stop pin 256 is pressed into a suitable bore (not visible) on the bottom side of slide adapter door 255 and has a complementary opening on sliding portion 254 . Stop pin 256 reduces the rotational force that can be applied to the hinge area of slide adapter door 255 when a lateral force is applied to slide adapter door 255 . In other words, stop pin 256 provides a second point for lateral force transfer, thereby inhibiting twisting forces from being applied to the hinge portion of slide adapter door 255 .
- Alignment pin 258 is pressed into a suitable bore (not visible) on the top side of slide adapter door 255 so that a portion thereof protrudes from the same. Alignment pin is used for positioning crimp body 32 into a cutout 255 b on the top of slide adapter door 255 . More specifically, the protruding portion of alignment pin 258 is intended to align the notch on the rearward ridge of crimp body 32 so that protrusions 32 c are aligned with windows, Thus, press tool 200 is also suitable for attaching crimp body 32 that is attached to cable 90 with housing 40 .
- Press tool 200 also includes cover assembly 260 that attaches to base 212 using bolts (not shown).
- cover assembly 260 includes cover 261 , a plurality of release pins 262 , a plurality of side alignment pins 263 , a plurality of rear alignment pins 264 , and a magnet 265 .
- Release pins 262 are pressed into respective angled bores of cover 261 so that release pins 262 have an angle of about ten degrees in an outward direction.
- Side and rear alignment pins 263 , 264 are alignment features that are pressed into respective perpendicular bores of cover 261 .
- Side and rear alignment pins 263 , 264 are used for aligning splice cover handling block subassembly 30 on cover assembly 260 during the assembly process.
- other suitable alignment features such as a recess in the cover 261 can accomplish the same function.
- respective release pins 262 engage resilient fingers 38 c of disposable splice cover handling block 38 , thereby spreading resilient fingers 38 c outward due to their angled arrangement.
- splice cover 36 is freed from disposable splice cover handling block 38 and spring 34 pushes second end 32 b of splice cover 36 beyond resilient fingers 38 c as best shown in FIG. 13 b .
- magnet 265 inhibits spring 34 of splice cover handling block subassembly from following splice cover 36 , thereby keeping spring 34 out of the way.
- FIGS. 13 a - 13 f depict several steps using press tool 200 starting with assembly 100 and proceeding towards the assembled connector 10 depicted in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 13 a shows assembly 100 placed in press tool 200 .
- Assembly 100 may be moved from the fusion splicer to press tool 200 using a transfer tool 300 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 14 a .
- Transfer tool 300 includes a first arm 302 , a second arm 304 , a pivot 306 , and a resilient member 308 .
- First and second arms 302 , 304 have respective pivot portions (both not numbered) for engaging and rotating about pivot 306 .
- first and second arms 302 , 304 include respective grooves 302 a , 304 a for locating and securing portions of resilient member 308 therein.
- Resilient member 308 biases first and second arms 302 , 304 together about pivot 306 , thereby enabling transfer tool 300 to grip and hold assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 15 .
- resilient member 308 is a resilient band; however, other suitable resilient members like springs may be used.
- First and second arms 302 , 304 respectively having a first gripping portion 302 b , 304 b and a second gripping portion 302 c , 304 c that are spaced apart at a predetermined distance that corresponds with the spacing of ferrule block subassembly 20 and splice cover handling block subassembly 30 of assembly 100 .
- respective first and second gripping portions 302 b , 304 b , 302 c , 304 c include respective cutouts (not numbered) that are respectively complementary to portions of ferrule block subassembly 20 and splice cover handling block subassembly 30 .
- FIG. 15 depicts assembly 100 being held by transfer tool 300 . Of course, it is possible to transfer assembly 100 from the fusion splicer to press tool 200 without the use of transfer tool 300 .
- FIG. 13 a depicts assembly 100 being placed on press tool 200 .
- ferrule door subassembly 221 and slide adapter door 255 are in the open position so assembly 100 can be aligned onto side and rear alignment pins 263 , 264 and a protrusion of ferrule stop 214 .
- sliding portion 254 is in the retracted position with the handle in the rearward position as shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 13 b shows ferrule door subassembly 221 being closed in the locked position, thereby holding ferrule block subassembly 20 against ferrule stop 214 . As best shown in FIG.
- disposable ferrule handling block 28 is positioned so that it straddles a protrusion (not numbered) of ferrule stop 214 .
- resilient fingers 38 c are pushed outward, thereby allowing the second end 36 b of splice cover 36 to escape from splice cover handling block subassembly 30 .
- splice cover 36 should be placed so that shoulder 36 d is properly positioned on a cutout 254 b of slidable portion 254 as best shown in FIG. 10 .
- slide adapter door 255 is rotated to the closed position and stop pin 256 engages a complementary opening (not numbered) in slidable portion 254 , thereby holding splice cover 36 so that it is movable with slidable portion 254 that is a portion of slide adapter assembly 253 .
- handle 242 of the actuator assembly is moved to a forward position, thereby moving slidable portion 254 that is holding splice cover 36 towards ferrule block subassembly 20 being held by ferrule door subassembly 221 .
- the ferrule holder portion of splice cover 36 is aligned with ferrule 24 of ferrule block subassembly so that splice cover 36 is pressed onto ferrule 24 .
- splice cover 36 moves relative to cable 90 and is positioned over the fusion splice. In this case, since ferrule 24 is relatively small making it difficult to grasp, align, and assemble; however, using press tool 200 makes this assembly task simple and reliable.
- FIG. 13 d and 13 e depict a suitable crimp tool 400 for securing a first end 36 a of splice cover 36 to buffer layer 90 b .
- Crimp tool 400 includes pins 402 that are asymmetrically positioned on crimp tool 400 for keying, aligning, and maintaining the position of crimp tool 400 during the crimp operation.
- Saddle 216 also includes at least one keying portion 216 c that creates a ledge so that crimp tool 400 only fits on press tool 200 in one orientation. As shown, keying portion 216 c only permits the short ends of pins 402 to ride on planar surface 216 a .
- saddle 216 includes a plurality of retention overhangs 216 b so that as crimp tool 400 engages first end 36 a of splice cover 36 the short ends of pins 402 , thereby preventing crimp tool from moving upward during the crimping operation.
- crimp tool 400 is removed and handle 242 is returned to the rearward position. Then, ferrule door 222 , cable clamp door 232 , and slide adapter door 255 are rotated to the open position to release cable 90 and an intermediate assembly can be removed from press tool 200 . Thereafter, disposable ferrule handling block 28 and disposable splice cover handling block 38 are removed from the intermediate assembly.
- Press tool 200 is also advantageous since it allows the assembly of housing 40 to the intermediate assembly. As shown in FIG. 13 f a portion of housing 40 fits into cutout 222 c on ferrule door 222 and a portion of intermediate assembly fits into cutout 255 b on slide adapter door 255 . Specifically, the notch in the rearward ridge of crimp body 32 is positioned on alignment pin 258 of slide adapter door 255 , thereby aligning protrusions 32 c of splice cover 32 with windows 40 a of housing 40 . Then handle 242 is moved to the forward position until protrusions 32 c and windows 40 a engage, thereafter a nearly completed connector assembly is removed from press tool 200 . Finally, crimp band 60 and boot 70 are installed.
- connectors according to the present invention can have more than one fiber or different numbers of parts.
- press tools and transfer tools according to the present invention can have different components, configurations, or different numbers of parts. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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Abstract
A field-installable fusion fiber optic connector kit and methods of assembling the same include a ferrule block subassembly and a splice, cover handling block subassembly. The ferrule block subassembly includes a fiber optic stub, a ferrule, and a disposable ferrule handling block. The ferrule has a longitudinal bore therethrough for holding the fiber optic stub so that an end of the fiber optic stub extends beyond the ferrule. The disposable ferrule handling block is used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process. The splice cover handling block subassembly includes a crimp body, a spring, a splice cover, and a disposable splice cover handling block. The disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly process.
Description
- The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ titled “Tools and Methods for Field-Installable Fusion Spliced Fiber Optic Connectors” filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor. More specifically, the invention relates to field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connectors and methods therefor.
- Communication networks are used to transport a variety of signals such as voice, video, data transmission, and the like. One common way to connect optical waveguides is by using optical connectors. Optical connectors hold the mating optical waveguides in respective ferrules of the mating connectors. The ferrules and optical waveguides therein require polishing of the end face for proper operation. Polishing a ferrule is a relatively complex process that generally requires several steps along with inspection and testing using precision equipment to verify that the connector has an acceptable optical performance. In other words, polishing ferrules and testing optical performance is best performed in a factory setting under ideal working conditions.
- When both ends of a cable are connectorized in the factory, the cable ends up having a predetermined length. Unfortunately, in the field a particular application for the cable may not require the entire predetermined length of the jumper cable, thereby creating excess cable length. This excess cable length can cause problems. For instance, the excess length of the cable must be stored within the enclosure or rack, which holds a plurality of cables. Generally speaking, the space within the enclosure or rack is generally at a premium, thus it is difficult and time consuming to store the excess cable length. Moreover, storing excess cable length leads to unorganized or undesirable housekeeping issues within the enclosure or rack. Thus, cables preferably have a length that is tailored for the particular application for an orderly and organized installation.
- One way of tailoring the length of a cable for an application is to connectorize the cable in the field. One known method of field installing a connector so the cable has a tailored length uses a factory polished connector having an optical fiber pigtail. Using a connector having a pigtail attached requires cutting the cable to length and fusion splicing the pigtail to an optical fiber of the cable in the field. Although this method tailors the length of the cable it requires extra components such as furcation tubing to protect the pigtail and shrink tubing for immobilizing the optical splice. Moreover, these components require the craftsman to perform extra steps that increase the installation time for the connector. Other drawbacks of this method include a larger cable diameter at the location of the splice and a lack of flexibility about the splice location, thereby making routing and storage cumbersome and difficult.
- Optical connectors have been designed to overcome the drawbacks of optical connectors having pigtails. An example of an optical connector that overcomes these problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,819. This optical connector has a ferrule with a longitunidal bore running between a first end and a second end with a fusion access means defined within the ferrule. The ferrule also includes an optical fiber stub disposed within a portion of the ferrule. Specifically, the optical fiber stub is polished at the first end of the ferrule and extends into and terminates within the fusion access means of the ferrule. During field-installation, the cable is cut to the appropriate length and an optical fiber of the cable is inserted from the second end of the ferrule into the fusion access means to align it with the optical fiber stub for fusion splicing. Consequently, the fusion splice is disposed within the ferrule, thereby eliminating some of the problems associated with having the splice location in a medial portion of the cable as with the connector having a pigtail. But this connector design has limitations since forming the fusion access means within the ferrule removes ferrule material and alters the structural integrity of the ferrule.
- For instance, there is a need for connectors having a smaller form factor, thereby increasing the connection density in patch panels and other like installations. These smaller form factor connectors require ferrules with smaller diameters to miniaturize the connector footprint. Accordingly, ferrules having smaller diameters will not have enough ferrule material remaining if a fusion access means is formed therein. In other words, a fusion access means is not feasible for these small form factor connectors.
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FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of an optical connector according to the present invention that is installed on an end of an optical cable. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the optical connector taken along line 2-2 as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of a component kit for the optical connector ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the ferrule block subassembly ofFIG. 3 along with a container for holding and protecting the same during shipping according to the present invention. -
FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of a ferrule subassembly ofFIG. 4 before polishing has been performed. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the splice cover handling block subassembly ofFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 6 a-f are a plurality of perspective views showing the steps of preparing the cable ofFIG. 1 for connectorization up to the fusion spliced subassembly. -
FIG. 7 . is a perspective view of a press tool according to the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the press tool according toFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ferrule door subassembly of the press tool ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the slide assembly of the press tool ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover assembly of the press tool ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the saddle of the press tool ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 13 a-13 f depict a plurality of steps during the assembly of the connector ofFIG. 1 using the press tool ofFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 14 and 14 a respectively are a perspective and an exploded view of a transfer tool according to the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the transfer tool ofFIG. 14 gripping a portion of the assembly ofFIG. 6 e. - The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The drawing are not necessarily drawn to scale but are configured to clearly illustrate the invention.
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FIG. 1 depicts an assembled perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic connector 10 (hereinafter connector 10) attached to a fiber optic cable 90 (hereinafter cable 90) with adust cap 80 thereon according to the present invention.FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view ofconnector 10 taken along section line 2-2.Connector 10 is suitable for field installation so that the length of the cable may be tailored for the specific application. Specifically,connector 10 is suitable for fusion splicing in the field and when assembled a fusion splice is advantageously disposed withinconnector 10. In other words, since the splice is disposed withinconnector 10, the body of the cable is not affected by connectorization, therefore, the routing and storage of the associated cable is not affected like connectors having pigtails attached. Furthermore, the splice ofconnector 10 is disposed withinconnector 10 so that the structural integrity of a ferrule ofconnector 10 is not compromised. Since the structural integrity of the ferrule is not compromised,connector 10 is suitable for small form factor configurations as discussed herein. -
FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of anexemplary component kit 5 forconnector 10 before the assembly. As shown inFIG. 3 ,component kit 5 forconnector 10 includes aferrule block subassembly 20, a splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30, ahousing 40, atrigger 50, acrimp band 60, aboot 70,dust cap 80, and atwist tie 98.Ferrule block subassembly 20 includes a disposableferrule handling block 28 that does not form a portion of the assembledconnector 10, but rather is used during assembly ofconnector 10 as explained herein. Likewise, splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 includes a disposable splicecover handling block 38 that does not form a portion of the assembledconnector 10, but rather is used during assembly ofconnector 10 as explained herein. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view offerrule block subassembly 20 ofFIG. 3 .Ferrule block subassembly 20 includes afiber optic stub 22, aferrule 24, and disposableferrule handling block 28.Fiber optic stub 22 is formed from any suitable optical waveguide and is longer thanferrule 24.Fiber optic stub 22 preferably has its coating(s) removed, thereby leaving a core and a cladding so that it is ready for fusion splicing with anoptical waveguide 90 a ofcable 90 in the field. -
Ferrule 24 has a longitudinal bore that extends from afirst end 24 a tosecond end 24 b and the bore diameter is suitably sized for receivingfiber optic stub 22 therein. As shown inFIG. 4 a,fiber optic stub 22 of a suitable cleaved length is inserted into the longitudinal bore offerrule 24 so that a portion offiber optic stub 22 extends beyond bothfirst end 24 a andsecond end 24 b. Thereafter,fiber optic stub 22 is attached to ferrule 24 using a suitable adhesive such as a curable epoxy. After the epoxy sets the portion ofoptical fiber stub 22 extending beyondfirst end 24 a offerrule 24 is cleaved if necessary. Thereafter, thefirst end 24 a offerrule 24 andfiber optic stub 22 are polished as is known to one skilled in the art. Polishing forms a surface on the ferrule subassembly (not numbered) that is suitable for optical connection. -
Optical fiber stub 22 extends beyondsecond end 24 b offerrule 24 so that the fusion splice is disposed downstream offerrule 24, but the splice ofoptical connector 10 is still advantageously disposed withinconnector 10. Stated another way, the design of the connector according to the present invention does not affect the structural integrity of the ferrule as in other field installable connector designs. - By way of example, a suitable length of
optical fiber stub 22 for insertion intoferrule 22 is about 10 millimeters for a ferrule having a length of about 6.5 millimeters. In this case,ferrule 24 has an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters that is configured for small form factor connectors; however, the concepts of the present invention may be used with any suitably sized ferrule.Ferrule 24 may be formed from any suitable material such as ceramics, metals, glass, or composite materials.Ferrule 24 can also have any suitable configuration such as an angled physical contact (APC), ultra physical contact UPC, pencil tip configurations, or other suitable configurations. Likewise, other single fiber small-form factor connectors such as MU can incorporated the concepts of the present invention; however, the concepts are not limited to small form-factor connectors, nor are they limited to single fiber connectors. The concepts of the present invention are suitable with multi-fiber connectors such as MT-RJ or MTP connectors. -
Ferrule block subassembly 20 also includes a disposableferrule handling block 28 as a portion of a kit forconnector 10. Disposable ferrule handling block serves several functions for field-installable connector 10, but does not form a portion of the assembledconnector 10 as shown inFIG. 1 . Disposableferrule handling block 28 is used for holding and handling the ferrule subassembly (not numbered) during the installation process since it is relatively small and difficult for a craftsman to handle. - Disposable
ferrule handling block 28 includes afirst end 28 a and asecond end 28 b. As shown,first end 28 a includes a suitable sizedlongitudinal bore 28 c for removably inserting the ferrule subassembly.FIG. 4 illustrates acontainer 29 for housing and protectingferrule block subassembly 20 during shipping and prior to assembly of theconnector 10.Container 29 is advantageous since it protects the relatively fragileoptical fiber stub 22 that is cantilevered beyondferrule 24.Ferrule block subassembly 20 preferably has a friction fit withincontainer 29 so that it does not inadvertently fall out. In the illustrated embodiment,container 29 has a livinghinge 29 b so thatferrule block subassembly 20 is disposed within the container when alid 29 a is closed. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 ofFIG. 3 . Splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 includes acrimp body 32, aspring 34, asplice cover 36, and a disposable splicecover handling block 38. Crimpbody 32 includes afirst end 32 a and a second 32 b with a longitudinal passage therebetween. First end 32 a is sized so thatcrimp band 60 can fit thereover as shown inFIG. 2 . Additionally,first end 32 a includes a plurality of ridges (not numbered) for securing strength members betweencrimp body 32 and crimp band if necessary for strain relief.Second end 32 b ofcrimp body 32 hasprotrusions 32 c used for securinghousing 40 ontoconnector 10. Specifically, whenhousing 40 is installedprotrusions 32 c engage complementary windows 40 a onhousing 40, thereby securing housing onconnector 10. The rearward ridge ofcrimp body 32 can also include a notch (not visible) that is located at about 90 degrees from bothprotrusions 32 c for aligningcrimp body 32 on a tool for assembly as will be explained herein. When assembled,second end 32 b ofcrimp body 32traps spring 34 onsplice cover 36 ofconnector 10. -
Splice cover 36 includes afirst end 36 a and asecond end 36 b having a longitudinal passage therethrough. First end 36 a is sized for crimping onto abuffer layer 90 b that surrounds anoptical fiber 90 a ofcable 90. The longitudinal passageway atsecond end 36 b is intended to have a friction fit withferrule 24 whenconnector 10 is assembled, thereby securing the same. A special tool can be used in order to accomplish this assembly step as will be discussed below.Second end 36 b also includes anotch 36 c for aligning thesplice cover 36 withhousing 40.Second end 36 b has ashoulder 36 d adjacent thereto that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter ofspring 34 for centering the same onsplice cover 36. When assembled, the fusion splice betweenoptical fiber stub 22 andoptical fiber 90 a ofcable 90 is disposed therein for protecting the fusion splice. Additionally, splice cover 36 includes a pair ofapertures 36 e for filling the longitudinal passageway ofsplice cover 36, thereby inhibiting movement and mechanical loads on the fusion splice. By way of example, splice cover 36 is filled with a suitable filling material such as RTV silicone that is applied using a hypodermic syringe. In other embodiments,connector 10 may be tunable -for minimizing insertion loss. - Crimp
body 32 andspring 34 are held onsplice cover 36 when they are inserted into disposable splicecover handling block 38, thereby forming splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30. Disposable splicecover handling block 38 has afirst end 38 a and asecond end 38 b with a through passageway therebetween having an open side (not visible) for installingcrimp body 32,spring 34, and splicecover 36. First end 38 a includes a plurality ofresilient fingers 38 c for holdingsecond end 38 b ofsplice cover 36. Disposable splicecover handling block 38 also has a plurality ofarms 38 d atsecond end 38 b that are used for holdingcrimp body 32 therein for securing the assembly therein. -
Housing 40 has a first end (not numbered) and a second end (not numbered) with a longitudinal passageway therethrough. Housing also includes a pair of windows 40 a near the first end for securingcrimp body 32 thereto. Specifically, duringassembly protrusions 32 c are aligned with windows 40 a and snap-fit therein to securehousing 40 withcrimp body 32 that is attached tocable 90.Housing 40 also includes a keyed portion (not visible) that cooperates withnotch 36 c of splice cover 36 for alignment purposes. Additionally,housing 40 also has alever 40 b that is movable in a resilient fashion and used to lock and unlockconnector 10 with a cooperating adapter.Trigger 50 includes a resilient lever and a pair of fingers (both not numbered). The resilient lever is used for engaginglever 40 b and inhibitslever 40 b from being snagged-on or tangled with cables or other devices. The fingers oftrigger 50 engage grooves on the first end ofhousing 40 for attaching the trigger tohousing 40.Trigger 50 is also configured to attach to an end ofboot 70.Connector 10 may also includedust cap 80 for attaching to the connector for protecting the end offerrule 24 during shipping or handling and must be removed before optical connection. -
FIG. 6 a is a perspectiveview showing cable 90 before preparation for fusion splicing. In this case,cable 90 is buffered optical fiber havingoptical fiber 90 a andbuffer layer 90 b. An exemplary method of connectorizing an end ofcable 90 will be explained. First, trigger 50 may be attached to an appropriate end ofboot 70 or it can be attached later in the assembly process. Thereafter,boot 70 and trigger 50 are slid onto and downcable 90 followed bycrimp band 60 as shown inFIG. 6 b.Buffer layer 90 b is then marked at a predetermined location such as about 30 millimeters from the end. As shown inFIG. 6 c, splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 is then slid onto and downcable 90 so thatresilient fingers 38 a face the end ofcable 90. Afterwards, predetermined portions ofbuffer layer 90 b along with a coating ofoptical fiber 90 a are stripped away using an appropriate means so that a core and a cladding ofoptical fiber 90 a remain for fusion splicing. Next,optical fiber 90 a is cleaved to a suitable length, for instance, about 8 millimeters beyondbuffer layer 90 b as shown inFIG. 6 d. Finally, an appropriate fusion splicer (not shown) is used for splicing togetheroptical fiber 90 a andfiber optic stub 22 offerrule block subassembly 22, thereby yielding a fusion splicedsubassembly 100 as shown inFIG. 6 e.FIG. 6 f is a view showing the fusion splice between the core and cladding ofoptical fiber 90 a andfiber optic stub 22. - In other embodiments according to the present invention, the cable may have a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket that are cut at appropriate lengths for connectorization. If this type of cable was connectorized, the procedure would be similar to the above procedure, but the cable jacket and strength members would also be cut and split so it could be folded back out of the way. In this case,
twist tie 98 of the connector kit would be used for tying and holding the jacket and strength members out of the way during the connectorization process; however, other suitable means may be used for this purpose. - Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a press tool and a method of assembling
connector 10 using the same.FIG. 7 shows a perspective view andFIG. 8 shows a partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of apress tool 200 according to the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8 ,press tool 200 includes a base assembly (not numbered), a ferrule door assembly 220, a cableclamp door assembly 230, an actuator assembly (not numbered), aslide assembly 250, and acover assembly 260. - The base assembly includes a
base 212, aferrule stop 214, asaddle 216, and a plurality offootpads 218. The base assembly also has the other assemblies attached thereto, thereby formingpress tool 200 as will be explained. Ferrule stop 214 and saddle 216 are respectively attached to base using abolt 215 and a pair ofbolts 217. A detailed perspective view ofsaddle 216 is illustrated inFIG. 12 .Saddle 216 includes at least oneplanar surface 216 a, a plurality ofretention overhangs 216 b, and at least one keyingportion 216 c. Whenpress tool 200 is assembled the at least oneplanar surface 216 a ofsaddle 216 is generally on the same plane ascover 261. As shown inFIG. 13 d, alignment of the planar surfaces allows a plurality ofpins 402 of asuitable crimp tool 400 to be generally horizontal, thereby correctly positioningcrimp tool 400 in a perpendicular position to splicecover 36.Pins 402 ofcrimp tool 400 are arranged in an asymmetrical position on the same, thereby keying thecrimp tool 400 to presstool 200. Retention overhangs 216 b ofsaddle 216 are used for engaging the short side ofpins 402 ofcrimp tool 400 so thatcrimp tool 400 maintains a proper position and does not lift-up during the crimping operation. Keyingportion 216 c keys crimptool 400 to presstool 200 so that it can only crimp in the correct orientation and cannot crimp in a backwards orientation. Additionally,footpads 218 are attached to the bottom ofbase 212 for inhibiting movement ofpress tool 200 during operation. - Ferrule door assembly 220 includes a
first assembly 220 a and asecond assembly 220 b that cooperate to secure ferrule block -subassembly 20 ofconnector 10 tobase 212 during the operation ofpress tool 200.First assembly 220 a has aferrule door subassembly 221 and ashoulder bolt 234.Shoulder bolt 234 securesferrule door subassembly 221 tobase 212 so that the ferrule door subassembly is free to rotate when in the unlocked position. As best shown inFIG. 9 ,ferrule door subassembly 221 includes aferrule door 222, aplunger 223, aspring 224, and aretainer 225.Ferrule door 222 has a through bore 222 a, an arm (not numbered) having a lockingcatch 222 b, and acutout 222 c having a predetermined shape on its top surface. Bore 222 a is sized for the shoulder ofbolt 234 and acts as the pivot point forferrule door subassembly 221. Lockingcatch 222 b is used for engaging a portion ofsecond assembly 220 b, thereby lockingferrule door subassembly 221 in a closed position.Cutout 222 c has a shape that is generally complementary to the profile ofhousing 40 ofconnector 10 and its use will be described later. -
Plunger 223 offerrule door subassembly 221 is biased downward for applying a downward force toferrule block subassembly 20 whenferrule door subassembly 221 is in the locked position. Specifically,plunger 223 has aplanar portion 223 a and ashaft portion 223 b. In use,planar portion 223 a applies the downward force toferrule block subassembly 20, thereby holding the same in a fixed position during use.Spring 224 is used to apply the downward force and in this case is a disk spring.Shaft portion 223 b ofplunger 223 passes through a vertical bore (not visible) offerrule door 222 and is secured to ferrule door byretainer 225. -
Second assembly 220 b of ferrule door assembly 220 cooperates withfirst assembly 220 a and is used for lockingferrule door subassembly 221 in a closed position. Specifically, first andsecond assemblies base 212 as will be described.Second assembly 220 b includes a lockingshaft 226, apin 227, aspring 228, and a retainingscrew 229. Lockingshaft 226 includes a notched end (not numbered) having a bore therethough for receivingpin 227. Additionally, lockingshaft 226 includes a medial notch (not numbered) for retaininglocking shaft 226 within the horizontal bore ofbase 212 and allowing a predetermined range of motion.Spring 228 is inserted into horizontal bore ofbase 212 andbiases locking shaft 226 in an outward direction. Lockingshaft 226 and pin 227 are inserted into the horizontal bore until the medial notch is aligned with the threaded bore onbase 212, then retainingscrew 229 is inserted and threaded intobase 212. Thus, retainingscrew 229 allows locking shaft to have a limited range of motion defined by the medial notch whilespring 228biases locking shaft 226 andpin 227 in an outward direction. - When rotating
ferrule door subassembly 221 into the closed position, the arm offerrule door subassembly 221 enters the vertical bore ofbase 212. The vertical bore is positioned onbase 212 such that the notched end of lockingshaft 226 and pin 227 are positioned at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal bores ofbase 212. Consequently, during closing of theferrule door subassembly 221 the tapered portion of its arm engagespin 227, thereby pushinglocking shaft 226 inward againstspring 228. Whenpin 227 passes over the tapered portion of the arm and into lockingcatch 222 b offerrule door 222spring 228biases locking shaft 226 in the outward direction, thereby lockingferrule door subassembly 221 in the closed position. Openingferrule door subassembly 221 requires the craftsman to push lockingshaft 226 inward, while rotating ferrule door subassembly until lockingcatch 222 b disengagespin 227. -
Press tool 200 may also include a cableclamp door assembly 230 that is used for positioning and clamping the cable during use ofpress tool 200. Cable clamp door assembly includes acable clamp door 232 and ashoulder bolt 234.Cable clamp door 232 includes a through bore (not numbered) sized for the shoulder ofshoulder bolt 234 and acts as the pivot point forcable clamp door 232.Base 212 includes a threaded bore (not visible) for attachingshoulder bolt 234 thereto. Additionally,base 212 includes a plurality of pins (not numbered) adjacent to cableclamp door assembly 230. The plurality of pins are used for positioning the cable therebetween before closing of thecable clamp door 232, thereby securing the cable during use ofpress tool 200. -
Press tool 200 also includes an actuator assembly (not numbered) that drives aslide assembly 250 used for assemblingferrule 24 withsplice cover 36 ofconnector 10. In this embodiment ofpress tool 200, slide assembly. 250 is also useful for installinghousing 40 ofconnector 10 as will be discussed herein. Of course, other suitable means are possible for drivingslide assembly 250. For instance,slide assembly 250 can include a fixed handle thereon for moving the same in a linear fashion. - In this case, the actuator assembly includes a
handle 242, ashaft 244, and apinion gear 246 for drivingslide assembly 250. Handle 242 includes a threaded end that engages a threaded bore ofshaft 244.Shaft 244 has a stepped down diameter portion that is sized to fit into a bore hole (not numbered) inbase 212 and extend therebeyond so thatshaft 244 can rotate relative tobase 212. Specifically, the stepped down diameter portion ofshaft 244 extends into a cavity (not numbered) ofbase 212 so thatpinion gear 246 can be attached thereto by suitable means. Thus,rotating handle 242causes pinion gear 246 to also rotate, thereby causing a portion ofslide assembly 250 to move in linear fashion. -
FIG. 10 depictsslide assembly 250 ofpress tool 200.Slide assembly 250 fits within the cavity ofbase 212 and is secured thereto using bolts (not shown).Slide assembly 250 includes alinear slide 252 and aslide adapter assembly 253. Linear slide 25.2 includes aguide 252 a andslide 252 b that moves alongguide 252 a. When attachedslide assembly 250 is secured tobase 212,gear rack 251 ofslide assembly 250 engagespinion gear 246 so that whenhandle 242 is rotatedslide adapter assembly 253 and slide 252 b moves alongguide 252 a ofslide assembly 250 in a linear fashion. -
Slide adapter assembly 253 includes agear rack 251, a slidingportion 254, aslide adapter door 255, astop pin 256, ahinge pin 257, and analignment pin 258.Gear rack 251 attaches to slidingportion 254 using a plurality of bolts (not shown) and slidingportion 254 attaches to slide 252 b using bolts (not shown).Slide adapter door 255 attaches to slidingportion 254 usinghinge pin 257 so thatadapter door 255 is rotatable abouthinge pin 257. Specifically, slideadapter door 255 is positioned so that a bore 255 a and abore 254 a are aligned andhinge pin 257 is insert through the aligned bores 254 a,255 a.Stop pin 256 is pressed into a suitable bore (not visible) on the bottom side ofslide adapter door 255 and has a complementary opening on slidingportion 254.Stop pin 256 reduces the rotational force that can be applied to the hinge area ofslide adapter door 255 when a lateral force is applied to slideadapter door 255. In other words, stoppin 256 provides a second point for lateral force transfer, thereby inhibiting twisting forces from being applied to the hinge portion ofslide adapter door 255.Alignment pin 258 is pressed into a suitable bore (not visible) on the top side ofslide adapter door 255 so that a portion thereof protrudes from the same. Alignment pin is used for positioningcrimp body 32 into acutout 255 b on the top ofslide adapter door 255. More specifically, the protruding portion ofalignment pin 258 is intended to align the notch on the rearward ridge ofcrimp body 32 so thatprotrusions 32 c are aligned with windows, Thus,press tool 200 is also suitable for attachingcrimp body 32 that is attached tocable 90 withhousing 40. -
Press tool 200 also includescover assembly 260 that attaches to base 212 using bolts (not shown). As best shown inFIG. 11 ,cover assembly 260 includescover 261, a plurality of release pins 262, a plurality of side alignment pins 263, a plurality of rear alignment pins 264, and amagnet 265. Release pins 262 are pressed into respective angled bores ofcover 261 so that release pins 262 have an angle of about ten degrees in an outward direction. Side and rear alignment pins 263, 264 are alignment features that are pressed into respective perpendicular bores ofcover 261. Side and rear alignment pins 263,264 are used for aligning splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 oncover assembly 260 during the assembly process. However, other suitable alignment features such as a recess in thecover 261 can accomplish the same function. Specifically, when splice cover handling block subassembly is positioned along side and rear alignment pins 263,264 and pushed down to cover 261, respective release pins 262 engageresilient fingers 38 c of disposable splicecover handling block 38, thereby spreadingresilient fingers 38 c outward due to their angled arrangement. Consequently, splice cover 36 is freed from disposable splicecover handling block 38 andspring 34 pushessecond end 32 b of splice cover 36 beyondresilient fingers 38 c as best shown inFIG. 13 b. Additionally,magnet 265 inhibitsspring 34 of splice cover handling block subassembly from followingsplice cover 36, thereby keepingspring 34 out of the way. - The use of
press tool 200 for aiding in the assembly ofconnector 10 will now be described.FIGS. 13 a-13 f depict several steps usingpress tool 200 starting withassembly 100 and proceeding towards the assembledconnector 10 depicted inFIG. 1 .FIG. 13 ashows assembly 100 placed inpress tool 200.Assembly 100 may be moved from the fusion splicer to presstool 200 using atransfer tool 300 as shown inFIGS. 14 and 14 a.Transfer tool 300 includes afirst arm 302, asecond arm 304, apivot 306, and aresilient member 308. First andsecond arms pivot 306. Additionally, first andsecond arms respective grooves resilient member 308 therein.Resilient member 308 biases first andsecond arms pivot 306, thereby enablingtransfer tool 300 to grip and holdassembly 100 as shown inFIG. 15 . Thus, inhibiting the disturbance of the fusion splice ofassembly 100 during the transfer ofassembly 100 from the fusion splicer to presstool 200. In this case,resilient member 308 is a resilient band; however, other suitable resilient members like springs may be used. First andsecond arms gripping portion gripping portion ferrule block subassembly 20 and splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 ofassembly 100. Additionally, respective first and secondgripping portions ferrule block subassembly 20 and splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30.FIG. 15 depicts assembly 100 being held bytransfer tool 300. Of course, it is possible to transfer assembly 100 from the fusion splicer to presstool 200 without the use oftransfer tool 300. -
FIG. 13 a depictsassembly 100 being placed onpress tool 200. Specifically,ferrule door subassembly 221 and slideadapter door 255 are in the open position soassembly 100 can be aligned onto side and rear alignment pins 263,264 and a protrusion offerrule stop 214. Additionally, slidingportion 254 is in the retracted position with the handle in the rearward position as shown inFIG. 7 .FIG. 13 b showsferrule door subassembly 221 being closed in the locked position, thereby holdingferrule block subassembly 20 againstferrule stop 214. As best shown inFIG. 13 e, disposableferrule handling block 28 is positioned so that it straddles a protrusion (not numbered) offerrule stop 214. As shown inFIG. 13 b, after splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30 is pushed down to cover 260,resilient fingers 38 c are pushed outward, thereby allowing thesecond end 36 b of splice cover 36 to escape from splice cover handlingblock subassembly 30. In this case, splice cover 36 should be placed so thatshoulder 36 d is properly positioned on acutout 254 b ofslidable portion 254 as best shown inFIG. 10 . - Thereafter, slide
adapter door 255 is rotated to the closed position and stoppin 256 engages a complementary opening (not numbered) inslidable portion 254, thereby holdingsplice cover 36 so that it is movable withslidable portion 254 that is a portion ofslide adapter assembly 253. - As shown in
FIG. 13 c, handle 242 of the actuator assembly is moved to a forward position, thereby movingslidable portion 254 that is holdingsplice cover 36 towardsferrule block subassembly 20 being held byferrule door subassembly 221. In other words, the ferrule holder portion ofsplice cover 36 is aligned withferrule 24 of ferrule block subassembly so that splice cover 36 is pressed ontoferrule 24. Moreover, splice cover 36 moves relative tocable 90 and is positioned over the fusion splice. In this case, sinceferrule 24 is relatively small making it difficult to grasp, align, and assemble; however, usingpress tool 200 makes this assembly task simple and reliable. - The next step is securing
splice cover 36 tocable 90 whileslidable portion 254 is in the forward position in order to accessfirst end 36 a ofsplice cover 36.FIG. 13 d and 13 e depict asuitable crimp tool 400 for securing afirst end 36 a of splice cover 36 tobuffer layer 90 b. For the purpose of clarity, components such asbolt 215 are not show inFIG. 13 e.Crimp tool 400 includespins 402 that are asymmetrically positioned oncrimp tool 400 for keying, aligning, and maintaining the position ofcrimp tool 400 during the crimp operation. Specifically, the long end ofpins 402 ride oncover 216 and the short end ofpins 402 ride onplanar surface 216 a ofsaddle 216.Saddle 216 also includes at least one keyingportion 216 c that creates a ledge so thatcrimp tool 400 only fits onpress tool 200 in one orientation. As shown, keyingportion 216 c only permits the short ends ofpins 402 to ride onplanar surface 216 a. Furthermore,saddle 216 includes a plurality ofretention overhangs 216 b so that ascrimp tool 400 engagesfirst end 36 a of splice cover 36 the short ends ofpins 402, thereby preventing crimp tool from moving upward during the crimping operation. Then crimptool 400 is removed and handle 242 is returned to the rearward position. Then,ferrule door 222,cable clamp door 232, and slideadapter door 255 are rotated to the open position to releasecable 90 and an intermediate assembly can be removed frompress tool 200. Thereafter, disposableferrule handling block 28 and disposable splicecover handling block 38 are removed from the intermediate assembly. -
Press tool 200 is also advantageous since it allows the assembly ofhousing 40 to the intermediate assembly. As shown inFIG. 13 f a portion ofhousing 40 fits intocutout 222 c onferrule door 222 and a portion of intermediate assembly fits intocutout 255 b onslide adapter door 255. Specifically, the notch in the rearward ridge ofcrimp body 32 is positioned onalignment pin 258 ofslide adapter door 255, thereby aligningprotrusions 32 c of splice cover 32 with windows 40 a ofhousing 40. Then handle 242 is moved to the forward position untilprotrusions 32 c and windows 40 a engage, thereafter a nearly completed connector assembly is removed frompress tool 200. Finally, crimpband 60 andboot 70 are installed. - Many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention, within the scope of the appended claims, will become apparent to a skilled artisan. For example, connectors according to the present invention can have more than one fiber or different numbers of parts. Likewise, press tools and transfer tools according to the present invention can have different components, configurations, or different numbers of parts. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that modifications and other embodiments may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Claims (28)
1. A field-installable fusion optical fiber connector kit comprising:
a ferrule block subassembly comprising:
a fiber optic stub;
a ferrule, the ferrule having a longitudinal bore therethrough, wherein the fiber optic stub is held in the longitudinal bore and an end of the fiber optic stub extends beyond the ferrule; and
a disposable ferrule handling block, the disposable ferrule handling block being used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process; and
a splice cover handling block subassembly comprising:
a crimp body;
a spring;
a splice cover, the splice cover having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal passage between the first end to the second for housing a fusion splice of the fiber optic stub; and
a disposable splice cover handling block, wherein the disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly process.
2. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , the disposable splice cover handling block having a first end and a second end, the first end of the disposable splice cover handling block having a plurality of resilient fingers that act as a stop for the second end of the splice cover.
3. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , the ferrule having an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters.
4. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , further comprising a connector housing.
5. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , further comprising a connector housing and a trigger, wherein the trigger attaches to the connector housing.
6. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , further comprising a container for housing and protecting the ferrule block subassembly prior to assembly of the fiber optic connector.
7. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , the ferrule being held by a first end of the disposable ferrule handling block so that the fiber optic stub extends therefrom.
8. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , the splice cover having at least one aperture for filling the longitudinal passageway.
9. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 1 , the fiber optic connector being connected to a portion of a cable.
10. A ferrule block subassembly comprising:
a fiber optic stub;
a ferrule, the ferrule having a longitudinal bore therethrough, wherein the fiber optic stub is held in the longitudinal bore and an end of the stub extends beyond the ferrule; and
a disposable ferrule handling block, the disposable ferrule handling block being used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process.
11. The ferrule block subassembly according to claim 10 , the ferrule having an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters.
12. The ferrule block subassembly according to claim 10 , further comprising a container for housing and protecting the ferrule block subassembly prior to assembly of the fiber optic connector.
13. The ferrule block subassembly according to claim 12 , the container having a living hinge.
14. A splice cover handling block subassembly comprising:
a crimp body;
a spring;
a splice cover, the splice cover having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal passage between the first end to the second for housing a fusion splice of the fiber optic stub; and
a disposable splice cover handling block, wherein the disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly.
15. The splice cover handling block subassembly according to claim 14 , the disposable splice cover handling block having a first end and a second end, the first end of the disposable splice cover handling block having a plurality of resilient fingers that act as a stop for the second end of the splice cover.
16. The splice cover handling block subassembly according to claim 14 , the splice cover having at least one aperture for filling the longitudinal passageway.
17. A field-installable fusion optical fiber connector kit comprising:
a ferrule block subassembly comprising:
a fiber optic stub;
a ferrule, the ferrule having a longitudinal bore therethrough, wherein the fiber optic stub is held in the longitudinal bore and an end of the fiber optic stub extends beyond the ferrule; and
a disposable ferrule handling block, the disposable ferrule handling block being used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process;
a splice cover handling block subassembly comprising:
a crimp body;
a spring;
a splice cover, the splice cover having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal passage between the first end to the second for housing a fusion splice of the fiber optic stub; and
a disposable splice cover handling block, wherein the disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly process; and
a container for housing and protecting the ferrule block subassembly so that the end of the fiber optic stub that extends beyond the ferrule is not damaged prior to assembly of the fiber optic connector.
18. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , the disposable splice cover handling block having a first end and a second end, the second end of the disposable splice cover handling block having a plurality of resilient fingers that act as a stop for the first end of the splice cover.
19. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , the ferrule having an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters.
20. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , further comprising a connector housing.
21. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , further comprising a connector housing and a trigger, wherein the trigger attaches to the connector housing.
22. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , the ferrule being held by a first end of the disposable ferrule handling block so that the fiber optic stub extends therefrom.
23. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , the splice cover having at least one aperture for filling the longitudinal passageway.
24. The fiber optic connector kit according to claim 17 , the fiber optic connector being connected to a portion of a cable.
25. A method of assembling a field-installable fusion optical fiber connector comprising:
supplying a ferrule block subassembly, the ferrule block subassembly comprising a ferrule having a fiber optic stub, wherein the fiber optic stub is held in a longitudinal bore of the ferrule and an end of the fiber optic stub extends beyond the ferrule, and a disposable ferrule handling block, the disposable ferrule handling block being used for holding the ferrule during the assembly process;
supplying a splice cover handling block subassembly, the splice cover handling block subassembly comprising a crimp body, a spring, a splice cover, and a disposable splice cover handling block, the disposable splice cover handling block is used for holding the crimp body, the spring, and the splice cover during the assembly process;
supplying an optical fiber for splicing with the fiber optic stub;
fusion splicing the fiber optic stub and the optical fiber;
removing the disposable ferrule handling block from the ferrule block subassembly before a final assembly of the optical fiber connector; and
removing the disposable splice cover handling block from the splice protector block subassembly before a final assembly of the optical fiber connector.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the ferrule has an outer diameter of about 1.25 millimeters.
27. The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of removing the ferrule block subassembly from a container that houses and protects the ferrule block subassembly prior to assembly of the fiber optic connector.
28. The method of claim 25 , further comprising supplying a connector housing and a trigger, wherein the connector housing attaches to the crimp body and the trigger attaches at least to to the connector housing.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/811,750 US20050213897A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2004-03-29 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
EP05730217A EP1730562A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2005-03-16 | Field-installable fusion splice fiber optic connector kit and method therefore |
PCT/US2005/008731 WO2005101076A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2005-03-16 | Field-installable fusion splice fiber optic connector kit and method therefore |
US11/788,996 US7594764B2 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2007-04-23 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/811,750 US20050213897A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2004-03-29 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/788,996 Continuation US7594764B2 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2007-04-23 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050213897A1 true US20050213897A1 (en) | 2005-09-29 |
Family
ID=34963992
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/811,750 Abandoned US20050213897A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2004-03-29 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
US11/788,996 Expired - Fee Related US7594764B2 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2007-04-23 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
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US11/788,996 Expired - Fee Related US7594764B2 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2007-04-23 | Field-installable fusion spliced fiber optic connector kits and methods therefor |
Country Status (3)
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US (2) | US20050213897A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1730562A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1730562A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 |
US7594764B2 (en) | 2009-09-29 |
US20070196054A1 (en) | 2007-08-23 |
WO2005101076A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
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