Multi-channel optical fiber connector
First Claim
1. A multi-fiber connector assembly for interfacing a plurality of optical fibers in aligned pairs to facilitate the transmission of signals therethrough, the assembly comprisinga receptacle body having a connector recess therein, a fiber guide recess therein, and a locking member recess therein,a fiber guide secured in the fiber guide recess with a plurality of transmission optical fibers mounted thereto,a connector body removably securable in the connector recess with a plurality of sensing optical fibers mounted thereto, anda locking member movably mounted in the locking recess and movable to contact and urge the connector body into a position in the connector recess so that each of the sensing fibers is paired adjacent one of the transmission fibers and adjacent ends of each fiber pair are aligned for signal transmission therethrough.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for securely aligning a plurality of optical fiber pairs, including a connection device with a body having recesses therein for a fiber guide to which are mounted a plurality of optical fibers, a removable connector to which are mounted a corresponding plurality of fibers, and a movable locking member disposed in the body and which positively holds the connector in the body so that ends of pairs of fibers are aligned and the connector is securely disposed in the body; and a sensing system with a base unit and optical fibers which employs such a connection device.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A multi-fiber connector assembly for interfacing a plurality of optical fibers in aligned pairs to facilitate the transmission of signals therethrough, the assembly comprising
a receptacle body having a connector recess therein, a fiber guide recess therein, and a locking member recess therein, a fiber guide secured in the fiber guide recess with a plurality of transmission optical fibers mounted thereto, a connector body removably securable in the connector recess with a plurality of sensing optical fibers mounted thereto, and a locking member movably mounted in the locking recess and movable to contact and urge the connector body into a position in the connector recess so that each of the sensing fibers is paired adjacent one of the transmission fibers and adjacent ends of each fiber pair are aligned for signal transmission therethrough.
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14. A multi-fiber connector assembly for interfacing a plurality of optical fibers in aligned pairs to facilitate the transmission of signals therethrough, the assembly comprising
a receptacle body having a connector recess therein, a fiber guide recess therein, and a locking member recess therein, a fiber guide secured in the fiber guide recess with a plurality of transmission optical fibers mounted thereto, the transmission optical fibers secured in grooves in the fiber guide, one fiber in each groove, a connector body removably securable in the connector recess with a plurality of sensing optical fibers mounted thereto, the sensing optical fibers secured in grooves in the connector body, one fiber in each groove, the connector body having a first locking surface, a locking member movably mounted in the locking recess and movable to contact and urge the connector body into a position in the connector recess so that each of the sensing fibers is paired adjacent one of the transmission fibers and adjacent ends of each fiber pair are aligned for signal transmission therethrough, the locking member having a second locking surface, the connector body'"'"'s first locking surface contactable by the second locking surface of the locking member, the locking surfaces angled correspondingly so that the locking member urges the connector body in three orthogonal directions to stabilize the connector body within the receptacle body and to align the fibers of each fiber pair, and stop means in and through the receptacle body for limiting movement of the connector body resulting from urging of the connector body by the locking member, the stop means limiting movement of the connector body in each of the three orthogonal directions.
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16. A sensing system employing fiber optics as sensing elements, the sensing system comprising
a base unit for controlling light sent through the fiber optics and for monitoring light received through the fiber optics, transmission fiber optics extending from the base unit to a connector assembly, sensing fiber optics extending from the connector assembly to a sensor device, the connector assembly comprising a multi-fiber connector assembly for interfacing a plurality of optical fibers in aligned pairs to facilitate the transmission of signals therethrough, the assembly comprising a receptacle body having a connector recess therein, a fiber guide recess therein, and a locking member recess therein, a fiber guide secured in the fiber guide recess with a plurality of transmission optical fibers mounted thereto, a connector body removably securable in the connector recess with a plurality of sensing optical fibers mounted thereto, and a locking member movably mounted in the locking recess and movable to contact and urge the connector body into a position in the connector recess so that each of the sensing fibers is paired adjacent one of the transmission fibers and adjacent ends of each fiber pair are aligned for signal transmission therethrough.
Specification