Fiber optic end connector
First Claim
1. A connector for connecting a tubular support structure associated with a fiber optic cable to a terminal of a signal processing device, said tubular support structure enclosing at least one optic fiber, said connector comprising:
- a housing member having a front end and a rear end, said housing member defining a first passageway extending from said rear end to said front end for axially passing said tubular support structure therethrough;
coupling means threadedly engageable with the front end of said housing for coupling said housing member to said terminal;
flexible clamp means at least partially received within said first passageway at said front end and adapted to at least partially surround said tubular support structure;
clamp adjustment means threadedly engageable with said rear end; and
compression means responsive to threaded engagement of said clamp adjustment means with the rear end of said housing for radially inwardly urging said clamp means from an expanded state accommodating axial passage of said tubular support structure through said housing into a constricted state fixedly securing said tubular support structure with respect to said housing.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An end connector for connecting a tubular support structure having at least one optic fiber associated with a fiber optic cable, to a terminal of an associated device. A housing member is configured with a passageway from a front end to a rear end for passing the tubular support structure therethrough. A clamping portion including a flexible sleeve and compression grommet are received and supported by both the housing and a compression nut which couples to the rear end of the housing. As the compression nut is threaded onto the rear end of the housing, the compression grommet is compressed, and in turn the flexible sleeve constricts to apply clamping pressure to the tubular support structure holding the optic fibers.
301 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A connector for connecting a tubular support structure associated with a fiber optic cable to a terminal of a signal processing device, said tubular support structure enclosing at least one optic fiber, said connector comprising:
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a housing member having a front end and a rear end, said housing member defining a first passageway extending from said rear end to said front end for axially passing said tubular support structure therethrough; coupling means threadedly engageable with the front end of said housing for coupling said housing member to said terminal; flexible clamp means at least partially received within said first passageway at said front end and adapted to at least partially surround said tubular support structure; clamp adjustment means threadedly engageable with said rear end; and compression means responsive to threaded engagement of said clamp adjustment means with the rear end of said housing for radially inwardly urging said clamp means from an expanded state accommodating axial passage of said tubular support structure through said housing into a constricted state fixedly securing said tubular support structure with respect to said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An end connector for connecting a tubular support structure associated with a fiber optic cable to a terminal of a signal processing device, said tubular support structure enclosing at least one optic fiber, said end connector comprising:
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a housing member having a front end and a rear end, said housing member defining a first passageway extending from said rear end to said front end for passing said tubular support structure therethrough, said front end adapted to be coupled to said terminal; a first clamp member adapted to at least partially surround said tubular support structure, said first clamp member being adjustable between an expanded state which accommodates movement of said tubular support structure with respect to said housing and a constricted state which fixedly secures said tubular support structure with respect to said housing; a second clamp member adapted to at least partially surround said first clamp member, said second clamp member operable for adjusting said first clamp member between said expanded and constricted states; and a clamp adjustment member releasably coupled to said rear end of said housing member and arranged to coact with said second clamp member in order to adjust said first clamp means between said expanded and constricted states. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification