Coupling device for linking optical fiber connectors
First Claim
1. A device for coupling to one another a pair of cylindrical axial ferrules of optical fiber connectors of any of ST, FC, or SC, all of said connectors having cylindrical axial ferrules of equal, predetermined diameter, said device comprising:
- a) a main body having first, inner and outer ends and a first, through bore including coaxial, first and second portions adjoining at a first, internal shoulder;
b) an end cap having second, inner and outer ends and a second through bore including coaxial, third and fourth portions adjoining at a second internal shoulder, said first and third bore portions having a diameter at least as large as said predetermined diameter;
c) a generally cylindrical bushing having opposite ends and inside and outside diameters less and greater than, respectively, said predetermined diameter; and
d) means for retaining said main body and end cap in assembled relation with said first and second inner ends in directly opposing relation and said first and second bores coaxial, said bushing being disposed with said opposite ends in said second and fourth bore portions, respectively, between said first and second shoulders, whereby axial ferrules inserted through said first and third bore portions into said bushing are frictionally engaged and releasably retained thereby.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A universal coupling device compatible with several industry-standard fiber optic connector styles to releasably couple the axial ferrule of one such connector in optical communication with the ferrule of another connector of the same or different style, or with the connector port of industry-standard test equipment. The device includes a split-spring bushing for receiving, in frictional engagement, a standard ferrule in either or both ends, and housing means defining a cavity closely surrounding the bushing and having coaxial bores aligned with the busing. The housing means is formed in two sections, mutually engageable by threaded or snap-fit connection. A spacer member may be positioned in the bushing to provide an air gap for controlled attenuation of light passing through the fibers of ferrules coupled by the device.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A device for coupling to one another a pair of cylindrical axial ferrules of optical fiber connectors of any of ST, FC, or SC, all of said connectors having cylindrical axial ferrules of equal, predetermined diameter, said device comprising:
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a) a main body having first, inner and outer ends and a first, through bore including coaxial, first and second portions adjoining at a first, internal shoulder; b) an end cap having second, inner and outer ends and a second through bore including coaxial, third and fourth portions adjoining at a second internal shoulder, said first and third bore portions having a diameter at least as large as said predetermined diameter; c) a generally cylindrical bushing having opposite ends and inside and outside diameters less and greater than, respectively, said predetermined diameter; and d) means for retaining said main body and end cap in assembled relation with said first and second inner ends in directly opposing relation and said first and second bores coaxial, said bushing being disposed with said opposite ends in said second and fourth bore portions, respectively, between said first and second shoulders, whereby axial ferrules inserted through said first and third bore portions into said bushing are frictionally engaged and releasably retained thereby. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. Coupling means for engaging and supporting in a predetermined position the cylindrical ferrule of any of ST, FC, or SC type of optical fiber connectors, each of said type of connectors having a ferrule of equal, predetermined diameter, said ST and FC type connectors having a connector body with a forward part surrounding the ferrule thereof to define an annular space between the ferrule and the forward body part, said coupling means comprising:
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a) a cylindrical sleeve having at least one open end and an inside diameter permitting axial insertion of said ferrule into said one end with said sleeve frictionally engaging said ferrule; and b) housing means defining a cavity enclosing said sleeve without obstructing said open end, said housing means including a portion closely surrounding said one end of said sleeve and dimensioned to fit in said annular space between the ferrule and the forward part of ST and FC type connector bodies, the space laterally surrounding said portion of said housing means being unobstructed to permit the ferrule of ST and FC type connectors to be inserted into said sleeve to a depth wherein at least a portion of said housing means is disposed within said annular space. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification