Fiber optic connector cover and fiber optic assembly including same

• US 9,411,110 B2
• Filed: 11/10/2014
• Issued: 08/09/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Inventors: Barnette, Robert Elvin Jr., Dean, David Lee Jr., Smith, Matthew Wade, Yates, Wesley Allan
• Primary Examiner(s): Kianni, Kaveh C
• Application Number:
  US14/537,187
• Publication Number:
  US 20150063759A1
• Time in Patent Office: 638 Days
• Field of Search: 385/78, 385/76
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3821 with axial spring biasing or loading means G02B6/3847 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3849 using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes G02B6/3816 takes precedence; provisionally see H01R13/44
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3885 Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type optical ribbon cable G02B6/4403, G02B6/448

Abstract

A fiber optic assembly includes a connector and a cover received over an end face of the connector. The connector includes a ferrule through which an optical fiber extends to the end face of the connector. An end of the optical fiber is polished proximate to the end face. The cover the cover includes a rigid end cap and a form-fitting material within the end cap overlaying the polished end of the optical fiber. The cover is configured to limit access of particulates to the end face of the connector and draw loose particulates of dust and debris from the end face of the connector upon removal from the connector.

Claims

1. A fiber optic assembly, comprising:

a connector comprising a ferrule, wherein an optical fiber extends through the ferrule and to an end face of the connector, and wherein an end of the optical fiber is polished proximate to the end face of the connector; and

a cover received over the end face of the connector so as to overlay the polished end of the optical fiber, wherein the cover includes a rigid end cap and a form-fitting material within the end cap, and wherein the form-fitting material comprises a rubberized coating that forms a seal around the end face;

wherein the cover is configured to limit access of particulates to the end face of the connector and draw loose particulates of dust and debris from the end face of the connector upon removal of the cover.

2. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the rubberized coating is formed from a liquid sealant curable at room temperature.

3. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the form-fitting material is configured to remain with the end cap upon removal of the end cap from the connector.

4. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to draw loose particles and debris from the end face so that no residue can be seen at magnification levels of 400×

or less.

5. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein the entire surface of the polished end of the optical fiber contacts the cover.

6. The fiber optic assembly of claim 5, wherein the cover provides an airtight seal that isolates the polished end of the optical fiber from environment surrounding the end face of the connector.

7. A fiber optic assembly, comprising:

a connector comprising a ferrule, wherein an optical fiber extends through the ferrule and to an end face of the connector, and wherein an end of the optical fiber is polished proximate to the end face of the connector; and

a cover received over the end face of the connector so as to overlay the polished end of the optical fiber, wherein the cover includes a rigid end cap and a form-fitting material within the end cap;

wherein the cover is configured to limit access of particulates to the end face of the connector and draw loose particulates of dust and debris from the end face of the connector upon removal of the cover; and

wherein the form-fitting material comprises a polymeric material configured to bond to the end face of the connector by a static electrical charge so that the static electric charge is configured to draw loose particulates of dust and debris from the end face of the connector upon removal of the cover.

8. The fiber optic assembly of claim 7, wherein the form-fitting material is configured to remain with the end cap upon removal of the end cap from the connector.

9. The fiber optic assembly of claim 7, wherein the cover is configured to draw loose particles and debris from the end face so that no residue can be seen at magnification levels of 400×

or less.

10. The fiber optic assembly of claim 7, wherein the entire surface of the polished end of the optical fiber contacts the cover.

11. The fiber optic assembly of claim 10, wherein the cover provides an airtight seal that isolates the polished end of the optical fiber from environment surrounding the end face of the connector.