FIELD TERMINATABLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector, defining a longitudinal bore extending through the connector and having a first end region and a second end region, includes a ferrule assembly, having an optical fiber extending through the connector, at least partially disposed in the longitudinal bore at the first end region, a tube, defining a passage and having a first end portion disposed in the longitudinal bore at the second end region and a second end region, and a spring disposed in the bore between the ferrule assembly and the tube. The carrier includes a cable end and a connector end engaged with the connector, a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end, a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, and a take-up region disposed between the connector end and the fiber support region.
1 - 15 . (canceled)
16 . A carrier for a fiber optic connector assembly comprising:
a connector end defining slots that are adapted for engagement with a fiber optic connector;
a cable end oppositely disposed from the connector end;
a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end, wherein the termination region is adapted to receive an optical fiber termination;
a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, wherein the fiber support region includes a guide way that is adapted for supporting an optical fiber of a ferrule assembly disposed in the fiber optic connector; and
a take-up region disposed between the connector end and the fiber support region, wherein the take-up region is adapted for axial movement of the ferrule assembly in the fiber optic connector.
17 . A carrier for a fiber optic connector assembly as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the guide way narrows as the depth increases.
18 . A carrier for a fiber optic connector assembly as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the cable end defines a crimp tube hole that is adapted to receive a crimp tube.
19 . A method for terminating a cleaved end of an optical fiber, the method comprising:
providing a fiber optic connector assembly having:
a carrier including a connector end and a cable end disposed opposite the connector end, the carrier having a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end and a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, the termination region including a V-groove chip;
a connector engaged to the connector end, the connector including an optical fiber having a fiber end inserted into the V-groove chip, the optical fiber being supported by the fiber support region;
inserting a cleaved end of a cleaved optical fiber through the cable end of the carrier and into the V-groove chip; and
securing the cleaved optical fiber to the carrier.
20 . A method for terminating a cleaved end of an optical fiber as claimed in claim 19 , further comprising passing optical radiation through the optical fiber to assess alignment of the fiber end and the cleaved end.
21 . A carrier for a fiber optic connector assembly as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the termination region defines a guide path that is generally aligned with the guide way.
22 . A carrier for a fiber optic connector assembly as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the guide path narrows as the depth of the guide path in the termination region increases.
23 . A carrier assembly adapted to receive a fiber optic connector, the carrier assembly comprising:
a carrier having:
a connector end defining slots that are adapted for engagement with a fiber optic connector;
a cable end oppositely disposed from the connector end;
a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end, wherein the termination region is adapted to receive an optical fiber termination;
a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, wherein the fiber support region includes a guide way that is adapted for supporting an optical fiber of a ferrule assembly disposed in the fiber optic connector;
a take-up region disposed between the connector end and the fiber support region, wherein the take-up region is adapted for axial movement of the ferrule assembly in the fiber optic connector;
a heat responsive adhesive element disposed in the termination region of the carrier.
24 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 23 , wherein the guide way narrows as the depth increases.
25 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 23 , wherein the termination region defines a guide path that is generally aligned with the guide way.
26 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 25 , wherein the guide path narrows as the depth of the guide path in the termination region increases.
27 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 23 , further comprising a V-groove chip disposed in the termination region of the carrier.
28 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 27 , wherein the V-groove chip includes a base and a cover, the base defining a V-groove.
29 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 28 , wherein the cover is transparent.
30 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 23 , wherein the cable end defines a crimp tube hole.
31 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 30 , wherein a crimp tube is engaged with the crimp tube hole.
32 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 23 , wherein the heat responsive adhesive element includes a pathway that is pre-formed in the heat responsive adhesive element.
33 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 32 , further comprising a saddle assembly that is in contact with the heat responsive adhesive element.
34 . A carrier assembly as claimed in claim 33 , wherein the saddle assembly includes a resistor and a saddle.