IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,931,961
Granted Patent B2
US 8,931,961 · App. 14/038,034 · Granted Jan 13, 2015

Fiber-optic connector

Inventors: Joseph M. Owen (Derry, NH); David P. Kelly (Nashua, NH)
Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
G02B6/3855G02B6/3818G02B6/3849G02B6/3861
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,931,961
App. No.
14/038,034
Granted
Jan 13, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector.

Claims (26)

1. A fiber-optic connector comprising:

a polygonal shaped top plate having a plurality of tips and having fasteners inserted through at least some of said tips of said polygonal shaped top plate;

a window contained within said top plate, wherein said window is of substantial refractive index and transmission index as an optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector, and

a ferrule connected to said top plate, wherein said ferrule includes an interface and an insert capable of firmly gripping said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.

2. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said window is coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.

3. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said top plate is made of steel.

4. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said top plate has a thickness of less than approximately 2 mm.

5. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said interface is made of steel.

6. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said insert is made of Zirconia.

7. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said insert is glued to said interface via an epoxy.

8. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector is glued to said insert via an epoxy.

9. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said ferrule is connected to said top plate via a plurality of spring-loaded screws.

10. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said ferrule is connected to said top plate via a plurality of O-rings.

11. A fiber-optic connector comprising:

a top plate constrained to fit within the outer contour of a ferrule containing a plurality of holes along the outer perimeter and having fasteners inserted through at least some of said holes of said top plate to connect said top plate to said ferrule; and

a window contained within said top plate, wherein said window is of substantial refractive index and transmission index as an optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector,

wherein said ferrule includes an interface and an insert capable of firmly gripping said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.

12. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said window is coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.

13. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said top plate is made of steel.

14. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said top plate has a thickness of less than approximately 2 mm.

15. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said interface is made of steel.

16. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said insert is made of Zirconia.

17. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said insert is glued to said interface via an epoxy.

18. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector is glued to said insert via an epoxy.

19. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said ferrule is connected to said top plate via a plurality of spring-loaded screws.

20. The fiber-optic connector of claim 11 , wherein said ferrule is connected to said top plate via a plurality of O-rings.

Assignments (1)
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded Dec 13, 2013
From: BAE SYSTEMS
To: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Reel/Frame 031814/0953 →
Continuity (2)
Continuation 12819421 · Jun 21, 2010
Related Publication 20140233895A1 · Aug 21, 2014