# US 10,871,617 B2 · Hardened converter and sealing shell for field terminated connector

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- Number: US 10,871,617 B2
- Document ID: US10871617B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/489,175
- Filed: 2018-02-27
- Published: 2020-02-27
- Granted: 2020-12-22
- Earliest claimed: 2017-02-27
- Assignees: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
- Applicants: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
- Inventors: Mark Emmett Alrutz
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10871617B2

## CPC

- G02B 6/3874: {using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules}
- G02B 6/38: having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B 6/3825: {with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs}
- G02B 6/3879: {Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs}
- G02B 6/3888: {Protection from over-extension or over-compression}
- G02B 6/3891: {Bayonet type}
- G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS

## Abstract

A device for attaching a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector to a ruggedized fiber optic adapter port may include a converter, a sealing shell and a sealing element. The converter may include a first end including a first mechanical interface compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port, a second end including a second mechanical interface, and a channel for receiving the non-ruggedized fiber optic connector. The sealing shell may include a first end including a third mechanical interface compatible with the second mechanical interface of the converter and a second end supporting a cable seal for forming a seal with a cable extending from the non-ruggedized fiber optic connector. The sealing element may provide sealing between the first end of the sealing shell and the second end of the converter.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for attaching a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector to a ruggedized fiber optic adapter port, the device comprising:
a converter comprising:
a first end including a first mechanical interface compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port, the first mechanical interface comprising:
a sealing ring that provides sealing with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port when the first end of the converter is positioned within the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port; and
a first fastening interface that interlocks with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port to secure the converter within the ruggedized fiber optic adapter port;
a second end including a second mechanical interface, which includes a second fastening interface; and
a channel that extends through the converter between the first and second ends for receiving the non-ruggedized fiber optic connector;
a sealing shell comprising:
a first end including a third mechanical interface compatible with the second mechanical interface of the converter, the third mechanical interface including a third fastening interface that interlocks with the second fastening interface to secure the first end of the sealing shell to the second end of the converter; and
a tapered second end supporting a cable seal for forming a seal with a cable extending from the non-ruggedized fiber optic connector;
a sealing element that provides sealing between the first end of the sealing shell and the second end of the converter; and
an outer sealing component having an inner tapered portion configured to engage the tapered second end of the sealing shell and compress the tapered second end on the cable seal to form the seal with the cable.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is mounted at the second end of the converter.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is an axial face seal or a radial seal.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the sealing element is an elastomeric ring.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the cable seal is an elastomeric sealing grommet.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the first fastening interface includes a rotational interlock.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The device of claim 6, wherein the rotational interlock includes threads or a bayonet interface.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the second and third fastening interfaces includes rotational interlocks.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The device of claim 8, wherein the rotational interlocks include threads or bayonet interfaces.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the outer sealing component comprises a nut.