Systems and methods for connecting a light cable to an illuminator

An illuminator comprising a receptacle for connecting a light cable to an illuminator, the receptacle comprising:

• a plurality of clamping jaws;
• and
• a locking guide operatively connected to each clamping jaw of the plurality of clamping jaws and configured for rotating about a light pathway between a first rotational position for holding the clamping jaws in an open configuration in which a connecter of the light cable can be positioned between the clamping jaws for receiving light traveling in the light pathway in the illuminator and a second rotational position for holding the clamping jaws in a closed configuration in which the clamping jaws completely block the light pathway;
• and
• wherein each clamping jaw of the plurality of clamping jaws comprises at least one protrusion that slideably engages a respective slot in the locking guide for operatively connecting each clamping jaw of the plurality of clamping jaws to the locking guide.

An illuminator comprising a receptacle for connecting a light cable to an illuminator, the receptacle comprising:

• a plurality of clamping jaws that are moveable from an open configuration in which a connecter of the light cable can be positioned between the jaws for receiving light traveling in a light pathway in the illuminator to a closed configuration in which the clamping jaws completely block the light pathway;
• a locking guide operatively connected to the plurality of clamping jaws for moving the plurality of clamping jaws between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the locking guide being moveable between a first position configured for holding the clamping jaws in the open configuration, a second position configured for holding the clamping jaws in the closed configuration, and a third position configured for holding the clamping jaws in a gripped configuration in which the clamping jaws grip onto the connector positioned between the clamping jaws;
• and
• a clutch that is movable between an engaged position for holding the locking guide in the first position and a disengaged position for allowing the locking guide to move to the second position and to the third position, the clutch comprising a central portion that can be pushed by the connector when the connector is positioned between the jaws to move the clutch out of the engaged position so that the locking guide moves the clamping jaws to the gripped configuration,
• wherein the locking guide is configured to automatically move the clamping jaws to the closed configuration when the gripped connector is removed from between the clamping jaws.

A method for connecting a receptacle of an illuminator to a light cable, the method comprising:

• using a locking guide in a first position to hold a plurality of clamping jaws in an open configuration, wherein the locking guide is operatively connected to each clamping jaw of the plurality of clamping jaws;
• holding the locking guide in the first position via a clutch engaged with the locking guide;
• positioning a connector of the light cable between the clamping jaws in the open configuration;
• pushing the connector positioned between the jaws against a central portion of the clutch to disengage the clutch from the locking guide;
• gripping the inserted connector positioned between the clamping jaws;
• and
• automatically moving the clamping jaws to the closed configuration in response to removing the gripped connector from between the clamping jaws.