# US 12,111,502 B2 · Hardened fiber optic connector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,111,502 B2 - Document ID: US12111502B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/357,561 - Filed: 2023-07-24 - Published: 2024-01-25 - Granted: 2024-10-08 - Earliest claimed: 2007-01-24 - Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC - Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC - Inventors: Yu Lu; Randy Reagan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12111502B2 ## CPC - G02B 6/3879: {Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs} - G02B 6/3816: {for use under water, high pressure connectors (provisionally see G02B6/4428)} - G02B 6/3821: {with axial spring biasing or loading means (G02B6/3847 takes precedence)} - G02B 6/3825: {with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs} - G02B 6/3869: {Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs} - G02B 6/3877: {Split sleeves} - G02B 6/3887: {Anchoring optical cables to connector housings, e.g. strain relief features} - G02B 6/3888: {Protection from over-extension or over-compression} - G02B 6/3893: {Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on} - G02B 6/3894: {Screw-lock type} - G02B 6/3889: {using encapsulation for protection, e.g. adhesive, molding or casting resin} - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS ## Abstract The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector for use with a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing having an end defining a plug portion. A ferrule assembly is mounted at least partially within the connector housing. The ferrule assembly includes a ferrule located at the plug portion of the connector housing. A sealing member is mounted about an exterior of the connector housing for providing a seal between the connector housing and the adapter. The fiber optic connector further includes first and second separate retaining mechanism for retaining the fiber optic connector within the fiber optic adapter. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A hardened fiber optic connector for optically coupling to a mating fiber optic connector through a fiber optic adapter, the fiber optic connector comprising: a connector housing; a ferrule assembly at least partially mounted within the connector housing, the ferrule assembly including a ferrule for holding at least one optical fiber of a cable, a distal end of the ferrule extending distally beyond a distal end of the connector housing; a coupling nut installed over the connector housing, the coupling nut being rotatable relative to the connector housing to retain the connector housing within an adapter; and a sealing member mounted around the connector housing, the sealing member having a diameter less than or equal to 15 millimeters, and the sealing member being mounted between the ferrule assembly and a proximal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The hardened fiber optic connector of claim 1, wherein the connector housing is configured to receive one or more strength members of the cable. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The hardened fiber optic connector of claim 2, further comprising: a crimp band for securing the one or more strength members on the connector housing. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The hardened fiber optic connector of claim 1, further comprising: a strain relief boot mounted adjacent the proximal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 5 A hardened optical fiber connector, comprising: a connector housing; a ferrule assembly at least partially mounted within the connector housing, the ferrule assembly including a ferrule for holding at least one optical fiber of a cable; a rotatable coupling member installed over the connector housing, the rotatable coupling member being rotatable relative to the connector housing to retain the connector housing within an adapter; and a sealing member mounted around the connector housing, the sealing member having a diameter less than or equal to 15 millimeters, and the sealing member being mounted between the ferrule assembly and a proximal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein a distal end of the ferrule extends distally beyond a distal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the sealing member is less than or equal to 12.5 millimeters. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the sealing member is less than 10 millimeters. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the connector housing is configured to receive one or more strength members of the cable. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 9, further comprising: a crimp band for securing the one or more strength members on the connector housing. ### Claim 11 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, further comprising: a strain relief boot mounted adjacent the proximal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 12 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the sealing member is mounted between a plug portion of the connector housing and the rotatable coupling member. ### Claim 13 (depends on 5) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the rotatable coupling member includes threads. ### Claim 14 A hardened optical fiber connector, comprising: a connector housing; a ferrule assembly at least partially mounted within the connector housing, the ferrule assembly including a ferrule for holding at least one optical fiber of a cable; and a sealing member mounted around the connector housing, the sealing member having a diameter less than or equal to 15 millimeters, and the sealing member being mounted between the ferrule assembly and a proximal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 14, wherein a distal end of the ferrule extends distally beyond a distal end of the connector housing. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 14, wherein the diameter of the sealing member is less than or equal to 12.5 millimeters. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 14, wherein the diameter of the sealing member is less than 10 millimeters. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 14, wherein the connector housing is configured to receive one or more strength members of the cable. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 18, further comprising: a crimp band for securing the one or more strength members on the connector housing. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) The hardened optical fiber connector of claim 14, further comprising: a strain relief boot mounted adjacent the proximal end of the connector housing and a rotatable coupling member installed over the connector housing in front of the strain relief boot.