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AssigneeCorning Cable Systems LLC
InventorsMichael de Jong, Markus Giebel, Thomas A Church, Kevin L Morgan, James P Luther
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Abstract of Disclosure Devices and methods are described that permit simple correction of a fiber optic polarity reversal problem. An adapter is described having receptacles to receive a connector on a first end, or user end, and on a second end, or contractor end. Both the receptacles provide keying arrangements so that the connectors can be received only when correctly oriented with respect to the adapter. The keying arrangement on the contractor end, however, is reversable so that the connector may be inserted in one of two predetermined orientations, at the behest of the contractor or installer. Adapters are also described that receive connectors only in a physically reversed orientation to counteract a reverse polarity condition. In addition, a jumper is described that can be interposed between a connector and adapter to correct a reverse polarity condition.
An adapter for receiving a connector having an orientation key, the adapter comprising:
The adapter of claim 1 further comprising:
The adapter of claim 1 wherein the first and second key ways each comprise a longitudinally slotted portion of the housing adjoining the main entrance.
The adapter of claim 2 wherein the key excluder comprises a longitudinal body portion that is shaped and sized to lie within each of the key ways thereby precluding entry of the orientation key into the key way in which the key excluder is located.
The adapter of claim 2 further comprising written indicia upon the housing to indicate a default configuration for disposal of the key excluder within the housing.
The adapter of claim 1 wherein the housing defines a second connector receptacle located alongside the first connector receptacle in a side-by-side relation, the second connector receptacle having first and second key ways for selectively receiving the orientation key of a connector received within the second connector receptacle.
An adapter for retaining fiber optic first and second connectors in a generally abutting relation, and maintaining consistent polarity between fibers in the connectors, comprising:
The adapter of claim 7 wherein the second receptacle has a main entrance and a pair of opposed retainer slots adjoining opposite walls of the main entrance, each of the key ways adapted to receive a key mounted to the second connector, and wherein the adapter further comprises a removable key excluder that selectively blocks one of the key ways, while in the standard configuration and in the other of the key ways while in the reverse configuration.
The adapter of claim 8 wherein the adapter has upper and lower sidewalls, each of the sidewalls having:
The adapter of claim 8 wherein the key excluder has an outer end with a recess formed therein for receiving a screwdriver blade to enable the key excluder to be pried from one of the retainer slots.
A method of connecting fiber optic first and second connectors together in a generally abutting relation to provide a connection of consistent polarity between fibers in the connectors, the method comprising:
The method of claim 11 wherein the operation of inserting the second connector in a reverse orientation further comprises removing a removable key excluder from a first key way and disposing the key excluder within a second key way.
The method of claim 11 wherein the operation of inserting the second connector in a reverse orientation further comprises inverting the second connector.
A method of connecting fiber optic first and second connectors together in a generally abutting relation, each of the connectors having an orientation key, the method comprising:
An adapter for retaining fiber optic first and second connectors in a generally abutting relation, and correcting a reversed polarity condition for fibers in one of the connectors, comprising:
The adapter of claim 15 wherein the first and second receptacles are shaped and sized to each receive an MT-RJ connector.
The adapter of claim 15 wherein the first and second receptacles are shaped and sized to each receive an SC-DC connector.
A jumper for reversing the polarity of a fiber optic cable connection, comprising:
The jumper of claim 18 wherein the first end is shaped and sized to receive a connector and the second end is shaped and sized to fit within the receptacle of an adapter.