Fiber optic connector

Abstract

A fiber optical connector for splicing optical fibers end-to-end in axial alignment. The connector housing comprises a bottom section and three top sections, each hingedly attached to the bottom section. The bottom section has chambers with the V-shaped grooves for inserting and properly orienting the optical fibers end-to-end. The top end sections each contain lands or fingers which, when closed, urge the fibers into the correct position within the V-shaped grooves and lock them there by exerting pressure on the protective jackets surrounding the fibers. The center top section has a land or finger which closes directly onto the end optical fibers, forcing correct and precise alignment and locking them in this orientation. A tension or strain relief may be installed over the connector. The connector permits final inspection of the fiber orientation and application of an index matching fluid prior to closing the center segment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.