Manipulators for fiber optic cable assemblies

A manipulator system comprising:

• a first plate;
• a second plate;
• flexures that attach the first and second plate to prevent rotation of the first plate relative to the second plate, the flexures flexing to permit changes in separation between the first and second plates;
• and
• actuators that attach the second plate to the first plate, the actuators being adjustable to control pitch and yaw of the second plate relative to the first plate, wherein the actuators comprise automated devices operable to change separations between the first and second plates in response to a signal.

A manipulator system comprising:

• a first plate;
• a second plate;
• flexures that attach the first and second plates to prevent rotation of the first plate relative to the second plate, the flexures flexing to permit changes in separation between the first and second plates;
• and
• screws that engage threaded balls in contact with the first and second plates, the screws being independently operable to change separations at multiple points between the first and second plates to control pitch and yaw of the second plate relative to the first plate.