Multiple channel connector for fiber optic cables

Claim 2

A connector assembly for joining the terminal ends of at least one pair of segments of light conductive cable, comprising, in combination: a receptacle including a shell having a forward mating end, and a first recess extending rearwardly from said mating end; first terminal support means including a first insert member disposed within said first recess for positioning the terminal end of said cable segments in a forwardly facing position; a plug including a shell having a forward mating end, and a second recess extending rearwardly from said mating end; second terminal support means including a second insert member disposed within said second recess for positioning the terminal end of the other of said cable segments in a forwardly facing position axially adjacent the terminal end of said first cable segment; and alignment means extending from one of said insert members into the other of said insert members when said plug and said receptacle are mated for maintaining said terminal ends of said cable segments in axial, transverse and angular alignment with said terminal ends of said cable segments in close, non-abutting relationship.

Claim 3

A connector assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said alignment means includes a sleeve in which said terminal ends of said cable segments are slidably received.

Claim 4

A connector assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said first and second terminal support means each include a generally sleeve-shaped terminal pin assembly disposed over the terminal end of the corresponding one of said cable segments, and said pin assemblies are slidably received at opposite ends of said alignment sleeve.

Claim 5

A connector assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein one of said terminal pins and the corresponding end of said alignment sleeve are resiliently disposed within said first insert member, and the other of said terminal pins is resiliently disposed within said second insert member.

Claim 6

A connector assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said first and second terminal support means each include an aperture, said apertures being axially aligned and one end of said alignment sleeve extending into one of said apertures and being resiliently mounted to the associated terminal support means thereof, and the other of said alignment sleeves extending into the other of said apertures and being slidably received therein when said plug and said receptacle are mated.

Claim 7

A connector assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said terminal support means includes a generally sleeve-shaped terminal pin assembly disposed over the terminal end of the respective one of said cable segments and, said terminal support means includes an axially extending recess for slidably receiving said terminal assembly pin.

Claim 8

A connector assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said one terminal support means includes retaining means for locking said terminal pin assembly within said axially-extending recess.

Claim 9

A connector assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said retaining means comprises resilient fingers disposed in the side wall of said axially-extending aperture, said fingers being displaceable from the rear of said aperture to release said terminal pin assembly.

Claim 10

A connector assembly for joining the terminal ends of multiple pairs of segments of light conductive cable, comprising, in combination: a receptacle including an elongated shell having a front mating end, and a first axially-aligned recess extending substantially the length thereof; first terminal support means including a first insert member disposed within said recess, said insert member including axially-extending passageways for receiving the terminal ends of first ones of each of said cable segment pairs in forward-facing alignment; a plug including an elongated shell having a front end, and a second axially-aligned recess extending substantially the length thereof, said shell being dimensioned for telescoping engagement with said shell of said receptacle; second terminal support means including a second insert member disposed in said second recess, said insert member including second axially-extending passageways aligned with said first passageways for receiving the terminal ends of second ones of said cable segment pairs in forward-facing alignment; and a plurality of alignment members each of which extends from one of said insert members into the other of said insert members, said alignment members being sized and shaped so as to be cooperatively related to said other of said insert members when said plug and receptacle are mated, said alignment members maintaining said terminal ends of said cable segments in axial, transverse and angular alignment with said terminal ends of said cable segments in close, non-abutting relationship.

Claim 11

A connector assembly for joining the terminal ends of multiple pairs of segments of light conductive cable, comprising, in combination: a receptacle including an elongated shell having a front mating end, and a first axially-aligned recess extending substantially the length thereof; first terminal support means including a first insert member disposed within said recess, said insert member including axially-extending passageways for receiving the terminal ends of first ones of each of said cable segment pairs in forward-facing alignment; a plug including an elongated shell having a front end, and a second axially-aligned recess extending substantially the length thereof, said shell being dimensioned for telescoping engagement with said shell of said receptacle; second terminal support means including a second insert member disposed in said second recess, said insert member including second axially-extending passageways aligned with said first passageways for receiving the terminal ends of second ones of said cable segment pairs in forward-facing alignment; and a plurality of alignment members each of which extends from one of said insert members into the other of said insert members, said alignment members being sized and shaped so as to be cooperatively related to said other of said insert members when said plug and receptacle are mated, said alignment members maintaining said terminal ends of said cable segments in axial, transverse and angular alignment with said terminal ends of said cable segments in close, non-abutting relationship.

Claim 12

A connector assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and second terminal support means each include generally sleeve-shaped terminal assemblies disposed over the terminal ends of the corresponing ones of said cable segments, and said alignment members each include an alignment sleeve with corresponding pairs of said pin assemblies being slidably received at opposite ends of one of said alignment sleeves.

Claim 13

A connector assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said alignment means includes at least one axially-extending alignment pin extending from one of said insert members, and a complementarily dimensioned and aligned pin-receiving socket in the other of said insert members.

Claim 14

A connector assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein said terminal ends on said cable segments are substantially flush with the forwardly-facing surfaces of respective ones of said insert members.

Claim 15

A connector assembly as defined in claim 1 further comprising key means for orienting said receptacle and said plug in a predetermined relation.

Claim 16

A connector assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein said key means comprises a plurality of keyways within said first recess and a corresponding plurality of locating keys on said second insert member.