Optical fiber rotational connector

Claim 1

A rotary connecting device for rotatably connecting device for rotatably connecting a source of laser energy disposed in a housing to an optical fiber comprising: a positioner adapted to be mounted on the housing, the positioner having a receptacle therein adapted to be adjustably aligned with the source of laser energy. a cylindrical carrier having an end portion thereof adapted to be mounted in the receptacle, the carrier having a cylindrical bore extending therethrough, a ferrule having an elongated shaft portion and a disc portion, said shaft portion adapted to fit rotatably within the bore of the carrier, the ferrule having a passage extending along the central axis of its shaft portion for receiving and supporting an optical fiber therein, a socket having a first cylindrical receptacle at one end portion thereof adapted to engage the cylindrical carrier, and another cylindrical receptacle at the other end thereof for receiving the disc portion of said ferrule, and thrust bearing means mounted within said another cylindrical receptacle in engagement with the disc portion of the ferrule for limiting movement of the ferrule in the direction of the axis of its passage, whereby an optical fiber can be supported by the ferrule in alignment with the source of laser energy for rotation with respect to the positioner without axial movement with respect thereto.