MULTI-CHANNEL FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HAVING CAPTIVE ALIGNMENT SLEEVE AND SINGLE SEALING MEANS

摘要

A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector (10,12) is provided for connecting the terminal ends (34) of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves (184) to align the adjacent termini (34) of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer (200), secured within the connector (10,12), is provided that secures the alignment sleeve (184) within the connector (10,12). In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly (132) extends around a termini (34) and seals between the termini (34) and a connector housing (120). The single seal assembly (132) provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture (142) of a floating collar (136) and the termini body (102) and sealing between the floating collar (136) and a seal surface of a bore (118) in the connector housing (120).