| 摘要 |
The at least partially flexible connector assembly includes a slack storage tube connected to the first end of a fiber optic cable for loosely storing excess lengths of the optical fibers. The slack storage tube is typically at least partially flexible. By including a flexible slack storage tube, the connector assembly can be readily flexed, such as during installations of the fiber optic cable in which the end portion of the fiber optic cable must be bent relatively sharply. However, the slack storage tube does generally include crush resistance means for supporting the slack storage tube as the connector assembly is flexed such that the longitudinal bore defined by the slack storage tube remains open. The crush resistance means can include a wire helically wound about the slack storage tube. Alternatively, the slack storage tube can be a corrugated tube. The connector assembly also includes a number of ferrules mounted on the end portions of respective optical fibers as well as a ferrule holder for holding the ferrules in respective predetermined positions. In addition, the connector assembly can include a plug connected at a first end to the slack storage tube and having a second end that is adapted to receive and engage the ferrule holder. By disposing the ferrule holder within the second end of the plug, the plug effectively secures the ferrule holder and, in turn, the ferrules to the slack storage tube so as to form the connector assembly.
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