Patent ID: 9709755
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: G01M,G02B

Claim:
1. A multi-tool for fiber optic applications, said multi-tool comprising: a male fiber loopback plug; a fiber coupler comprising a first end and a second end, said first end of said fiber coupler receiving said male fiber loopback plug when said multi-tool is in a closed position, said first end of said fiber coupler configured to receive at least one loose fiber cable end when said multi-tool is in an open position; an end cap configured to be removably coupled to said second end of said fiber coupler, said end cap and said fiber coupler cooperatively providing a protective housing for said at least one fiber cable end when said end cap is removably coupled to said second end of said fiber coupler and said at least one fiber cable end is inserted into said first end of said fiber coupler, said male fiber loopback plug and said fiber coupler collectively comprising a female fiber loopback plug when said male fiber loopback plug is in said closed position and said end cap is removed from said second end of said fiber coupler; a dust-resistant housing integrated into said multi-tool, said dust resistant housing protectively enclosing said male fiber loopback plug, said fiber coupler, and said end cap, such that said multi-tool is protected from dust intrusion when said male fiber loopback plug is in said closed position and said cap is removably coupled to said second end of said fiber coupler; a depressible portion in said dust-resistant housing, said depressible portion disposed proximate where said male fiber loopback plug couples to said first end of said fiber coupler when said multi-tool is in said closed position, said depressible portion configured for being manually depressed; and a latch mechanism coupled to said male fiber loopback plug, said latch mechanism disposed on said male fiber loopback plug such that said latch mechanism resides proximate said depressible portion when said multi-tool is in said closed position, said latch mechanism configured to enable said multi-tool to be placed in said open position by manually depressing said depressible portion, activating said latch mechanism, and removing said male fiber loopback tool from said first end of said fiber coupler.