Patent ID: 9575272
Date: 2017-02-21
CPC Classifications: B29D,G02B

Claim:
1. An optical adapter comprising: (a) at least one gel-groove assembly extending from a first axial end to a second axial end, the gel-groove assembly including a fiber mating region disposed at an intermediate point between the first and second axial ends, the gel-groove assembly also including a first gel block extending between the first axial end and the fiber mating region, and a second gel block extending between the second axial end and the fiber mating region; (b) a spring assembly including at least one spring element positioned at a longitudinal side of the gel-groove assembly, the spring element being axially fixed to the gel-groove assembly, the spring element being configured to laterally position the gel-groove assembly, and the spring element including latches; and (c) an outer housing defining a through-passage extending between first and second ends of the outer housing, the through-passage being sized to accommodate the gel-groove assembly and the spring assembly, the spring assembly being axially fixed relative to the outer housing, wherein the first axial end of the gel-groove assembly is accessible through the first end of the outer housing and wherein the second axial end of the gel-groove assembly is accessible through the second end of the outer housing.