Patent ID: 6196553
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
A seal for protecting a first optical fiber connector member of a two-part connector from fluid infiltration, said connector member being of the type that includes (i) a body element having a plurality of internal channels, (ii) a back plate adjacent the rear surface of said body element having a plurality of apertures aligned with said channels and (iii) being located within a longitudinally-symmetrical hollow connector housing having a rear aperture, said seal comprising, in combination:a) a longitudinally-symmetrical seal housing having opposed first and second open ends, said housing being located within, distinct from and coaxial with said hollow connector housing, said back plate being flush with, and thereby substantially closing, said first open end of said seal housing;b) a retainer member having opposed planar surfaces and a plurality of channels therethrough, said retainer member being located internal to and intermediate said open ends of said seal housing transverse to said common axis of symmetry of said housings;c) a cover plate having a plurality of apertures aligned with said corresponding plurality of channels said retainer member, said cover plate being flush-mounted to the surface of said retainer member facing said first open end of said seal housing;d) at least one elongated spacer member extending between said cover plate and said back plate to define a first chamber therebetween; ande) a plug having a plurality of apertures, said plug being fixed to and thereby closing said second open end of said seal housing to form a second chamber in substantial alignment with said first chamber.