Patent ID: 7048446
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A connector for bundled optical fibers, comprising: a first male connector component including: a first ferrule holding a plurality of optical fibers, including a central optical fiber and outer, symmetrically disposed optical fibers, said plurality of optical fibers being fixedly held relative to each other within said first ferrule; a first alignment sleeve having a central axis thereof, and wherein said central optical fiber of said first ferrule is disposed along said central axis of said first alignment sleeve; a first alignment member being formed on said first alignment sleeve; wherein a central axis of said central optical fiber of said first ferrule and a central axis of at least one said outer optical fibers of said first ferrule are disposed in a straight line alignment with said first alignment member of said first alignment sleeve; a second male connector component, including: a second ferrule holding a plurality of optical fibers, including a central optical fiber an outer, symmetrically disposed optical fibers, said plurality of optical fibers being fixedly held relative to each other within said second ferrule; a second alignment sleeve having a central axis thereof, and wherein said central optical fiber of said second ferrule is disposed along said central axis of said second alignment sleeve; a second alignment member being formed on said second alignment sleeve; wherein a central axis of said central optical fiber of said second ferrule and a central axis of at least one said outer optical fibers of said second ferrule are disposed in a straight line alignment with said second alignment member of said second alignment sleeve; and a connector sleeve including a bore for the slidable engagement of said first and second male connector components therewithin, said sleeve including two opposed key slots, wherein an alignment key of said first male connector component and an alignment key of said second male connector component are slidably disposed within said two slots to align said optical fibers within said first and second male connector components together.