Patent ID: 6945702
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A fiber optic connector system for connecting first and second fiber optic connectors that each includes a connector frame and a plurality of optic fiber termini in the frame, each terminus including a terminus ferrule with a ferrule tip that must abut a ferrule tip of a terminus ferrule of the other connector for the termini to mate, and at least one of said optic connectors includes a plurality of termini compression springs that each biases one of its termini inwardly, wherein the connector system includes a housing and a motherboard structure lying in the housing, comprising: first and second daughterboards; first and second mounting brackets each fixed to one of said daughterboards; first and second bodies, each being slideably mounted in inward and outward longitudinal directions on a corresponding one of said mounting brackets and being spring biased inwardly, and each connector being mounted on one of said bodies; a pair of guide assemblies, each including a guide pin element and walls forming a pin-receiving bore element, one element of each guide assembly being mounted on said motherboard structure and the other element of the guide assembly being mounted on the body of each connector assembly; standoff means for preventing said connectors from moving further towards each other when said ferrule tips of said connectors have abutted one another and said ferrule springs have being partially compressed; said housing including a pair of daughterboard guides that each guides one of said daughterboards in inward and outward sliding toward and away from the motherboard structure, and a pair of latches that each retains a corresponding daughterboard in a fully inwardly inserted position in the housing, said motherboard structure having at least one opening that allows said terminus ferrules and said standoff means of said first and second connectors to directly engage each other.