Patent ID: 8376631
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A connector for reversibly terminating a cable comprising a buffer cladding surrounding an optical fiber wherein an end portion of the cable is exposed to reveal the optical fiber and an optical fiber splicing face, the connector comprising: a fiber splice comprising a first pair of opposed surfaces and an alignment groove extending at least partially along one of said opposed surfaces and a source of elastic force for biasing said first pair of opposed surfaces together, wherein the exposed optical fiber is positioned within said groove; a ferrule comprising a front face, an axial bore aligned with said groove and an optical fiber stub disposed in said bore and extending from said front face into said groove such that a stub splicing face of said optical fiber stub is positioned opposite the optical fiber splicing face of the optical fiber; and an integrated actuating assembly comprising a sliding actuator configured for sliding along a substantially straight path substantially in parallel to said groove between a first position wherein said assembly releases said elastic force and places said first pair of opposed surfaces in a closed position and the exposed optic fiber and said optical fiber stub are clamped in said groove by said pair of opposed surfaces and a second position wherein said assembly counters said elastic force and places said splice in an open position and the exposed optic fiber can be removed from said groove.