Patent ID: 6439778
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical fiber connector assembly, comprising:a first unit having a first housing with a through bore and a first ferrule movably mounted in the through bore for movement between an advanced and retracted position, the ferrule having a forward end face and a rear end face; a second unit for releasable mating engagement with the first unit, the second unit having a housing with a through bore and a second ferrule mounted in the through bore and having a forward end face for face to face engagement with the forward end face of the first ferrule when the units are mated together; the forward end face of each ferrule having a plurality of contacts for engagement with corresponding contacts in the end face of the other ferrule when the units are mated; and a biasing device mounted in the through bore in the first unit behind the first ferrule and bearing against the rear end face of the ferrule to bias it towards its advanced position, the biasing device comprising a spring having a rear fixed end and a forward end, a bushing having a front end and a rear end, the forward end of the spring bearing against the rear end of the bushing, the front end of the bushing having a seat, and a ball member rotatably seated in the seat at the forward end of the bushing, the ball member having a flat face bearing against the rear face of the ferrule.