Patent ID: 6929404
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A connector for making an optical connection underwater or in a wet environment, comprising first and second connector parts adapted to be interengaged, the first connector part having a first optical member for establishing an optical coupling with a second optical member of the second connector part when the connector parts are interengaged, the first connector part having a probe and the second connector part having a chamber containing fluid media and being provided with a seal defining an opening thereto, wherein the probe has a forward portion for entry into the chamber of the second part containing fluid media during interengagement of the connector parts, so that when the connector parts are interengaged the probe provides an optical path between the first connector part and the chamber of the second connector part and thereby allows the first and second optical members to establish said optical coupling, said optical path extending from the first connector part along the probe and passing into the chamber of the second connector part at a slant to the axial direction, and wherein during interengagement of the connector parts the probe slides axially through the opening in sliding engagement with the seal and continues to do so as the forward portion of the probe advances into the said chamber containing fluid media.