Patent ID: 6396996
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: B24B,B25B,G02B

Abstract:
A fixture for holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors including exposed ferrules containing optical fibers, the fixture comprising:a holding plate defining a plurality of ferrule receiving openings spaced about a reference axis; the holding plate including a plurality of movable portions with each of the moveable portions at least partially defining one of the ferrule receiving openings; the moveable portions being moveable generally radially relative to the reference axis between open positions in which the ferrule receiving openings are a first size and clamped positions in which the ferrule receiving openings are a second size that is smaller than the first size; a drive member mounted to allow relative rotation between the drive member and the holding plate, the relative rotation being about the reference axis; a plurality of radial members spaced about the reference axis, each of the radial members having a length that extends generally in a radial direction relative to the reference axis, and the radial members extending generally radially between the drive member and the movable portions of the holding plate; the radial members being pivotally movable between first pivot positions in which the movable portions of the holding plate are oriented in the open positions, and second pivot positions in which the radial members hold the movable portions of the holding plate in the clamped positions; and the radial members being moved between the first and second pivot positions by generating relative rotation between the drive member and the holding plate.