Patent ID: 7520677
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: G01M,G02B

Abstract:
1. A coupler for coupling light energy from a light source to a connector ferrule under test without physical contact of endfaces of the connector ferrule and a ferrule of the coupler, comprising: a ferrule holder defining a bore therethrough and defining a first end for receiving a portion of a first ferrule and a second end for receiving a portion of a second ferrule therein, wherein an optical fiber of the coupler is attached to both the first ferrule and the second ferrule; an alignment member engaged with the ferrule holder and defining a passage therethrough and defining a first end for receiving a portion of the first ferrule and a second end for receiving a portion of the connector ferrule therein for alignment; a stop for preventing at least a portion of each of the endfaces of the connector ferrule and the first ferrule and at least one optical fiber of each of the connector ferrule and the first ferrule from coming into physical contact, and an air gap formed between at least a portion of the endfaces of the first ferrule and the connector ferrule.