Patent ID: 8385713
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A universal holder for fusion splice connector bodies and adapted for use in a variety of different fusion splicer machines, comprising a block of solid material having a longitudinal cutout therein, the longitudinal cutout including a plurality of generally semicylindrical recesses and a plurality of generally cylindrical lands therein, the recesses and lands being coaxially arranged so as to accommodate a variety of styles of connector bodies, the semicylindrical recesses also defining a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of locating cutouts extending up from a bottom side to accommodate locating structure of an associated fusion splicer machine, wherein said locating cutouts are dimensioned to accommodate a variety of styles and manufactures of fusion splicer machines; wherein said locating cutouts include at least first and second locator pin holes, the locator pin holes having respective different dimensions, wherein said locator pin holes are oval in cross section, with one locator pin hole being elongated in a direction parallel to said axis and the other being elongated in a direction transverse to said axis; and further comprising a proximal neck projecting axially from a proximal end of said body and defining a pair of shoulders dimensioned to seat within a locating slot on an associated fusion splicer machine; and said locating cutouts including a pair of rounded cutouts located along the axis of said longitudinal cutout and penetrating a bottom side of said block.