Patent ID: 6276843
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An adjustable connector system for coupling an optical fibre assembly to an optical component, comprising:a carrier having a body having a throughbore having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, the carrier being adapted to receive the optical fibre assembly in use;and a manipulator having a body having a throughbore having a longitudinal axis and adapted to receive the carrier and optical fibre assembly in use, the manipulator further including at least one adjustor which is engageable against the outer surface of the carrier when it is inserted in the manipulator throughbore and is adjustable by a user to then move the carrier relative to the manipulator in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the manipulator throughbore, the at least one adjustor being arranged such that the tilt of the longitudinal axis of the carrier relative to the longitudinal axis of the manipulator throughbore can be adjusted;the system further being arranged such that when the optical fibre assembly is inserted in the carrier movement of the at least one adjustor to effect movement of said carrier relative to the manipulator causes corresponding movement of the optical fibre assembly relative to the manipulator;wherein the carrier includes one or more substantially planar lands on its outer surface arranged such that the carrier can be inserted into the manipulator in such a way that the adjustors in use will engage only the lands; and wherein the optical fibre assembly is releasably retained in the carrier when it is inserted therein, such that it can be repeatedly removed from and reinserted in the carrier, without the need to remove the carrier from the manipulator.