Patent ID: 7118287
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A coupler for coupling a first fiber optic cable, terminating in a first connector having a first ferrule, to a second fiber optic cable, terminating in a second connector having a second ferrule, said coupler comprising: a holder element defining a channel therethrough for receiving the first ferrule, and a socket aligned with said channel for receiving an optical component, said holder element further defining a first cable connector adapted for connection to the first connector and a first element connector opposite said first cable connector; a mating element defining a channel therethrough for receiving the second ferrule, said mating element further defining a second cable connector adapted for connection to the second connector and a second element connector opposite said second cable connector; and an optical component positionable within said holder element; whereby said holder element and said mating element are connectable by said first and second element connectors to align and couple the first and second fiber optic cables with said optical component positioned between the first and second ferrules and substantially contiguous therewith when the first and second connectors are connected to said first and second cable connectors; and wherein said holder element and said mating element are connectable to define a chamber, intermediate said first and second cable connectors, for retaining said optical component therein; and wherein said chamber has a length greater than a thickness of said optical component.