Abstract:
An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector with a ruggedized adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the ruggedized adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the ruggedized adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/115,966, filed May 6, 2008, which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/916,295, filed May 6, 2007, provisional application Ser. No. 60/948,781, filed Jul. 10, 2007, and provisional application Ser. No. 61/003,948, filed Nov. 21, 2007, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to fiber optic data transmission, and more particularly to fiber optic cable connection systems. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fiber optic cables are widely used to transmit light signals for high speed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) an optical fiber or optical fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surrounds the fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer or buffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carry optical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner core surrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g., loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protect coated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiber optic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stresses applied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Example strength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused by crushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets also provide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids). 
         [0004]    Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring a splice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system for interconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectors mounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter for mechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together. Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of the ferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapter includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving the fiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. The adapter includes an internal split sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of the fiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the ports of the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers aligned within the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from one fiber to the next. The adapter also typically has a mechanical fastening arrangement (e.g., a snap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retaining the fiber optic connectors within the adapter. 
         [0005]    Certain fiber optic cable connection systems can be “ruggedized’ or “hardened.” The terms “ruggedized” or “hardened” apply to systems that are robust and suitable for use in an outside environment. An example of an existing ruggedized fiber optic connection system is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,579,014, 6,648,520, and 6,899,467. 
         [0006]    Ruggedized fiber optic cable connection systems can include fiber optic adapters that are mounted to outside fiber optic enclosures such as drop terminals, network interface devices, splice enclosures or other housings/enclosures.  FIG. 1  shows a fiber optic drop terminal  210  including a front face at which a plurality of ruggedized fiber optic adapters  214  are mounted. The ruggedized fiber optic adapters  214  include inner ports configured to receive non-ruggedized fiber optic connectors and outer ports  216  configured to receive ruggedized fiber optic connectors  322 . The inner ports are accessible from inside the drop terminal  210  and the outer ports  216  are accessible from outside the drop terminal  210 . Further details regarding drop terminals and their applications in fiber optic networks are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,763 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,489,849, that are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates one of the fiber optic adapters  214  in isolation from the drop terminal  210 . The fiber optic adapter  214  includes a ruggedized housing  240  having a first piece  242  that defines the inner port  218  of the fiber optic adapter  214  and a second piece  244  that defines the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The first and second pieces  242 ,  244  can be interconnected by a snap-fit connection to form the ruggedized housing  240 . An interior adapter housing  246  mounts inside the ruggedized housing  240 . Springs  248  bias the interior adapter housing  246  toward the outer port  216  and allow the interior adapter housing  246  to float within the interior of the ruggedized housing  240 . As shown at  FIG. 3 , the interior adapter housing  246  includes a cylindrical split sleeve holder  251  that houses a standard split sleeve  250 . The split sleeve  250  is coaxially aligned with a center axis  252  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The split sleeve  250  includes an inner end  254  that faces toward the inner port  218  of the fiber optic adapter  214  and an outer end  256  that faces toward the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The fiber optic adapter  214  defines a plurality of internal threads  272  within the outer port  216  for use in securing a ruggedized fiber optic connector within the outer port  216 . The fiber optic adapter  214  also includes resilient latches  273  for retaining a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector (e.g., a standard SC connector) within the inner port  218 . The latches  273  are located adjacent the inner port  218 . The interior adapter housing  246  also defines a keying slot  247  adjacent the inner port  218  for ensuring that the non-ruggedized fiber optic connector is inserted into the inner port  218  at the proper rotational orientation. Resilient latches are not provided at the outer port  216 . A dust plug  270  is mounted within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  to prevent the adapter from being contaminated when no connector is inserted in the outer port  216 . 
         [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates one of the ruggedized fiber optic connectors  322  adapted to be inserted in the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The fiber optic adapter  322  includes an outer housing  328  and a connector body  330 . The connector body  330  supports a ferrule  332  located at a connector interface end  326  of the fiber optic connector  322 . The outer housing  328  of the fiber optic connector  322  is elongated along a central axis  340  and includes a first end  342  positioned opposite from a second end  344 . The first end  342  of the outer housing  328  is positioned at the connector interface end  326  of the fiber optic connector  322  and includes a pair of opposing extensions or paddles  346  positioned on opposite sides of the connector interface housing  330 . The paddles  346  are generally parallel to the central axis  340  and are separated from one another by a gap  348  in which the connector body  330  is located. The paddles  346  have different shapes and mate with corresponding regions of the outer port  216  to provide a keying function for ensuring that the fiber optic connector  322  is mounted at the proper rotational orientation within the outer port  216 . The second end  344  of the outer housing  328  is adapted to receive a fiber optic cable  350  having a fiber  353  that terminates in the ferrule  332 . A resilient boot  352  can be positioned over the second end  344  of the outer housing  328  to provide bend radius protection at the interface between the outer housing  328  and the fiber optic cable  350 . 
         [0009]    Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the fiber optic connector  322  also includes a retention nut  358  rotatably mounted about the exterior of the outer housing  328 . The retention nut  358  is free to be manually turned relative to the outer housing  328  about the central axis  340 . The retention nut  358  includes an externally threaded portion  362  and a gripping portion  364 . The gripping portion  364  includes a plurality of flats that allow the gripping portion  364  to be easily grasped to facilitate manually turning the retention nut  358  about the central axis  340 . To secure the fiber optic connector  322  within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 , the threaded portion  362  is threaded into the inner threads  272 . When the fiber optic connector  322  is secured within the outer port, the ferrule  332  fits within the outer end  256  of the split sleeve  250  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . 
         [0010]      FIGS. 5 through 8  show a standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector  422  adapted to be inserted in the inner port  218  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The connector  422  includes a connector body  424  in which a ferrule assembly is mounted. The connector body  424  includes a first end  426  positioned opposite from a second end  428 . The first end  426  provides a connector interface at which a ferrule  430  of the ferrule assembly is supported. Adjacent the first end  426 , the connector body  424  includes retention shoulders  432  that are engaged by the resilient latches  273  of the adapter  214  when the connector  422  is inserted in the inner port  218 . The latches  273  function to retain the connector  422  within the inner port  218 . The second end  428  of the connector body  424  is adapted to receive a fiber optic cable  450  having a fiber  453  that terminates in the ferrule  430 . A resilient boot  452  can be positioned at the second end  428  of the connector body  424  to provide bend radius protection at the interface between the connector body  424  and the fiber optic cable  450 . 
         [0011]    The connector  422  also includes a retractable release sleeve  434  that mounts over the connector body  424 . The release sleeve  434  can be slid back and forth relative to the connector body  424  through a limited range of movement that extends in a direction along a longitudinal axis  454  of the connector  422 . The release sleeve  434  includes release ramps  436  that are used to disengage the latches  273  from the retention shoulders  432  when it is desired to remove the connector  422  from the inner port  218 . For example, by pulling back (i.e., in a direction toward the second end  428  of the connector body  424 ) on the retention sleeve  434  while the connector  422  is mounted in the inner port  218 , the release ramps  436  force the latches  273  apart from one another a sufficient distance to disengage the latches  273  from the retention shoulders  432  so that the connector  422  can be removed from the inner port  218 . The release sleeve  434  includes a keying rail  435  that fits within the keying slot  247  of the interior adapter housing  246  to ensure proper rotational alignment of the connector  422  within the inner port  218 . When the connector  422  is latched within the inner port  218 , the ferrule  430  fits within the inner end  254  of the split sleeve  250  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . Further details regarding SC type fiber optic connectors are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0012]    For some applications, there exists a desire to insert non-ruggedized connectors into ruggedized adapter ports. A prior art technique for accommodating this need involves removing the interior adapter housing  246  from the ruggedized housing  240  and replacing the interior adapter housing  246  with a standard SC adapter housing (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, that was previously incorporated by reference in its entirety). The standard SC adapter housing is secured within the ruggedized housing  240  with a potting material. However, this process is time consuming and requires the fiber optic adapter  214  to be disassembled. There is a need for improved techniques for providing compatibility between ruggedized and non-ruggedized fiber optic components. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an interface converter for allowing a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector to be compatible with a ruggedized adapter port. 
         [0014]    A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art drop terminal having ruggedized fiber optic adapters; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a ruggedized fiber optic adapter of the type mounted on the drop terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the ruggedized fiber optic adapter of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a ruggedized fiber optic connector adapter to be inserted in an outer port of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a front, top perspective view of a standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector adapted to be inserted in an inner port of the fiber optic adapter of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a rear, bottom perspective view of the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front, top perspective view of the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 5 and 6  with an outer release sleeve removed; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a rear, bottom perspective view of the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 5 and 6  with the outer release sleeve removed; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a front, top perspective view of the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector inserted in an interface converter; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a rear, top perspective view of the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector withdrawn from the interface converter of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a rear, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise along the middle through the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector withdrawn from the interface converter of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector partially inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 9  which in turn is inserted in the outer port of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 9  which in turn is inserted in the outer port of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a front, side perspective view of another interface converter in an unassembled state having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a front, side perspective view showing a first assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 16  and the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a front, side perspective view showing a second assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 16  and the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 19  is a front, side perspective view showing a third assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 16  and the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 20  is a front, side perspective view of an assembly of the interface converter of  FIG. 16 , the standard non-ruggedized SC fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and the ruggedized fiber optic adapter of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 21  is a front, side perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the assembly of  FIG. 20  with the interface converter partially withdrawn from the ruggedized fiber optic adapter; 
           [0036]      FIG. 22  is a front, side perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise along the middle through the assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  is a front, side perspective view of another interface converter having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  is a first end view of a fiber optic adapter with the interface converter of  FIG. 24  inserted therein; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  is a second end view of the fiber optic adapter of  FIG. 25  with the interface converter of  FIG. 24  inserted therein; 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  shows a first half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 28  shows a second half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 29  shows an interface converter housing of the converter of  FIG. 24  in the process of being mounted over an SC connector body; 
           [0044]      FIG. 30  shows the interface converter housing of  FIG. 29  mounted over the SC connector body; 
           [0045]      FIG. 31  shows an SC connector in alignment with a release sleeve removal tool that is integral with the interface converter housing of the interface converter; 
           [0046]      FIG. 32  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with a ferrule of the connector inserted within a clearance opening of the release sleeve removal tool; 
           [0047]      FIG. 33  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with a release sleeve being forced downwardly into a recess of the release sleeve removal tool to cause the release sleeve to disengage from the connector body of the SC connector; 
           [0048]      FIG. 34  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the connector body being withdrawn from the release sleeve; 
           [0049]      FIG. 35  is a front, side perspective view of a further interface converter having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0050]      FIG. 36  is a rear, side perspective view of the interface converter of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 37  is a front, side perspective view showing an SC connector in alignment behind the converter housing of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 38  is a rear, side perspective view showing the SC connector in alignment behind the converter housing of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view cut lengthwise through the interface converter of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 40  shows the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 39  with an SC connector mounted within the interface converter; 
           [0055]      FIG. 41  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  in alignment with another release sleeve removal tool that is integral with the interface converter housing of the interface converter of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 42  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the ferrule of the connector inserted within a clearance opening of the release sleeve removal tool of  FIG. 41 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 43  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the ferrule of the connector inserted within the clearance opening of the release sleeve removal tool of  FIG. 41  and a pushing tool mounted over the release sleeve; 
           [0058]      FIG. 44  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the release sleeve being forced downwardly by the pushing tool of  FIG. 43  into a recess of the release sleeve removal tool of  FIG. 41  to cause the release sleeve to disengage from the connector body of the SC connector; 
           [0059]      FIG. 45  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the connector body being withdrawn from the release sleeve by the pushing tool of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 46  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 31  with the release sleeve removed and a coupling nut positioned over a cable; 
           [0061]      FIG. 47  shows the interface converter housing of  FIG. 29  mounted over the SC connector body and the coupling nut positioned over the cable; 
           [0062]      FIG. 48  is a predominantly interior perspective view of the first half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 24  integrated with another pushing tool; and 
           [0063]      FIG. 49  is a predominantly exterior perspective view of the first half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 24  integrated with the pushing tool of  FIG. 48 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0064]      FIGS. 9 through 15  show an interface converter  20  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The interface converter  20  is configured to make a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 5 through 8 ) compatible with the ruggedized outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The interface converter  20  mounts within the ruggedized outer port  216  and provides a mechanical interface suitable for receiving and retaining the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216 . The interface converter  20  also functions to align the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216  such that the ferrule  430  fits within the outer end  256  of the split sleeve  250  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . In addition, the interface converter  20  rotationally orients the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216  such that the keying rail  435  is seated in a keying groove  38  of the interface converter  20  and opposing paddles  30  of the interface converter  20  fit within corresponding receivers defined within the outer port  216 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the interface converter  20  includes an anchoring piece  22  connected to a connector holder  24  (e.g., by a snap fit connection). The anchoring piece  22  and the connector holder  24  are both aligned along a central longitudinal axis  26  of the interface converter  20 . The anchoring piece  22  can be manually rotated relative to the connector holder  24  about the central longitudinal axis  26 . 
         [0066]    The connector holder  24  forms a first end  28  of the interface converter and is shaped with a mechanical interface that complements or is compatible with the inner shape defined within the ruggedized outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . For example, the connector holder  24  includes the opposing paddles  30  that fit within the corresponding receivers defined within the outer port  216  to ensure proper rotational alignment between the connector holder  24  and the outer port  216 . The connector holder  24  is configured to receive and retain the fiber optic connector  422 . For example, the connector holder  24  defines a central passage  32  shaped and sized to accommodate the outer shape of the release sleeve  434  of the fiber optic connector  422 . In this way, the connector  422  can be received within the central passage  32 . The connector holder  24  also includes structure for mechanically retaining the fiber optic connector  422  within the central passage  32 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 11 through 13 , the connector holder  24  includes opposing flexible latches  34  configured to interlock with the retention shoulders  432  of the fiber optic connector  422  when the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted in the central passage  32 . The interlock between the latches  34  and the retention shoulders  432  functions to retain the fiber optic connector  422  within the central passage  32 . The latches  34  can be disengaged from the retention shoulders  432  by pulling back on the release sleeve  434  thereby causing the ramped surfaces  436  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the release sleeve  434  to force the latches  34  apart a sufficient distance to disengage the latches  34  from the retention shoulders  432 . 
         [0067]    The anchoring piece  22  forms a second end  40  of the interface converter  20 . The second end  40  is positioned opposite from the first end  28 . The anchoring piece  22  defines a central passage  44  that aligns with the central passage  32  of the connector holder  24 . In one embodiment, the central passage  44  is tapered at the second end  40  to provide a transition or lead-in for facilitating inserting the fiber optic connector  422  into the central passage  44 . The anchoring piece  22  also includes external threads  46  sized to match or intermate with the internal threads  272  provided within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adaptor  214 . By threading the anchoring piece  22  within the internal threads  272 , the interface converter can be anchored within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the interface converter  20  can be mounted within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  to make the port  216  compatible with the fiber optic connector  422 . To mount the interface converter  20  within the outer port  216 , the first end  28  of the interface converter  20  is inserted into the port  216  and is manipulated such that the paddles  30  of the connector holder  24  fit within the corresponding receivers/receptacles provided within the outer port  216 . Once the connector holder  24  is properly positioned/seated within the port  216 , the anchoring piece  22  is threaded into the internal threads  272  of the outer port  216  to secure the interface converter  20  in place within the outer port  216 . When mounted within the outer port  216 , the second end  40  of the interface converter  20  can be flush with the outer portion of the adapter  214 . In other embodiments, the second end  40  may be recessed within the outer port  216  or may project slightly outwardly from the port  216 . Notches  49  can be provided at the second end  40 . The notches  49  can be sized to interlock with a tool such as a spanner wrench used to turn the anchoring piece  22  within the threads  272 . 
         [0069]    Once the interface converter  20  is mounted within the outer port  216 , the port  216  can accommodate the fiber optic connector  422 . For example, the fiber optic connector  422  can be axially inserted into the port  216  through the second end  40  of the interface converter  20 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the connector  422  is inserted into the second end  40 , the connector  422  passes through the central passages  44 ,  32  of the interface converter  20 . Insertion continues until the latches  34  interlock with the retention shoulders  432  of the connector  422 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . Once the latches  34  interlock with the shoulders  432 , the connector  422  is retained at a location with the ferrule  430  positioned at an appropriate depth within the outer end  254  of the split sleeve  250 . The connector  422  can be removed from the interface converter  20  by pulling back on the release sleeve  434 . To facilitate grasping the release sleeve  434 , an extender can be mounted to the back side of the release sleeve  434 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 16 through 23  show another interface converter  120  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The interface converter  120  is also configured to make a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 5 through 8 ) compatible with the outer port  216  of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter  214  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The interface converter  120  mounts over the connector body  424  (e.g., with the release sleeve  434  removed) of the connector  422  and provides a mechanical interface suitable for mating and retaining the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216 . Other embodiments of an interface converter may mount with the release sleeve  434  remaining on the connector  422 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the interface converter  120  includes a converter housing  126  defining a central passage  132  for receiving the connector body  424  of the fiber optic connector  422 . The converter  120  also includes a coupling nut  140  rotatably mounted on the converter housing  126  for use in mechanically retaining the converter  120  within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . 
         [0072]    The converter housing  126  of the converter  120  includes a first end  128  and an opposite second end  130 . The converter housing  126  defines a central axis  131  that extends through the converter housing  126  from the first end  128  to the second end  130 . The central passage  132  extends through the converter housing  126  along the central axis  131 . The first end  128  of the converter housing  126  is configured to be mechanically compatible with the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . For example, the first end  128  of the converter housing  126  can have a shape that complements, mates with or is otherwise mechanically compatible with the shape of the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . The first end  128  is also configured to secure and support the connector body  424  of the fiber optic connector  422 . The second end  130  of the converter housing  126  is configured to receive or accommodate the resilient boot  452  of the fiber optic connector  422 . 
         [0073]    As indicated above, the first end  128  of the converter housing  126  has mechanical characteristics that are compatible with the internal shape of the outer port  216  defined by the fiber optic adapter  214 . For example, the first end  128  includes an end wall  154  defining a first opening  156 , and also includes a pair of paddles  158   a ,  158   b  that project outwardly from the end wall  154  along a direction of connector insertion  155  (see  FIG. 19 ). The paddles  158   a ,  158   b  are positioned on opposite sides of the central axis  131  of the converter housing  126  and have inner surfaces  159  that oppose one another. Open side gaps  162  are defined between the paddles  158   a ,  158   b . When the converter housing  126  is mounted over the connector body  424 , the ferrule end of the connector body  424  extends through the first opening  156  and is positioned between the paddles  158   a ,  158   b . The paddles  158   a ,  158   b  have slightly different shapes and when mated with corresponding structure in the port  216  provide a keying function that ensures that the converter housing  126  is inserted at the proper rotational orientation within the outer port  216 . 
         [0074]    The coupling nut  140  of the converter  120  is mounted at the second end  130  of the converter housing  126  and is free to rotate about the exterior of the converter housing  126  (e.g., about the central axis  131 ). The coupling nut  140  includes an externally threaded portion  146  and a gripping portion  148 . The gripping portion  148  defines a plurality of longitudinal depressions or finger grooves  150  for facilitating grasping the gripping portion  148 . The threaded portion  146  is sized to be threaded within the internal threads  272  defined within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  to secure the converter  120  within the port  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a user can thread the threaded portion  146  of the coupling nut  140  into the internal threads  272  of the fiber optic adapter  214  by inserting the threaded portion  146  into the first port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  and manually turning the coupling nut  140  about the converter housing  126  to thread the threaded portion  146  into the first port  216 . The gripping portion  148  facilitates gripping and manually turning the coupling nut  140 . 
         [0075]    The converter housing  126  has a configuration that facilitates mounting the housing  126  over the connector body  424 . For example, the converter housing  126  includes first and second half-pieces  126   a ,  126   b  that meet at a plane that extends longitudinally along the central axis  131 . The half-piece  126   a  defines a half-passage  132   a  sized to fit over one half of the connector body  424  and the half-piece  126   b  defines a half-passage  132   b  that fits over the other half of the connector body  424 . The half-piece  126   a  includes one of the paddles  158   a  while the half-piece  126   b  includes the other paddle  158   b , as shown in  FIG. 17 . In other embodiments, the split line of the housing  126  could be rotated 90 degrees about axis  131 . 
         [0076]    The half-piece  126   a  includes a slot arrangement  170   a  adapted to engage opposite sides of the retention shoulders  432  of the connector body  424  so that the shoulders  432  are captured within the slot arrangement  170   a  to resist or limit relative axial movement between the connector body  424  and the converter housing  126  in two directions. The half-piece  126   b  includes a stop surface  170   b  that abuts against the shoulders  432  but does not capture the shoulders  432 . The half-pieces  126   a ,  126   b  are mechanically connected by an axial slide arrangement that includes a pair of tongues  172   a  provided on the half-piece  126   a  and a pair of grooves  172   b  provided on the half-piece  126   b . The tongue and grooves are aligned parallel to the central axis  131  and are located at the interface between the half-pieces  126   a ,  126   b . The half-piece  126   b  also includes enlarged access recesses  173   b  positioned at the ends of the grooves  172   b  for facilitating inserting the tongues  172   a  into the grooves  172   b , as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . By inserting the tongues  172   a  laterally into the recesses  173   b , and then sliding the tongues  172   a  axially into the grooves  172   b , the half-pieces  126   a ,  126   b  can be coupled together. 
         [0077]    To mount the converter  120  on the fiber optic connector  422 , the retention nut  140  is first slid over the connector  422  and onto the cable to which the connector  422  is terminated, as shown in  FIG. 16 . The release sleeve  434  of the connector  422  is then removed from the connector body  424 . Once the release sleeve  434  has been removed, the half-piece  126   a  is inserted laterally over the connector body  424  such that the retention shoulders  432  are received within the slot arrangement  170   a  (see  FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The half-piece  126   b  is then inserted laterally toward the half-piece  126   a  such that the connector body  424  is captured between the pieces  126   a ,  126   b  and the tongues  172   a  are received within the recesses  173   b . The half-piece  126   b  is then slid axially relative to the half-piece  126   a  in the axial direction indicated by arrow  175  (see  FIG. 18 ), to engage the tongues  172   a  with the grooves  172   b . The half-piece  126   b  is slid axially in the direction  175  until the stop surface  170   b  engages the retention shoulders  432 . Thereafter, the coupling nut  140  can be slid over the second end  130  of the converter  120 , and the connector  422  is ready to be mounted in the outer port  216  of the adapter  214 . 
         [0078]    Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  120 , the combined components can be coupled to the fiber optic adapter  214 , as shown in  FIGS. 20 through 23 . For example, the first end  128  of the converter  120  can be inserted within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . As so inserted, the ferrule  430  of the connector  422  is received within the split sleeve  250  positioned within the fiber optic adapter  214 , and the paddles  158   a ,  158   b  are received within corresponding receptacles within the fiber optic adapter  214  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . To insure that the fiber optic connector  422  is fully inserted and secured within the port  216 , the threaded portion  146  of the coupling nut  140  is preferably threaded into the internal threads  272  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . Threading of the threaded portion  146  into the internal threads  272  can be done manually by grasping the gripping portion  148  and manually turning the coupling nut  140 . By unthreading the coupling nut  140  from the fiber optic adapter  214 , and axially pulling the converter  120  from the fiber optic adapter  214 , the converter  120  and the fiber optic connector  422  can be disconnected from the fiber optic adapter  214 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 24  shows another interface converter  520  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The interface converter  520  is also configured to make a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 5 through 8 ) compatible with the outer port  216  of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter  214  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown at  FIG. 24 , the interface converter  520  includes a converter housing  526  that mounts over the connector body  424  (e.g., with the release sleeve  434  removed) of the connector  422  and provides a mechanical interface suitable for mating the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216 . The converter  520  also includes a coupling nut  540  rotatably mounted on the converter housing  526  for use in mechanically retaining the converter  520  within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 .  FIGS. 25 and 26  show the interface converter  520  secured within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  by the coupling nut  540 . 
         [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 30 , the converter housing  526  of the converter  520  includes a first end  528  and an opposite second end  530 . A central axis  531  extends through the converter housing  526  from the first end  528  to the second end  530 . The first end  528  of the converter housing  526  is configured to be mechanically compatible with the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . For example, the first end  528  of the converter housing  526  can have the same configuration as the first end  128  of the converter  120  of  FIGS. 16 through 23  (e.g., paddles  558   a ,  558   b ). The first end  528  is also configured to secure and support the connector body  424  of the fiber optic connector  422 . The second end  530  of the converter housing  526  is configured to receive or accommodate the resilient boot  452  of the fiber optic connector  422 . 
         [0081]    The coupling nut  540  of the converter  520  is mounted at the second end  530  of the converter housing  526  and is free to rotate about the exterior of the converter housing  526  (e.g., about the central axis  531 ). The coupling nut  540  has the same configuration as the coupling nut  140  of the converter  120  and is configured to be manually threaded into the threaded portion  146  into the first port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  to secure the converter  520  within the first port  216 . 
         [0082]    The converter housing  526  has a configuration that facilitates mounting the housing  526  over the connector body  424 . For example, the converter housing  126  includes first and second half-pieces  526   a ,  526   b  that meet at a plane that extends longitudinally along the central axis  531 . The half-piece  526   a  (see  FIG. 27 ) defines a half-passage  532   a  sized to fit over one half of the connector body  424  and the half-piece  526   b  (see  FIG. 28 ) defines a half-passage  532   b  that fits over the other half of the connector body  424 . The half-piece  526   a  includes one of the paddles  558   a  while the half-piece  526   b  includes the other paddle  558   b . The half-pieces  526   a ,  526   b  include slot arrangements  570   a ,  570   b  adapted to engage opposite sides of the retention shoulders  432  of the connector body  424  so that the shoulders  432  are captured within the slot arrangements  570   a ,  570   b  to resist or limit relative movement between the connector body  424  and the converter housing  126  in either direction along the axis  531 . 
         [0083]    The half-pieces  526   a ,  526   b  are mechanically connected by a snap arrangement that includes a pair of latching clips  572   a  provided on the half-piece  526   a  and a pair of clip receivers  572   b  provided on the half-piece  526   b . The latching clips  572   a  include tabs  573   a  that engage shoulders  573   b  (see  FIG. 29 ) of the clip receivers  572   b  when the latching clips  572   a  are snapped within the clip receivers  572   b . The latching clips  572   a  each have a cantilevered configuration having a base end and a free end. The tabs  573   a  are provided at the free ends and the base ends are integrally formed with a main body of the half-piece  526   a . The latching clips  572   a  extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the central axis  531  as the latching clips  572   a  extend from the base ends to the free ends. By inserting the clips  572   a  into the receivers  572   b  and then pressing the half-pieces  526   a ,  526   b  together (as indicated by arrows  577  shown at  FIG. 30 ) in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis  531 , the half-pieces  526   a ,  526   b  can be coupled together by a snap-fit connection. By prying/flexing the clips  572   a  apart from one another, the tabs  573   a  can be disengaged from the shoulders  573   b  to allow the half-pieces  626   a ,  526   b  to be disassembled. 
         [0084]    The half-piece  526   b  includes an integrated tool  590  for use in removing the release sleeve  434  from the connector body  424  of the connector  422  prior to mounting the converter  520  over the connector body  424 . The integrated tool  590  includes a lateral projection  591  defining a clearance opening  593  sized for receiving the ferrule  430  of the connector  422 . The projection  591  includes a bearing force surface  595  that surrounds the opening  593 . In one embodiment, the projection  591   s  has an outer shape that generally matches the outer shape of the first end  426  of the connector body  424 . In another embodiment, the projection  591   b  is cylindrical. A recessed region  597  surrounds the projection  591 . 
         [0085]    In use of the tool  590 , the half-piece  526   b  is placed on a firm, flat surface with the bearing force surface  595  of the projection  591  facing upwardly (see  FIGS. 31 and 41 ). A dust cap is then removed from the ferrule  430  of the connector  422  and the ferrule  430  inserted in the clearance opening  593  with the connector  422  extending vertically upwardly from the projection  591  (see  FIGS. 32 and 42 ). If the outer shape of the projection  591   s  requires (see  FIG. 32 ), the connector  422  is rotated about its central axis  454  (see  FIG. 5 ) until the outer shape of the connector body  424  is in alignment with the outer shape of the projection  591   s . If the outer shape of the projection  591   b  does not require (see  FIG. 42 ), the connector  422  may assume any orientation about its central axis  454  so long as the outer shape of the release sleeve  434  fits within the recessed region  597 . 
         [0086]    In certain embodiments, a pushing tool  589  is integrated with the half-piece  526   a . Certain forms of the pushing tool  589   a  have a slot shape, which both allows placement around the fiber optic cable  450  and engages the release sleeve  434  (see  FIGS. 48 and 49 ). Other forms of the pushing tool  589   k  have a slot shape, which allows placement around the fiber optic cable  450 , intersecting with a cylindrical shape, that engages the release sleeve  434  (see  FIGS. 43 through 45 ). The pushing tool  589  may optionally be mounted over the release sleeve  434 . 
         [0087]    After properly positioning the connector  422 , the release sleeve  434  is pushed downwardly (see  FIGS. 33 and 44 ). As the release sleeve  434  is pushed downwardly, the end face of the connector body  424  bears against the bearing force surface  595  of the projection  591  and the release sleeve  434  slides over the projection  591  and into the recessed region  597 . By this action, which generates relative linear movement between the release sleeve  434  and the connector body  424 , the release sleeve  434  is disengaged from the connector body  424 . The connector body  424  can then be drawn out from the release sleeve  434  by pulling up on the connector body  424  or optionally the pushing tool  589  (see  FIGS. 34 and 45 ). The opening  593  is preferably deep enough to protect the end face of the ferrule  430  by preventing the end face from being pressed against another surface during removal of the release sleeve  434  (i.e., the ferrule does not “bottom-out” within the opening when the end face of the connector body  424  is seated on the bearing force surface  595 ). 
         [0088]    To mount the converter  520  on the fiber optic connector  422 , the release sleeve  434  of the connector  422  is removed from the connector body  424 . The integrated tools  589  and  590  may be optionally used, as described above. Once the release sleeve  434  has been removed, the retention nut  540  is slid over the connector  422  and onto the cable  450  to which the connector  422  is terminated (see  FIG. 46 ). The half-piece  526   a  is inserted laterally over the connector body  424  such that the retention shoulders  432  of the connector body  424  are received within the slot arrangement  570   a  (see  FIG. 29 ). When fully inserted, about half of the shoulders  432  are held within the slot arrangement  570   a . The half-piece  526   b  is then inserted laterally toward the half-piece  526   a  such that the other halves of the retention shoulders  432  of the connector body  424  are received within the slot arrangement  570   b  and the connector body  424  is captured between the pieces  526   a  and  526   b  (see  FIGS. 30 and 47 ). Also, the latching clips  572   a  are received within the receivers  572   b  to provide a snap-fit connection between the pieces  526   a ,  526   b  as the pieces  526   a ,  526   b  are pushed laterally together. Preferably, the snap-fit latching arrangement provides both an audible indication (i.e., a “snap”) and a visual indication that the pieces  526   a ,  526   b  are latched together. The retention nut  540  is then slid over the second end of the converter housing  526  to complete the assembly process (see  FIG. 24 ). Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  520 , the combined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber optic adapter  214  is the same manner described with respect to the converter  120 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 35 through 40  show still another interface converter  620  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The interface converter  620  is also configured to make a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 5 through 8 ) compatible with the outer port  216  of the ruggedized fiber optic adapter  214  of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As shown at  FIG. 35 , the interface converter  620  includes a converter housing  626  that mounts over the connector  422  (e.g., with the release sleeve  434  in place on the connector body  424 ) and provides a mechanical interface suitable for mating the fiber optic connector  422  within the outer port  216 . The converter  620  also includes a coupling nut  640  (see  FIGS. 39 and 40 ) rotatably mounted on the converter housing  626  for use in mechanically retaining the converter  620  within the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . 
         [0090]    The converter housing  626  of the converter  620  includes a first end  628  and an opposite second end  630 . A central axis  631  extends through the converter housing  626  from the first end  628  to the second end  630 . The first end  628  of the converter housing  626  is configured to be mechanically compatible with the outer port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214 . For example, the first end  628  of the converter housing  626  can have the same configuration as the first end  128  of the converter  120  of  FIGS. 16 through 23 . The first end  628  is also configured to provide access to the ferrule  430  located at the end of the fiber optic connector  422 . The second end  630  of the converter housing  626  is configured to receive or accommodate the resilient boot  452  of the fiber optic connector  422 . 
         [0091]    The coupling nut  640  of the converter  620  is mounted at the second end  630  of the converter housing  626  (see  FIGS. 39 and 40 ) and is free to rotate about the exterior of the converter housing  626  (e.g., about the central axis  631 ). The coupling nut  640  has the same configuration as the coupling nut  140  of the converter  120  and is configured to be manually threaded into the threaded portion  272  within the first port  216  of the fiber optic adapter  214  to secure the converter  620  within the first port  216 . 
         [0092]    The converter housing  626  has a one-piece configuration and includes flexible, snap-fit latches  627  to secure the fiber optic connector  422  within the converter housing  626 . To mount the converter  620  on the fiber optic connector  422 , the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted axially into the converter housing  626  through the second end  630  as indicated by arrows  621  shown at  FIGS. 37 and 38 . The coupling nut  640  can be mounted at the second end  630  of the converter housing  626  at the time the connector  422  is inserted into the second end  630  of the converter housing  626 . The housing  626  includes an internal axial slot  629  (see  FIG. 39 ) sized for receiving the keying rail  435  of the release sleeve  434  and an internal passage  623  sized for receiving the release sleeve  434  when the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted into the converter housing  626 . Mating of the keying rail  435  and the slot  629  insures that the connector  422  is oriented in the proper rotational position during insertion of the connector  422  into the converter housing  626 . As the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted into the converter housing  626 , ramped interior surfaces  625  of the snap-fit latches  627  are initially spread apart by the fiber optic connector  422  and flex to allow passage of the fiber optic connector  422 . As the insertion continues, the latches  627  pass over openings  439  defined through the release sleeve  434 . The openings  439  allow the latches  627  to at least partially un-flex and project though the openings  439  and engage the retention shoulders  432  provided on the connector body  424 . Sloping surfaces  433  (see  FIG. 7 ) provide clearance for the ramped interior surfaces  625  as the snap-fit latches  627  un-flex and engage the retention shoulders  432 . The insertion depth of the fiber optic connector  422  into the converter housing  626  is limited by the keying rail  435  of the release sleeve  434  bottoming out at an end  624  of the internal axial slot  629  of the housing  626 . The connector  422  is thereby securely retained within the passage  623  between the end  624  of the internal axial slot  629  and the snap-fit latches  627  of the converter housing  626 . Preferably, the snap-fit latching arrangement provides both an audible indication (i.e., a “snap”) and a visual indication that the connector  422  is latched within the converter housing  626 . Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  520 , the combined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber optic adapter  214  is the same manner described with respect to the converter  120 . If desired, the connector  422  can be disconnected from the converter  620  by flexing the snap-fit latches  627  apart and withdrawing the connector  422 . 
         [0093]    From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the devices of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.