Abstract:
An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic connector with an 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 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 adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/115,982, filed May 6, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/916,296, filed May 6, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/948,860, filed Jul. 10, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/004,045, filed Nov. 21, 2007, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their 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]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art SC style adapter  320  that is frequently used in fiber optic telecommunications systems. The SC style adapter  320  includes a housing  321  having an outer portion  322  defining first and second oppositely positioned ports  324 ,  326 . Resilient fingers  328  are provided on the outer portion  322  for use in retaining the adapter  320  within a mounting opening (e.g., an opening within a panel) by a snap fit connection. The housing  321  also includes an inner portion  330  positioned within the outer portion  322 . The inner portion  330  includes a cylindrical split sleeve holder  332  in which a split sleeve  334  is mounted. The split sleeve  334  has a first end  336  accessible from the first port  324  and a second end  338  accessible from the second port  326 . The inner portion  330  also includes a first pair of resilient latches  340  positioned at the first port  324  and a second pair of resilient latches  342  positioned at the second port  326 . 
         [0006]      FIGS. 2 through 5  show a prior art SC style fiber optic connector  422  that is compatible with the adapter  320 . 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  340  of the adapter  320  when the connector  422  is inserted in the first port  324  of the adapter  320 , or that are engaged by the resilient latches  342  when the connector  422  is inserted in the second port  326  of the adapter  320 . The latches  340 ,  342  function to retain SC connectors the within their respective ports  324 ,  326 . 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 . 
         [0007]    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  340 ,  342  from the retention shoulders  432  when it is desired to remove the connector  422  from a given one of the ports  324 ,  326 . 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 a given port  324 ,  326 , the release ramps  436  force the corresponding latches  340 ,  342  apart from one another a sufficient distance to disengage the latches  340 ,  342  from the retention shoulders  432  so that the connector  422  can be removed from the port  324 ,  326 . The release sleeve  434  includes a keying rail  435  that fits within keying slots of the outer housing  322  to ensure proper rotational alignment of the connector  422  within the adapter  320 . When two of the connectors  422  are latched within the port  324 ,  326  of the adapter  320 , the ferrules  430  of the connectors  422  fits within the first and second ends  336 ,  338  of the split sleeve  334  and are thereby held in co-axial alignment with one another. 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. 
         [0008]    There are a variety of fiber optic adapter and fiber optic connector configurations that are used in the telecommunications industry. There is a need for techniques that provide compatibility between different styles/configurations of fiber optic components. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an interface converter for allowing a fiber optic connector to be compatible with an adapter port that would otherwise be incompatible with the fiber optic connector. 
         [0010]    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 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a prior art SC style fiber optic adapter; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front, top perspective view of a prior art SC style fiber optic connector adapted to be inserted into the fiber optic adapter of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a rear, bottom perspective view of the SC style fiber optic connector of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front, top perspective view of the SC style fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 2 and 3  with an outer release sleeve removed; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a rear, bottom perspective view of the SC style fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 2 and 3  with the outer release sleeve removed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a fiber optic adapter; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an end view of the fiber optic adapter of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a front, top perspective view of a SC style fiber optic connector inserted in an interface converter having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a rear, top perspective view of the SC style fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the SC style fiber optic connector inserted in the interface converter of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a front, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise through the SC style fiber optic connector withdrawn from the interface converter of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a rear, top perspective cut-away view cut lengthwise along the middle through the SC style fiber optic connector withdrawn from the interface converter of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  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, the interface converter is shown in combination with the connector body of the SC style fiber optic connector of  FIGS. 2 through 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a front, side perspective view showing a first assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a front, side perspective view showing a second assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a front, side perspective view showing a third assembly step of the interface converter of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  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; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  shows a first half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  shows a second half-piece of the interface converter of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  shows an interface converter housing of the converter of  FIG. 17  in the process of being mounted over an SC connector body; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  shows the interface converter housing of  FIG. 20  mounted over the SC connector body; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  shows an SC connector in alignment with a release sleeve removal tool that is integral with the interface converter housing of the interface converter; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the ferrule of the connector inserted within a clearance opening of the release sleeve removal tool; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the 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; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the connector body being withdrawn from the release sleeve; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  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; 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  is a rear, side perspective view of the interface converter of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 28  is a front, side perspective view showing an SC connector in alignment behind the converter housing of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 29  is a rear, side perspective view showing the SC connector in alignment behind the converter housing of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view cut lengthwise through the interface converter of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 31  shows the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 30  with an SC connector mounted within the interface converter; 
           [0042]      FIG. 32  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the ferrule of the connector inserted within the clearance opening of the release sleeve removal tool of  FIG. 22  and a pushing tool mounted over the release sleeve; 
           [0043]      FIG. 33  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the release sleeve being forced downwardly by the pushing tool of  FIG. 32  into the recess of the release sleeve removal tool of  FIG. 22  to cause the release sleeve to disengage from the connector body of the SC connector; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 34  shows the SC connector of  FIG. 22  with the connector body being withdrawn from the release sleeve by the pushing tool of  FIG. 32 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]      FIGS. 6 and 7  schematically illustrate a fiber optic adapter  520  having an outer housing  522  and an inner housing  524 . The outer housing  522  includes first and second ports  526 ,  528  positioned at opposite ends of the adapter  520 . The inner housing  524  includes a cylindrical split sleeve holder  527  in which a split sleeve  530  is retained. The split sleeve  530  includes a first end  532  positioned at the first port  526  and a second end  534  positioned at the second port  528 . The outer housing  522  includes structure for securing fiber optic connecters within the first and second ports  526 ,  528 , and also includes keying structures for ensuring that the fiber optic connectors are oriented at the proper rotational orientation within the first and second ports  526 ,  528 . For example, the outer housing  522  defines inner threads  550  located within the first and second ports  526 ,  528 . The threads  550  are adapted to engage outwardly threaded coupling nuts of fiber optic connectors inserted within the ports  526 ,  528  to retain the connectors within the ports  526 ,  528 . Also, the outer housing  522  defines keying slots  542  within the ports  526 ,  528 . The keying slots  542  are adapted to receive corresponding key members of fiber optic connectors inserted within the ports  526 ,  528  to ensure that the fiber optic connectors are oriented at the proper rotational orientation within the first and second ports  526 ,  528 . 
         [0046]    For a number of reasons, the SC style fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 2 through 5  is not directly compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . For example, the fiber optic adapter  520  lacks resilient latches for retaining the fiber optic connector  422  in the ports  526 ,  528 . Also, the keying slots  542  are not designed to work with the keying rail  435  of the connector  422  to ensure that the connector is oriented at the proper rotational orientation within the ports  526 ,  528 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8 through 12  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 an SC style fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 2 through 5 ) compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The ports  526 ,  528  have the same configuration. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the interface converter  20  can be mounted within either of the ports  526 ,  528  to make an individual port compatible with an SC style fiber optic connector, or that separate interface converters  20  can be mounted in each of the ports  526 ,  528  to make the entire adapter compatible with SC style fiber optic connectors. However, for ease of explanation, the interface converter  20  will primarily be described within respect to the first port  526 . It will be appreciated that the same description is also applicable to the interface conversion of the second port  528 . 
         [0048]    The interface converter  20  is configured to provide a mechanical interface suitable for receiving and retaining the fiber optic connector  422  within the first port  526 . The interface converter  20  also functions to align the fiber optic connector  422  within the first port  526  such that the ferrule  430  fits within the first end  532  of the split sleeve  530 . In addition, the interface converter  20  rotationally orients the fiber optic connector  422  within first port  526 . For example, keying rail  435  is seated in a keying slot  38  of the interface converter  20  to rotationally align the connector  422  relative to the interface converter  20 . Also, keying rail  25  fits within keying slot  542  to rotationally align the interface converter  20  relative to the adapter  520 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , 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 . 
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 12 , 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 port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . For example, the connector holder  24  includes a keying rail  25  that fits within the keying slot  542  of the port  526  (see  FIGS. 6 through 7 ) to ensure proper rotational alignment between the connector holder  24  and the port  526 . 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  (see  FIGS. 11 through 12 ). 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, 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  (see  FIG. 10 ). 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  of the release sleeve  434  to force the latches  34  apart a sufficient distance to disengage the latches  34  from the retention shoulders  432 . 
         [0051]    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  550  provided within the first port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . By threading the anchoring piece  22  within the internal threads  550 , the interface converter can be anchored within the first port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . 
         [0052]    The interface converter  20  can be mounted within the port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520  to make the port  526  compatible with the fiber optic connector  422 . To mount the interface converter  20  within the port  526 , the first end  28  of the interface converter  20  is inserted into the port  526  and is manipulated such that the keying rail  25  fits within the corresponding keying slot  542  provided within the port  526 . Once the connector holder  24  is properly positioned/seated within the port  526 , the anchoring piece  22  is threaded into the internal threads  550  of the port  526  to secure the interface converter  20  in place within the port  526 . When mounted within the first port  526 , the second end  40  of the interface converter  20  can be flush with the outer portion of the adapter  520 . In other embodiments, the second end  40  may be recessed within the port  520  or may project slightly outwardly from the port  526 . 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  550 . 
         [0053]    Once the interface converter  20  is mounted within the port  526 , the port  526  can accommodate the fiber optic connector  422 . For example, the fiber optic connector  422  can be axially inserted into the port  526  through the second end  40  of the interface converter  20 . During insertion, 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 . 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 first end  532  of the split sleeve  530 . The mating relation between the keying slot  38  and the keying rail  435  ensure that the connector  422  is rotationally aligned within the converter  20 . 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 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 13 through 16  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 an SC style fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 2 through 5 ) compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 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 fiber optic adapter  520 . Other embodiments of an interface converter may mount with the release sleeve  434  remaining on the connector  422 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , 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 port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . 
         [0056]    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 port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . 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 port  526 . 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 . 
         [0057]    As indicated above, the first end  128  of the converter housing  126  has mechanical characteristics that are compatible with the internal shape of the port  526  defined by the fiber optic adapter  520 . For example, the first end  128  includes an end wall  154  defining a first opening  156 , and also includes keying rail  129  that projects outwardly from the end wall  154  along a direction of connector insertion  155 . 
         [0058]    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  550  defined within the port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520  to secure the converter  120  within the port  526 . A user can thread the threaded portion  146  of the coupling nut  140  into the internal threads  550  of the fiber optic adapter  520  by inserting the threaded portion  146  into the port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520  and manually turning the coupling nut  140  about the converter housing  126  to thread the threaded portion  146  into the first port  526 . The gripping portion  148  facilitates gripping and manually turning the coupling nut  140 . 
         [0059]    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 the keying rail  129 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 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. 15 and 16 . 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. 
         [0060]    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. 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  FIG. 14 ). 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  (see  FIG. 15 ). 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. 16 ), 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 port  526  of the adapter  520 . 
         [0061]    Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  120 , the combined components can be coupled to the fiber optic adapter  520 . For example, the first end  128  of the converter  120  can be inserted within the first port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . As so inserted, the ferrule  430  of the connector  422  is received within the split sleeve  530  positioned within the fiber optic adapter  520 , and the keying rail  129  is received within the keying slot  542 . To insure that the fiber optic connector  422  is fully inserted and secured within the port  526 , the threaded portion  146  of the coupling nut  140  is preferably threaded into the internal threads  550  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . Threading of the threaded portion  146  into the internal threads  550  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  520 , and axially pulling the converter  120  from the fiber optic adapter  520 , the converter  120  and the fiber optic connector  422  can be disconnected from the fiber optic adapter  520 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 17  shows 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 standard fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 2 through 5 ) compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown at  FIG. 17 , the interface converter  620  includes a converter housing  626  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 port  526  of the adapter  520 . The converter  620  also includes a coupling nut  640  rotatably mounted on the converter housing  626  for use in mechanically retaining the converter  620  within the port  526  of the fiber optic adapter  520 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , 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 fiber optic adapter  520 . 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. 13 through 16 . The first end  628  is also configured to secure and support the connector body  424  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 . 
         [0064]    The coupling nut  640  of the converter  620  is mounted at the second end  630  of the converter housing  626  and is free to rotate about the exterior of the converter housing  626  (e.g., about the central axis  531 ). A retaining tab  635  may be included on the converter housing  626  to releasably retain the coupling nut  640  (see  FIG. 21 ). 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 fiber optic adapter  520  to secure the converter  620  within the adapter  520 . 
         [0065]    The converter housing  626  has a configuration that facilitates mounting the housing  626  over the connector body  424 . For example, the converter housing  626  includes first and second half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  that meet at a plane that extends longitudinally along the central axis  631 . The half-piece  626   a  (see  FIG. 18 ) defines a half-passage  632   a  sized to fit over one half of the connector body  424  and the half-piece  626   b  (see  FIG. 19 ) defines a half-passage  632   b  that fits over the other half of the connector body  424 . The half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  include slot arrangements  670   a ,  670   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  670   a ,  670   b  to resist or limit relative movement between the connector body  424  and the converter housing  626  in either direction along the axis  631 . 
         [0066]    The half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  are mechanically connected by a snap arrangement that includes a pair of latching clips  672   a  provided on the half-piece  626   a  and a pair of clip receivers  672   b  provided on the half-piece  626   b . The latching clips  672   a  include tabs  673   a  that engage shoulders  673   b  (see  FIG. 20 ) of the clip receivers  672   b  when the latching clips  672   a  are snapped within the clip receivers  672   b . The latching clips  672   a  each have a cantilevered configuration having a base end and a free end. The tabs  673   a  are provided at the free ends and the base ends are integrally formed with a main body of the half-piece  626   a . The latching clips  672   a  extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the central axis  631  as the latching clips  672   a  extend from the base ends to the free ends. By inserting the clips  672   a  into the receivers  672   b  and then pressing the half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  together (as indicated by arrows  677  shown at  FIG. 21 ) in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis  531 , the half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  can be coupled together by a snap-fit connection. By prying/flexing the clips  672   a  apart from one another, the tabs  673   a  can be disengaged from the shoulders  673   b  to allow the half-pieces  626   a ,  626   b  to be disassembled. 
         [0067]    The half-piece  626   b  includes an integrated tool  690  for use in removing the release sleeve  434  from the connector body  424  of the connector  422  prior to mounting the converter  620  over the connector body  424 . The integrated tool  690  includes a lateral projection  691  defining a clearance opening  693  sized for receiving the ferrule  430  of the connector  422 . The projection  691  includes a bearing force surface  695  that surrounds the opening  693 . In one embodiment, the projection has an outer shape that generally matches the outer shape of the first end  426  of the connector body  424 . In another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 17 and 20  through  23 , the projection  691  is cylindrical. A recessed region  697  surrounds the projection  691 . 
         [0068]    In use of the tool  690 , the half-piece  626   b  is placed on a firm, flat surface with the bearing force surface  695  of the projection  691  facing upwardly (see  FIG. 22 ). A dust cap is then removed from the ferrule  430  of the connector  422  and the ferrule  430  inserted in the clearance opening  693  with the connector  422  extending vertically upwardly from the projection  691  (see  FIG. 23 ). If the outer shape of the projection requires, the connector  422  is rotated about its central axis  454  (see  FIG. 2 ) until the outer shape of the connector body  424  is in alignment with the outer shape of the projection. If the outer shape of the projection  691  does not require (see  FIG. 22 ), 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  697 . 
         [0069]    In certain embodiments, a pushing tool  689  is integrated with the half-piece  626   a . Certain forms of the pushing tool  689  have a slot shape, which both allows placement around the fiber optic cable  450  and engages the release sleeve  434  (see  FIGS. 32 through 34 ). Other forms of the pushing tool have a slot shape, which allows placement around the fiber optic cable  450 , intersecting with a cylindrical shape, that engages the release sleeve  434  (not shown). The pushing tool  689  may optionally be mounted over the release sleeve  434 . 
         [0070]    After properly positioning the connector  422 , the release sleeve  434  is pushed downwardly (see  FIGS. 24 and 33 ). As the release sleeve  434  is pushed downwardly, the end face of the connector body  424  bears against the bearing force surface  695  of the projection  691  and the release sleeve  434  slides over the projection  691  and into the recessed region  697 . 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  689  (see  FIGS. 25 and 34 ). The opening  693  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  695 ). 
         [0071]    To mount the converter  620  on the fiber optic connector  422 , the release sleeve  434  of the connector  422  is removed from the connector body  424 . The integrated tools  689  and  690  may be optionally used, as described above. Once the release sleeve  434  has been removed, the retention nut  640  is slid over the connector  422  and onto the cable to which the connector  422  is terminated. The half-piece  626   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  670   a  (see  FIG. 20 ). When fully inserted, about half of the shoulders  432  are held within the slot arrangement  670   a . The half-piece  626   b  is then inserted laterally toward the half-piece  626   a  such that the other halves of the retention shoulders  432  of the connector body  424  are received within the slot arrangement  670   b  and the connector body  424  is captured between the pieces  626   a  and  626   b  (see  FIG. 21 ). Also, the latching clips  672   a  are received within the receivers  672   b  to provide a snap-fit connection between the pieces  626   a ,  626   b  as the pieces  626   a ,  626   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  626   a ,  626   b  are latched together. The retention nut  640  is then slid over the second end of the converter housing  626  to complete the assembly process (see  FIG. 17 ). Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  620 , the combined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber optic adapter  520  is the same manner described with respect to the converter  120 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 26 through 31  show still another interface converter  720  having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The interface converter  720  is also configured to make a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., the fiber optic connector  422  of  FIGS. 2 through 5 ) compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown at  FIG. 26 , the interface converter  720  includes a converter housing  726  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 adapter  520 . The converter  720  also includes a coupling nut  740  (see  FIGS. 30 and 31 ) rotatably mounted on the converter housing  726  for use in mechanically retaining the converter  720  within the fiber optic adapter  520 . 
         [0073]    The converter housing  726  of the converter  720  includes a first end  728  and an opposite second end  730 . A central axis  731  extends through the converter housing  726  from the first end  728  to the second end  730 . The first end  728  of the converter housing  726  is configured to be mechanically compatible with the fiber optic adapter  520 . For example, the first end  728  of the converter housing  726  can have the same configuration as the first end  128  of the converter  120  of  FIGS. 13 through 16 . The first end  728  is also configured to provide access to the ferrule  430  located at the end of the fiber optic connector  422 . The second end  730  of the converter housing  726  is configured to receive or accommodate the resilient boot  452  of the fiber optic connector  422 . 
         [0074]    The coupling nut  740  of the converter  720  is mounted at the second end  730  of the converter housing  726  (see  FIGS. 30 and 31 ) and is free to rotate about the exterior of the converter housing  726  (e.g., about the central axis  731 ). The coupling nut  740  has the same configuration as the coupling nut  140  of the converter  120  and is configured to be manually threaded into the adapter  520  to secure the converter  720  within the adapter  520 . 
         [0075]    The converter housing  726  has a one-piece configuration and includes flexible, snap-fit latches  727  to secure the fiber optic connector  422  within the converter housing  726 . To mount the converter  720  on the fiber optic connector  422 , the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted axially into the converter housing  726  through the second end  730  as indicated by arrows  721  shown at  FIGS. 28 and 29 . The coupling nut  740  can be mounted at the second end  730  of the converter housing  726  at the time the connector  422  is inserted into the second end  730  of the converter housing  726 . The housing  726  includes an internal axial slot  729  (see  FIG. 30 ) sized for receiving the keying rail  435  of the release sleeve  434  and an internal passage  723  sized for receiving the release sleeve  434  when the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted into the converter housing  726 . Mating of the keying rail  435  and the slot  729  insures that the connector  422  is oriented in the proper rotational position during insertion of the connector  422  into the converter housing  726 . As the fiber optic connector  422  is inserted into the converter housing  726 , ramped interior surfaces  725  of the snap-fit latches  727  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  727  pass over openings  439  defined through the release sleeve  434 . The openings  439  allow the latches  727  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. 4 ) provide clearance for the ramped interior surfaces  725  as the snap-fit latches  727  un-flex and engage the retention shoulders  432 . The insertion depth of the fiber optic connector  422  into the converter housing  726  is limited by the keying rail  435  of the release sleeve  434  bottoming out at an end  724  of the internal axial slot  729  of the housing  726 . The connector  422  is thereby securely retained within the passage  723  between the end  724  of the internal axial slot  729  and the snap-fit latches  727  of the converter housing  726 . 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  726 . Once the fiber optic connector  422  is mounted within the converter  720 , the combined components can be coupled to and uncoupled from the fiber optic adapter  520  in the same manner described with respect to the converter  120 . If desired, the connector  422  can be disconnected from the converter  720  by flexing the snap-fit latches  727  apart and withdrawing the connector  422 . 
         [0076]    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. As another example, the split line of the housing  126  could be rotated 90 degrees about axis  131 . Moreover, while the description has been directed toward interface conversions SC style fiber optic connectors, the various aspects disclosed herein are also applicable to interface conversions for other styles of fiber optic adapters and connectors.