Abstract:
A fiber-optic connector housing ( 50 ) and cable ( 20, 20′ ) are attached together by an anchor ( 100, 200 ). The anchor includes a one-piece main body, a passage ( 110, 210 ), and an injection port ( 130, 230 ). The passage extends between first ( 102, 202 ) and second ends ( 104, 204 ) of the anchor. Strength members ( 40, 40′ ) of the cable are secured within the passage by a bonding material ( 90 ) and are thereby anchored to the connector housing. A proximal end ( 54 ) of the connector housing includes first ( 60 ) and second housing components ( 70 ) which capture the anchor. The passage passes through an optical fiber ( 30 ) of the cable. The passage includes first ( 120, 220 ), second ( 170,   270 ), and third portions ( 180, 280 ). The first portion radially positions the optical fiber. The second portion receives the bonding material and the strength members. The third portion receives a jacket ( 26, 26′ ) of the fiber optic cable. The injection port delivers the bonding material to the passage. The anchor may further include retention tabs ( 150 ) that fit within corresponding receivers ( 62, 72 ) within the connector.

Description:
CROSS-RFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/840,353 filed on 27 Jun. 2013, the disclosure of which is 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 surround 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, etc.). 
         [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 a fiber optic adaptor 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 fiber optic adaptor includes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving the fiber optic connectors that are desired to be interconnected. One example of an existing fiber optic connection system is described at U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,579,014; 6,648,520; and 6,899,467. 
         [0005]    Fiber optic connection systems have been developed that are hardened and/or ruggedized. Such hardened fiber optic connectors may provide additional strength and/or weather resistance compared to non-hardened fiber optic connection systems. Strength members within cables of such hardened fiber optic connection systems are typically structurally connected to a hardened fiber optic connector. The hardened fiber optic connector may be further structurally connected to a hardened fiber optic adaptor. The hardened fiber optic adaptor may be structurally connected to an enclosure or other fixedly mounted structure. Loads that are applied to the fiber optic cable are, for the most part, transmitted by the strength members to the fiber optic connector and, in turn, transferred to the fiber optic adaptor and, in turn, transferred to a mounting structure of the hardened fiber optic adaptor. Examples of such hardened fiber optic connection systems are illustrated and described at U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,744,286; 7,744,288; 7,762,726; and 7,942,590, which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly including a fiber optic cable, a connector housing, a ferrule, and an anchor. The fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a jacket that surrounds the optical fiber, and at least one strength member for providing the fiber optic cable with axial reinforcement. The connector housing includes a first end that is positioned opposite from a second end. The first end defines a plug portion that is adapted for insertion into a fiber optic adaptor, and the second end internally receives at least one strength member and the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable. The ferrule is positioned at the first end of the connector housing. The ferrule receives an end portion of the optical fiber. The ferrule defines an axis that extends through the connector housing from the first end to the second end of the connector housing. The anchor extends between a first end and a second end. The anchor is retained within the connector housing. The second end of the connector housing includes first and second housing components between which the anchor is captured. The anchor includes a passage that extends between the first end and the second end of the anchor. The at least one strength member is secured within the passage of the anchor by a bonding material such that the anchor anchors the at least one strength member to the connector housing. 
         [0007]    Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to an anchor for anchoring a fiber optic cable within a fiber optic connector. The anchor includes a main body, a passage, and an injection port. The main body extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The passage extends between the first end and the second end of the anchor. The passage is adapted to pass through an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable. The passage includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the passage is adapted to radially position the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable within the passage. The second portion of the passage is adapted to receive a bonding material and at least one strength member of the fiber optic cable. In certain embodiments, the passage further includes a third portion that is adapted to receive a jacket of the fiber optic cable. The injection port is adapted to deliver the bonding material to the passage of the anchor. In certain embodiments, the anchor further includes at least one retention tab that fits within a corresponding receiver provided within the fiber optic connector. 
         [0008]    Still other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for anchoring a fiber optic cable within a fiber optic connector. The method includes: 1) providing an anchor that includes a passage; 2) inserting a strength member and an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable within the passage; 3) injecting bonding material within the passage thereby securing the strength member to the anchor; and 4) attaching the anchor within an interior of the fiber optic connector. 
         [0009]    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 foregoing 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 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example fiber optic connection system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is the perspective view of  FIG. 1 , but with a cutaway taken through a vertical center plane; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the fiber optic connection system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 3 , but with a cutaway taken through the vertical center plane; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a connector housing and an anchor of the fiber optic connection system of  FIG. 1  according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is the perspective view of  FIG. 5 , but with a cutaway taken through the vertical center plane; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a first housing component of the connector housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is the perspective view of  FIG. 7 , but with a cutaway taken through the vertical center plane; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second housing component of the connector housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the anchor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is the perspective view of  FIG. 9 , but with a cutaway taken through the vertical center plane; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is the perspective view of  FIG. 10 , but with a cutaway taken through the vertical center plane; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a distal end elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a proximal end elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the anchor of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the anchor of claim  5 , as called out at  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of another fiber optic connection system according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is another exploded perspective view of the fiber optic connection system of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an anchor of the fiber optic connection system of  FIG. 18  attached to a fiber optic cable; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is another perspective view of the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached to the fiber optic cable; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached to the fiber optic cable; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached to the fiber optic cable; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional top view of the anchor of cable  20  attached to the fiber optic cable, as called out at  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the anchor of  FIG. 20 , as called out at  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 26A through 26F  are a series of six perspective views that illustrate an example method of applying the fiber optic connection system of  FIG. 18 , including the anchor of  FIG. 20 , to the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26B  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20  with the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached thereto; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26C  is a cutaway perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20  with the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached thereto; 
           [0039]      FIG. 26D  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20  with the anchor of  FIG. 20  attached thereto and a ferrule attached to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable; 
           [0040]      FIG. 26E  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20  with the anchor of  FIG. 20  and the ferrule of  FIG. 26D  attached thereto and with a first housing component and a second housing component installed over the anchor; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 26F  is a cutaway perspective view of the fiber optic cable of  FIG. 20  with the anchor of  FIG. 20  and the ferrule of  FIG. 26D  attached thereto and with the first and second housing components of  FIG. 26E  installed over the anchor. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    According to the principles of the present disclosure, a fiber optic cable can be securely attached to a fiber optic connector. In certain embodiments, crimp bands, crimp rings, etc. are not used. Instead, strength members of a fiber optic cable are internally bonded within an anchor that anchors the strength members to a fiber optic connector. In certain embodiments, a passage extends through the anchor, and the strength members are inserted within the passage and bonded within the passage to the anchor. An optical fiber of the fiber optic cable may also extend through the passage of the anchor. In certain embodiments, the strength members terminate within the passage of the anchor. The fiber optic cable may thereby be terminated by the fiber optic connector. In certain embodiments, the fiber optic connector may be a hardened fiber optic connector. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIGS. 1-4 , an example fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10  is illustrated. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10  includes a fiber optic cable  20 , a connector housing  50 , and an anchor  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fiber optic cable  20  is a cylindrical fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable  20  includes a jacket  26 , surrounding a layer of strength members  40  and an optical fiber  30  that is surrounded by the strength members  40  and the jacket  26 . The connector housing  50  extends between a first end  52  and a second end  54 . A plug portion  56  is positioned adjacent the first end  52 . In the depicted embodiment, the connector housing  50  includes a first housing component  60  and a second housing component  70 . In the depicted embodiment, the first housing component  60  is a one-piece main body that includes the plug portion  56  and a proximal extension  64  that extends proximally from the plug portion  56 . In the depicted embodiment, the second housing component  70  is a cover that covers the proximal extension  64  and thereby forms a passage  58  between the second housing component  70  and the proximal extension  64 . The passage  58  continues from the first end  52  to the second end  54  of the connector housing  50 . A ferrule  80  may be positioned at the first end  52  of the connector housing at least partially within the passage  58 . An end portion  22  of the fiber optic cable may be inserted through the second end  54  of the connector housing  50  and through the passage  58 . The end portion  22  of the fiber optic cable  20  may be prepared prior to the insertion into the passage  58  of the connector housing  50 . For example, an end portion of the jacket  26  may be stripped away thereby exposing an end portion  32  of the optical fiber  30 . In addition, the strength members  40  may be trimmed back. In the depicted embodiment, the strength members  40  extend beyond the trimmed end of the jacket  26  after trimming. The anchor  100  may be pre-applied to the fiber optic cable  20  prior to the insertion of the end portion  22  into the passage  58 . Additional details of the anchor  100  and its attachment to the fiber optic cable  20  are provided hereafter. 
         [0044]    As illustrated at  FIG. 4 , a spring  86  may be included within the passage  58 . The spring  86  may urge the ferrule  80  in a direction  88  that extends from the second end  54  toward the first end  52  of the connector housing  50  along an axis Al (see also  FIG. 2 ). The spring  86  may be retained by a spring holder  82  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5-12 , the connection between the anchor  100  and the connector housing  50  will be described in detail. The anchor  100  includes an attachment portion  140 . In the depicted embodiment, the attachment portion  140  includes a pair of retention tabs  150 . In particular, the pair of retention tabs  150  includes a first retention tab  150   a  and a second retention tab  150   b.  As illustrated at  FIG. 6 , the first retention tab  150   a  is received within a receiver  62  of the first housing component  60 . Similarly, the second retention tab  150   b  is received within a receiver  72  of the second housing component  70 . As can be seen at  FIG. 4 , engaging the first retention tab  150   a  into the receiver  62  can be accomplished by vertically dropping the anchor  100  into the uncovered proximal extension  64  of the first housing component  60 . If the fiber optic cable  20  is pre-installed in the anchor  100 , the end portion  32  may be threaded through the passage  58  that extends through the plug portion  56  prior to the final dropping of the anchor  100  into the open proximal extension  64 . Upon the positioning of the anchor  100  into a portion of the passage  58  that extends through the proximal extension  64 , the second housing component  70  is dropped over the anchor  100 . In particular, the receiver  72  of the second housing component  70  is dropped over the second retention tab  150   b.  In addition to the retention tabs  150  and the receivers  62 ,  72 , the anchor  100  may include a set of protrusions  160  (see  FIG. 10 ). The protrusions  160  may seat within grooves  66  of the first housing component  60  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0046]    In the depicted embodiment, the housing components  60 ,  70  include the female half of the connection and the anchor  100  includes the male half of the connection. In other embodiments, the receivers  62 ,  72  may be replaced with a male member, such as a tab Likewise, the retention tabs  150  of the anchor  100  may be replaced with a female member, such as a receiver. In the depicted embodiment, the anchor  100  extends between a first end  102  and a second end  104 . In the depicted embodiment, the retention tabs  150  are adjacent the first end  102  of the anchor  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the second end  104  of the anchor extends proximally beyond the second end  54  of the connector housing  50 . 
         [0047]    In the depicted embodiment, the first housing component  60  and the second housing component  70  interlock with each other. For example, the first housing component  60  includes a plurality of notches  68  (see  FIG. 5 ), and the second housing component  70  includes a plurality of tabs  78 . The plurality of tabs  78  engage the plurality of notches  68  and thereby interconnect the second housing component  70  to the first housing component  60 . Upon engagement of the first and second housing components  60 ,  70 , a tube  84  may be positioned over the second housing component  70  and the proximal extension  64  of the first housing component  60  thereby securing the connector housing assembly  50 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIGS. 13-17 , the anchor  100  will be described in detail. The anchor  100  includes a passage  110  that extends through the anchor  100  from the first end  102  to the second end  104 . When assembled, the passage  110  is adapted to receive the optical fiber  30 . In particular, the optical fiber  30  extends through the passage  110  and through the first end  102  and the second end  104  of the anchor  100 . The passage  110  is further adapted to receive the strength members  40  within the passage  110 . As depicted, the strength members  40  terminate within the passage  110 . The passage  110  of the anchor  100  is further adapted to receive bonding material  90  (see  FIG. 2 ). The bonding material  90  holds the strength members  40  to the anchor  100 . In certain embodiments, the bonding material  90  may be an epoxy. 
         [0049]    In certain embodiments, the bonding material  90  may adhere to the optical fiber  30  and thereby secure the optical fiber  30  within the passage  110  of the anchor  100 . In other embodiments, a tube  28  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be positioned over the optical fiber  30 . In such embodiments, the tube  28  may prevent the bonding material  90  from adhering to the optical fiber  30 . 
         [0050]    The anchor  100  may include an injection port  130 . The injection port  130  is adapted to inject the bonding material  90  into the passage  110  after the strength members  40 , the optical fiber  30 , and, optionally, the tube  28  have been installed in the passage  110 . As depicted at  FIG. 5 , the injection port  130  may be accessible after the anchor  100  has been installed within the connector housing  50 . As illustrated at  FIG. 5 , the injection port  130  may be positioned such that excess portions of the bonding material  90  at or around the outside of the injection port  130  do not interfere with the fitment of the first housing component  60  and the second housing component  70 . 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIG. 17 , the passage  110  of the anchor  100  will be described in detail. The passage  110  includes a necked-down portion  120 . In the depicted embodiment, the necked-down portion  120  is adjacent the first end  102  of the anchor  100 . The necked-down portion  120  may be adapted to center and/or otherwise guide the optical fiber  30  within the passage  110  and/or guide the optical fiber  30  adjacent the first end  102  of the anchor  100 . The necked-down portion  120  may also be adapted to guide the tube  28  and thereby center and/or position the tube  28  within the passage  110  and/or adjacent the first end  102  of the anchor  100 . The necked-down portion  120  may further serve as a control to eliminate or reduce or restrict the bonding material  90  from flowing beyond the first end  102  of the anchor  100 . As depicted, the necked-down portion  120  includes an outer taper  122  and an inner taper  124 . The tapers  122  and/or  124  may act as guides for the optical fiber  30  and/or the tube  28  and thereby ease installation of the end portion  32  of the optical fiber  30  when inserting the end portion  32  through the passage  110  of the anchor  100 . The taper  122  may collect the bonding material  90 . For example, if a drip of the bonding material  90  leaks past a narrowest portion of the necked-down portion  120 , the taper  122  may collect the drip of the bonding material  90 . 
         [0052]    The passage  110  may further include a main portion  170 . As depicted at  FIG. 2 , the strength members  40  are encased by the bonding material  90  within the main portion  170  of the passage  110 . In the depicted embodiment, the main portion  170  is relatively large in size. In other embodiments, the main portion  170  is reduced in size. In still other embodiments, the bonding material  90  adheres to the strength members  40  at a bonding portion that may be within the main portion  170 . 
         [0053]    The passage  110  of the anchor  100  further includes a cable jacket portion  180 , in certain embodiments. The cable jacket portion  180  is adapted to receive the jacket  26  of the fiber optic cable  20 . In particular, the jacket  26  may include an exterior shape that substantially matches an interior shape of the cable jacket portion  180 . 
         [0054]    In certain embodiments, the cable jacket portion  180  may include a notch  182  (see  FIG. 10 ). In certain embodiments, the notch  182  may allow excess material from the jacket  26  of the fiber optic cable  20  to accumulate within the notch  182 . The jacket  26 , even if slightly oversized, may thereby be inserted within the cable jacket portion  180  of the passage  110 . In certain embodiments, the notch  182  allows the cable jacket portion  180  to expand slightly in diameter and thereby accommodate the jacket  26  of the fiber optic cable  20 , even if slightly oversized. 
         [0055]    In certain embodiments, the notch  182  may be used as a tool to collect portions of the strength members  40  that are outside of the passage  110 . In particular, if the jacket  26  and/or the fiber optic cable  20  is partially inserted or fully inserted into the passage  110 , the portions of the strength members  40  that are outside of the passage  110  may be collected by the notch  182  by rotating the anchor  100  relative to the fiber optic cable  20  about the axis A 1 . As the portions of the strength members  40  that are outside of the passage  110  pass by the notch  182 , the notch  182  traps the portions and funnels them into the passage  110 . The relative rotating motion about the axis Al may be combined with a relative translating motion between the anchor  100  and the fiber optic cable  20 . 
         [0056]    The cable jacket portion  180  may further include an annular portion  184  and/or portions of an annular portion  184  (see  FIG. 17 ). The annular portion  184  may be used to receive both an outer surface of the jacket  26  and an interior surface of the jacket  26 . The cable jacket portion  180  may further include a bottom  186 . The distal end of the cable jacket  26  may bottom out upon insertion of the jacket  26  within the cable jacket portion  180  of the passage  110 . 
         [0057]    The fit of the cable jacket portion  180  over the cable jacket  26  may substantially prevent the bonding material  90  from leaking beyond the second end  104  of the anchor  100 . The fit of the necked-down portion  120  and/or the cable jacket portion  180  with the fiber optic cable  20 , the optical fiber  30 , and/or the tube  28  may allow air to vent as the bonding material  90  is injected through the injection port  130 . A suitable viscosity for the bonding material  90  may be selected to eliminate and/or minimize bonding material  90  from leaking beyond the necked-down portion  120  and/or the cable jacket portion  180 . 
         [0058]    Turning now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , another fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ′ is illustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ′ is similar to the fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 . Therefore, similar features of the fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ′ will not typically be redundantly re-described. 
         [0059]    As depicted, the fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ′ is adapted to terminate a noncircular fiber optic cable  20 ′. In particular, the fiber optic cable  20 ′ includes a pair of strength members  40 ′ positioned opposite an optical fiber  30 . A jacket  26 ′ of the fiber optic cable  20 ′ may therefore be rectangular or obround in shape. As depicted, the pair of strength members  40 ′ are opposite each other about a horizontal direction. The injection port  230  extends perpendicular to the horizontal plane and thereby allows the bonding material  90  to flow between the strength members  40 ′ (see  FIG. 24 ). 
         [0060]    The anchor  200  extends between a first end  202  and a second end  204 . The anchor  200  includes a passage  210  that extends through the anchor  200  and through the first end  202  and the second end  204 . The passage  210  includes a necked-down portion  220 , a main portion  270 , and a cable jacket portion  280 . The passage  210  may be shaped generally rectangularly or may be shaped obround to accommodate the pair of the strength members  40 ′ and the jacket  26 ′. 
         [0061]    The anchor  200  may further include a shrink wrap receiving area  250 . As depicted, the shrink wrap receiving area  250  is on an exterior of the anchor  200  and positioned adjacent the second end  204  of the anchor  200 . The cable anchor  200  may further include a finger  252  (see  FIGS. 21 and 25 ). The finger  252  may be adapted to extend over a portion of a shrink tube  190 . The shrink tube  190  may be positioned over the shrink wrap receiving area  250  and heat may be applied to the shrink tube  190  to shrink the shrink tube around a perimeter of the jacket  26 ′ of the fiber optic cable  20 ′. The shrink tube  190  may include a first portion  192  that is adapted to shrink down over the shrink wrap receiving area  250 . The shrink tube  190  may include a second portion  194  adapted to shrink down over a portion of the jacket  26 ′ of the fiber optic cable  20 ′. 
         [0062]    In certain embodiments, the fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ,  10 ′ provides strain relief for cables (e.g.,  20 ,  20 ′) with strength members (e.g.,  40 ,  40 ′) of glass and/or metal as well as for yarn of glass and/or aramid material. 
         [0063]    The above system may include molded and/or machined parts (e.g.,  60 ,  70 ,  100 , and/or  200 ). A stripped cable (e.g.,  20 ,  20 ′) may be inserted from one end. The optical fiber (e.g.,  30 ) passes through the anchor  100 ,  200 . Via the port  130 ,  230  (e.g., a hole), the anchor  100 ,  200  is filled with epoxy or hot melt. In this way the mechanical carrier (i.e., the strength members  40 ,  40 ′) are fixated to the anchor  100 ,  200  (i.e., a cable fixation part). The epoxy and/or hot melt seals the cable (e.g.,  20 ,  20 ′) to the anchor  100 ,  200 . When the ferrule  80  is added, the assembly can be inserted in the housing  50  in such a way that a tuned fiber optic connector can be achieved. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 26A-26F  illustrate an example of steps of cable termination. In particular, 1) the cable  20 ,  20 ′ is stripped (see  FIG. 26A ); 2) the strength members  40 ,  40 ′ and the optical fiber  30  are inserted into the anchor  100 ,  200  (see  FIGS. 26B and 26C ); 3) bonding material  90  (e.g., epoxy and/or hot melt) is injected into the port  130 ,  230 ; 4) a ferrule  80  is added to the sub-assembly (see  FIG. 26D ); 5) the sub-assembly is mounted in the housing  50  (see  FIGS. 26E and 26F ); and 6) tuning can be done by rotation of the ferrule  80  (e.g., along the axis A 1 ). Friction between the ferrule  80  and/or a ferrule hub  81  and the connector housing  50  may prevent the optical fiber  30  from rotating at the ferrule  80 . A multi-position seat between the ferrule  80  and/or a ferrule hub  81  and the connector housing  50  may prevent the optical fiber  30  from rotating at the ferrule  80 . The spring  86  may maintain the friction and/or the seat between the ferrule  80  and/or the ferrule hub  81  and the connector housing  50  and thereby maintain the tuning. In certain embodiments, the fiber optic connector and cable assembly  10 ,  10 ′ may be re-tuned by again rotating the ferrule  80 . 
         [0065]    In embodiments with the optical fiber  30  fixed to the anchor  100 ,  200 , the anchor  100 ,  200  may prevent the optical fiber  30  from rotating at the anchor  100 ,  200 . 
         [0066]    From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the devices of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
       PARTS LIST 
       [0000]    
       
         A 1  axis 
           10  fiber optic connector and cable assembly 
           10 ′ fiber optic connector and cable assembly 
           20  fiber optic cable 
           20 ′ fiber optic cable 
           22  end portion 
           26  jacket 
           26 ′ a jacket 
           28  tube 
           30  optical fiber 
           32  end portion 
           40  strength member 
           40 ′ strength member 
           50  connector housing 
           52  first end 
           54  second end 
           56  plug portion 
           58  passage 
           60  first housing component 
           62  receiver 
           64  proximal extension 
           66  grooves 
           68  notches 
           70  second housing component 
           72  receiver 
           78  tabs 
           80  ferrule 
           81  hub 
           82  spring holder 
           84  tube 
           86  spring 
           88  direction 
           90  bonding material 
           100  anchor 
           102  first end 
           104  second end 
           110  passage 
           120  necked-down portion 
           122  outer taper 
           124  inner taper 
           130  injection port 
           140  attachment portion 
           150  retention tab 
           150   a  retention tab 
           150   b  retention tab 
           160  protrusions 
           170  main portion 
           180  cable jacket portion 
           182  notch 
           184  annular portion 
           186  bottom 
           190  shrink tube 
           192  first end 
           194  second end 
           200  anchor 
           202  first end 
           204  second end 
           210  passage 
           220  necked-down portion 
           230  injection port 
           250  shrink wrap receiving area 
           252  finger 
           270  main portion 
           280  cable jacket portion