Abstract:
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has a first mating end and a second end and a first optical fiber terminated thereto. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding from the second end of the connector. A polymeric carrier having a connector end and an oppositely disposed cable end is engaged with the connector. The carrier includes a heat activated meltable portion adjacent the cable end. An alignment structure is disposed on the carrier that includes a first end, a second end, and a throughhole. The first end of the alignment structure is for receiving the second end of the first optical fiber and the second end of the alignment structure is for receiving an end of a second optical fiber entering the cable end of the carrier. The heat activated portion of the carrier is configured to melt and assume a flowable condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat and resolidify when the heat is removed for bonding the second optical fiber to the carrier after the first fiber is aligned with the second fiber.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/789,139, filed May 27, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,858, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/182,184, filed May 29, 2009, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector assembly, and more particularly, to a field terminable fiber optic connector assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of fiber optic networks as a signal-carrying medium for communications is now widespread and continues to increase. Fiber optic networks frequently include a plurality of fiber optic cables having optical fibers. As fiber optic networks continue to grow, the need for optical fiber terminations for maintenance or expansion purposes is also growing. As such, there is a need for an optical fiber termination which can be performed in the field. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector assembly that includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has a first mating end and a second end and a first optical fiber terminated thereto. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding from the second end of the connector. A polymeric carrier having a connector end and an oppositely disposed cable end is engaged with the connector. The carrier includes a heat activated meltable portion adjacent the cable end. The meltable portion is configured to melt and assume a flowable condition. An alignment structure is disposed on the carrier that includes a first end, a second end, and a throughhole. The first end of the alignment structure is for receiving the second end of the first optical fiber and the second end of the alignment structure is for receiving an end of a second optical fiber entering the cable end of the carrier. The heat activated portion of the carrier is configured to melt and assume a flowable condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat and resolidify when the heat is removed for bonding the second optical fiber to the carrier after the first fiber is aligned with the second fiber. Thermal energy may be applied to the polymeric carrier to melt the heat activated portion of the carrier. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, the portion of the polymeric carrier that is to be melted is positioned such that, when melted, the polymeric material contacts at least a portion of the second optical fiber entering the cable end of the carrier. After a predetermined time, the heat source is removed allowing the polymeric material to solidify. Once the material is solid, the contacted fiber is secured to the carrier. Other parts of the fiber optic connector assembly such as the alignment structure may also be secured to the carrier once the melted portions of the carrier solidify. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, the polymeric carrier with the meltable portion may be utilized in combination with a heat activated adhesive element for the bonding. 
     According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, various heat sources may be utilized to provide the thermal energy to the polymeric carrier and/or heat activated adhesive element. The heat sources may include arrangements such as a resistor in contact with a conductive element that is in contact with the polymeric carrier and/or the adhesive element. The heat sources may also include tools such as a solder iron in direct contact with the conductive element that is in contact with the polymeric carrier and/or the heat adhesive element. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic termination assembly comprising a support structure having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, the support structure configured to receive a first optical fiber from the first end and a second optical fiber from the second end. An alignment structure is disposed on the support structure, the alignment structure including a first end and a second end and a throughhole extending from the first end to the second end, the alignment structure including a cutaway portion extending generally perpendicularly to and communicating with the throughhole. The first optical fiber enters the alignment structure from the first end and is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with an end of the first optical fiber being located within the cutaway portion of the alignment structure. The second optical fiber enters the alignment structure from the second end and is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with an end of the second optical fiber being located within the cutaway portion of the alignment structure. A window is disposed within the cutaway portion of the alignment structure over the ends of the first and second optic fibers, the window configured for visually inspecting an alignment of the end of the first optical fiber with the end of the second optical fiber. A first thermally conductive element is positioned between the first end of the support structure and the alignment structure and a second thermally conductive element is positioned between the second end of the support structure and the alignment structure, the first thermally conductive element configured to transfer heat for melting a heat activated element to bond the first optical fiber to the support structure and the second thermally conductive element configured to transfer heat for melting a heat activated element to bond the second optical fiber to the support structure. 
     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 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive aspects of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the disclosure. Other aspects of the present disclosure and many of the advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the present disclosure becomes better understood by reference to the following Detailed Description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fiber optic connector assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the fiber optic connector assembly shown in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 1  with the alignment guide of the assembly removed; 
         FIG. 2  is a fully exploded view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates the exploded view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a fiber optic connector of the fiber connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the fiber optic connector of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the saddle assembly of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the saddle assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the alignment guide of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the alignment guide taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  with the window of the alignment guide inserted into the base of the alignment guide; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the alignment guide of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the alignment guide taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 7  with the window of the alignment guide inserted into the base of the alignment guide; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the base of the alignment guide of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the base of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the base of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of the base of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the alignment window of the alignment guide of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the alignment window of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a right side view of the alignment window of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded front perspective view of a second embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded rear perspective view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a right side view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 20 , the fiber optic connector assembly shown in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector assembly taken along line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded front perspective view of a third embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is an exploded rear perspective view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a right side view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 25 , the fiber optic connector assembly shown in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 28  is a top view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector assembly taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded rear perspective view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a right side view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 30 , the fiber optic connector assembly shown in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 33  is a top view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector assembly taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded rear perspective view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a right side view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 35 , the fiber optic connector assembly shown in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic connector assembly taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a front perspective view of a carrier that is configured for use with each of the fiber connector assemblies shown in  FIGS. 20-39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a rear perspective view of the carrier of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a right side view of the carrier of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a left side view of the carrier of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded perspective view of a termination assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates the termination assembly of  FIG. 44  in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 46  is a side view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 47  is a top view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 45 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a cross-sectional view of the termination assembly taken along line  48 - 48  of  FIG. 47 ; 
         FIG. 49  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a termination assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 50  illustrates the termination assembly of  FIG. 49  in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 51  is a side view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a top view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53  is a cross-sectional view of the termination assembly taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 54  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a termination assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 55  illustrates the termination assembly of  FIG. 54  in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 56  is a side view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a top view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a cross-sectional view of the termination assembly taken along line  58 - 58  of  FIG. 57 ; 
         FIG. 59  is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a termination assembly having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 60  illustrates the termination assembly of  FIG. 59  in a fully assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 61  is a side view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 60 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a top view of the termination assembly of  FIG. 60 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a cross-sectional view of the termination assembly taken along line  63 - 63  of  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a perspective view of a carrier configured for use with each of the termination assemblies shown in  FIGS. 44-63 ; 
         FIG. 65  is a side view of the carrier of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carrier configured for use with a termination assembly for bonding a first optical fiber to another optical fiber, wherein neither of the optical fibers are terminated to a fiber optic connector; 
         FIG. 67  is a side view of the carrier of  FIG. 66 ; 
         FIG. 68  is a perspective view of a base of an alignment guide configured for use with a termination assembly for bonding a first optical fiber to another optical fiber, wherein neither of the optical fibers are terminated to a fiber optic connector, such as those shown in  FIGS. 44-67 ; 
         FIG. 69  is a side view of the base of  FIG. 68 ; 
         FIG. 70  is a top view of the base of  FIG. 68 ; 
         FIG. 71  is a front view of the base of  FIG. 68 ; 
         FIG. 72  is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line  72 - 72  of  FIG. 70 ; and 
         FIG. 73  is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along line  73 - 73  of  FIG. 69 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a fiber optic connector assembly  10  that can be used in terminating at least one optical fiber in the field is shown. In the embodiment shown, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  includes two simplex assemblies  10   a  joined together to form a duplex assembly  10   b . Each simplex assembly  10   a  generally includes a carrier  12  and a fiber optic connector  14  that is coupled to the carrier  12 . The simplex assemblies  10   a  may be joined together with at least one removable joint pin  16  that is coupled to the connectors  14  of the assemblies  10   a . Also, the each of the carriers  12  of the fiber optic connector assemblies  10   a  includes a hole  18  on a first side  20  and an integrally molded pin  22  on an opposing second side  24  so that two carriers  12  may be joined together. Since each carrier  12  includes a hole  18  and a molded pin  22  on opposite, alternating sides, a carrier  12  can be joined to another carrier at either side thereof. 
     The separability of the fiber optic connector assemblies  10   a  provides the advantage of using one or two assemblies, as needed, or being able to swap the assemblies when the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  have to be switched relative to one another. For example, the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  may have to be switched when the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure is used as an insert within a housing such as the housing of a hybrid fiber/copper connector or a quad connector as described in U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     As discussed in the above-mentioned application that has been incorporated herein by reference, if the gender of one of the hybrid connectors or quad connectors needs to be changed, the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  within the housing may need to be switched. This can be accomplished by separating the two simplex fiber optic connector assemblies  10   a  of the present disclosure and swapping their positions. 
     Although described in U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980 as being usable in hybrid or quad connector housings, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure can be used as an insert in any type of housing to protect the fiber optic connector assembly from damage. 
     While the connectors  14  shown and described as being used with the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure are either LX.5 or BX5 connectors as manufactured by ADC Telecommunications, Inc., which have been described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,883,995 and 6,142,676 and U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980, hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the use of a LX.5 or BX5-type connector within the assembly. Also, while the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure is depicted and described as being formed from two simplex connector assemblies  10   a  joined together to form a duplex assembly  10   b , in other embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  can be configured to include any number of connectors  14  and able to terminate any number of optical fibers. Also, while the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure includes simplex assemblies  10   a  that are removably joined together, in other embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  may include any number of assemblies that are integrally formed. 
     For sake of simplicity, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of the present disclosure will be described with respect to one of the simplex assemblies  10   a , with the understanding that the description thereof will be applicable to the other of the simplex assemblies  10   a.    
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fiber optic connector assembly  10 , in addition to the carrier  12  and the fiber optic connector  14 , also includes a saddle assembly  26  and an alignment guide  28  that are coupled to the carrier  12 . As will be described in further detail below, the alignment guide  28  is used to align a factory terminated optical fiber  30  with a field optical fiber  32  and the saddle assembly  26  is used to mechanically splice the factory fiber  30  to the field fiber  32 . 
     The carrier  12  includes a connector end  34  and a cable end  36 , which is oppositely disposed from the connector end  34 . In the present embodiment, the connector end  34  defines a slot  38  for slidably mounting the connector  14 . The connector  14 , further details of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,883,995 and 6,142,676 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/735,267, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, defines a tube  40  adjacent the rear end  42  of the connector  14 . The tube  40  defines an annular groove  44  (see  FIG. 4 ) disposed on the outer surface of the tube  40 . The connector  14  is placed on the carrier  12  with the annular groove  44  slidably fitting in the slot  38  of the carrier  12 . Once slidably inserted, the connector  14  may be epoxied to the carrier  12 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the carrier defining a slot for mounting the connector and that the connector can be mounted to the carrier in any other suitable manner. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , disposed between the connector end  34  and the cable end  36  of the carrier  12  is a fiber support  48 . In the embodiment shown, the fiber support  48  defines a V-shaped guide way  50  that narrow as the depth of the guide way  50  increases. 
     A termination region, generally designated by  52 , is disposed between the cable end  36  of the carrier  12  and the fiber support  48 . The termination region  52  is the portion of the carrier  12  wherein a factory terminated fiber  30  that extends from the connector  14  is mechanically spliced to a field fiber  32  that is aligned with the factory fiber  30 . 
     The termination region  52  of the carrier  12  defines a groove  54  for supporting the alignment guide  28 . The groove  54  is contoured to fit the outer surface of the alignment guide  28 . The termination region  52  also defines a guide path  56  that extends from the rear end of the alignment guide  28  (when the alignment guide is in place) to the cable end  36  of the carrier  12 . The guide path  56  is configured to generally align with a crimp tube hole  60  defined at the cable end  36  of the carrier  12  and also align with the guide way  50  of the fiber support  48  of the carrier  12 . As will be described in further detail below, when the alignment guide  28  is positioned within the carrier  12 , the guide path  56  also aligns with the throughhole  104  of the alignment guide  28  so that a factory terminated fiber  30  can be matched up to the field fiber  32 . 
     Adjacent the cable end  36  of the carrier  12 , each of the right and left sidewalls  64 ,  66  of the carrier  12  defines a vertical recess  68 . The vertical recesses  68  are configured to accommodate the legs  70  of the saddle  72  when the saddle  72  is placed on the carrier  12 , as will be discussed in further detail below. Although in the present disclosure, each carrier  12  is shown to include its own individual saddle  72 , in other embodiments, a single, larger saddle may be used to expand the width of two or more simplex carriers  12 . 
     The carrier  12  further include a crimp tube  74 , which is engaged with the cable end  36  of the carrier  12 . In the present embodiment, the crimp tube  74  is in a press-fit engagement with the crimp tube hole  60  in the cable end  36  of the carrier  12 . In other embodiments, the crimp tube  74  may be molded integrally with the carrier  12 . The crimp tube  74  defines a passageway through which the cleaved field optical fiber  32  is inserted. Strength members/layers (e.g., Kevlar) of a fiber optic cable can be crimped on the outer surface of the crimp tube  74  for securing the fiber optic cable to the carrier  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the saddle assembly  26  is shown in closer detail. The saddle assembly  26  includes the saddle  72  and a resistor  80  with a heat responsive adhesive element  82  configured to be positioned between the saddle  72  and the carrier  12 . In the embodiment shown, the heat responsive element  82  is a glue pellet  83 . Although in the depicted embodiment, glue pellet  83  is shown as being generally rectangular, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other shapes for the glue pellet  83  may be used. The glue pellet  83  includes a first surface  84  and an oppositely disposed second surface  86 . In the depicted embodiment, at least one pathway  88  is pre-formed in the glue pellet  83 . In the depicted embodiment, the at least one pathway  88  is a channel  89  that is pre-formed in the second surface  86  of the glue pellet  83 . The channel  89  is adapted to receive a portion of the cleaved field optical fiber  32  and a portion of the field buffer, which surrounds the cleaved field optical fiber  32 . In the present embodiment, the channel  89  is arcuately shaped so as to conform to the outer surface of the buffer. It should be noted that the shape of the glue pellet  83  may be varied in other embodiments and may or may not include a preformed channel, depending upon the application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the glue pellet  83  is in thermally conductive contact with the saddle  72 , which is in thermally conductive contact with the resistor  80 . Thus, the saddle  72  is preferably made out of thermally conductive materials. In the present embodiment, the first surface  84  of the glue pellet  83  is in contact with a bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72 , thereby establishing the thermally conductive contact between the glue pellet  83  and the saddle  72 . The resistor  80  is in contact with a top surface  92  of the saddle  72 , thereby establishing the thermally conductive contact between the resistor  80  and the saddle  72 . Similar saddle assemblies including shaped adhesive pre-forms are described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/735,267 and 11/735,260, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     When the field optical fiber  32  is ready for termination, a portion of the outer surface of the buffer of the field fiber optic cable is disposed in the channel  89  of the glue pellet  83 . In the present embodiment, the glue pellet  83  is shaped such that nearly half of the outer circumference of the outer surface of the buffer is disposed in the channel  89 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the saddle  72  is generally U-shaped with two legs  70  extending vertically downwardly. The glue pellet  83  is received between the legs  70 . The legs  70  are configured to slide within the recesses  68  defined on the sidewalls  64 ,  66  of the carrier  12 . As will be described in further detail below, when the glue pellet  83  melts, the saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly with respect to the carrier  12  with the legs  70  riding along the recesses  68 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-19 , the alignment guide  28  in the fiber optic connector assembly  10  serves as the location for the termination of the optical fibers. The alignment guide  28  includes a base  100  and an alignment window  102  that is separately mounted on the base  100 . 
     The base  100  is generally cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, other shapes may be used for the base  100 . The base  100  defines a throughhole  104  extending from a first end  106  to the second end  108 . As shown in the Figures, at each end, the base defines a conical portion  110 . The conical portions  110  taper from a larger diameter portion adjacent the ends toward a small diameter portion toward the center of the base  100 . The conical portions  110  are configured to facilitate insertion of the optical fibers into the base  100 . 
     The alignment guide  28  includes a cutout portion  112  about halfway along the length of the base  100 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the cutout  112  accommodates the window  102  that is placed on the base  100 . The cutout  112  is configured to expose and communicate with the throughhole  104  extending from the first end  106  to the second end  108  of the base  100 . 
     The base  100  also includes a cutaway region  114  adjacent the second end  108 . The cutaway region  114  is configured to accommodate a portion of the saddle  72  when the glue pellet  83  melts and the saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly. When the saddle  72  comes to rest, the bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72  may rest on the cutaway region  114  of the base  100 . 
     When the base  100  is initially provided on the fiber optic connector assembly  10 , a factory fiber  30  that is terminated to the connector  14  extends through the throughhole  104  in the base  100  about halfway through the length of the base  100 . The conical portion  110  at the first end  106  of the base  100  facilitates initial insertion of the factory fiber  30  into the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 . The end of the factory fiber  30  is exposed to the cutout portion  112  of the base  100 . 
     The fiber that is factory terminated to the connector  14  and extending halfway through the length of the base  100  is supported by the fiber support  48  of the carrier  12  when the connector  14  and the base  100  are placed on the carrier  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17-19 , the window  102  of the alignment guide  28  is shown in closer detail. The window  102  is placed within the cutout portion  112  of the base  100  and may be epoxied to the base  100 . The window  102  is preferably made out of a transparent material such as pyrex. Other materials are possible. The window  102  is configured to allow visual confirmation of the alignment between the factory fiber  30  that extends about halfway into the base  100  (exposed to the cutout  112 ) and the field fiber  32  that will be inserted from the opposite end of the carrier  12  into the base  100 . 
     The window  102  defines a box-like configuration with a cutout portion  120  at the bottom  122 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the window  102  is placed within the cutout  112  of the base  100 , the cutout portion  120  of the window  102  is exposed toward one side of the base  100  with a portion of the cutout  120  also lying over the factory fiber/field fiber alignment location. The cutout portion  120  of the window  102  is configured to allow any excess index matching gel to flow thereinto. 
     Once the factory fiber side of the fiber optic termination assembly is correctly positioned, the connector  14 , the factory fiber stub  30  and the alignment guide  28  may be epoxied in place on the carrier  12 . 
     In use, with the connector  14  engaged to the carrier  12 , the optical fiber  30  affixed in the guide way  50  of the fiber support  48 , and the factory fiber end inserted into the throughhole  104  of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 , an end of the cleaved field optical fiber  32  is inserted into the passageway of the crimp tube  74  defined at the rear of the carrier  12 . The end of the cleaved field optical fiber  32  is inserted through the channel  89  of the glue pellet  83  and into the throughhole  104  of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 . In the present embodiment, an index matching gel is disposed between the cleaved end of the cleaved field optical fiber  32  and the end of the factory optical fiber  30 . The index matching gel has an index of refraction that matches the index of refraction of the glass of the factory optical fiber  30  and the cleaved field optical fiber  32 . According to one embodiment, the index matching gel may be hydroscopic. When the fiber ends are pushed together, the index matching gel flows into the cutout portion  120  of the window  102  filling at least a portion of the cutout  120 . 
     With the cleaved end of the cleaved field optical fiber  32  inserted into the alignment guide  28 , optical radiation is passed through the optical fibers to assess proper alignment of the fiber end of the factory fiber  30  and the cleaved end of the field fiber  32 . As viewed from the window  102 , if optical radiation is detectable at the junction, then the alignment/abutment is not correct. The cleaved end may have to be polished or cleaned and reinserted into the alignment guide  28 . If little to no radiation is detectable at the junction of the factory fiber end and the cleaved field fiber end, then the cleaved field optical fiber  32  and the buffer can be secured to the fiber optic connector assembly  10  using the saddle assembly  26 . 
     To secure the cleaved optical fiber  32  and the buffer to the fiber optic connector assembly  10 , an electrical power source is connected to the resistor  80 . Electrical current is passed through the resistor  80  which heats up the glue pellet  83  by way of the thermally conducting saddle  72 . As the glue pellet  83  heats up, the glue pellet  83  becomes tacky and adheres to the buffer and the cleaved optical fiber  32  and closes the passageway of the crimp tube  74 . When the current is interrupted, the glue pellet  83  resets to secure the buffer and the cleaved optical fiber  32  in its correct position in alignment with the factory optical fiber  30 . 
     When the glue pellet  83  first starts to melt, the legs  70  of the saddle  72  slide vertically downwardly along the recesses  68  defined on the sidewalls  64 ,  66  of the carrier  12 . As discussed previously, the cutaway region  114  of the base  100  is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the saddle  72  as the saddle  72  moves downwardly relative to the carrier  12 . When the glue pellet  83  resets, the buffer of the field fiber  32  is sealed to the guide path  56  of the carrier termination region  52 , the rear end of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28  is sealed to the groove  54  in the carrier  12 , and the field fiber  32  is sealed to the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 , securing the entire rear side of the fiber optic termination assembly  10  in correct alignment. 
     A field termination kit as described in further detail in U.S. patent application entitled “FIELD TERMINATION KIT”, filed Apr. 11, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/101,366, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, can be used in terminating the field fiber to the factory fiber as discussed herein. 
     In one embodiment, the glue pellet  83  may be remeltable such that if the performed seal is not satisfactory, the glue pellet  83  can be remelted by the application of electric current and reset. 
     In one embodiment, the carrier  12  may be manufactured out of a dielectric or polymeric material such that substantially all of the heat energy from the resistor  80  is transferred to the conductive saddle  72  rather than the carrier itself. In other embodiments, the carrier  12  may be made out of metallic materials. 
     In other embodiments of the carrier  12  and the saddle  72  of the fiber optic connector assembly, the legs  70  of the saddle  72  may include inwardly extending tab portions at the ends of the legs  70  for securing the saddle  72  to the carrier  12  and to limit separation during upward movement of the saddle  72  relative to the carrier  12 . In such an embodiment, the saddle  72  would snap fit onto the carrier  12  with the legs  70  extending along the recesses  68  and the inwardly extending tab portions extending into inwardly extending slots formed at the ends of the recesses  68 . In this manner, the saddle  72  may remain attached to the carrier  12  even if the saddle  72  moves upwardly relative to the carrier  12 , with the tabs of the legs  70  catching the inwardly extending slots at the bottom ends of the recesses  68  of the carrier  12 . 
     As discussed above, with the field optical fiber  32  secured, the fiber optic connector assembly  10  can also be provided as an insert for a housing to protect the fiber optic connector assembly  10  from damage. A number of housings into which the fiber optic connector assembly  10  can be inserted are described in U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-24 , a second embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly  210  that can be used in terminating at least one optical fiber in the field is shown. The fiber optic connector assembly  210  is similar in construction and use to the fiber optic connector assembly  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-19  of the present disclosure, except for a number of differences that will be highlighted in further detail below. 
     For sake of simplicity, the fiber optic connector assembly  210  will be described with respect to a simplex assembly. This is with the understanding that, as in the first embodiment of the fiber optic connector assembly  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-19 , the simplex fiber optic connector assembly  210  may be joined to other like simplex assemblies to form a duplex or other assembly. This is also with the understanding that the description thereof will be applicable to the other like simplex assemblies. 
     As discussed with respect to the first embodiment of the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 , the simplex assembly  210  may be joined to another simplex assembly with at least one removable joint pin  16  that is coupled to the connectors  14  of the assemblies  210 . Also, each carrier  212  includes a hole  218  on a first side  220  and an integrally molded pin  222  on an opposing second side  224  so that two carriers  212  may be joined together. Since each carrier  212  includes a hole  218  and a molded pin  222  on opposite, alternating sides, a carrier  212  can be joined to another carrier at either side thereof. 
     As discussed previously, the separability of the fiber optic connector assemblies  210  provides the advantage of using one or two simplex assemblies, as needed, or being able to swap the assemblies when the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  have to be switched relative to one another. For example, the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  may have to be switched when the fiber optic connector assembly  210  of the present disclosure is used as an insert within a housing such as the housing of a hybrid fiber/copper connector or a quad connector as described in U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980, the entire disclosure of which has been incorporated herein by reference. 
     As discussed in the above-mentioned applications that have been incorporated herein by reference, if the gender of one of the hybrid connectors or quad connectors needs to be changed, the position of the two fiber optic connectors  14  within the housing may need to be switched. This can be accomplished by separating the two simplex fiber optic connector assemblies  210  of the present disclosure and swapping their positions. 
     As discussed previously, the simplex fiber optic connector assembly  210  may be configured to be joined to any number of like assemblies, either removably or integrally, and terminate any number of fibers. Duplex assemblies are one example. 
     As in the embodiment discussed previously, although described in U.S. patent application entitled “HYBRID FIBER/COPPER CONNECTOR SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Nov. 26, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/323,980 as being usable in hybrid or quad connector housings, the fiber optic connector assembly  210  can be used as an insert in any type of housing to protect the fiber optic connector assembly  210  from damage. 
     It should also be noted that, as in the previous embodiment discussed, the fiber optic connector assembly  210  is not limited to use with a LX.5 or BX5-type fiber optic connector within the assembly and may be utilized with other types of fiber optic connectors. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 20-24 , the fiber optic connector assembly  210  is similar to the fiber optic connector assembly  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-19  except that, instead of utilizing a heat responsive adhesive element for bonding the field optical fiber and the buffer to the carrier, the fiber optic connector assembly  210  includes a carrier  212  that is made out of polymeric (e.g., a thermoplastic) material, wherein portions of the thermoplastic carrier  212  are configured to melt and assume a flowable condition and contact the field optic fiber and buffer and provide the bonding. As in the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 , the fiber optic connector assembly  210  includes the fiber optic connector  14 , the alignment guide  28 , and a saddle assembly  226 . However, the saddle assembly  226  does not include the heat responsive adhesive element. As discussed, portions of the carrier  212  are configured to be melted to provide the bonding instead of utilizing a separate heat responsive adhesive element. 
     The carrier  212  of the fiber optic connector assembly  210  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 40-43 . Referring to  FIGS. 20-24  and  FIGS. 40-43 , similar to the carrier  12  of the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 , the carrier  212  includes a connector end  234  and a cable end  236 , which is oppositely disposed from the connector end  234 . In the present embodiment, the connector end  234  defines a slot  238  for slidably mounting a fiber optic connector  14 . As in the previous embodiment, the connector  14  may be a connector whose further details are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,883,995 and 6,142,676 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/735,267, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The connector  14  defines a tube  40  adjacent the rear end  42  of the connector  14 . The tube  40  defines an annular groove  44  disposed on the outer surface of the tube  40 . The connector  14  is placed on the carrier  212  with the annular groove  44  slidably fitting in the slot  238  of the carrier  212 . Once slidably inserted, the connector  14  may be epoxied to the carrier  212 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the carrier defining a slot for mounting the connector and that the connector can be mounted to the carrier in any other suitable manner. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 20-24  and  40 - 43 , disposed between the connector end  234  and the cable end  236  of the carrier  212  is a fiber support  248 . In the embodiment shown, the fiber support  248  defines a U-shaped guide way  250 . 
     Similar to the carrier  12  of the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 , a termination region  252  is disposed between the cable end  236  of the carrier  212  and the fiber support  248 . A factory terminated fiber that extends from the connector  14  is mechanically spliced to a field fiber that is aligned with the factory fiber in the termination region  252 . 
     The termination region  252  of the carrier  212  defines a groove  254  for supporting the alignment guide  28 . The groove  254  is contoured to fit the outer surface of the alignment guide  28 . The termination region  252  also defines a guide path  256  that extends from the rear end of the alignment guide  28  (when the alignment guide is in place) to the cable end  236  of the carrier  212 . The guide path  256  is configured to generally align with a crimp tube hole  260  defined at the cable end  236  of the carrier  212  and also align with the guide way  250  of the fiber support  248  of the carrier  212 . When the alignment guide  28  is positioned within the carrier  212 , the guide path  256  also aligns with the throughhole  104  of the alignment guide  28  so that a factory terminated fiber can be matched up to the field fiber. 
     The carrier  212  defines right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265 , respectively, extending upwardly adjacent the cable end  236  of the carrier  212 . The right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  surround the guide path  256  that extends from the rear end  108  of the alignment guide  28  (when the alignment guide is in place) to the cable end  236  of the carrier  212 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  are configured to support the saddle assembly  226  and when thermal energy is applied to the saddle assembly  226 , the right and the left vertical walls  263 ,  265  are configured to melt to bond the field fiber and buffer to the carrier  212 . 
     The carrier  212  further includes a crimp tube  274  integrally molded with the thermoplastic carrier  212 . The crimp tube  274  defines a passageway through which the cleaved field optical fiber is inserted. Strength members/layers (e.g., Kevlar) of a fiber optic cable can be crimped on the outer surface of the crimp tube  274  for securing the fiber optic cable to the carrier  212 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-24 , when the saddle  72  is placed on the carrier  212 , the bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72  makes contact with the top surfaces  267  of the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265 . The right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  are received between the downwardly extending legs  70  of the saddle  72 . As in the previous embodiment, the saddle  72  is in thermally conductive contact with a resistor  80  which sits on a top surface  92  of the saddle  72 , when the saddle assembly  226  is assembled. 
     When thermal energy is applied to the saddle  72  through the resistor  80 , the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  that are in contact with the saddle  72  start to melt. The saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly with respect to the carrier  212  with the legs  70  of the saddle  72  riding along the recesses  268  defined at the sidewalls  264 ,  266  of the carrier  212 . The legs  70  of the saddle  72  assist in directing the melting, flowable material toward the center of the carrier  212  into the guide path  256 . 
     Although in the present disclosure, each carrier  212  is shown to include its own individual saddle  72 , in other embodiments, a single, larger saddle may be used to expand the width of two or more simplex carriers  212 . 
     As discussed above, the use of the fiber optic connector assembly  210  of  FIGS. 20-24  is similar to that of the fiber optic connector assembly  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 . In use, with the connector  14  engaged to the carrier  212 , the optical fiber affixed in the guide way  250  of the fiber support  248 , and the factory fiber end inserted into the throughhole  104  of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 , an end of the cleaved field optical fiber is inserted into the passageway of the crimp tube  274  defined at the rear of the carrier  212 . The end of the cleaved field optical fiber is inserted between the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212  and into the throughhole  104  of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 . An index matching gel is disposed between the cleaved end of the cleaved field optical fiber and the end of the factory optical fiber. 
     With the cleaved end of the cleaved field optical fiber inserted into the alignment guide  28 , optical radiation is passed through the optical fibers to assess proper alignment of the fiber end of the factory fiber and the cleaved end of the field fiber through the window  102 . Once alignment is established, to secure the cleaved optical fiber and the buffer to the fiber optic connector assembly  210 , an electrical power source is connected to the resistor  80 . Electrical current is passed through the resistor  80  which transfers the heat energy to the thermally conductive saddle  72 . As the thermally conductive saddle  72  transfers the heat energy to the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212 , the vertical walls  263 ,  265  begin to melt and assume a flowable condition. The melting material adheres to the buffer and the cleaved optical fiber and closes the passageway of the crimp tube  274 . When the current is interrupted, the melted material solidifies to secure the buffer and the cleaved optical fiber in its correct position in alignment with the factory optical fiber. 
     As discussed above, when the vertical walls  263 ,  265  first start to melt and flow, the legs  70  of the saddle  72  slide vertically downwardly along the recesses  268  defined at the sidewalls  264 ,  266  of the carrier  212 . The legs  70  of the saddle  72  contain the melting material and direct it toward the guide path  256  of the carrier  212 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 24  and as discussed with respect to the previous embodiment of the fiber optic connector assembly  10 , the cutaway region  114  of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28  is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the saddle  72  as the saddle  72  moves downwardly relative to the carrier  212 . When the melted portion of the thermoplastic carrier  212  solidifies, the buffer of the field fiber is sealed to the guide path  256  of the carrier termination region  252 , the rear end of the base  100  of the alignment guide  28  is sealed to the groove  254  in the carrier  212 , and the field fiber is sealed to the base  100  of the alignment guide  28 , securing the entire rear side of the fiber optic termination assembly  210  in correct alignment. 
     As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the carrier of the fiber optic connector assembly may be manufactured out of a thermoplastic material such as PEI. The carrier may be manufactured from other types of polymeric materials. As also discussed previously, by manufacturing the carrier out of a polymeric material, substantially all of the heat energy from the resistor  80  is initially transferred to the conductive saddle  72  rather than the carrier itself. A carrier made out of a metal material may act as a heat sink and absorb some of the thermal energy from the saddle  72 , affecting the heating of the saddle  72 , and, thus, affecting the melting of the right and left walls  263 ,  265 . There, however, may be applications in which a metallic carrier is preferred. 
     It should be noted that, even though a thermoplastic carrier with meltable portions is utilized, the fiber optic connector assembly may still include a heat responsive adhesive element that is used in combination with the thermoplastic carrier. Referring now to  FIGS. 25-29 , a third embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly  310  that can be used in terminating at least one optical fiber in the field is shown. The fiber optic connector assembly  310  is similar in construction and use to the fiber optic connector assembly  210  shown in  FIGS. 20-24  of the present disclosure, except it further includes a heat responsive adhesive element  382  that is used in addition to the meltable right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of a thermoplastic carrier  212 . 
     The fiber optic connector assembly  310  may utilize the same carrier  212  that is shown and described with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 20-24 . In the fiber optic connector assembly  310  of  FIGS. 25-29 , the saddle assembly  326  includes the saddle  72  and the resistor  80  with a heat responsive adhesive element  382  configured to be positioned between the saddle  72  and the meltable vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212 . In the embodiment shown, the heat responsive element  382  is a glue pellet  383 . Although in the depicted embodiment, glue pellet  383  is shown as being generally rectangular, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other shapes for the glue pellet may be used. For example, the glue pellet may or may not include a preformed channel, depending upon the application. 
     As in the previous embodiment of the fiber optic connector  10  of  FIGS. 1-19 , the glue pellet  383  is in thermally conductive contact with the saddle  72 , which is in thermally conductive contact with the resistor  80 . The first surface  384  of the glue pellet  383  is in contact with a bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72 , thereby establishing the thermally conductive contact between the glue pellet  383  and the saddle  72 . The resistor  80  is in contact with a top surface  92  of the saddle  72 , thereby establishing the thermally conductive contact between the resistor  80  and the saddle  72 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 25-29 , the glue pellet  383  is received between the legs  70  of the saddle  72 . The legs  70  are configured to slide within the recesses  268  defined on the sidewalls  264 ,  266  of the carrier  212 . When thermal energy is applied to the saddle  72  through the resistor  80  and both the glue pellet  383  and the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212  melt, the saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly with respect to the carrier  212  with the legs  70  riding along the recesses  268 . 
     As discussed above, the melting glue  383  and the thermoplastic material are contained and guided toward the center of the carrier  212  into the guide path  256  by the legs  70  of the saddle  72 . 
     Even though the previous embodiments of the fiber optic connector assembly were described as including saddle assemblies that utilized electrical current through a resistor element  80  to melt the thermoplastic material and/or the glue, it should be noted that other various heat application sources may be used. In the above examples, an energy source that directed electrical energy through a resistor  80  that is in contact with a metallic saddle  72  was the main heat source. As electrical current flowed through the resistor  80 , heat was generated and passed on to the adjacent saddle  72 . As discussed above, the saddle  72  was strategically placed to melt a designated zone of the plastic carrier  212  and the thermal glue if desired. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 30-34 , a fourth embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly  410  that can be used in terminating at least one optical fiber in the field is shown. The fiber optic connector assembly  410  is similar in construction and use to the fiber optic connector assemblies  210 ,  310  shown in  FIGS. 20-29  of the present disclosure, except that it utilizes a different heat source than those embodiments previously described. 
     The fiber optic connector assembly  410  includes essentially all of the features of the fiber optic connector assembly of  FIGS. 20-24  except for a resistor  80 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 30-34 , a heat element such as a solder iron may be used to apply heat directly to the metallic saddle  72 . The thermally conductive metallic saddle  72 , then, transfers the heat energy to the vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212  to melt the vertical walls  263 ,  265 . 
     Tools such as a solder iron may be run through a timing or travel mechanism to control precisely how long the heat source is allowed to melt the thermoplastic material. The addition of a time or a travel mechanism can allow the field technician to consistently apply the same melt parameters continuously over multiple terminations, thus generating repeatable process results. 
     It should be noted that the use of a solder iron in direct contact with the metallic saddle  72  is simply one example of another heat source that might be used in the termination process. Other heat sources such as other heat generating tools may be used. Certain tools such as a solder iron that is used in direct contact with a metallic saddle  72  can allow low cost heating solutions that would provide the proper melting operation. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 35-39 , a fifth embodiment of a fiber optic connector assembly  510  that can be used in terminating at least one optical fiber in the field is shown. The fiber optic connector assembly  510  is similar in construction and use to the fiber optic connector assemblies  210 ,  310 , and  410  shown in  FIGS. 20-34  of the present disclosure. 
     The fiber optic connector assembly  510  shown in  FIGS. 35-39  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 30-34  in that it is configured to utilize a heat source that is in direct contact with the metallic saddle  72 , rather than through a resistor  80 . As discussed above, one example of such a heat source may be a solder iron that is used to apply heat directly to the metallic saddle  72 . 
     The fiber optic connector assembly  510  shown in  FIGS. 35-39  is also similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 25-29  in that the fiber optic connector assembly  510  includes a heat responsive adhesive element  382  that is used in combination with the thermoplastic carrier  212 . The fiber optic connector assembly  510  is similar in construction and use to the fiber optic connector assembly  310  shown in  FIGS. 25-29  in that it further includes a heat responsive adhesive element  382  depicted as a glue  383  that is used in addition to the meltable right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of a thermoplastic carrier  212 . 
     In the fiber optic connector assembly  510  of  FIGS. 35-39 , the glue pellet  383  is in thermally conductive contact with the saddle  72 . The first surface  384  of the glue pellet  383  is in contact with a bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72 , thereby establishing the thermally conductive contact between the glue pellet  383  and the saddle  72 . As discussed, a heat source such as a solder iron may be used to apply thermal energy directly to the saddle  72 . The solder iron may or may not be used with mechanisms such as a timing or a travel mechanism. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 35-39 , the glue pellet  383  is received between the legs  70  of the saddle  72 . The legs  70  are configured to slide within the recesses  268  defined on the sidewalls  264 ,  266  of the carrier  212 . When thermal energy is applied to the saddle  212  directly through a solder iron and both the glue pellet  383  and the right and left vertical walls  263 ,  265  of the carrier  212  melt and assume a flowable condition, the saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly with respect to the carrier  212  with the legs  70  riding along the recesses  268 . As discussed above, the melting glue  383  and the thermoplastic material are contained and guided toward the center of the carrier  212  into the guide path  256  by the legs  70  of the saddle  72 . 
     Although all of the fiber optic connector assemblies disclosed herein have been described as being used to terminate a field fiber to a fiber optic connector, it should be noted that all of the aspects and features of the fiber optic connector assemblies described herein may be used to provide a termination assembly that can be used to terminate a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber, wherein neither of the optical fibers are terminated to a connector  14 . One example embodiment of such a termination assembly is described and shown in U.S. patent application entitled “FIELD TERMINATION KIT”, filed Apr. 11, 2008, having Ser. No. 12/101,366, the entire disclosure of which has been incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIGS. 44-73  illustrate different examples of termination assemblies that are used to terminate a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber, wherein the termination assemblies include features and aspects discussed with respect to the fiber optic connector termination assemblies  10 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510  discussed herein. 
     For example,  FIGS. 44-48  illustrate an embodiment of a termination assembly  610  that is used to connect two optical fibers together, wherein the termination assembly  610  includes features similar to those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 20-24 , wherein the carrier  612  is manufactured from a thermoplastic material and includes meltable portions for providing the bonding. 
       FIGS. 49-53  illustrate another embodiment of a termination assembly  710  that is used to connect two optical fibers together, wherein the termination assembly  710  includes features similar to those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 25-29 , wherein a heat activated adhesive element  382  is utilized in addition to a thermoplastic carrier  612  with meltable portions. 
       FIGS. 54-58  illustrate another embodiment of a termination assembly  810  that is used to connect two optical fibers together, wherein the termination assembly  810  includes features similar to those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 30-34 , wherein a heat source such as a solder iron may be used to apply heat directly to the saddle  72  rather than through a resistor  80 . 
       FIGS. 59-63  illustrate yet another embodiment of a termination assembly  910  that is used to connect two optical fibers together, wherein the termination assembly  910  includes features similar to those of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 35-39 , wherein a heat activated adhesive element  382  is used in combination with a thermoplastic carrier  612  and heat is applied through a heating element such as a solder iron directly to the saddle  72 . 
       FIGS. 64-65  illustrate a carrier  612  that can be used with the termination assemblies  610 ,  710 ,  810 , and  910  shown in  FIGS. 44-63 .  FIGS. 66-67  illustrate a carrier  1012  that does not include thermoplastic meltable portions and which can be used in termination assemblies having features and aspects similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1-19 . 
       FIGS. 68-73  illustrate an alignment guide  628  that can be used with the termination assemblies  610 ,  710 ,  810 , and  910  shown in  FIGS. 44-63 . 
     All of the termination assemblies shown in  FIGS. 44-73  are similar in construction and use to the fiber optic termination assemblies shown in  FIGS. 1-43  except that the termination assemblies shown in  FIGS. 44-73  are used to terminate two optical fibers together, wherein neither of the optical fibers are terminated to a fiber optic connector  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 44-73 , each of the termination assemblies includes a carrier  612  having a first end  634  and a second end  636 . A termination region  652  is disposed between the first and second ends  634 ,  636 . The termination region  652  defines a cavity  654 . The cavity  654  is adapted to receive an alignment guide  628  (shown in  FIGS. 68-73 ). The alignment guide  628 , as in the previous fiber optic connector termination assemblies, serves as the location for the termination of the optical fibers. The alignment guide  628  includes features similar to those of the alignment guide  28  of  FIGS. 7-19 , except that it is configured to accommodate saddle assemblies at both ends as shown in  FIGS. 68-73 . 
     Similar to the alignment guide  28  shown in  FIGS. 7-19 , the alignment guide  628  of  FIGS. 68-73  includes a base  700  and an alignment window  102  that is separately mounted on the base  700 . The base  700  is generally cylindrical in shape and defines a throughhole  704  extending from a first end  706  to the second end  708 . At each end, the base  700  defines a conical portion  709 . The conical portions  709  taper from a larger diameter portion adjacent the ends toward a small diameter portion toward the center of the base  700 . The conical portions  709  are configured to facilitate insertion of the optical fibers into the base  700 . 
     The alignment guide  628  also includes a cutout portion  712  about halfway along the length of the base  700 . The cutout  712  accommodates the window  102  (see  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  10 , and  17 - 19 ) that is placed on the base  700 . The cutout  712  is configured to expose and communicate with the throughhole  704  extending from the first end  706  to the second end  708  of the base  700 . 
     As discussed, the base  700  also includes a cutaway region  714  adjacent both the first and the second end. Each cutaway region  714  is configured to accommodate a portion of the saddle  72  when the saddle  72  moves vertically downwardly, either due to the melting of the glue  383 , the melting of the vertical walls  663 ,  665  of the thermoplastic carrier  612 , or both. When the saddle  72  comes to rest, the bottom surface  90  of the saddle  72  may rest on the cutaway region  714  on each end of the base  700 . 
     The termination region  652  of the carrier  612  defines a first guide path  656  that extends from the first end  706  of the alignment guide  628  (when the alignment guide is in place) to a first cable end  636  of the carrier  612  and a second guide path  657  that extends from the second end  708  of the alignment guide  628  (when the alignment guide is in place) to a second cable end  637  of the carrier  612 . 
     In the carriers  612  used with the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 44-73 , crimp tubes  674  are engaged with both the first and second ends  636 ,  637  of the carrier  612 . The crimp tubes  674  define passageways through which the optical fibers are inserted at both ends of the carrier  612 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 44-73 , a saddle assembly is positioned adjacent each of the first and second cable ends  636 ,  637  of the carrier  612 . Each of the saddle assemblies may include features similar to and are used in a manner similar to those embodiments described with respect to  FIGS. 1-43 . 
     For example, in the embodiment of the termination assembly  610  shown in  FIGS. 44-48 , the carrier  612  is manufactured from a thermoplastic material and includes meltable portions for providing the bonding and the saddle assembly includes a resistor  80 . 
     In the embodiment of the termination assembly  710  of  FIGS. 49-53 , a heat activated adhesive element  382  is utilized in addition to a thermoplastic carrier  612  with meltable portions. 
     In the embodiment of the termination assembly  810  of  FIGS. 54-58 , the saddle assembly does not include a resistor  80  and a heat source such as a solder iron may be used to apply heat directly to the saddle  72 . 
     In the embodiment of the termination assembly  910  of  FIGS. 59-63 , a heat activated adhesive element  382  is used in combination with a thermoplastic carrier  612  and heat is applied through a heating element such as a solder iron directly to the saddle  72 , rather than through a resistor  80 . 
     Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the inventive features are not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.