Patent Publication Number: US-11640034-B2

Title: Optical fiber distribution systems and components

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/420,433 filed May 23, 2019, entitled, “Optical Fiber Distribution Systems and Components,” and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/676,046, filed on May 24, 2018, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber distribution systems, and more specifically to aerial terminals for optical fiber communication networks. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Data, voice, and other communication networks are increasingly using fiber optics to carry information. In a fiber optic network, each individual fiber is generally connected to both a source and a destination device. Additionally, along the fiber optic run between the source and the destination, various connections or couplings may be made on the optical fiber to adjust the length of the fiber or to provide termination connection ports for end users at which one or more fibers may be branched from a feed cable. In instances when the connection may be exposed to weather conditions, an essentially waterproof configuration of components is needed. 
     To interconnect the cables, various cable connector designs provide for low insertion loss and stability. Some example connectors may include, but are not limited to, SC, Dual LC, LC, ST and MPO connectors. In most of these designs, ferrules (one in each connector, or one in the connector and one in the apparatus or device), each containing an optical fiber end, are butted together end to end and light travels across the junction. 
     With the increasing desire for completely optical networks, “fiber to the premises” (FTTP) or “fiber to the home” (FTTH) systems are being developed to provide optical fibers that extend from the source to the site of the end-user. For this purpose, optical connection terminals are needed for interconnection of the feed lines with drop cables that extend to various user locations within a certain distance from the terminals. Further, there is a need for flexible, customizable fiber distribution systems that may be easily expanded or reconfigured. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerial terminal for optical fiber communication, the aerial terminal comprising at least one feeder port and a plurality of distribution ports, each distribution port comprising a flexible port having a seal, a press-in element and a clip. The aerial terminal may be configured to receive a fiber through the at least one feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality of distribution ports. The aerial terminal may further comprise a plurality of entrance tabs, each entrance tab coupled to a respective flexible port and configured to be broken off to allow using the flexible port. 
     In some embodiments, the aerial terminal may further comprise at least one side panel, the at least one feeder port and the plurality of distribution ports being positioned on the at least one side panel. In some embodiments, the aerial terminal may further comprise at least one cover configured to be supported by a kickstand. 
     In various embodiments, each feeder port may be configured to receive multiple types of cables. Each feeder port may comprise two silicone grommets configured to be trimmed according to a size of cable to be received by that feeder port. 
     In some embodiments, the aerial terminal may further comprise a first compartment and a second compartment separate from the first compartment for network security. The first compartment may be configured to receive fiber from the at least one feeder port and the second compartment may be configured to provide fiber to the plurality of distribution ports. 
     In some embodiments, the aerial terminal may further comprise a side panel having a first portion and a second portion configured to couple to the first portion to form the side panel, the first portion including the at least one feeder port coupled to the first compartment, and the second portion including the plurality of distribution ports coupled to the second compartment. 
     In some embodiments, the aerial terminal may further comprise a first cover configured to enclose the first compartment and further configured to be supported by a first kickstand in an open position, and a second cover configured to enclose the second compartment and further configured to be supported by a second kickstand in an open position. 
     In some embodiments, the first compartment may comprise at least one adapter plate and a plurality of drop management rings, and the second compartment may comprise at least one splice tray. In some embodiments, the second compartment may be configured to receive three splice trays. In some embodiments, the splice tray may include a stackable loose tube fiber splice chip. The splice chip may comprise a plurality of slots configured to receive fiber splices. The plurality of slots may comprise a plurality of lower slots and a plurality of upper slots stacked on the plurality of lower slots. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a splice chip comprising a base, a plurality of lower protrusions emanating from the base, a plurality of upper protrusions emanating from the base, a plurality of lower slots formed between the plurality of lower protrusions, and a plurality of upper slots formed between the plurality of upper protrusions, the plurality of upper slots being stacked on the plurality of lower slots. 
     In some embodiments of the splice chip, the base may be an elongated base further comprising a plurality of posts. The plurality of lower protrusions and the plurality of upper protrusions may emanate from the plurality of posts. In some embodiments, the splice chip may further comprise a plurality of chip ends configured to couple the splice chip to a splice tray. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a fiber management device comprising a base having a slack fiber storage area, an adapter tray configured to couple to the base, and a splice tray configured to receive a stackable loose tube fiber splice chip, the loose tube fiber splice chip comprising a plurality of lower slots and a plurality of upper slots stacked on the plurality of lower slots. In some embodiments, the splice tray may be further configured to receive a ribbon splice chip. In some embodiments, the splice tray may be configured to receive at least two stackable loose tube fiber splice chips, each loose tube fiber splice chip being configured to receive 12 loose tube splices. The plurality of lower slots may be configured to receive a first plurality of 6 loose tube splices and the plurality of upper slots may be configured to receive a second plurality of 6 loose tube splices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of an aerial terminal configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    with a different mounting structure according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    that has been opened on one side according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a first compartment of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a second compartment of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of a kickstand supporting the cover of the first compartment of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of a kickstand supporting the cover of the second compartment of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1   , showing ports of the terminal configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of two half silicone grommets according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of two end plates and four half grommets to be trimmed according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible port (FlexPort) according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  show the entrance tabs of flexible ports being broken off prior to usage of the flexible ports according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    is perspective view of the aerial terminal of  FIG.  1    with both covers open, showing a splice tray configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14 A  is a top view of one embodiment of a splice chip configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14 B  is a perspective view of the splice chip of  FIG.  14 A ; 
         FIG.  14 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the splice chip of  FIG.  14 A ; 
         FIG.  15    is a top view of a splice tray for receiving splice chips configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of a splice tray with splices disposed in two splice chips according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a close-up view of a splice chip of  FIG.  16   , showing stacked loose tube fiber splices disposed therein according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a splice tray having a stackable loose tube fiber splice chip and a ribbon splice chip according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19 A  is an exploded perspective view of an optical fiber cassette having a loose tube fiber splice chip configured according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19 B  is a perspective view of the optical fiber cassette of  FIG.  19 A ; 
         FIG.  20 A  is a top view of the splice tray of the optical fiber cassette of  FIG.  19 A  having a single splice chip according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20 B  is a top view of the splice tray of the optical fiber cassette of  FIG.  19 A  having two splice chips according to aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  21 A  is a side view of a portion of a splice tray configured for receiving a splice chip according to aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  21 B  is a side view of the splice tray of  FIG.  21 A  with the splice chip inserted therein according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present disclosure provide aerial optical fiber terminals and components that are flexible and customizable. Terminals may be configured differently and customized according to service provider and customer needs. 
     When the network deployment plan calls out for an aerial application, embodiments of the aerial terminals disclosed herein allow for the flexibility to terminate a feeder fiber, directly into revenue generating drops and have the capability to accommodate a fiber cable mid-span, allowing cables to be fully utilized while feeding multiple terminals and access points. 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein allow for aerial or strand mount fiber deployment within the network architecture. Various embodiments may accept the “hand-off” of fiber and distribute multiple individual service drops (for example, 24 service drops) and may have the capability to mid-span a larger count fiber cable, allowing the service provider to deploy multiple terminal/access points along the same cable run, maximizing the investment in fiber deployment. 
     Designed for easy, craft accessibility, various embodiments may provide an upward hinging, kickstand supported cover with multiple side entrance cable access ports. For example, one embodiment may provide four side entrance cable access ports. In various embodiments, two individual compartments may separate the incoming splices from the drop ports for network security. In some embodiments, the backplane of the unit may have the capacity to hold up to three splice trays, incorporating fiber management and bend-radius protection into the design. Each splice tray may support, for example, 24 loose tube or 72 ribbon splices. With up to 24 individual drops terminated to SC or LC connectors, various embodiments may accept many types of drop cables. 
     The present disclosure is not limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of an aerial terminal  100 . The terminal  100  includes a housing  102  and two covers  104  on either side of the terminal. The covers  104  may be coupled to the housing  102  by hinges  105  and may be locked by latching locks  106 . Embodiments are not limited to hinges and latching locks. In other embodiments, other types of coupling and locking mechanisms may be used. The latches may include bolts or other locks, clips or seals, or other locking mechanisms may be used. In some embodiments, the covers may be a removable hinged covers. The housing  102  of the aerial terminal  100  includes side panels  108  on opposite sides of the housing. Each side panel  108  may include a plurality of ports, including feeder ports  110  and distribution ports  112 , discussed in further detail below. 
     The terminal  100  may also include a mounting bracket  114  for mounting the terminal to a strand.  FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal  100  with a different mounting bracket  116  for mounting the terminal to a strand. Embodiments are not limited to the mounting brackets illustrated herein. In other embodiments, yet other types of mounting structures may be used. 
       FIG.  3 A  is a front view of the aerial terminal  100 , showing the cover  104  on one side of the terminal.  FIG.  3 A  shows exemplary dimensions of the terminal. In this example, the terminal  100  has dimensions of about 14.8 inches by about 11.6 inches. In other embodiments, the terminals may have different sizes, and may be shaped differently than those illustrated herein.  FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the aerial terminal  100 , showing that it has a depth of about 8.15 inches. In other embodiments, the terminal may have a different depth, and may be shaped differently than those illustrated herein. For example, in some embodiments, the terminal may have dimensions that are substantially smaller than the 14.8 inches width, the 11.6 inches height and the 8.15 inches depth. 
       FIG.  3 B  shows both covers  104  on the sides of the terminal, and one side panel  108 . The side panel  108  has a plurality of feeder ports  110  and a plurality of distribution ports  112 . The two feeder ports  110  are shown to be larger than the distribution ports  112 . In one example, each feeder port  110  may be about 14 mm sealed duct port. Each feeder port  110  may have a breakoff cap. In some embodiments, feeder ports  110  may have anti-rotation locking features. The 12 smaller ports are distribution ports  112 . Each distribution port  112  may be about 10 mm sealed duct port. Each distribution port  112  may have a breakoff cap. In some embodiments, the distribution ports  112  may have anti-rotation locking features. The distribution ports  112  may be Clearfield FlexPorts. Although this embodiment shows two feeder ports  110  and 12 distribution ports  112 , other embodiments may include a different number of each type of port. The ports  110  and the ports  112  may be sealed. The ports  110  and  112  may include knock-out covers that can be removed once a port  110  and  112  is used. The ports may also be arranged in a different configuration than the embodiment shown in  FIG.  3 B . 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal  100  with one of the covers  104  being open, revealing a compartment  118  positioned on one side of the terminal. As shown in  FIG.  4   , each distribution port  112  has a respective entrance tab  120  inside the compartment  118 . The entrance tabs  120  must be broken off to use the respective ports  112 . The compartment  118  further includes at least one adapter plate  122 . The adapter plate  122  includes a plurality of adapters  124 . The adapters  124  may correspond to the distribution ports  112 . The adapter plates  122  may be arranged in a plurality of rows. In one embodiment, a first row comprising a first adapter plate may correspond to the distribution ports on a first side panel of the terminal, and a second row comprising a second adapter plate may correspond to distribution ports on a second side panel of the terminal. The compartment  118  further includes drop management rings  126 . 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a first compartment  118  of the aerial terminal  100 , showing entrance tabs  120  of the distribution ports  112  on the interior side of the side panels  108  of the terminal. In this embodiment, there are 12 entrance tabs corresponding to the 12 distribution ports on each side of the terminal. Different embodiments may have a different number of ports and corresponding entrance tabs. The compartment  118  includes six drop management rings  126 . Other embodiments may comprise a different number of drop management rings. Three rows  128  are configured to receive adapter plates  122 . The top row is empty and configured for insertion of an adapter plate. The middle row is shown to include an adapter plate having a plurality of adapters  124 . The bottom row is shown to include an adapter plate  122 . Each adapter plate  122  in this embodiment includes 12 adapter slots, each slot corresponding to a respective distribution port  112 . Other embodiments may comprise a different number of ports and adapters. 
       FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a second compartment  130  of the aerial terminal  100 . The second compartment  130  is the backplane of the terminal  100  and is configured to hold at least one fiber splice tray  132 . In one embodiment, the second compartment  130  may be configured to hold up to three splice trays  132 . Each splice tray  132  may have capacity for up to 24 loose tube or 72 ribbon fiber splices. In some embodiments, the terminal  100  may include a module or cassette having splice and fiber management area. The cassette may be configured to terminate the fiber that runs into the terminal  100 . Various embodiments may include different types or configurations of cassettes. 
     The second compartment  130  receives feeder fiber through the feeder ports  110  shown for example in  FIG.  4   . The terminal  100  can, for example, include four feeder ports  110 , two on each side of the terminal. The feeder ports  110  may be configured to accept multiple cable types. For example, each port  110  may accept up to 144 fiber count or a flat drop feed. Each feeder port  110  may be a 14 mm sealed duct port with a breakoff cap and anti-rotation locking feature. Referring to  FIG.  6   , the second compartment  130  includes cable attachment brackets  134 . Each feeder port  110  may have a corresponding cable attachment bracket  134  disposed within the second compartment  130 . 
     The second compartment  130  further comprises fiber management spools and rings  136 . In various embodiments, the second compartment may provide slack storage capacity. In one embodiment, the terminal may have internal slack storage capacity of about 12 feet of loose tube and about 12 feet of ribbon cable. 
     The terminal  100  is configured to allow termination of a feeder fiber and can accommodate a fiber mid-span. The terminal  100  may allow cables to be utilized while feeding multiple terminals and access points in a distribution system. The terminal  100  may be constructed and arranged to accept fiber and distribute multiple individual service drops. The terminal  100  may allow for mid-span for a larger count fiber cable. A service provider using the terminal  100  may deploy multiple terminals  100  along the same cable run. The terminal  100  may accept FieldShield drop options and other cable drop options. 
     In various embodiments, separation of the second compartment  130  as shown in  FIG.  6    from the first compartment as shown in  FIG.  5    allows for separation of the splices in the second compartment from the drop ports in the first compartment, thereby enhancing network security. 
     In various embodiments, the cover  104  of each compartment may be held up by a respective kickstand.  FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of a kickstand  138  supporting the respective cover  104  of the first compartment  118  of the aerial terminal  100 .  FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of a kickstand  140  supporting the respective cover  104  of the second compartment  130  of the aerial terminal  100 . The kickstands  138  and  140  may be hinged and coupled to the interior of the terminal  100 . Each cover  104  may include one or more tabs  142  for engaging the respective kickstand  138  or  140  to hold the cover in an open position, thereby allowing convenient access to the interior of the terminal  100 . 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the aerial terminal  100 , showing the feeder ports  110  and the distribution ports  112  on the side panel  108  of the terminal. The side panel  108  of the terminal may comprise two end plates  144 . The feeder ports  110  may be centered on the side panel  108  such that each end plate  144  comprises half of each feeder port. When the end plates  144  are abutted, the feeder ports  110  are formed therebetween. In other embodiments, the feeder ports may be aligned or arranged differently than shown in  FIG.  8   . As shown in  FIG.  8   , each of the feeder ports  110  may be sealed with a silicone grommet  146 . Each silicone grommet  146  may comprise two half silicone grommet pieces  148 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . Separation of the silicone grommets  146  into two pieces  148  allows for trimming and customizing the grommets to fit any size of cable to be received into the feeder ports. 
       FIG.  10    is a perspective view of two end plates  144 . Four half grommets  148  are positioned in the end plates  144 . Separation of the end plates  144  allows for easily trimming the compression grommets  148  by clipping out the silicone for each cable entrance needed as shown in  FIG.  10   , to fit the cable being utilized in that feeder port. Thus, each feeder port may be customized to match a respective type and size of cable. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  8   , the plurality of distribution ports  112  may be configured to be sealed ports. In one embodiment, each port  112  may be sealed by installing a flexible port (Clearfield FlexPort) therein, as shown in  FIG.  8    by the sealed port  112   a .  FIG.  11    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible port  150  (FlexPort). The flexible port  150  comprises a seal, such as an O-Ring  152 , a press-in element  154  and a clip  156 . In some embodiments, a flexible port  150  may be pre-installed within the distribution ports  112  of the terminal  100 . In other embodiments, a flexible port  150  may be installed in the field. A flexible port  150  may be installed by placing the seal or O-ring  152  into the desired port hole, placing the press-in element  154  into the hole, and installing the clip  156  into the press-in element. 
     The flexible ports  150  may further comprise entrance tabs  120  as shown in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B . The entrance tabs  120  are disposed inside the first compartment  118 . As shown in  FIGS.  12 A and  12 B , the entrance tabs  120  of flexible ports  150  are being broken off prior to usage of the flexible ports. 
       FIG.  13    is perspective view of the aerial terminal  100  with both covers  104  open. The second compartment  130  of the terminal includes a splice tray  132  having a translucent cover  158 . In various embodiments disclosed herein, the splice trays may include stackable loose tube fiber splice chips, as discussed below in relation to  FIGS.  14 A to  14 C . 
       FIG.  14 A  is a top view of one embodiment of a splice chip  160 ,  FIG.  14 B  is a perspective view of the splice chip  160 , and  FIG.  14 C  is a cross-sectional side view of the splice chip  160 . Referring now to  FIGS.  14 A to  14 C , the splice chip  160  includes a plurality of central posts  162  spaced apart from each other. For example, the central posts  162  may be spaced apart equidistantly from each other, forming a plurality of slots  164 , each slot located between a pair of posts. As shown in  FIGS.  14 B and  14 C , the plurality of posts  162  may be arranged vertically along an elongated base  166 . 
     Each post  162  has a plurality of protrusions emanating therefrom, on either side of the base  166 . The protrusions may comprise lower protrusions  168  that emanate from a lower portion of the posts  162 , and upper protrusions  170  that emanate from upper portions of the posts  162 , as shown for example in  FIG.  14 C . Thus, the lower protrusions  168  and the upper protrusions  170  divide each slot  164  into two stacked slots comprising a lower slot  172  and an upper slot  174 . The lower protrusions  168  and the upper protrusions  170  may be angled relative to each other as shown for example in  FIGS.  14 A and  14 B , and may form stacked elongated slots  172  and  174  for storing loose tube fiber splices. All the lower protrusions  168   a  on a first side (side a) of the base  166  may be oriented substantially parallel to each other, and all the upper protrusions  170   a  on the first side of the base may be oriented substantially parallel to each other. Further, all the lower protrusions  168   b  on a second side (side b) of the base  166  may be oriented substantially parallel to each other, and all the upper protrusions  170   b  on the second side of the base may be oriented substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the lower protrusions  168   a  on one side of the base  166  may be oriented substantially parallel to the upper protrusions  170   b  on the other side of the base. Similarly, the upper protrusions  170   a  on one side of the base  166  may be oriented substantially parallel to the lower protrusions  168   b  on the other side of the base, so as to form an “X” pattern of protrusions  168  and  170  emanating from a plurality of posts  162 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  14 A to  14 C , the splice chip  160  has six elongated upper slots  174 . The splice chip  160  also has six elongated lower slots  172 . Each of the lower slots  172  is located under a corresponding upper slot  174 . Thus, each splice chip  160  holds 12 loose tube fiber splices: six splices stacked on top of six splices. 
       FIG.  15    is a top view of the splice tray  132  configured to receive a plurality of splice chips  160 . In this embodiment, the splice tray  132  is configured to receive two splice chips  160 . Other embodiments may be configured to receive a different number and arrangement of splice chips. The splice tray  132  includes a plurality of slots  176 , each slot  176  being configured to receive a respective splice chip  160 . For example, a slot  176  may be configured to couple to at least portion of the base  166  of a splice chip  160 . Other embodiments of splice trays and splice chips may comprise a different mechanism for coupling. The splice tray  132  further comprises a plurality of prongs  178  for fiber management and storage. 
       FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the splice tray  132  with splices  180  disposed in the two splice chips  160 . Each splice chip  160  is shown to store splices  180  in the six slots of the splice chip.  FIG.  17    is a close-up view of a splice chip  160 , showing splices  180  and  182  stored in the top and bottom rows or slots of the splice chip, respectively. Thus, the splice chip  160  accommodates stacked loose tube fiber splices  180  and  182 , up to a maximum of 12 splices. 
       FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a splice tray  132  within the terminal  100 , having one stackable loose tube fiber splice chip  160  and one ribbon splice chip  184 . Some embodiments of splice trays may comprise loose tube fiber splice chips that may accommodate up to 24 loose tube fiber splices per tray. Other embodiments of splice trays may comprise ribbon splice chips that may accommodate up to 72 ribbon splices per tray. In yet other embodiments, the splice tray may comprise various combinations of loose tube fiber splice and ribbon splice chips. 
     Some embodiments of the aerial terminals disclosed herein may comprise fiber management modules or cassettes. Various embodiments of fiber management cassettes may comprise stackable loose tube fiber splice chips such as the splice chip  160  illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A to  14 C .  FIG.  19 A  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an optical fiber cassette  186  having a loose tube fiber splice chip  160 . The cassette  186  comprises a base  188  having mounting tabs  190 . The cassette  186  further comprises a splice tray  192  and a splice tray cover  194  configured to couple to the splice tray. The splice tray is configured to receive at least one splice chip  160 . The base  188  comprises a slack storage area and is configured to couple to a slack storage cover  196 . The cassette  186  further comprises an adapter plate  198  and a top cover  200  configured to couple to the base  188 .  FIG.  19 B  is a perspective view of the assembled optical fiber cassette  186 , showing the adapter plate  198  positioned at the front of the cassette and the top cover  200  positioned at the top of the cassette. 
       FIG.  20 A  is a top view of the splice tray  192  of the optical fiber cassette  186 . The splice tray  192  includes a single splice chip  160 . The splice tray  192  may also accommodate two splice chips  160 , as shown for example in  FIG.  20 B . Other embodiments of splice trays and cassettes may accommodate a different number or arrangement of splice chips. The splice tray further comprises a fiber routing and management area. 
       FIG.  21 A  is a side view of a portion of the splice tray  192  configured for receiving a splice chip  160 . The splice chip  160  includes a plurality of chip ends  202  at the edges of the base  166  of the splice chip. The splice tray  192  includes a plurality of undercuts  204  configured to receive the plurality of chip ends  202  so as to couple the splice chip  160  to the splice tray. The chip ends  202  may be bent down as shown by the arrows and may be inserted below the undercuts  204  in the splice tray  192 .  FIG.  21 B  shows the splice chip  160  inserted into the splice tray  192 , with the chip ends  202  positioned below the undercuts  204  of the splice tray. In other embodiments, different mechanisms may be used to couple the splice chips to the splice tray. 
     Embodiments of terminals disclosed herein, such as terminal  100 , may be used in optical fiber distribution systems. For example, a feeder port of terminal  100  may be configured to receive a feeder cable having a plurality of fibers into the terminal. The terminal may be configured to allow connecting the fibers to a cassette, module or adapters within the terminal. Drop cables may be supplied to user locations through one or more distribution ports. Various user locations may be equipped with tap boxes configured to receive one or more fibers and to connect them to the user locations. 
     Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein may be indexed, also referred to as daisy chained, so as to provide drop cables at successive locations along a route. For example, a single fiber may be output at a terminal, with the remaining fibers being propagated and input to the next terminal, and so on, until no active fibers remain. 
     Terminals disclosed herein improve the customer application and craft experience by providing an access terminal capable of multiple drops, for example 24 drops and multiple feeder ports, for example four feeder ports, using a modular and flexible approach that scales across the application environment. 
     Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein are made of black UV resistant thermoplastic designed to resist corrosion. Environmentally sealed terminals provide maximum reliability and durability in the harshest OSP environments. Flat-SC drop connectors may provide bend-limiting relief protection and watertight seal for flat drop, OSP and other types of cable. 
     In some embodiments, the terminal may be configured to accept up to 24 10 mm distribution ports (for example, for 10 mm FieldShield Microduct or FieldShield Flat-SC). In some embodiments, the terminal may accept up to four 14 mm feeder ports (for example, for 14 mm Field Shield Microduct). Patch and splice configurations may accept both flat drop and OSP cable types. Flexibility in configuration provides maximum scalability across multiple services classes. In some embodiments, field-assembled Field Shield Pushable drop cables reduce installation time and labor costs by removing expensive splicing labor from the terminal to customer premise. Pre-terminated factory polished feeder and drop cables improve network operability across multiple network access points. 
     Terminals disclosed herein may be configured to provide various types of connectors, for example SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC/APC and LC/UPC for the distribution and feeder ports. Terminals are not restricted to proprietary connectors. 
     According to another aspect disclosed herein, terminals may be configured in a patch and splice configuration. Whether distribution cables are passing through a serving area, fiber is being handed off via a mid-span and continuing on, or current architecture is being upgraded to push fiber further into the network with FTTH build outs, in some embodiments the terminal may be configured to accept the “hand-off” of fiber and distribute up to 24 service drops. A route path may be aerially established to the subscriber with microducts or Flat-SC drop connect. In one embodiment using the microduct solution, a pre-terminated pushable drop cable, terminated with a pushable connector on one end and industry standard connector on the other, may be pushed or pulled from or to the terminal, mated and secured with an industry standard SC connector. 
     Various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein provide flexible and hardened terminals. Various embodiments are configured to support various different types of drops and microducts, including those supplied by Clearfield. The configuration flexibility supports multitude of application environments. Various embodiments may provide plug-and-play readiness, and may flex and scale to meet the requirement foundation for any network design. 
     Embodiments of aerial terminals may be configured to allow for mid-spanning up to a 144-count optical fiber for fiber connectivity with up to 24 drops from the terminal to the subscriber. Without commanding a price premium over a simple splice case that has often been used to provide the splicing and connectivity required for this application, aerial terminals also provide interconnect connectivity. In addition, the aerial terminal may provide the service provider a choice of drop cable media. 
     An aerial terminal allows for aerial/strand mount fiber deployment within the network architecture. Designed for easy craft accessibility, embodiments of an aerial terminal may have a removable hinged cover with four side entrance cable access ports. Some embodiments of aerial terminal may have 24 individual drops terminated to SC connectors. Various embodiments of the aerial terminal may be configured to accept various drop options, for example all of the FieldShield drop options, as well as other cable drop options. 
     Various embodiments of aerial terminals may be optimized for use with FieldShield Microduct and Pushable Fiber, as well as FieldShield flat drop cable assemblies. Free breathing aerial terminals provide durability and protection in the OSP environments. 
     The terminals may be configured to allow various applications. In one embodiment, the terminal may be configured for daisy chained applications. This configuration provides terminal and drop connectivity while providing signal advancement to the next terminal. In various embodiments, the terminals may be configured to support MPO, SC and LC connectors. Terminals may also be configured for coarse and dense wave division multiplexing. In some embodiments, terminals may be configured for distributed split applications, and may include different types of splitters, such as 1×4, 1×8, 1×16 PLC splitters, and may be arranged in stub configurations. 
     Accordingly, as described herein, various embodiments of terminals disclosed herein may be reconfigurable and expandable. For example, terminals may be configured to allow adding optical components, splitters, or CWDM. Terminals may feature hot swappable modules and feature plug and play functionality. 
     Various embodiments of the terminals disclosed herein are complaint with Telcordia GR-771. The terminal may be constructed of black UV resistant thermoplastic. The terminal may be constructed of other materials, preferably a corrosion-resistant material. The terminal may can be constructed to be breathable and durable in OSP environments. 
     Various patch and splice configurations of the terminal  300  accept flat drop and OSP cable types. Various embodiments of the invention allow for customer defined configurations to maximize scalability. 
     This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices and methods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope. 
     In the above detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. 
     As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” 
     While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. 
     As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth. 
     Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.