Patent Publication Number: US-11391893-B2

Title: Connector engagement sensing mechanism

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/449,841, filed on Jun. 24, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/863,331, filed Jan. 5, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,359,578, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/473,872, filed Mar. 20, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/453,449, filed Feb. 1, 2017, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/200,489, filed Jul. 1, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,690,862, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/338,697, filed May 19, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/271,049, filed Dec. 22, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/220,120, filed Sep. 17, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/208,443, filed Aug. 21, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/187,673, filed Jul. 1, 2015, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     The present technology relates generally to optical and electrical connectors, and in particular relates to the detection of connections of such devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     Optical fibers and electrical wires are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires to transmit signals between the respective connected fibers and wires, which may occur in the operation of data storage and transmission devices. Respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are held at their ends by connectors. To establish connections between respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires, the respective opposing optical fibers and electrical wires are attached to each other or are both attached to adapters. 
     Connections between respective optical fiber connectors and electrical wire connectors, the electrical wire connectors and wires held thereby often being termed wiring harnesses, are often made using a click-to-lock configuration, as in the case of optical fiber “LC connectors” and “SC connectors.” This configuration prevents disconnection of connectors when they are connected to each other or to a corresponding adapter, such as by pullout, and also provides a tactile feedback to alert a user attaching connectors to each other or to a corresponding adapter that a full connection in which unintended disconnection has been prevented has been made. 
     Sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter, which may be undetected by users, are made. Additionally, fatigue or other stresses induced through use of the connectors may weaken mechanical connections between connectors or between a connector and an adapter causing connections to be broken or inadequate. Such incomplete or broken connections have caused reduced system performance or even complete system failure. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for detecting that proper respective optical fiber and electrical wiring connections are made and maintained. 
     SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present technology, a connector may include a receptacle for receiving a mating connector and an electrical switch mounted to the receptacle. The connector and the mating connector may be but are not limited to being mating optical or electrical connectors. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined position within the receptacle, the electrical switch may either generate or stop generating an electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, an energy conveying connector assembly may include an energy conveying connector and a mating connector for mating with the energy conveying connector. Such energy conveying connector may include a receptacle which may be dimensioned for receiving the mating connector and an electrical switch which may be mounted to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined position within the receptacle, the electrical switch may either generate or stop generating an electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the energy conveying connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or electrically conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, when the mating connector is received at the predetermined position and is holding the optical fiber or electrically conductive element, the optical fiber or electrically conductive element may be at a predetermined alignment position within the energy conveying connector. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, an energy conveying connector may include a receptacle which may be dimensioned for receiving a mating connector for mating with the energy conveying connector and a sensor. The sensor may be mounted to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined position within the receptacle, the sensor may detect the receipt of the mating connector at the predetermined position within the receptacle and either generate or stop generating an electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the energy conveying connector may be an energy signal conveying connector. In some such arrangements, the energy signal conveying connector may be an optical or electrical signal conveying connector for holding respective optical fibers that convey optical signals corresponding to data or electrically conductive elements that convey electrical signals corresponding to data. Such data may be data transferred to or from network or server equipment, including but not limited to such equipment as may be found in a datacenter. 
     In some such arrangements, the energy signal conveying connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or electrically conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, when the mating connector is received at the predetermined position and is holding the optical fiber or electrically conductive element, the optical fiber or electrically conductive element may be at a predetermined alignment position within the energy conveying connector. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be an electro-optical sensor. The electro-optical sensor may be, but is not limited to being, a position sensor that generates a signal when an object interrupts light transmitted by the position sensor or a photoelectric sensor that at least one of detects the distance that an object is from the photoelectric sensor and detects the absence or presence of an object. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be an electrical switch. In this manner, when the mating connector is received at the predetermined position within the receptacle, the electrical switch may be contacted by the mating connector to cause the electrical switch to either generate or stop generating the electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, an energy conveying connector assembly may include an energy conveying connector and a mating connector for mating with the energy conveying connector. Such energy conveying connector may include a receptacle which may be dimensioned for receiving the mating connector and a sensor which may be mounted to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined position within the receptacle, the sensor may detect the receipt of the mating connector at the predetermined position within the receptacle and either generate or stop generating an electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the energy conveying connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or electrically conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, when the mating connector is received at the predetermined position and is holding the optical fiber or electrically conductive element, the optical fiber or electrically conductive element may be at a predetermined alignment position within the energy conveying connector. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, an energy conveying connector assembly may include a receptacle dimensioned for receiving a mating connector for mating with the energy conveying connector and a sensor mounted to a frame configured to couple with the receptacle. When the frame is coupled with the receptacle and the mating connector is received at a predetermined position within the receptacle, the sensor may detect the receipt of the mating connector at the predetermined position within the receptacle and may either generate or stop generating an electrical signal to indicate that the mating connector is received at the predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the energy conveying connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or electrically conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, when the mating connector is received at the predetermined position and is holding the optical fiber or electrically conductive element, the optical fiber or electrically conductive element may be at a predetermined alignment position within the energy conveying connector. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may detect the receipt of the mating connector at the predetermined position within the receptacle through the receptacle. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a connector assembly may include a housing, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing may have a bore. The ferrule may be translatable within the bore of the housing. The sensor may be mounted in the bore of the housing and may be configured for detecting translation of the ferrule. Upon such detection of the ferrule, an electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate translation of the ferrule to a predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe that may be configured for contacting the ferrule during translation of the ferrule. In this manner, the probe may translate with the ferrule during contact with the ferrule and the electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe. Such probe may be a retractable probe that retracts from a rest position. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be a pressure or a displacement sensor. 
     In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include a resilient element that may be in abutment with the ferrule. In such configurations, the sensor may detect changes in length of the resilient element during translation of the ferrule. 
     In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include an optical fiber having a portion passing through the ferrule. In such configurations, the ferrule may maintain the position of the portion of the optical fiber passing through the ferrule. 
     In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include a cable. The cable may include a second sensor that may be positioned along a length of the cable. In such configurations, an electrical characteristic of the second sensor may change when the surface of the cable over which the second sensor lies deforms. In some such arrangements, an alert signal may be generated by a remote electronic device when an electrical signal corresponding to a changed electrical characteristic of the second sensor is conducted to the remote electronic device and has at least a minimum value. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a connector assembly may include a housing, a ferrule, and electrically conductive first and second contacts. The housing may have a bore. The ferrule may be translatable within the bore of the housing. The electrically conductive first contact may be mounted to the housing. The electrically conductive second contact may be mounted to the ferrule. The electrically conductive second contact may be moveable between first and second positions during translation of the ferrule. The electrically conductive second contact may be conductively coupled with the electrically conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the first position of translation, and the electrically conductive second contact may not be conductively coupled with the electrically conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the second position of translation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a system may include a circuit, a housing, a ferrule, and electrically conductive first and second contacts. The circuit may be configured for providing a control signal to a peripheral component. The housing may have a bore. The ferrule may be translatable within the bore of the housing. The electrically conductive first contact may be mounted to the housing. The electrically conductive second contact may be mounted to the ferrule on an end of the ferrule. The electrically conductive second contact may be moveable between first and second positions during translation of the ferrule. The electrically conductive second contact may be conductively coupled with the electrically conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the first position of translation, and the electrically conductive second contact may not be conductively coupled with the electrically conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the second position of translation. 
     In some arrangements, the circuit may be a logic circuit, and in some such arrangements, the system may be a logic system. 
     In some arrangements, when the electrically conductive first and second contacts are conductively coupled, the circuit may not provide the control signal to the peripheral component. 
     In some arrangements, when the electrically conductive first and second contacts are conductively coupled, the circuit may provide the control signal to the peripheral component. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing may be received by the adapter and may have a bore. The ferrule may be translatable within the bore of the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the housing or on the adapter. The sensor may be configured for detecting translation of the ferrule. An electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate translation of the ferrule to a predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on an exterior portion of a wall of the housing in which the wall defines the bore of the housing and in which the exterior portion is on an opposite side of the wall from the bore. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe which may be configured for contacting the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing or the housing when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. In this manner, the probe may translate or be translated against the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing or with the housing when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. Such translation of the probe may be in proportion to the translation of the ferrule during such contact of the probe with the respective adapter or housing. The electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be a displacement sensor. In some other arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor, e.g., a pressure sensor. 
     In some arrangements, the connector assembly may further include a projection which may extend from the housing. In some such arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the projection when the sensor is mounted on the housing or the probe may be configured for contacting the projection when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. 
     In some arrangements, the housing may include a main body and a projection which may extend from the main body. The sensor may be mounted between the main body and the projection on either of the main body and the projection. The sensor may include a probe which may be configured for contacting the projection when the sensor is mounted on the main body or the main body when the sensor is mounted on the projection. In this manner, the probe may translate or be translated with the projection when the sensor is mounted on the main body or against the main body when the sensor is mounted on the projection. Such translation of the probe may be in proportion to the translation of the ferrule during such contact with the respective projection or main body. The electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe. 
     In some such arrangements, the projection may be hingedly connected to the main body when the sensor is on the main body. In some other such arrangements, the projection may be integral with the main body. 
     In some arrangements, the connector assembly may further include a projection that may extend from the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the projection when the sensor is mounted on the housing or the sensor may be configured for contacting the projection when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. During translation of the ferrule a minimum distance, the sensor may be pressed by a force from the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing or the projection may be pressed by a force against the sensor when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. The electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor. 
     In some arrangements, the housing may include a main body and a projection extending from the main body. The sensor may be mounted between the main body and the projection on either of the main body and the projection. The sensor may be configured for contacting the main body when the sensor is mounted on the projection or the sensor may be configured for contacting the projection when the sensor is mounted on the main body. During translation of the ferrule a minimum distance, the sensor may be pressed by a force against the main body when the sensor is mounted on the projection or the projection may be pressed by a force against the sensor when the sensor is mounted on the main body. The electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor. 
     In some such arrangements, the projection may be hingedly connected to the main body when the sensor is on the main body. In some other such arrangements, the projection may be integral with the main body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing device, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing device may include a housing that may be receivable by the adapter and may have a bore, a front end, and a rear end that is opposite the front end of the housing. The ferrule may be received at least partially within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing device or on the adapter. When the sensor is mounted on the adapter, the sensor may confront and may be spaced apart from the rear end of the housing device. The sensor may be configured for detecting a force applied by the rear end of the housing device, or in some arrangements, other components of the housing device fixed to the housing such that the components translate with the housing. An electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate a predetermined force has been applied by the housing device. 
     In some arrangements, the adapter may include a first adapter wall and the housing device may include a first housing wall. In this manner, when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is on an inner side of the first adapter wall in which the first adapter wall faces a first direction, movement of the first housing wall in a second direction opposite the first direction may be limited by the first adapter wall. 
     In some arrangements, the first housing wall may face in the second direction. 
     In some arrangements, the mating end of the ferrule may face in the first direction and may be on the inner side of the first adapter wall when the movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall. 
     In some arrangements, the mating end of the ferrule may be spaced in the first direction from the first housing wall when the movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall. 
     In some arrangements, the first housing wall may be movable when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is on the inner side of the first adapter wall. 
     In some arrangements, the adapter may include a second adapter wall opposing the first adapter wall. In some such arrangements, the first housing wall may be between the first and the second adapter walls when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is on the inner side of the first adapter wall. 
     In some such arrangements, the housing device may include a second housing wall opposite the first housing wall. When the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is on the inner side of the first adapter wall, the first housing wall may face the first adapter wall to define a first distance between the first housing wall and the first adapter wall and the second housing wall may face the second adapter wall to define a second distance between the second housing wall and the second adapter wall. In this manner, the sum of the first and the second distances may be greater than zero. 
     In some such arrangements, the first distance may be a first clearance defined by a peak of the first housing wall and a peak of the first adapter wall. The second distance may be a second clearance defined by a peak of the second housing wall and a peak of the second adapter wall. In this manner, the sum of the first and the second clearances may be greater than zero. In some such arrangements, this sum may be at least 0.1 mm. In some such arrangements, the sum of the first and the second clearances may be at least 0.5 mm. 
     In some arrangements, the first housing wall may be defined by a step of a lever of an LC connector. The first adapter wall may be a portion of a hole extending through or may be a cavity extending within the adapter. In this manner, the step of the lever may be received in the hole or the cavity extending within the adapter when the first housing wall is received in the adapter. 
     In some arrangements, the housing device may form part of an SC connector. The housing may define a groove and may include a protrusion that may act as a catch, which may be but is not limited to being for interaction with a hook of a flange. The first housing wall may define a portion of the groove. The first adapter wall may define an end of a flange such that the end of the flange is received in the groove of the housing when the first housing wall is received in the adapter. 
     In some arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate, and the sensor may be mounted on the base plate. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing device. In some such arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate and a post may extend from the base plate such that the sensor is in abutment with the post when the sensor detects the force applied by the rear end of the housing device. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may a displacement sensor. 
     In some arrangements, an indication that the predetermined force has been applied by the housing device may indicate that a second predetermined force has been applied to the mating end of the ferrule. 
     In some arrangements, the housing device further includes an extension device that may extend from a rear end of the housing. In some such arrangements, a rear end of the extension device may define the rear end of the housing device. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the extension device. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may be separable from the housing without fracturing either of the housing and the extension device. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may be threaded onto or into the housing. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may include an inner extension body and an outer extension body that may be attached to the inner extension body. The inner extension body may be directly attached to the rear end of the housing and the outer extension body may extend radially from the inner extension body such that the force that the sensor is configured to detect is applied by a rear end of the outer extension body. 
     In some arrangements, the inner and outer extension bodies may be in the form of tubes. In some such arrangements, the outer extension body may circumferentially surround and may be attached to the inner extension body. In some such arrangements, the outer extension body may be threaded onto the inner extension body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing device, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing device may include a housing that may be receivable by the adapter and may have a bore, a front end, and a rear end that is opposite the front end of the housing. The ferrule may be within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing device. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing device or on the adapter. When the sensor is mounted on the adapter, the sensor may confront and may be spaced apart from the rear end of the housing device. The sensor may be configured for detecting translation of the housing device. In this manner, an electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the housing device has translated to a predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, an indication that the housing device has translated to the predetermined position may indicate that the mating end of the ferrule has translated to a second predetermined position. 
     In some arrangements, the housing device and the ferrule may be translated the same distance. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may include a base module and a displaceable probe that may extend from the base module. In this manner, the electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the housing device has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the probe or of the displacement of the probe. 
     In some arrangements, the housing device may further include an extension device that may extend from a rear end of the housing. In some such arrangements, a rear end of the extension device may define the rear end of the housing device. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the technology, a connector assembly may include an adapter; a housing device, a ferrule assembly, and a sensor. The housing device may include a housing that may be receivable by the adapter. The housing may include a bore, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end of the housing. The bore through the housing may define an opening at the rear end of the housing, which in some arrangements may be the rear end of the housing device. The ferrule assembly may include a ferrule within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing. The ferrule assembly may have a front end and a rear end opposite the front end of the ferrule assembly. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly or on the adapter confronting and spaced apart from the rear end of the ferrule assembly. The sensor may be configured for detecting either of or both of (i) a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly. In this manner, an electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate either of or both of (i) a predetermined force has been applied by the ferrule assembly when the sensor is configured for detecting a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) a translation of the ferrule assembly to a predetermined position when the sensor is configured for detecting translation of the ferrule assembly. 
     In some arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate and the sensor may be mounted on the base plate. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may include a base module and a displaceable probe that may extend from the base module. In this manner, the electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the housing device has translated to the predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the probe or of the displacement of the probe. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly. In some such arrangements, the rear end of the ferrule assembly may be outside of the housing device when the sensor detects either of (i) the force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) the translation of the ferrule assembly. 
     In some arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate and a post extending from the base plate such that the sensor is in abutment with the post when the sensor detects either of (i) the force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) the translation of the ferrule assembly. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor. In some arrangements, the sensor may be a displacement sensor. 
     In some arrangements, an indication that the predetermined force has been applied by the housing device may indicate that a second predetermined force has been applied to the mating end of the ferrule. 
     In some arrangements, the ferrule assembly may further include an extension device that may extend from a rear end of the ferrule. In some such arrangements, a rear end of the extension device may define the rear end of the ferrule assembly. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the extension device. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may be separable from the housing without fracturing either of the ferrule and the extension device. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may be threaded onto or into the ferrule. 
     In some arrangements, the extension device may include an inner extension body and an outer extension body attached to the inner extension body. In some such arrangements, the inner extension body may be directly attached to the rear end of the ferrule and the outer extension body may extend radially from the inner extension body such that the force that the sensor is configured to detect is applied by a rear end of the outer extension body. 
     In some arrangements, the inner and outer extension bodies may be in the form of tubes. In some such arrangements, the outer extension body may circumferentially surround and may be attached to the inner extension body. In some such arrangements, the outer extension body may be threaded onto the inner extension body. 
     In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe that may extend into the bore of the housing. In some such arrangements, the probe may be aligned with the ferrule assembly such that the ferrule assembly may be in contact with the probe when the sensor detects either of (i) the force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the following accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective cutaway view of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology prior to assembly of a male connector and a female connector assembly of the optical assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective cutaway view of the optical assembly of  FIG. 1  after assembly of the male connector and the female connector assembly of the optical assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology prior to assembly of a male connector and a female connector assembly of the optical assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the optical assembly of  FIG. 3  after assembly of the male connector and the female connector assembly of the optical assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded view of the female connector assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a portion of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are cross-sectional side views of a connector assembly for use in an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional side view of a connector assembly for use in an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are cross-sectional side views of connector assemblies for use in respective optical assemblies in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies, respectively in disconnected and connected states, in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side view of a connector assembly for use in an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 18  shows cross-sectional side views of a connector assembly, respectively in disconnected and connected states, for use in an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies, respectively in disconnected and connected states, in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are cross-sectional rearward views of the optical assembly shown in  FIG. 21  along lines  21 A- 21 A and  21 B- 21 B in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 22A  is a cross-sectional rearward view of the optical assembly shown in  FIG. 22  along lines  22 A- 22 A in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  are cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies in a connected state in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 25A and 25B  are cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies, respectively in disconnected and connected states, in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 26A and 26B  are cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies, respectively in disconnected and connected states, in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIG. 28  is a partial cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technology; 
         FIGS. 29-31  are partial cross-sectional side views of optical assemblies in accordance with the present technology; and 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a network component having a connector assembly to which the present technology may be adapted. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , optical assembly  100 , as an exemplary energy signal conveying assembly for facilitating the conveying of optical signals from one optical fiber to another optical fiber, may include female connector assembly  110  and male connector  140 , which as shown may be connectors for alignment of optical fibers such as “LC connectors.” Female connector assembly  110  may include first receptacle  112  and second receptacle  114  opposite and sharing a wall with first receptacle  112  in which first receptacle  112  may receive an optical fiber component (not shown) and second receptacle  114  may receive mating end  141  of male connector  140 . Female connector assembly  110  may include a plurality of sets of first and second receptacles  112 ,  114 , as in the example shown, to receive a plurality of optical fiber components and male connectors  140 . 
     Female connector assembly  110  further may include switch  130  which, as shown, may be mounted on a surface within second receptacle  114 . Switch  130  is shown as a toggle-style switch, having module base  132  and trigger  134 . However, other switches, including but not limited to push button switches and magnetically-activated switches or other mechanical contact switches, may be used in place of the toggle-style switch. 
     Female connector assembly  110  may include female protrusion  116  defining bore  118  for receiving male protrusion  142  extending from mating end  141  of male connector  140  when second receptacle  114  of female connector assembly  110  receives the mating end. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , when male protrusion  142  is received within female protrusion  116 , the female protrusion may be received within recess  144  of male connector  140 . Through the interconnection of male protrusion  142  and female protrusion  116 , optical fiber  180  extending within bore  145  of male protrusion  142  of male connector  140  may be positioned in female connector assembly  110  to align with an end of an optical fiber within the optical fiber component that may be received within first receptacle  112  described previously herein. As in the example shown, female connector assembly  110  may include second female protrusion  119  defining a bore for receiving a male protrusion extending from a mating end of the optical fiber component through which the optical fiber of the optical fiber component may extend for alignment with optical fiber  180 . 
     Male connector  140  may include lower clip  146  extending from mating end  141  and upper clip  148  extending from front end  149  of male connector  140 . Upper clip  148  may act to limit travel of lower clip  146  in a direction away from the rest of the male connector as well as to provide a barrier to protect against undesired bending of the lower clip. Lower clip  146  may include rear surface  150  such that as male connector  140  is received within second receptacle  114  of female connector  110 , the rear surface may contact trigger  134  of switch  130  to cause the trigger to move rearwards. As shown, switch  130  may be positioned within second receptacle  114  such that when male connector  140  reaches a predetermined insertion distance, trigger  134  is moved to a position to close a normally open contact, or alternatively to open a normally closed contact. In this manner, switch  130  may generate a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, when the switch is open to provide an indication that male connector  140  is properly received within female connector  110 . In some arrangements, such a switch may have variable electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance that may change when the switch is closed. In such arrangements, the changes in resistance, capacitance, or inductance within the switch may be recognized by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed electrical characteristics and conveyed from the switch, such as over wire or like signal-conveying means. 
     In some arrangements, switch  130  may be connected to a wire extending into a portion of second receptacle  114  and, in other arrangements, switch  130  may be in contact with a conductive terminal (not shown) adjacent to the switch. In still other arrangements, switch  130  may be electrically connected in other configurations known to those of ordinary skill, such as but not limited to a flex ribbon cable or a flexible circuit board such as that shown in the alternative arrangement in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-6 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-6 , optical assembly  200  may include female connector assembly  210  and male connector  140 . Female connector assembly  210  may be substantially similar to female connector assembly  110  with certain notable exceptions described herein. Female connector assembly  110  may include sensor  230 , which may be an electro-optical sensor, in place of, or in addition to switch  130 . As best shown in  FIG. 5 , such an electro-optical sensor may be a position sensor, e.g. any of OSRAM SFH 7741 Proximity Sensor SHARP GP2AP030A00F Proximity Sensor with Ambient Light Sensor, SHARP GP2AP002S00F Proximity Sensor, GP2AP002A00F Proximity Sensor with Integrated Ambient Light Sensor, and VISHAY VCNL4040 Fully Integrated Proximity and Ambient Light Sensor with Infrared Emitter, I 2 C Interface, and Interrupt Function, that transmits and receives light, designated by arrows  205  and  206  in  FIG. 5 , as well as generates a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal. Such signal may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or a position sensor that generates and transmits a signal for routing to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, stops generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, when an object interrupts light transmitted by the sensor. In some arrangements, such a position sensor may have variable electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance that may change when light is received or stops being received by the sensor. In such arrangements, the changes in resistance, capacitance, or inductance within the sensor may be recognized by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed electrical characteristics and conveyed from the position sensor, such as over a wire or like signal-conveying means. 
     As in the example shown, sensor  230  may be mounted to an exterior of female connector assembly  210 . In this arrangement, female connector assembly  210  may have a pair of holes  221 ,  222  passing through a sidewall of second receptacle  214 . Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the light transmitted by sensor  230  may pass through hole  221  and the light received by sensor  230  may pass through hole  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , cable  225 , which may be but is not limited to being a flex ribbon cable or as shown a flexible circuit board, may be electrically connected and extend from sensor  230 . In this manner, cable  225  may provide electrical power to activate sensor  230  such that the sensor may transmit light, detect received light, and generate or generate and transmit a signal when an object interrupts the light transmitted by the sensor. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , mating end  141  of male connector  140  may include rear edge  147  such that when the rear edge is received to a depth within second receptacle  214  of female connector assembly  210  that aligns with hole  222  of female connector assembly  210 , the rear edge may interrupt the light transmitted by sensor  230 . In this manner, sensor  230  may detect the presence of male connector  140  in second receptacle  214  of female connector assembly  210 . When the presence of male connector  140  is detected, sensor  230  may generate a signal to be carried along cable  225 , such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a remote signal receiver, or in the alternative, sensor  230  may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, in a manner similar to switch  130  of optical assembly  100  as described previously herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , optical assembly  300  may include female connector assembly  310  and male connector  140 . Female connector assembly  310  may be substantially similar to female connector assembly  210  with the exception that sensor  230  of female connector assembly may be positioned on an exterior of female connector assembly  310  such that sensor  230  is in alignment with holes extending through a sidewall of second receptacle  314  of female connector assembly  310 . In such an arrangement, the hole passing through the sidewall of second receptacle  314  through which sensor  230  detects light may be positioned to align with lower clip  146  when lower clip  146  is in a rest position at full insertion of male connector  140  into female connector assembly  310 . As such, the interruption of light transmitted by sensor  230  may be detected by sensor  230  when lower clip  146  is in the rest position and consequently sensor  230  may generate a signal to be carried along cable  225  or stop generating a signal to be carried along cable  225  in the same manner that a signal either is generated by optical assembly  200  or stops being generated by optical assembly  200 . As lower clip  146  is in a rest position at full insertion of male connector  140 , sensor  230  thus detects presence as well as the full insertion of male connector  140  into female connector assembly  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , an optical assembly may include female connector assembly  410  and a male connector, such as male connector  140 . Female connector assembly  410  may be substantially similar to female connector assembly  210  with the exception that sensor  230  may be fixed to construct  460 , which may be but is not limited to being a frame, that is separable from female connector assembly  410 . As shown, cable  225  may be fixed, such as but not limited to by adhesive, to construct  460  to add rigidity to the cable. 
     Construct  460  may be positioned relative to or even coupled with female connector assembly  410  such that sensor  230  is in alignment with hole  222  extending through a sidewall of second receptacle  214  of female connector assembly  410 . In this manner, when rear edge  147  of male connector  140  is received to a depth within second receptacle  214  of female connector assembly  410  that aligns with hole  222  of female connector  210 , the rear edge interrupts the light transmitted by sensor  230 . In this manner, sensor  230  may detect the presence of male connector  140  in second receptacle  214  of female connector assembly  410 . When the presence of male connector  140  is detected, sensor  230  may generate a signal to be carried along cable  225 , such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a remote signal receiver, or in the alternative, sensor  230  may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal. 
     In an alternative arrangement (not shown) of optical assemblies  200  and  400 , sensor  230  and corresponding holes for alignment with the light transmitted and received by the sensor may be positioned at the exterior of the second receptacle of the female connector assembly such that rear edge  147  of male connector  140  may align with the first hole with which the rear edge may align when male connector  140  is fully inserted into the second receptacle of the female connector. As such, the interruption of light transmitted by sensor  230  may be detected by sensor  230  when male connector  140  is fully inserted into the second receptacle of the female connector and consequently sensor  230  may generate a signal to be carried along cable  225  or stop generating a signal to be carried along cable  225  in the same manner that a signal either may be generated by optical assembly  200  or may stop being generated by optical assembly  200 . In such an arrangement, sensor  230  thus detects presence as well as the full insertion of male connector  140  into the female connector assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , cover  570  may be placed over a sensor, such as sensor  230 , and attached to a female connector assembly, such as female connector assembly  210  or any of the other female connector assemblies disclosed herein, to cover the connection between the sensor and cable  225 . In this manner, cover  570  may prevent contaminants from damaging the circuitry of or interfering with the signal transmission between the sensor and cable  225 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , optical assembly  600  may include first connector assembly  610  and second connector assembly  640  in which the first and second connector assemblies may be engageable by way of abutment to each other as well as adapter  650  into which the first and second connector assemblies may be inserted and properly aligned to each other. Each of first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  may include housing  611 , fiber and ferrule assembly  616  which may have inner and outer ferrule portions  617 A and  617 B as well as optical fiber  1  extending through each of the inner and outer ferrule portions and held in position by the outer ferrule portion, resilient element  621  which may be but is not limited to being a coil spring, and resilient element stopper  623 . As in the example shown, each of first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  may optionally include buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627 , crimp ring  628  which may crimp the buffer tubes and yarn assembly as well as rearward end of resilient element stopper  623 , and boot  629  that may cover any or all of the rearward end of resilient stopper  623 , buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627 , and crimp ring  628 . 
     As shown, housing  611  may include partition  612  across its diameter through which outer ferrule portion  617 B of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  may extend. In this manner, partition  612  holds a central portion of outer ferrule portion  617 B such that the partition aids in the alignment of the outer ferrule portion and thus fiber  1  of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  along a central axis defined by the housing. 
     Inner ferrule portion  617 A may extend through housing bore  613  of housing  611  on an inner side of partition  612  of housing  611  in which a forward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A may have an outer diameter that is the same or substantially the same as the housing bore such that the inner ferrule portion is in sliding engagement, in this example sliding contact, with the housing bore and is fixed in radial and axial positions relative to the housing. 
     A rearward end of outer ferrule portion  617 B, which may be but is not limited to being made of any of ceramic, glass, and stiff plastic, may extend into the forward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A. In this manner, inner ferrule portion  617 A may hold a central portion of outer ferrule portion  617 B such that the inner ferrule portion, in conjunction with partition  612  of housing  611 , aids in the alignment of the outer ferrule portion and thus fiber  1  of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  along a central axis defined by the housing. 
     Resilient element stopper  623  may extend through housing  611  and may have forward flanges  624  that extend radially from a longitudinal axis of the resilient element stopper  623 . As shown, forward flanges  624  may be chamfered such that forward ends of the forward flanges of resilient element stopper  623  have a smaller diameter than a rearward end of the forward flanges. Forward flanges  624  may extend into apertures  615  of housing  611  upon assembly of resilient element stopper  623  with housing  611 . As further shown, resilient element stopper  623  may have an outer diameter that is the same or substantially the same as housing bore  613  of housing  611 . In this manner, resilient element stopper  623  may be inserted into and remain in contact with housing bore  613  through a rearward end of the housing such that the resilient element stopper is fixed in radial and axial positions relative to housing  611 . 
     Resilient element stopper  623  may include stopper bore  625  that may receive a rearward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A. The rearward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A may have an outer diameter that is the same or substantially the same as stopper bore  625  such that the inner ferrule portion is in sliding engagement, in this example sliding contact, with the stopper bore and is fixed in radial and axial positions relative to resilient element stopper  623 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , resilient element  621  may be compressed between the forward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  and the forward ends of forward flanges  624  of resilient element stopper  623 . As such, opposing ends of resilient element  621  may be held against the forward section of inner ferrule portion  617 A and the forward ends of forward flanges  624  of resilient element stopper  623 , respectively, when the first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  are assembled. In this manner, as shown, a forward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may abut against partition  612  when no external, i.e., non-gravitational, forces are acting on either of first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640 . 
     First and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  preferably may be dimensioned such that when these assemblies are in abutment with each other, centers of the forward ends of their opposing optical fibers  1  extending through their respective fiber and ferrule assemblies  616  are axially aligned with the central axes defined by the fiber and ferrule assemblies  616  of the respective first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640 , and these centers are disposed as close to each other as physically possible, as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
     First connector assembly  610 , and in some arrangements second connector assembly or both first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640 , may include sensor  630  that may be positioned within housing bore  613  of housing  611  of the first connector assembly. As in the example shown, sensor  630  may be affixed, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners or chemical adhesion as known to those skilled in the art, to stopper bore  625 . Sensor  630  may include probe  631  which may extend in a forward direction from sensor module  633  of the sensor in a rest position and which may be retractable such that the probe retracts from the rest position to a retracted position in which at least a portion of the probe not received in the sensor module when the probe is in the rest position is received in the sensor module. In such an arrangement, sensor  630  may be a displacement sensor or force sensor, e.g., a pressure sensor. 
     When sensor  630  is a displacement sensor, such as those known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a linear encoder in sensor module  633  may detect movement of probe  631  within the module. In other arrangements when sensor  630  is a displacement sensor, probe  631  may be made of a material such that the probe may provide variable resistance to a current flowing through the probe as portions of the probe move into and out of sensor module  633 . Such changes in resistance may be measured by an electronic device receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the changed resistance in which the electrical signal may be conveyed over a wire or like signal-conveying means. In still other arrangements when sensor  630  is a displacement sensor, probe  631  may be made of dielectric material such that the probe may provide for variable capacitance as portions of the probe move into and out of sensor module  633 . Such changes in capacitance may be measured by an electronic device receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the changed capacitance in which the electrical signal may be conveyed over a wire or like signal-conveying means. 
     In some arrangements when sensor  630  is a force sensor, probe  631  may abut against a pressure-sensing surface which may be but is not limited to being a diaphragm. In some arrangements when sensor  630  is a force sensor, the sensor may not include probe  631  and instead inner ferrule portion  617 A of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  may have an extension (not shown) that may abut against a pressure-sensing surface which may be but is not limited to being a diaphragm. In some arrangements when sensor  630  is a force sensor such as those just described, the pressure-sensing surface may be a deflected diaphragm or other cantilever abutted against probe  631  or an extension of inner ferrule portion  617 A of fiber and ferrule assembly  616 , as the case may be. 
     In still other arrangements, sensor  630  may not be a pressure or displacement sensor such as those just described. Instead, a micro strain gage may be affixed to a resilient element within sensor module  633  in which the resilient element may be fixedly attached, such as but not limited to by fastening or chemical adhesion, to probe  631 . In such arrangements, the strain gage may detect deformation of the surface of the resilient element, for example, in the axial direction, i.e., the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of probe  631 . 
     As shown, sensor  630  may be positioned within housing bore  611  of housing  610 , and in this example within stopper bore  625  of resilient element stopper  623 , such that a forward end of retractable probe  631  may contact the rearward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A. In this manner, when first connector assembly  610  is not engaged with, in this example not in abutment with, second connector assembly  640 , probe  631  of sensor  630  may be extended from sensor module  633  at the rest position. Further in this manner, application of a force in the rearward direction by the forward end of outer ferrule portion  617 B of second connector assembly  640  with the forward end of outer ferrule portion  617 B of first connector assembly  610  during engagement of first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  may cause probe  631  to retract towards sensor module  633  of sensor  630 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , when first connector assembly  610  is fully inserted into adapter  650  of optical assembly  600  without being engaged with, in this example without being in abutment with, second connector assembly  640  and thus such that fiber and ferrule assembly  616  is at a rest position, outer ferrule portion  617 B may extend beyond plane  699  dividing the adapter into equal halves. As shown in  FIG. 10B , when second connector assembly  640  is fully inserted into adapter  650  of optical assembly  600  following insertion of first connector assembly  610 , the forward ends of outer ferrule portions  617 B of first and second connector assemblies  610 ,  640  may push against each other to cause their opposing fiber and ferrule assemblies  616  to remain in contact but tend towards rearward directions away from each other. In this manner, a rear end of fiber and ferrule assembly  616 , i.e., the rear end of inner ferrule portion  617 A, of first connector assembly  610  may compress retractable probe  631  of sensor  630 . When retractable probe  631  is so compressed within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  630  may generate a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. In some arrangements, such a displacement or force sensor may have variable electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance that may change when movement or force supplied by the connector assembly occurs or stops occurring. In such arrangements, the changes in resistance, capacitance, or inductance within the sensor may be recognized by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed electrical characteristics and conveyed from the displacement or force sensor, such as over a wire or like signal conducting means. 
     In this same manner, signals generated or that are stopped from being generated or transmitted in a predetermined tolerance range as a result of the retraction of probe  631  of sensor  630  when second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650  or as a result of the over-retraction of probe  631  of sensor  630  when second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  650  may also be used to detect when optical fiber  1  has been pulled rearwards, i.e., in the direction away from adapter  650 . Such a pulling effect may be but is not limited to being caused by a human pulling on first connector assembly  610  or by the expansion of cable buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627  in all directions due to environmental elements (temperature, moisture, etc.). As shown in the example of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , cable  635  may extend from sensor  630 , out of the rearward end of resilient element stopper  623 , and through cable buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , in an alternative arrangement to optical assembly  600 , optical assembly  700  may include any signal conveying cable  635 A, such as an electrical or optical cable, that may extend from sensor  630  to indicator  690 . As in the example shown, indicator  690  may include a light-emitting diode (LED) display that may be attached to an exterior surface of adapter  650 . In this manner, indicator  690  may illuminate upon insertion of second connector assembly  640  to a predetermined depth. As further shown, indicator  690  may further be, but is not limited to being, electrically connected, such as by a wire, to or communicate wirelessly with an external circuit as known to those of ordinary skill. In another alternative arrangement, sensor  630  similarly may communicate wirelessly with indicator  690 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , optical assembly  800  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  600  with the notable exception that optical assembly  800  may include first connector assembly  810  having sensor  830  in addition to or, as in the example shown, in place of sensor  630 . Sensor  830  may be placed on resilient element  621 . Sensor  830  may be a micro strain gage which may be placed along the surface of resilient element  621  to detect changes in distance between two points of a surface of the resilient element. In this configuration, the strain gage may be a variable resistance element in which the resistance is changed when the surface of the resilient element over which the strain gage lies expands or contracts. 
     In this manner, upon rearward movement or retraction of inner ferrule portion  617 A within housing  611 , sensor  830  may detect compression and thus movement on the surface of resilient element  621 . When sensor  830  does so detect a change in distance between two points of a surface of resilient element  621  within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  830  may generate a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a remote signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. 
     In arrangements utilizing a strain gage, the strain gage sensor may have variable electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance that may change when changes on the surface of the resilient element occur or stop occurring. In such arrangements, the changes in resistance, capacitance, or inductance within the sensor may be recognized by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed electrical characteristics and conveyed from the strain gage sensor, such as over a wire or like signal-conveying means. In another alternative arrangement, sensor  830  may be a piezoelectric material (not shown) placed on or near resilient element  621  that may react to movements of resilient element  621  by transmitting a signal such as those just described with respect to a micro strain gage. 
     In another alternative arrangement to that shown in the example of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  as shown in  FIG. 12C , optical assembly  800 A and its first connector assembly  810 A may be the same as optical assembly  800  and first connector assembly  810 , respectively, with the exception that resilient element  621  of first connector assembly  810 A may be a coiled spring which acts as an inductive element when a current flows through the spring between electrical wires  835 A and  835 B attached at opposing ends of the coiled spring. In this manner, a compression or expansion of resilient element  621  causes a change in length of the resilient element and thus a change in inductance of the resilient element which can be measured by an electronic device receiving an electrical signal corresponding to a current generated in the resilient element according to the changed inductance, in which the electrical signal is conveyed over a wire or like signal-conveying means. As shown, a magnetic core  831 , which may be but is not limited to being made of iron or nickel, may extend around groove  818  of inner ferrule portion  617 A of first connector assembly  810 A. In this manner, a magnetic flux and thus an inductance generated by resilient element  621  and core  831  may be substantially increased over the inductance generated by the resilient element alone. In this manner, a change in length of the resilient element is easier to detect and an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth is more reliable. 
     In still another alternative arrangement to that shown in the example of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  (not shown), electrodes, such as but not limited to conductive metal plates, may be attached to the ends of resilient element  621  to form a capacitor. In this manner, a compression or expansion of resilient element  621  causes a change in length of the resilient element and thus a change in capacitance of the capacitor which can be measured by an electronic device receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the changed capacitance, in which the electrical signal is conveyed over a wire or like signal-conveying means. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , optical assembly  900  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  600  with the notable exception that optical assembly  900  may include an alternative arrangement of resilient element stopper  623  and, in some instances as in the example shown, may not include sensor  630 . In such an arrangement, connector assembly  910  may include forward stopper  923  which may have an outer diameter at its rearward end that is the same or substantially the same as the inner diameter of rearward stopper  923 A, as shown, from which forward stopper  923  and housing  611  may be detachable. Optical assembly  900  may include sensor  930  that may be mounted to rearward stopper  923 A which as shown may be crimped to an assembly of buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627 , crimp ring  628 , and boot  629 . In this manner, connector assembly  910  may be replaced by another connector assembly, such as when the connector assembly becomes defective, while reusing sensor  930  and rearward stopper  923 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , optical assembly  1000  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  900  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1000  may include first connector assembly  1010  having sensor  1030  in addition to or in place of sensor  930 . Instead of cable  635  extending from sensor module  933  of sensor  930  as shown in  FIG. 13 , sensor  1030  may include cable  635 A as well as cable  1025  extending from sensor module  1033 . Cable  635 A may carry a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, generated by sensor  1030 , that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generated and transmitted by sensor  1030  for routing to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, may stop carrying a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, to provide an indication that a second connector assembly, such as connector assembly  640 , is inserted into an adapter, such as adapter  650 , to a predetermined depth. 
     Cable  1025  may extend through boot  629  between the boot and buffer tubes and yarn assembly  627  such that the cable runs along substantially the same path as optical fiber  1 . Cable  1025  may include one or more sensors (not shown) along its length, which may be micro strain gages as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, which detect changes in length of the cable, or more precisely changes in distance between two points of a surface of the cable, which would most likely be caused by bending or deformation of the cable. In this configuration, the sensors may be a variable resistance element in which the resistance is changed when the surfaces of the cable over which the sensors lie expand or contract. In the example shown, sensor  1030  may receive an electrical signal corresponding to the changed resistance and conveyed from the micro strain gages when changes in the length of the cable occur. Sensor  1030  may be set such that when any such changes of the surface of cable  1025  equal or exceed a threshold value, the sensor may generate a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, that may be conveyed to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal for routing to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or in the alternative, may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, in order to alert necessary personnel that the cable, and thus likely optical fiber  1 , is undesirably bent at a portion thereof, for example, to have less than a minimum bending radius. In the example of  FIG. 14 , as it is desired for the optical fiber to have a minimum bending radius along its length, detection by the sensor  1030  of any changes along the length of optical fiber  1  that would result in a portion of the cable having less than a minimum bending radius would generally be considered undesirable and cause an alert signal to be generated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , optical assembly  1100  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  600  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1100  may include first connector assembly  1110  having electrodes  1131 ,  1132  in addition to or, as in the example shown, in place of sensor  630  to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  due to the displacement of outer ferrule portion  617 B of first connector assembly  1110  caused by engagement, in this example contact, of outer ferrule portions  617 B of first and second connector assemblies  1110 ,  640  of optical assembly  1100 . Ferrule electrode  1131  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a forward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A and may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1135 A, which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. Housing electrode  1132  may be attached, such as by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a rearward-facing side of partition  612  of housing  611  and may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1135 B, which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. 
     In this manner, when second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650  as in the top portion of  FIG. 15 , the forward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may be in its forward most position against partition  612  of housing  611 . In this manner, ferrule electrode  1131  and housing electrode  1132  may be in contact such that a closed circuit is formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1135 A, ferrule electrode  1131 , housing electrode  1132 , and cable  1135 B. In contrast, when second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  as in the bottom portion of  FIG. 15 , the forward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may be set away from partition  612  of housing  611 . In this manner, ferrule electrode  1131  and housing electrode  1132  may not be in contact such that the normally closed circuit formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1135 A, ferrule electrode  1131 , housing electrode  1132 , and cable  1135 B is open. In such a configuration, logic circuit  99  may control a connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered off when the circuit is closed and the connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered on when the circuit is open. In this manner, light emission through first connector assembly  1110  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. In alternative arrangements, a logic circuit such as logic circuit  99  may not be needed, and cable  1135 A, ferrule electrode  1131 , housing electrode  1132 , and cable  1135 B may form part of another circuit that may be open or closed based on the contact between ferrule electrode  1131  and housing electrode  1132 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , optical assembly  1200  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1100  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1200  may include first connector assembly  1210  having electrodes  1231 ,  1232  in addition to or, as in the example shown, in place of electrodes  1131 ,  1132  to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth due to the displacement of outer ferrule portion  617 B of first connector assembly  1210  caused by engagement of outer ferrule portions  617 B of first and second connector assemblies  1210 ,  640  of optical assembly  1200 . Stopper electrode  1231  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a forward-facing interior step of resilient stopper element  623 . Stopper electrode  1231  may include insulation element  1237  as well as conductive upper base  1236 A and conductive lower base  1236 B attached to opposite sides of the insulation element. Insulation element  1237  may be made of an insulated or dielectric material, such as but not limited to a plastic or rubber material. In this manner, upper base  1236 A and lower base  1236 B may not be electrically connected. Upper base  1236 A may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 A and lower base  1236 B may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 B, in which each of the cables may be but are not limited to being a copper wire. 
     As further shown, upper base  1236 A and lower base  1236 B may be attached to respective upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B extending in a forward direction towards inner ferrule portion  617 A. In this manner, upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B may allow stopper electrode  1231  to have a lengthwise reach to contact other electrodes, including ferrule electrode  1232  as in the arrangement shown. 
     Ferrule electrode  1232  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a rearward-facing side of inner ferrule portion  617 A. As shown, ferrule electrode  1232  may be but is not limited to being in the form of an annulus such that the ferrule electrode contacts the entire circumference of the rearward-facing side of inner ferrule portion  617 A. 
     When second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  as in the bottom portion of  FIG. 16 , ferrule electrode  1232  attached to the rearward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may be placed in contact with upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B of stopper electrode  1231  attached to the forward-facing interior step of resilient stopper element  623 . In this manner, a closed circuit is formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1231 , ferrule electrode  1232 , and cable  1235 B. Due to the length of prongs  1237 A,  1237 B, it is unnecessary for inner ferrule portion  617 A to travel rearward all the way to and thus contact upper and lower bases  1236 A,  1236 B adjacent to the forward-facing interior step of resilient stopper element  623  in order for electrodes  1231 ,  1232  to be electrically connected with stopper electrode  1231 . 
     In operation, when second connector assembly  640  is fully inserted into adapter  650 , outer ferrule portions  617 B of first and second connector assemblies  1210 ,  640  may be in contact at a relative position (designated by broken line  699 ) within adapter  650  that may differ depending on the lengths and relative positions of the outer ferrule positions and the inner ferrule portions  617 A as well as on the relative forces being supplied by resilient elements  621  of the first and second connector assemblies. Accordingly, as in the example shown, upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B may be flexible inwardly such that inner ferrule portion  617 A and thus ferrule electrode  1232  may travel further rearward even after an initial electrical coupling between ferrule electrode  1232  and stopper electrode  1231 . In this manner, inner ferrule portion  617 A, outer ferrule portion  617 B, and resilient element  621  of second connector assembly  640  may be sized differently part-to-part but still cause an electrical coupling between stopper electrode  1231  and ferrule electrode  1232  upon insertion of second connector assembly  640  into adapter  650 . In one example, when second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650 , the circuit formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1231 , ferrule electrode  1232 , and cable  1235 B may be closed as long as inner and outer ferrule portions  617 A,  617 B of first connector assembly  1210  travel rearward a minimum of 0.25 mm. 
     Further, upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B may cantilever relative to bases  1236 A,  1236 B to provide a spring action such that inner and outer ferrule portions  617 A,  617 B may travel rearward a greater distance than 0.25 mm, e.g. 1.0 mm or more, while the circuit formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1231 , ferrule electrode  1232 , and cable  1235 B remains closed. In addition to, or as an alternative to, upper and lower prongs  1237 A,  1237 B, a coiled or leaf spring may be attached to or may be ferrule electrode  1232 , such as in the example described in  FIG. 17  below, to provide for conductive coupling to be maintained between the stopper and ferrule electrodes at various distances of rearward travel of the inner and outer ferrule portions of the second connector assembly. 
     In contrast, when second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650  as in the top portion of  FIG. 16 , ferrule electrode  1232  being attached to the rearward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may be in its forward most position furthest away from stopper electrode  1231 . In this manner, stopper electrode  1231  and ferrule electrode  1232  may not be in contact such that the normally closed circuit formed by logic circuit  99 , cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1231 , ferrule electrode  1232 , and cable  1235 B is open. In such a configuration, logic circuit  99  may control a connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered on when the circuit is closed and the connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered off when the circuit is open. In this manner, light emission through first connector assembly  1210  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. In alternative arrangements, a logic circuit such as logic circuit  99  may not be needed, and cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1231 , ferrule electrode  1232 , and cable  1235 B may form part of another circuit that may be open or closed based on the contact between stopper electrode  1231  and ferrule electrode  1232 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , optical assembly  1300  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1200  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1300  may include first connector assembly  1310  having electrodes  1331 ,  1332  in place of electrodes  1231 ,  1232  to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. Stopper electrode  1331  may be attached to the forward-facing interior step of resilient stopper element  623  in the same manner as stopper electrode  1231 . As shown, stopper electrode  1331  may be but is not limited to being in the form of an annulus such that the stopper electrode contacts the entire circumference of the forward-facing interior step of resilient stopper element  623 . 
     Stopper electrode  1331  may include insulation element  1337  as well as upper base  1336 A and lower base  1336 B attached to opposite sides of the insulation element. Insulation element  1337  may be the same or very similar to insulation element  1237  of stopper electrode  1231 . In this manner, upper base  1336 A and lower base  1336 B may not be electrically connected to each other. Upper base  1336 A may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 A and lower base  1336 B may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 B. 
     Ferrule electrode  1332  may be in the form of a coiled spring. Ferrule electrode  1332  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a rearward-facing side of inner ferrule portion  617 A. As shown, ferrule electrode  1332  may be but is not limited to being substantially in the form of an annulus such that a forward end of the ferrule electrode contacts substantially the entire circumference of the rearward-facing side of inner ferrule portion  617 A. A rearward end  1333  of ferrule electrode  1332  may be substantially flat such that the rearward end may simultaneously contact both upper base  1336 A and lower base  1336 B of stopper electrode  1331  when second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  a predetermined depth. 
     In this manner, a closed circuit is formed by a logic circuit such as logic circuit  99  previously described herein, cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1331 , ferrule electrode  1332 , and cable  1235 B. Due to the compressibility of ferrule electrode  1332 , the ferrule electrode may provide for conductive coupling to be maintained between stopper electrode  1331  and ferrule electrode  1332  at various distances of rearward travel of inner and outer ferrule portions  617 A,  617 B of second connector assembly  1310 . 
     In contrast, when second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650 , ferrule electrode  1332  may be in its forward most position furthest away from stopper electrode  1331 . In this manner, stopper electrode  1331  and ferrule electrode  1332  may not be in contact such that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit, cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1331 , ferrule electrode  1332 , and cable  1235 B is open. In such a configuration, the logic circuit may control a connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered on when the circuit is closed and the connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered off when the circuit is open. In alternative arrangements, a logic circuit may not be needed, and cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1331 , ferrule electrode  1332 , and cable  1235 B may form part of another circuit that may be open or closed based on the contact between stopper electrode  1331  and ferrule electrode  1332 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , optical assembly  1400  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1300  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1400  may include first connector assembly  1410  having electrodes  1431 ,  1432  in place of electrodes  1331 ,  1332  to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. Additionally, optical assembly  1400  may include inner ferrule assembly  1417 A, resilient element  1421 , and resilient stopper element  1423  in place of inner ferrule assembly  617 A, resilient element  621 , and resilient stopper element  623 . 
     Inner ferrule assembly  1417 A may include tube  1418  which may extend around groove  1419  defined by the rearward end of inner ferrule assembly  1417 A. Tube  1418  may be made of an insulated material such as a plastic. Unlike resilient element  621  of first connector assembly  610 , resilient element  1421  may extend beyond the rearward end of inner ferrule assembly  1417 A while still abutting against a forward end of resilient stopper element  1423 . Resilient stopper element  1423  may have a narrower stopper bore  1425  than stopper element  623  of first connector assembly  610  such that resilient element  1421  does not extend into stopper bore  1425 . 
     In this manner, stopper electrode  1431  may be attached to the forward end of resilient stopper element  1423 . As shown, stopper electrode  1431  may be but is not limited to being in the form of an annulus such that the stopper electrode contacts the entire circumference of the forward end of resilient stopper element  1423 . 
     Stopper electrode  1431  may include insulation element  1437  as well as conductive upper base  1436 A and conductive lower base  1436 B attached to opposite sides of the insulation element. In this manner, upper base  1436 A and lower base  1436 B may not be electrically connected to each other. Upper base  1436 A may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 A and lower base  1436 B may be electrically connected to logic circuit  99  by cable  1235 B. 
     Ferrule electrode  1432  may be in the form of a coiled spring. Ferrule electrode  1432  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive which may be but is not limited to being an epoxy, to a rearward-facing step of inner ferrule portion  617 A formed along groove  1419  and may extend around the rearward end of the inner ferrule portion. As such, ferrule electrode  1432  may be positioned within tube  1418  which may separate the ferrule electrode from resilient element  1421 . 
     As shown, ferrule electrode  1432  may be but is not limited to being substantially in the form of an annulus such that a forward end of the ferrule electrode contacts substantially the entire circumference of the rearward-facing step of inner ferrule portion  1417 A. A rearward end  1433  of ferrule electrode  1432  may be substantially flat such that the rearward end may simultaneously contact both upper base  1436 A and lower base  1436 B of stopper electrode  1431  when second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  a predetermined depth. 
     In this manner, a closed circuit is formed by a logic circuit such as logic circuit  99  previously described herein, cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1431 , ferrule electrode  1432 , and cable  1235 B. Due to the compressibility of ferrule electrode  1432 , the ferrule electrode may provide for conductive coupling to be maintained between stopper electrode  1431  and ferrule electrode  1432  at various distances of rearward travel of inner and outer ferrule portions  1417 A,  617 B of second connector assembly  1410 . In contrast, when second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650 , ferrule electrode  1432  may be in its forward most position furthest away from stopper electrode  1431 . In this manner, stopper electrode  1431  and ferrule electrode  1432  may not be in contact such that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit, cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1431 , ferrule electrode  1432 , and cable  1235 B is open. In such a configuration, the logic circuit may control a connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered on when the circuit is closed and the connected electronics or optoelectronics system to be powered off when the circuit is open. In alternative arrangements, a logic circuit may not be needed, and cable  1235 A, stopper electrode  1431 , ferrule electrode  1432 , and cable  1235 B may form part of another circuit that may be open or closed based on the contact between stopper electrode  1431  and ferrule electrode  1432 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , optical assembly  1500  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  600  with the notable exception that optical assembly  1500  may include first connector assembly  1510  having sensor  1530  in addition to or, as in the example shown, in place of sensor  630  to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  due to the displacement of outer ferrule portion  617 B of the first connector assembly caused by engagement of outer ferrule portions  617 B of the first and second connector assemblies of the optical assembly. Sensor  1530  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to a rearward side of projection  611 A of housing  611  and may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by cable  1535 , which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. Projection  611 A may be configured, such as in the form of a triangular prism as shown, to extend into and fit within notch  651  of adapter  650 . In this manner, connector assembly  1510  may be attached to adapter  650  such that the rearward side of projection  611 A may rest against a forward-facing side of notch  651  to resist pullout of the connector assembly from the adapter. 
     Sensor  1530  may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  630  in that sensor  1530  may be, but is not limited to being, a force sensor or a displacement sensor. As a force sensor, sensor  1530  may include a deflectable diaphragm or other known force-sensing means. Like sensor  630 , sensor  1530  may include a probe (not shown) which may be extendable from a sensor module of the sensor in a rest position of the sensor and which may be retractable such that the probe retracts from the rest position to a retracted position in which at least a portion of the probe not received in the sensor module in the rest position is received in the sensor module. In the rest position, the sensor (and for a sensor having the probe, the probe of the sensor) may contact or be spaced from the forward-facing side of notch  651  of adapter  650 . In other arrangements, again like sensor  630 , a micro strain gage may be affixed to a resilient element attached to the probe of a sensor having the probe and may be within the sensor module of the sensor such that the strain gage may detect deformation of the surface of the resilient element during extension and retraction of the probe. 
     When second connector assembly  640  is not inserted into adapter  650  as in the top portion of  FIG. 19 , as in the arrangement of optical assembly  600 , a forward end of inner ferrule portion  617 A may be in its forward most position against partition  612  of housing  611 . When second connector assembly  640  is fully inserted into adapter  650  of optical assembly  1500  such that fiber and ferrule assemblies  616  are at a rest position, the forward ends of outer ferrule portions  617 B of first and second connector assemblies  1510 ,  640  may push against each other such that their opposing fiber and ferrule assemblies  616  remain in contact but tend towards rearward directions away from each other. As such, the rear end of fiber and ferrule assembly  616  of first connector assembly  610  may be pushed rearwards such that housing  611  is pushed rearwards by forward flanges  624  of stopper  623 . In this manner, sensor  1530  (and for a sensor having the probe, the probe of the sensor) may be pressed against forward-facing side of notch  651  of adapter  650 . When sensor  1530  is so pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  1530  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensor  630  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1535  providing an indication that second connector assembly  640  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1510  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. When second connector assembly  640  is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through first connector assembly  1510  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     In an alternative arrangement of optical assembly  1500 , sensor  1530  may be attached to the rearward side of the projection of the housing of the second connector assembly instead of the rearward side of projection  611 A of first connector assembly  1510 . In this manner, sensor  1530  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensor  630  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1535  providing an indication that the second connector assembly has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1510  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , optical assembly  1600  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1500  with the notable exceptions that optical assembly  1600  may include first connector assembly  1610  without sensor  1530  and further include sensor  1630  attached to adapter  650  of the optical assembly to provide an indication that second connector assembly  640  is inserted into adapter  650  due to the displacement of outer ferrule portion  617 B of the first connector assembly caused by engagement of outer ferrule portions  617 B of the first and second connector assemblies of the optical assembly. Sensor  1630  may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  1530 . Sensor  1630  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to the forward-facing side of notch  651  of adapter  650  such that the force-sensing means of the sensor faces toward the rearward side of projection  611 A of housing  611 . In this manner, in a rest position, sensor  1630  may contact or be spaced from the rearward side of projection  611 A. 
     When housing  611  is pushed rearwards due to insertion of second connector assembly  640  into adapter  650  of optical assembly  1600 , the rearward side of projection  611 A may be pressed against sensor  1630 . Sensor  1630  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by cable  1635 , which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when sensor  1630  is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  1630  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of either of sensors  630 ,  1530  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1635  providing an indication that second connector assembly  640  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1610  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  650  to a predetermined depth. When second connector assembly  640  is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through first connector assembly  1610  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     In an alternative arrangement of optical assembly  1600 , sensor  1630  may be attached to the forward-facing side of the notch on a side of the adapter that receives second connector assembly  640  instead of the forward-facing side of notch  651  of adapter  650  that receives first connector assembly  1610 . In this manner, sensor  1630  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensor  630  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1635  providing an indication that second connector assembly  640  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1610  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter to a predetermined depth. 
     In another alternative arrangement of optical assembly  1600  in which the sensor has a probe extendable from a sensor module, the sensor module may be attached to an outside of adapter  650  (not shown), such as but not limited to on an end of the adapter, in which the probe is extendable through a hole formed through the adapter. In this manner, the probe of the sensor may be pressed by projection  611 A of housing  611  such that the sensor operates in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630  having a probe. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B , optical assembly  1700  may include adapter  1750  as well as first LC connector assembly  1710  and second LC connector assembly  1740  which may be engageable, such as by contact, with each other by way of their insertion into the adapter and abutment to each other in substantially the same manner that first and second connector assemblies  1510 ,  640  of optical assembly  1500  may abut to each other. Adapter  1750  may define main aperture  1752  and slot  1754  extending from a top of the main aperture and may further define hole  1756  extending through the slot and intersecting the main aperture from the top of the adapter. In some alternative arrangements, hole  1756  may be a cavity extending only partially through slot  1754 . Both first and second LC connector assemblies  1710 ,  1740  may include housing  1711  and lever  1711 A extending from the housing. As shown, lever  1711 A may be integrated with housing  1711  such that the lever is inseparable from the housing without fracturing the housing. Lever  1711 A may include first shaft portion  1712  and second shaft portion  1713  in which the first shaft portion attaches the second shaft portion to the rest of the lever. First shaft portion  1712  may be wider than second shaft portion  1713 . In this manner, first and second shaft portions  1712 ,  1713  may slide or otherwise move within main aperture  1752  of adapter  1750  but only shaft portion  1713  may slide or otherwise move within slot  1754 . 
     First LC connector assembly  1710  may include sensor  1730  which may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  1530  to provide an indication that second LC connector assembly  1740  is fully inserted into adapter  1750 . Sensor  1730  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to step  1714  defined by an intersection of first and second shaft portions  1712 ,  1713  of lever  1711 A such that the probe of the sensor faces toward a rearward portion of hole  1756  of adapter  1750 . In this manner, in a rest position, the sensor  1730  may contact or be spaced from the rearward portion of hole  1756 . 
     When housing  1711  is pushed rearwards due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  1740  into adapter  1750  of optical assembly  1700 , sensor  1730  may be pressed against the rearward portion of hole  1756 . Sensor  1730  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by cable  1735 , which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when sensor  1730  is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  1730  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1735  providing an indication that second LC connector assembly  1740  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1710  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  1750  to a predetermined depth. When second LC connector assembly  1740  is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through first LC connector assembly  1710  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22 and 22A , optical assembly  1800  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1700  with the notable exceptions that optical assembly  1800  may include first LC connector assembly  1810  without sensor  1730  and may further include sensor  1830  attached to adapter  1850  of the optical assembly to provide an indication that second LC connector assembly  1740  is inserted into adapter  1850 . Adapter  1850  may be substantially the same as adapter  1750  with the exception that the adapter may define notch  1851  extending in a rearward direction, as best shown in  FIG. 22 , from hole  1856  which is substantially the same as hole  1756  of adapter  1750  and in a lateral direction from slot  1854 , as best shown in  FIG. 22A . Sensor  1830  may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  1730 . Sensor  1830  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to adapter  1850  within and to notch  1851  of the adapter such that the force-sensing means of the sensor is at or within hole  1856  of the adapter and faces in a forward direction. In this manner, in a rest position, sensor  1830  may contact or be spaced from step  1714  defined by the intersection of first and second shaft portions  1712 ,  1713  of lever  1711 A. 
     When housing  1711  is pushed rearwards due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  1740  into adapter  1850  of optical assembly  1800 , step  1714  may be pressed against sensor  1830 . Sensor  1830  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by cable  1835 , which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when sensor  1830  is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  1830  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of either of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1835  providing an indication that second LC connector assembly  1740  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1810  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  1850  to a predetermined depth. When second LC connector assembly  1740  is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through first LC connector assembly  1810  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , optical assembly  1900  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1700  with the notable exceptions that optical assembly  1900  may include first LC connector assembly  1910  having main body  1911  and lever  1911 A in place of housing  1711  as well as sensor  1930  attached between main body  1911  and forward end  1912 A of lever  1911 A. As shown, lever  1911 A may be attached to main body  1911  by hinge pin  1915  to allow the lever to rotate about the hinge pin relative to the main body. 
     Sensor  1930  may be forward of hinge pin  1915  such that when main body  1911  of first LC connector assembly  1910  is pushed rearwards due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  1740  into adapter  1750  of optical assembly  1900 , forward end  1912 A may be pressed against sensor  1930  due to a force applied by the rearward portion of hole  1756  against step  1914  of lever  1911 A to create a torque about the hinge pin. Sensor  1930  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by cable  1935 , which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when sensor  1930  is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, sensor  1930  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of either of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730 ,  1830  to generate or stop generating a signal along cable  1935  providing an indication that second LC connector assembly  1740  has applied sufficient force against first connector assembly  1910  such that the second connector assembly is inserted into adapter  1750  to a predetermined depth. When second LC connector assembly  1740  is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through LC first connector assembly  1910  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , optical assembly  2000  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  1900  with the notable exception that lever  2011 A may be integrated with main body  2011  of first LC connector assembly  2010  such that the lever is inseparable from the main body without fracturing either of the main body and the lever. In a manner substantially similar to the operation of optical assembly  1900 , when main body  2011  of first LC connector assembly  2010  is pushed rearwards due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  1740  into adapter  1750  of optical assembly  2000 , forward end  2012 A of lever  2011 A may be pressed against sensor  1930  due to a force applied by the rearward portion of hole  1756  against step  2014  of lever  2011 A about an interface of lever  2011 A and main body  2011 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25A and 25B , optical assembly  2100  may include adapter  2150  as well as first LC connector assembly  2110  and second LC connector assembly  2140  which may be engageable with each other by way of their insertion into the adapter and abutment to each other in substantially the same manner that first and second connector assemblies  1510 ,  640  of optical assembly  1500  may abut to each other. Adapter  2150  may define main aperture  2152  and slot  2154  (substantially similar to slot  1754  of adapter  1750 ) extending from a top of the main aperture, and may further define hole  2156 A extending through the slot and intersecting the main aperture from the top of the adapter. In some alternative arrangements, hole  2156 A may be a cavity extending only partially through slot  2154 . Both first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  may include housing  2111  and lever  2111 A extending from the housing. As shown, lever  2111 A may be integrated with housing  2111  such that the lever is inseparable from the housing without fracturing the housing. Lever  2111 A may include first shaft portion  2112  and second shaft portion  2113  in which the first shaft portion attaches the second shaft portion to the rest of housing  2111 . First shaft portion  2112  may be wider than second shaft portion  2113 . In this manner, first and second shaft portions  2112 ,  2113  may slide or otherwise move within main aperture  2152  of adapter  2150  but only shaft portion  2113  may slide or otherwise move within slot  2154 . 
     Adapter  2150  may include base  2151  that may extend rearwards away from central wall  2155  of the adapter. Sensor  2130 , which may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  1530 , may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to base  2151  such that the probe or other force-sensing means of the sensor faces toward rear face  2115  of housing  2111  which faces rearwards. As in the example shown, sensor  2130  may be attached to base  2151  after first LC connector assembly  2110  is inserted into adapter  2150 . Advantageously, each of adapter  2150  as well as first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  may be off-the-shelf components in which the adapter may be retrofitted with sensor  2130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 25A , prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  may be in contact with rear face  2115  such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, sensor  2130  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. As shown in  FIG. 25B , when housing  2111  of first LC connector  2110  receives a rearward directed force due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  2140  into adapter  2150  of optical assembly  2100  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2117 B of first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140 , rear face  2115  of the housing may be pressed against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  such that, relative to the state of first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a respective second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2130  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2130  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2110  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second LC connector assembly  2140  has applied a sufficient force against first LC connector assembly  2110 , such a signal may indicate that second LC connector assembly  2140  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2150 . When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2110  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first LC connector assembly  2110  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 25A , prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  with each other, first LC connector assembly  2110  may be fully inserted into adapter  2150  such that front face  2116  of housing  2111  abuts central wall  2155  of the adapter. As still further shown, sensor  2130  may be positioned on adapter  2150  such that rear face  2115  of housing  2111  is in contact with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  as described previously herein. In this manner, gap A-A may be formed in this initial position between step  2114 A of lever  2111 A and the rearward portion of hole  2156 A of adapter  2150  such that a rearward force exerted by first LC connector assembly  2110  is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2156 A. Gap A-A preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, first LC connector assembly  2110  may be inserted into adapter  2150  sufficiently to form gap A-A without having front face  2116  of housing  2111  abut central wall  2155  of the adapter. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 25B , when second LC connector assembly  2140  has been fully inserted into adapter  2150 , step  2114 B of lever  2111 B of the second LC connector assembly may push rearwards against a rearward portion of hole  2156 B extending through the adapter. As still further shown, sensor  2130  may be positioned on adapter  2150  such that first and second LC connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140 , when at rest in this full insertion position of the second LC connector assembly, are held in position by way of the abutment of first LC connector assembly  2110  with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  on one end and abutment of second LC connector assembly  2140  with the rearward portion of hole  2156 B of adapter  2150  on the other end. In this manner, gap B-B, which as in this example may be less than gap A-A, may be formed in this rest position between step  2114 A of lever  2111 A and the rearward portion of hole  2156 A of adapter  2150  such that rearward force exerted by first LC connector assembly  2110  is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2156 A. Although gap B-B may be zero, gap B-B preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26A and 26B , optical assembly  2200  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  2100  with the notable exception that optical assembly  2200  may include adapter  2250  without sensor  2130  and may further include sensor  2230  attached to first LC connector assembly  2210  of the optical assembly to provide an indication that mating ends of outer ferrule portions  2117 B of the first LC connector assembly and second LC connector assembly  2140  are mated to each other. Adapter  2250  may be substantially the same as adapter  2150  with the exception that post  2253  may extend from base  2251  of adapter  2250 . In some arrangements, post  2253  may be integral with adapter  2250  such that the post may be inseparable from the adapter without fracture of either or both of the post and the adapter while in other arrangements the post may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to the adapter. 
     Sensor  2230  may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  2130 . Sensor  2230  may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to rear face  2215  of housing  2211  of first LC connector assembly  2210  which faces rearwards such that a probe or other force-sensing means of the sensor extends or faces, as the case may be, in a rearward direction. Advantageously, each of adapter  2250  as well as first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140  may be off-the-shelf components in which the adapter may be retrofitted with post  2253  and at least first LC connector assembly  2210  may be retrofitted with sensor  2230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 26A , prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140  with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  may be in contact with post  2253  such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, sensor  2230  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. As shown in  FIG. 26B , when housing  2211  receives a rearward force due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  2140  into adapter  2250  of optical assembly  2200  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2117 B of first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140 , the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  may be compressed against post  2253  such that, relative to the state of first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a respective second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2230  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2230  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730 ,  2130  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2210  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second LC connector assembly  2140  has applied a sufficient force against first LC connector assembly  2210 , such a signal may indicate that second LC connector assembly  2140  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2250 . When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2210  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first LC connector assembly  2210  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 26A , prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140  with each other, first LC connector assembly  2210  may be fully inserted into adapter  2250  such that front face  2216  of housing  2211  abuts central wall  2255  of the adapter. As still further shown, post  2253  may be positioned on adapter  2250  such that the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  is in contact with the post as described previously herein. In this manner, gap A-A may be formed in this initial position between step  2214 A of lever  2211 A and the rearward portion of hole  2256 A of adapter  2250  such that a rearward force exerted by the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  attached to first LC connector assembly  2210  is directed entirely or almost entirely against post  2253  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2256 A. Gap A-A preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, first LC connector assembly  2210  may be inserted into adapter  2250  sufficiently to form gap A-A without having front face  2216  of housing  2211  abut central wall  2255  of the adapter. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 26B , when second LC connector assembly  2140  has been fully inserted into adapter  2250 , step  2114 B of lever  2111 B of the second LC connector assembly may push rearwards against a rearward portion of hole  2256 B extending through the adapter. As still further shown, post  2253  may be positioned on adapter  2250  such that first and second LC connector assemblies  2210 ,  2140 , when at rest in this full insertion position of the second LC connector assembly, are held in position by way of the abutment of the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  attached to first LC connector assembly  2210  with the post on one end and abutment of second LC connector assembly  2140  with the rearward portion of hole  2256 B of adapter  2250  on the other end. In this manner, gap B-B, which as in this example may be less than gap A-A, may be formed in this rest position between step  2214 A of lever  2211 A and the rearward portion of hole  2256 A of adapter  2250  such that a rearward force exerted by the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2230  attached to first LC connector assembly  2210  is directed entirely or almost entirely against post  2253  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2256 A of adapter  2250 . Although gap B-B may be zero, gap B-B preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27 , optical assembly  2300  may include adapter  2350  as well as first SC connector assembly  2310  and a second SC connector assembly (not shown but also designated as  2310  hereinafter for reference purposes), which may have an identical configuration as or a different configuration than the first SC connector assembly, in which the assemblies may be engageable with each other by way of their insertion into the adapter and abutment to each other in a similar manner that first and second connector assemblies  1510 ,  640  of optical assembly  1500  may abut to each other and that first and second connector assemblies  2110 ,  2140  of optical assembly  2100  may abut to each other. Opposing sides of adapter  2350  may include at least one hooked flange  2352  (in the example shown, two hooked flanges  2352  on each side) and slot  2354  into which the hooked flange cantilevers away from a longitudinal axis of the adapter when first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  are received in their respective sides of the adapter. Both first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  may include housing  2311  having at least one catch  2312  extending away from a longitudinal axis of the housing and defining at least one groove  2313  (in the example shown, two catches  2312  and two grooves  2313  on each of first and second SC connector assemblies  2310 ) corresponding to each hooked flange  2352  of adapter  2350 . In this manner, upon insertion of first connector assembly  2310  into adapter  2350 , catch  2312  may slide past respective hooked flanges  2352  of adapter  2350  and ends of the hooked flanges may be received in respective grooves  2313  of housing  2311  of the first SC connector assembly. As shown, housing  2311  may be received within outer housing  2311 A which may be slid along housing  2311  away from central wall  2355  of adapter  2350  to cause hooked flanges  2352  to cantilever outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter and allow housing  2311  to be released, in this example, unhooked, from the adapter. In some alternative arrangements, hooked flanges of the adapter and the catches of the first and second SC connector assemblies may be reversed such that the hooked flanges are closer to the longitudinal axis defined by the adapter than the catches, i.e., such that the hooked flanges are inside of the catches. In such an arrangement, the prongs of the hooked flanges would extend away from the longitudinal axis defined by the adapter and the prongs of the catches would extend in toward the longitudinal axis, i.e., such prongs would extend in opposite directions to those shown for hooked flanges  2352  and catches  2312  shown in  FIG. 27 . 
     Adapter  2350  may include base  2351  that may extend rearwards away from central wall  2355  of the adapter. Sensor  2330 , which may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor  2130 , may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to base  2351  such that the probe or other force-sensing means of the sensor faces toward rear face  2315  of housing  2311  which faces rearwards. As in the example shown, sensor  2330  may be attached to base  2351  after first SC connector assembly  2310  is inserted into adapter  2350 . Advantageously, each of adapter  2350  as well as first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  may be off-the-shelf components in which the adapter may be retrofitted with sensor  2330 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 27 , prior to contact of first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  with each other, housing  2311  may be positioned relative to adapter  2350  to form gap A-A between an end of hooked flange  2352  and catch  2312  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of adapter  2350  and first SC connector assembly  2310  and the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  may be in contact with rear face  2315  of housing  2311 . In this manner, either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor, depending on the type of sensor used. In this manner, sensor  2330  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. In some alternative arrangements, although not in the example shown, housing  2311  may be positioned relative to adapter  2350  such that front face  2316  of the housing is in abutment with central wall  2355  of adapter  2350 . 
     In a similar manner to the operation of optical assembly  2100 , when housing  2311  of first SC connector assembly  2310  of optical assembly  2300  receives a rearwards force due to insertion of second SC connector assembly  2310  into adapter  2350  of optical assembly  2300  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2317 B of first and second SC connector assemblies  2310 , rear face  2315  of the housing may be pressed against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  such that, relative to the state of first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2330  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2330  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730 ,  2130  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2317 B of second SC connector assembly  2310  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2317 B of first SC connector assembly  2310  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second SC connector assembly  2310  has applied a sufficient force against first SC connector assembly  2310 , such a signal may indicate that the second SC connector assembly is inserted into adapter  2350  to at least a predetermined depth or an indication that second SC connector assembly  2310  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2350 , respectively. When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2317 B of second SC connector assembly  2310  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2317 B of first SC connector assembly  2310  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first SC connector assembly  2310  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     With reference to  FIG. 27 , prior to contact of the first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  with each other, first SC connector assembly  2310  may be inserted into adapter  2350  and then sensor  2330  may be positioned on adapter  2350  such that rear face  2315  of housing  2311  is in contact with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  as described previously herein. In this manner, gap A-A may be formed in this initial position in a space defined between the end of hooked flange  2352  of adapter  2350  and catch  2312  of housing  2311 . In this manner, a rearward force exerted by first SC connector assembly  2310  is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  and no such rearward force is directed against hooked flange  2352 . Gap A-A preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. 
     When second SC connector assembly  2310  has been fully inserted into adapter  2350  and first and second SC connector assemblies  2310  are at rest in this full insertion position of the second SC connector assembly, sensor  2330  may be positioned on adapter  2350  such that the first and second SC connector assemblies are held in position by way of the abutment of the first SC connector assembly with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  on one end and abutment of the second SC connector assembly with at least one hooked flange  2352  of adapter  2350  on the side of the adapter into which the second SC connector assembly has been inserted. In this manner, clearance defined by gap A-A may be reduced in this rest position between hooked flange  2352  of adapter  2350  on the side of the adapter into which first SC connector assembly  2310  is inserted and catch  2312  such that a rearward force exerted by the first SC connector assembly is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2330  and no such rearward force is directed against the hooked flange of the first SC connector assembly. Although this reduced clearance may be zero, the reduced clearance preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. 
     In some alternative arrangements, an optical assembly may be the same as optical assembly  2300  with the exception that a sensor may be attached, such as but not limited to by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or a chemical adhesive such as but not limited to an epoxy, to a rear face of the housing of the first SC connector assembly, such as rear face  2315  of housing  2311  of first connector assembly  2310 , and a post instead of a sensor may be attached to a base of the adapter in a manner substantially similar to the attachment of post  2253  to base  2251  of adapter  2250  of optical assembly  2200 . In operation, the sensor on the rear face of the housing may interact with the post in substantially the same manner as post  2253  may interact with sensor  2230 . As in previous examples, each of the adapter as well as the first and second LC connector assemblies may be off-the-shelf components in which the adapter may be retrofitted with the post and at least the first LC connector assembly may be retrofitted with the sensor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , optical assembly  2400  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  2100  with the notable exception that optical assembly  2400  may include first LC connector assembly  2410  in place of first LC connector assembly  2110 . First LC connector assembly  2410  may be substantially similar to first LC connector assembly  2110  with the notable exception that first LC connector assembly  2410  may include housing device  2411  in place of housing  2111 . Housing device  2411  may include housing  2418  and extension device  2419 , which as shown may include inner extension body  2420 A substantially in the form of a tube, extending from a rear end of the housing. As shown, in some arrangements, inner extension body  2420 A may be integral with housing  2111  such that the inner extension body is inseparable from the housing without fracturing either or both of the inner extension body and the housing while in other arrangements, the inner extension body and the housing may be separate components. Inner extension body  2420 A of extension device  2419  may include ribs or shoulders  2419 A, or alternatively internal threads for engagement with outer extension body  2420 B of extension device  2419 . In some arrangements, outer extension body  2420 B may include cavities for receiving the corresponding ribs or shoulders  2419 A or external threads corresponding to the alternative internal threads of inner extension body  2420 A. In some alternative arrangements, the outer extension body may include ribs or shoulders and the inner extension body may include corresponding cavities for receiving the corresponding ribs or shoulders. In some alternative arrangements, the inner extension body and the outer extension body may be attached by way of a Morse taper or other interference fit. 
     Similar to other examples described previously herein, prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140  with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  may be in contact with rear face  2415  of outer extension body  2420 B of extension device  2419  such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, sensor  2130  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. In alternative arrangements, prior to contact of the first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140  with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  may be in contact with a rear face of inner extension body  2420 A of extension device  2419 , with or without outer extension body  2420 B, such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 28 , when housing device  2411  receives a rearward directed force due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  2140  into adapter  2150  of optical assembly  2400  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2117 B of first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140 , rear face  2415  of housing device  2411  may be pressed against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  such that, relative to the state of first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a respective second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2130  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2130  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2410  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second LC connector assembly  2140  has applied a sufficient force against first LC connector assembly  2410 , such a signal may indicate that second LC connector assembly  2140  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2150 . When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2410  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first LC connector assembly  2410  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     Prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140  with each other, first LC connector assembly  2410  may be fully inserted into adapter  2150  such that front face  2416  of housing device  2411  abuts central wall  2155  of the adapter. As still further shown, sensor  2130  may be positioned on adapter  2150  such that rear face  2415  of housing device  2411  is in contact with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  as described previously herein. In this manner, gap A-A (see  FIG. 25A , for example) may be formed in this initial position between step  2414 A of lever  2411 A and the rearward portion of hole  2156 A of adapter  2150  such that a rearward force exerted by first LC connector assembly  2410  is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2156 A. Gap A-A preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, first LC connector assembly  2410  may be inserted into adapter  2150  sufficiently to form gap A-A without having front face  2416  of housing  2411  abut central wall  2155  of the adapter. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 28 , when second LC connector assembly  2140  has been fully inserted into adapter  2150 , step  2114 B of lever  2111 B of the second LC connector assembly may push rearwards against a rearward portion of hole  2156 B extending through the adapter. As still further shown, sensor  2130  may be positioned on adapter  2150  such that first and second LC connector assemblies  2410 ,  2140 , when at rest in this full insertion position of the second LC connector assembly, are held in position by way of the abutment of first LC connector assembly  2410  with the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  on one end and abutment of second LC connector assembly  2140  with the rearward portion of hole  2156 B of adapter  2150  on the other end. In this manner, gap B-B, which as in this example may be less than gap A-A, may be formed in this rest position between step  2414 A of lever  2411 A and the rearward portion of hole  2156 A of adapter  2150  such that rearward force exerted by first LC connector assembly  2410  is directed entirely or almost entirely against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  and no such rearward force is directed against the rearward portion of hole  2156 A. Although gap B-B may be zero, gap B-B preferably may be at least approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably at least approximately 0.1 mm, and even more preferably approximately 0.5 mm. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , optical assembly  2500  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  2100  with the notable exception that optical assembly  2500  may include first LC connector assembly  2510  in place of first LC connector assembly  2110 . First LC connector assembly  2510  may be substantially similar to first LC connector assembly  2110  with the notable exception that first LC connector assembly  2510  may include housing device  2511  in place of housing  2111  and an inner ferrule portion  2517 A that circumferentially surrounds a portion of outer ferrule portion  2117 B to form portions of a ferrule assembly and extends rearwards through and beyond opening  2512  defined by a rear face of housing device  2511 . Inner ferrule portion  2517 A may include main section  2518  and extension device  2519 , which as shown may include inner extension body  2520 A substantially in the form of a tube, extending from a rear end of the main section. As shown, in some arrangements, inner extension body  2520 A may be integral with main section  2518  of inner ferrule portion  2517 A such that the inner extension body is inseparable from the main section without fracturing either or both of the inner extension body and the main section while in other arrangements, the inner extension body and the main section may be separate components. Inner extension body  2520 A of extension device  2519  of inner ferrule portion  2517 A may include ribs or shoulders  2519 A, or alternatively internal threads for engagement with outer extension body  2520 B of extension device  2519 . In some arrangements, outer extension body  2520 B may include cavities for receiving the corresponding ribs or shoulders  2519 A or external threads corresponding to the alternative internal threads of inner extension body  2520 A. In some alternative arrangements, the outer extension body may include ribs or shoulders and the inner extension body may include corresponding cavities for receiving the corresponding ribs or shoulders. In some alternative arrangements, the inner extension body and the outer extension body may be attached by way of a Morse taper or other interference fit. 
     Similar to other examples described previously herein, prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2510 ,  2140  with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  may be in contact with rear face  2515  of outer extension body  2520 B of extension device  2519  such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, sensor  2130  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. In alternative arrangements, such as in the example of  FIG. 30 , prior to contact of the first and second LC connector assemblies  2510 A,  2140  of optical assembly  2500 A with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  may be in contact with a rear face of inner extension body  2520 A of the extension device, with or as shown in  FIG. 30  without outer extension body  2520 B, such that either a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing means is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 29 , when inner ferrule portion  2517 A receives a rearward directed force due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  2140  into adapter  2150  of optical assembly  2500  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2117 B of first and second LC connector assemblies  2510 ,  2140 , rear face  2515  of outer extension body  2520 B of extension device  2519  may be pressed against the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  such that, relative to the state of first and second LC connector assemblies  2510 ,  2140  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a respective second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2130  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2130  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2130  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2510  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second LC connector assembly  2140  has applied a sufficient force against first LC connector assembly  2510 , such a signal may indicate that second LC connector assembly  2140  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2150 . When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2510  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first LC connector assembly  2510  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 31 , optical assembly  2600  may be substantially similar to optical assembly  2500  with the notable exception that optical assembly  2500  may include first LC connector assembly  2610  in place of first LC connector assembly  2510  and sensor  2630  in place of sensor  2130 . First LC connector assembly  2610  may be substantially similar to first LC connector assembly  2510  with the notable exception that first LC connector assembly  2610  may include inner ferrule portion  2617 A in place of inner ferrule portion  2517 A that circumferentially surrounds a portion of outer ferrule portion  2117 B to form portions of a ferrule assembly and extends rearwards without extending beyond opening  2512  defined by a rear face of housing device  2511 . Sensor  2630  may be substantially similar to sensor  2130  with the notable exception that sensor  2630  may include extension device  2631 , which may be a probe arm, that extends to a rear face  2615  of inner ferrule portion  2617 A. 
     Similar to other examples described previously herein, prior to contact of first and second LC connector assemblies  2610 ,  2140  with each other, extension device  2631  of sensor  2630  may be contacted by rear face  2615  of inner ferrule portion  2617 A such that either a first force is applied by extension device  2631  to a force-sensing means for a force sensor, or such that the force-sensing means of the sensor is extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, sensor  2630  may be preset to a first setting, which in alternative arrangements may be caused by other actions on the sensor. Alternatively, the first setting of sensor  2630  may be defined without initial contact between extension device  2631  and inner ferrule portion  2617 A. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 31 , when inner ferrule portion  2617 A receives a rearward directed force due to insertion of second LC connector assembly  2140  into adapter  2150  of optical assembly  2600  and abutment of opposing outer ferrule portions  2117 B of first and second LC connector assemblies  2610 ,  2140 , rear face  2615  of inner ferrule portion  2617 A may be pressed against extension device  2631  of sensor  2630  such that, relative to the state of first and second LC connector assemblies  2610 ,  2140  prior to their contact with each other, the probe or other force-sensing means of the sensor may be set to a second setting, e.g., by being compressed by a respective second force greater than the first force for a force sensor or by being compressed to a respective second length shorter than the first length for a displacement sensor, as appropriate for the particular arrangement. 
     Sensor  2630  may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit  99 , by a cable, such as cable  1735  (see  FIG. 21 ), which may be but is not limited to being a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force-sensing means of sensor  2630  is pressed by a force or moved a distance within a predetermined tolerance range, which may be bound by only a respective minimum force or minimum distance, sensor  2630  may operate in the same manner as any of the arrangements of sensors  630 ,  1530 ,  1630 ,  1730  to generate or stop generating a signal along the cable providing an indication that a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is contacting a mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2610  with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when second LC connector assembly  2140  has applied a sufficient force against first LC connector assembly  2610 , such a signal may indicate that second LC connector assembly  2140  has been inserted a sufficient distance into adapter  2150 . When the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of second LC connector assembly  2140  is not contacting the mating end of outer ferrule portion  2117 B of first LC connector assembly  2610  at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through first LC connector assembly  2610  may be stopped, preventing injury and saving energy. 
     With reference to  FIG. 32 , the detection systems disclosed herein, whether by activation of a switch or sensor or by conductive contact such as between two electrodes, may be utilized in conjunction with network or server equipment, such as linecard  2401  including printed circuit board  2402  having connector interfaces, e.g., connector assembly  2403 . In this example, linecard  2401  may include any of a switch, sensor, or conductive contacts on connector assembly  2403  that may detect the presence of a corresponding external connector inserted into the connector assembly. In this manner, connector assembly  2403  may stop emitting, or in an alternative arrangement actively emit, light when the external connector is not inserted into the connector assembly. 
     In some alternative arrangements of the optical assemblies described herein, such as but not limited to optical assemblies  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 ,  1900 ,  2000 ,  2100 ,  2200 ,  2300 ,  2400 ,  2500 ,  2500 A,  2600 , the ferrule portion or portions of the connector assembly first received by the corresponding adapter may not translate relative to the housing such that translation of the ferrule portion or portions of such connector assembly is the same as the translation of the housing. In some alternative arrangements of the optical assemblies described herein, such as but not limited to optical assemblies  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700 ,  1800 ,  1900 ,  2000 ,  2100 ,  2200 ,  2300 ,  2400 ,  2500 ,  2500 A,  2600 , the connector assembly received second by the corresponding adapter may be held in position in the adapter by an external force as well as a force applied by the connector assembly first received by the adapter. In this manner, the adapter may not supply a force to limit translational movement of the connector assembly received second by the corresponding adapter in a direction along longitudinal axes of the connector assembly received second by the adapter and of the adapter. 
     It is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein may be employed into several types of energy conveying connectors including but not limited to optical or electrical signal conveying connectors for holding respective optical fibers that convey optical signals corresponding to data or electrically conductive elements that convey electrical signals corresponding to data. Optical signal conveying connectors may be but are not limited to being LC, SC, MPO, MTP, FC, ST, and MU connectors. As a general example, the technology may be used on connectors which include a fiber ferrule and ferrule holder such as the outer and inner ferrule portions described previously herein, a spring or other resilient element such as the resilient element described previously herein, a housing such as the housing described previously herein, and a spring stopper such as the resilient stopper element described previously herein. 
     It is to be further understood that the disclosure set forth herein includes any possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the technology, and in the technology generally. 
     Furthermore, although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular features, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications, including changes in the sizes of the various features described herein, may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In this regard, the present technology encompasses numerous additional features in addition to those specific features set forth in the claims below. Moreover, the foregoing disclosure should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation as the present technology is defined by the claims set forth below.