Patent Description:
In a data center environment, the routing of optical fibers between data centers usually requires the connection of thousands of optical fibers to connect one data center building to another. Such connections involve manually fusion splicing several thousands of optical fibers. The splicing is usually the last job before the connection of the data centers is complete. However, manually splicing optical fibers is time consuming and expensive due to the labor costs and equipment needed for the job. Thus, this job becomes the bottleneck for bring the new data centers on-line.

A solution to avoiding the fusion-splicing includes using pre-terminated MT ferrules in a pulling grip (or "pulling sock") attached to a jacketed cable between the two datacenter buildings. Such a pulling grip is known in the art. Depending on how many fibers per fiber optic ferrule are present, the number of fiber optic ferrules inside the pulling grip will vary. For example, one pulling grip may accommodate a total of <NUM> fibers in <NUM> fiber optic ferrules (i.e., each ferrule having <NUM> fibers). These fiber optic ferrules are then pulled out of the pulling grip at a designated spot inside the second data center building. Subsequently, an MT-MPO adapter, such as the one shown in <CIT> owned by the Applicant, may be used to connect an MT ferrule directly to an MPO style connector. One concern with this approach is that a technician/user at the data center will need to handle a bare, terminated fiber optic ferrule. This increases the chances of damage to the ferrule, especially since there are hundreds of such fiber optic ferrules that need to be inserted into MT-MPO adapters. Further, on the other side of the adapter, an MPO connector is typically already installed and when the bare fiber optic ferrule is installed with the optical fiber ribbon, subjecting the fiber optic ferrule to high forces (up to around 20N). These forces make it a bit difficult to plug in the fiber optic ferrule. While the MT-MPO adapter solution is highly desirable in many other applications involving a relatively smaller number of connections, this solution, though feasible, is not optimal. An MPO-MPO adapter may alternatively be used. However, MPO connectors are larger and may not fit inside a cable or a pulling grip attached to the cable connecting two data centers due to their size. Further, the use of MPO connectors increases the footprint on the panel on which other connectors are placed. Thus, there is a need for a solution to a bulky connector being pulled through conduits to connect the data centers.

<CIT> relates to a fiber optic connectors and transceiver test devices. Subject matter of <CIT> is a replacement optical connector.

The present invention is directed to a fiber optic ferrule push comprising:.

In some embodiments, the front facing surface is a first front facing surface and the front end of the fiber optic ferrule push has a second front facing surface, the second front facing surface disposed parallel to and rearward of the first front facing surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one projection comprises two projections, the projections being disposed on opposing sides of the main body of the fiber optic ferrule push.

In other embodiments, the key is on a top of the main body, the top disposed between two sides, each of the sides having one of the two projections.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Applicant notes that the term "front" or "forward" means that direction where the fiber optic connector and/or the ferrule would meet with another fiber optic connector or device, while the term "rear" or "rearward" is used to mean the direction from which the optical fibers enter into the fiber-optic ferrule or fiber optic connector. Each of the fiber optic ferrules will therefore have a front and rear, and the two fronts or forward portions of the fiber optic ferrules would engage one another. Thus, in <FIG>, the "front" of the fiber optic ferrule is on the left side of <FIG> and "forward" is to the left and out of the page. "Rearward" or "back" is that part of the fiber optic connector that is on the right side of the page and "rearward" and "backward" is toward the right and into the page
One embodiment of a fiber optic assembly <NUM> according to the present invention is illustrated in <FIG>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> includes a fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> may also include the housing <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>. As noted therein, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may be inserted together into the housing <NUM> from a rear end <NUM>. A discussion of the installation of the fiber optic assembly <NUM> is discussed below.

The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may be an MT ferrule, which is generally known in the art. It may also take a number of other configurations, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. However, the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> preferably has a main body <NUM> that includes a plurality of optical fiber support structures <NUM> (See also <FIG> and <FIG>), which may be a plurality of micro-holes, v-grooves, or the like. The optical fiber support structures <NUM> support and hold the optical fibers <NUM> inserted into the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may also include a window (e.g. like the window in <FIG>) in a top surface <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> to assist with the alignment of the optical fibers <NUM> and to receive epoxy to secure the optical fibers <NUM> therein. The main body <NUM> extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>, the optical fibers <NUM> extending from a front face <NUM> of the front end <NUM> through a central opening <NUM> in the main body <NUM> and exiting out the rear end <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> of the main body also has a rear face <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may also have guide pins <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or a guide pin clamp or spacer <NUM> disposed at the rear end <NUM>. There may also be more than one central opening <NUM> through the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. For example, there may be two or more rows of optical fibers <NUM>, optical fiber support structures <NUM> in the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> also has a main body <NUM> that extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The main body includes a central opening <NUM> that extends between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> also receives the optical fibers <NUM> that are disposed in the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The front end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> preferably has the same dimensions of the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. However, those dimensions of the main body <NUM> may be different from the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> as well. Since the optical fibers <NUM> are already in a ribbonized form, a height of the central opening <NUM> through which the ribbonized optical fibers <NUM> pass is preferably less than a width of the ribbon (in a transverse direction), at least at the front end <NUM>, and possibly all throughout a length of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. Such a height prevents the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> from being rotated relative to the ribbonized optical fibers <NUM> and fiber optic ferrule <NUM>, for example, when inside the pulling grip, and even afterwards when the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> engages the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. Preferably, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is generally longer than the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> (i.e., in a longitudinal direction parallel to the optical fibers <NUM>). Alternatively, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> may be of similar length as the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. Regardless of the length thereof, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has substantially the same footprint as the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>, as further discussed herein.

It will be appreciated that inside the pulling grip of the fiber optic cable bundle, only the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> (terminated with the ribbon of optical fibers <NUM>) and the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> exist. Of course, several of these two components- fiber optic ferrule <NUM> (terminated with the ribbon of optical fibers <NUM>) and the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> exist in an optimal spatial distribution inside the pulling sock to maximize the number of components. Alternatively, the pin clamp or spacer <NUM> may also be provided inside the pulling sock, but could be optional and added later after the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> and the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> have been pulled out of the pulling sock.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> includes a first alignment structure <NUM> on a top surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. It may also be referred to as a "key" to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first alignment structure <NUM> is illustrated as a raised portion in the figures, but also take on other configurations. As discussed below, the first alignment structure <NUM> corresponds to a second alignment structure <NUM> in the housing <NUM> to ensure that the fiber optic assembly <NUM> is inserted in correct (only in one) orientation into the housing <NUM>. If the fiber optic assembly <NUM> is inverted (rotated by <NUM>°) relative to the housing <NUM>, the key <NUM> will engage a portion of the housing <NUM>, blocking the fiber optic assembly <NUM> from being inserted into the housing <NUM>. The key <NUM> may take any shape or location on the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. For example, the key <NUM> may also be on one of the side surfaces <NUM>, which are on opposing sides of the top surface <NUM>.

There may also be a window <NUM> extending through the top surface <NUM> and is in communication with the central opening <NUM> that forms a passageway for the optical fibers <NUM>. This window <NUM> allows for access and/or visual inspection by a user to the optical fibers <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has at least one projection <NUM> or latch that extends from the main body <NUM> to engage a corresponding structure <NUM> in the housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). Preferably, there are two such projections <NUM>, but only one may be necessary to retain the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. As illustrated in figures and perhaps best in <FIG>, the projections <NUM> take the form of cantilevered arms, that include a front chamfered surface <NUM> and a rear facing flat surface <NUM>. As the fiber optic assembly <NUM> (and the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> in particular) is inserted into the housing <NUM>, the front chamfered surface <NUM> engages the housing <NUM>, causing the projection <NUM> to be flexed into a space <NUM> between the main body <NUM> and the projection <NUM>, thereby allowing the fiber optic assembly <NUM> to be inserted into the housing <NUM>. Once the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> a sufficient distance, the projection <NUM> will return to its initial position and the rear facing flat surface <NUM> will engage the structure <NUM> (a window or a cavity), which has a forward facing surface 182a in the housing <NUM> (see, <FIG>). The fiber optic assembly <NUM> cannot be removed from the housing <NUM> until and unless the projection(s) <NUM> is removed from the structure <NUM>. The projections <NUM> are toward the front end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>, in the front quarter thereof. It is also possible that the latch or projection(s) could be on the inside of the housing <NUM> and engage a cut-out, depression or other feature on the fiber optic ferrule push.

The front end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> is preferably configured to engage the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The front end <NUM> preferably has at least two raised portions <NUM> (a forward facing surface) that extend from the front end <NUM> and away from the main body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the raised portions <NUM> are elongated in the center of each of the long sides <NUM>. These locations correspond to one version of the guide pin clamp or spacer <NUM> and allow the raised portions <NUM> to directly engage the rear face <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The raised portions <NUM> may be changed to correspond to a different version of a guide pin clamp or spacer. Additionally, the front end <NUM> may also engage the guide pin clamp or spacer directly which in turn engages the rear face <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. It is desired that the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> engages the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> either directly or indirectly.

Alternatively, the raised portions <NUM> may instead be on the guide pin clamp <NUM> (albeit oppositely faced than when on the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>) to engage the front end thereof. Still alternatively, when the guide pin clamp <NUM> is not present, the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may be modified to have the raised portions from the rear face <NUM> at the rear end <NUM> thereof. In any scenario, not all of the front end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> may engage or contact the guide pin clamp <NUM> and/or the rear face <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> directly or indirectly. In yet another variation, the raised portions <NUM> may not exist, and may be optional to the fiber optic assembly <NUM>.

The front end <NUM> may also have two recessed portions or receptacle <NUM> to receive the rear ends of guide pins <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> is preferably in communication with the central opening <NUM> and formed at least in part by the front end <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> may also have a ramped inner surface such that the central opening <NUM> is larger in cross section at the front end <NUM> than in a middle portion of the main body <NUM>.

It was mentioned above that the front end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> preferably has the same dimensions of the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> in general may have substantially the same cross-sectional footprint as the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The term "footprint" as used in this disclosure refers to only height, only width, or both height and width of the component in question (e.g., fiber optic ferrule <NUM> and/or the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>) when viewed in a cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal/lengthwise axis of the component. In some embodiments, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> (including the key <NUM>, the projection(s) <NUM>, and a rear boss/flange on a side of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>) may protrude no further than or only slightly further than the footprint defined by the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> (specifically a flange/shoulder thereof). The footprint may, for example, be less than <NUM>% larger than that defined by the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> also includes, in addition to the rear end <NUM>, a front end <NUM>, and an opening <NUM> extending between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> also includes a key or alignment structure <NUM> on the outside surface <NUM>. As with the key <NUM> above, the key <NUM> prevents the housing <NUM> from being inserted into an adapter in the wrong orientation. It is illustrated as a rectangular structure on a top surface <NUM>, but it may take any shape or location on the housing <NUM> so as to prevent the housing <NUM> from being inserted incorrectly into an adapter. The housing <NUM> also has a second key or alignment structure <NUM> in the opening <NUM> that aligns with and receives the key <NUM> on the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. In this case, the key <NUM> is a groove in the top of the housing <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> extends beyond the rear end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in a rearward direction. Thus, a portion of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is not covered by the housing <NUM>. However, the front end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> covered by the housing <NUM>.

Another example, not according to the claimed invention, of a fiber optic assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> has a fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> may also include the housing <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>. The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may be inserted together into the housing <NUM> from a rear end <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may also be an MT ferrule as described above or have another configuration and structure. However, the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> preferably has a main body <NUM> that includes a plurality of optical fiber support structures <NUM>, which may be a plurality of micro-holes, v-grooves, or the like. The optical fiber support structures <NUM> support and hold the optical fibers <NUM> inserted into the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may also include a window <NUM> in a top surface <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> to assist with the alignment of the optical fibers <NUM> and to receive epoxy to secure the optical fibers <NUM> therein. The main body <NUM> extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>, the optical fibers <NUM> extending from a front face <NUM> of the front end <NUM> through a central opening <NUM> in the main body <NUM> and exiting out the rear end <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may also have guide pins <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or a guide pin clamp or spacer <NUM> disposed at the rear end <NUM>. There may also be more than one central opening <NUM> through the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. For example, there may be two or more rows of optical fibers <NUM>, optical fiber support structures <NUM> in the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> also has a main body <NUM> that extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes a central opening <NUM> that extends between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> also receives the optical fibers <NUM> that are disposed in the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The front end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> preferably has the same dimensions of the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. However, those dimensions of the main body <NUM> may be different from the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> as well. The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> generally cannot rotate much relative to the optical fibers <NUM> and the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> includes a first alignment structure <NUM> on a top surface <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. It may also be referred to as a "key" to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first alignment structure <NUM> is illustrated as a raised portion in the figures, but also take on other configurations. As discussed below, the first alignment structure <NUM> corresponds to a second alignment structure (the same as <NUM> in <FIG>) in the housing <NUM> to ensure that the fiber optic assembly <NUM> is inserted in correct (only in one) orientation into the housing <NUM><NUM>. If the fiber optic assembly <NUM> is inverted or flipped by <NUM>° relative to the housing <NUM>, the key <NUM> will engage a portion of the housing <NUM>, blocking the fiber optic assembly <NUM> from being inserted into the housing <NUM>. The key <NUM> may take any shape or location on the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. For example, the key may also be on one of the side surfaces <NUM>, which are on opposing sides of the top surface <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has at least one projection <NUM> that extends from the main body <NUM> to engage a corresponding structure 382a in the housing <NUM>. Preferably there are two such projections <NUM>, one on the top and one on the bottom (see <FIG>). However, only one may be necessary to retain the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. As illustrated in figures, the projections <NUM> take the form of cantilevered arms, that include a front chamfered surface <NUM> and a rear facing flat surface <NUM>. As the fiber optic assembly <NUM> (and the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> in particular) is inserted into the housing <NUM>, the front chamfered surface <NUM> engages the housing <NUM>, causing the projection <NUM> to be flexed into the central opening <NUM>, thereby allowing the fiber optic assembly <NUM> to be inserted into the housing <NUM>. Once the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is inserted into the housing <NUM> a sufficient distance, the projection <NUM> will return to its initial position and the rear facing flat surface <NUM> will engage the structure <NUM> (a window or a cavity), which has a forward facing surface <NUM>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> cannot be removed from the housing <NUM> until and unless the projection(s) <NUM> is removed from the structure <NUM>. The projections <NUM> are toward the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>, preferably in the rear quarter thereof.

The front end <NUM> of the main body <NUM> is preferably configured to engage the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The front end <NUM> preferably has at least two raised portions <NUM> that extend from the front end <NUM> and away from the main body <NUM>. As in the prior embodiment, the raised portions <NUM> are elongated in the center of each of the long sides <NUM>. These locations correspond to one version of the guide pin clamp or spacer <NUM> and allow the raised portions <NUM> to directly engage the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The raised portions <NUM> may be changed to correspond to a different version of a guide pin clamp or spacer. Additionally, the front end <NUM> may also engage the guide pin clamp or spacer directly which in turn engages the rear end <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. It is desired that the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> engages the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> either directly or indirectly.

Another example, not according to the claimed invention, embodiment of a fiber optic assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> has a fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic assembly <NUM> may also include the housing <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>. The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> and a fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may be inserted together into the housing <NUM> from a rear end <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> may the same as in the prior embodiment, and only relevant structures will be described herein with respect to fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is a tool-less fiber optic ferrule push in that no tools are required to remove the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> from the housing <NUM> as the first embodiment. In that embodiment, a tool would be needed to disengage the projections <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. However, fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> can be removed by simply squeezing the rear end <NUM>. For example, the ends of a shoulder <NUM> may be squeezed toward each other to reduce a central opening <NUM>.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has a main body <NUM> that extends between a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. The main body <NUM> includes the central opening <NUM> that extends between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> also receives the optical fibers <NUM> that are disposed in the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The height of the central opening <NUM> at the front end <NUM> is also preferably less than two times the diameter of the optical fibers <NUM> to also prevent the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> from being rotated relative to the optical fibers <NUM> and fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> has an enlarged portion or shoulder <NUM>, which allows for the user to more easily grasp the rear end <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the rear end <NUM> and the shoulder <NUM> extend beyond the rear end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in a rearward direction.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has a top side <NUM> and a bottom side <NUM>, which are separated by two side walls <NUM>. In the top side <NUM> is a slot <NUM> that extends from the front end <NUM> to the rear end <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is in communication with the central opening <NUM>. The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> also has at least one projection <NUM> that extends from the main body <NUM>. While one projection <NUM> may be sufficient to retain the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> in the housing <NUM>, there are preferably two projections <NUM>. In this example, not according to the claimed invention, the projections <NUM> extend from the side walls <NUM> and are closer to the rear end <NUM> than the front end <NUM>. In fact, the projections <NUM> are in the back quarter of the main body <NUM>.

The bottom side <NUM> of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. There is a second slot <NUM> that extends from the rear end <NUM> towards the front end <NUM>, but stops short thereof. The second slot <NUM> is also narrower than the slot <NUM> on the top side <NUM>. The second slot <NUM> is also in communication with the central opening <NUM>. The slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> cut the shoulder <NUM> into two sections. When a user presses the two sections of the shoulder <NUM> together, then the projections <NUM> are released from a corresponding structure (e.g., a window or a cavity) in the housing <NUM>. Thus, no tools are needed to remove the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. The slot <NUM> provides compliance or flexibility to the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the slot <NUM> may be optional.

The fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> includes a first alignment structure <NUM> on the bottom side <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. It may also be referred to as a "key" to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first alignment structure <NUM> is illustrated as a raised portion in the figures, but may also take on other configurations and locations as noted above. The first alignment structure <NUM> corresponds to a second alignment structure <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. If the first and second alignment structures do not align, then the fiber optic assembly <NUM> will not fit within the housing <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front end <NUM> will be discussed. The front end <NUM> has two different forward facing surfaces <NUM>,<NUM>. The first forward facing surface <NUM> is farther forward than the second forward facing surface <NUM>. The first forward facing surface <NUM> is generally smaller (thinner) and extends around the second forward facing surface <NUM>. The first forward facing surface <NUM> may engage the rear facing portion of a fiber optic ferrule <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The second forward facing surface <NUM> may engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. It is possible that both the first and the second forward facing surfaces <NUM>,<NUM> engage the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>. The second forward facing surface <NUM> may also two recessed portions or receptacles <NUM> to receive the rear ends of guide pins. The receptacles <NUM> are preferably in communication with the central opening <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates fiber optic assembly <NUM> inserted into the housing <NUM>, which may also have a slidable sleeve <NUM> that is placed around at least a portion of the housing <NUM>. Similar to typical MPO connectors, the slidable sleeve <NUM> is movable or slidable relative to the housing <NUM>. As illustrated, and similar to other embodiments, a portion of the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is outside the housing <NUM>.

Another example, not according to the claimed invention, of a fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this example, not according to the claimed invention, which is similar to that in <FIG>, the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> has at least one projection <NUM> that extends from the main body <NUM>. While one projection <NUM> may be sufficient to retain the fiber optic ferrule push <NUM> in the housing, there are preferably two projections <NUM>. In this example, not according to the claimed invention, the projections <NUM> extend from the side walls <NUM> and are closer to the front end <NUM> than the back end <NUM>. In fact, the projections <NUM> are preferably in the front quarter of the main body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of an adapter panel <NUM> that includes a plurality of adapters <NUM> that are installed in the adapter panel <NUM>. The adapters <NUM> removably receive the housings (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), which in turn receive the fiber optic assemblies, including the fiber optic ferrules (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.). The fiber optic ferrule push may remain attached to the housing or may be removable from the fiber cable, e.g., in the examples, not according to the claimed invention, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the fiber optic ferrule push may slide back on the ribbonized optical fiber and simply rest thereupon when not in use.

As noted above, the size of the conduits through which the optical fibers pass, as well as the sizes of the pulling socks, are limited. Therefore, it is preferable to have the fiber optic connectors and components be as small as possible to allow for as many terminated optical fibers as possible within the pulling sock. Further, the various embodiments can reduce the number of components required in making an optical connection. One way to do this is to eliminate the outer housings (such as housings <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) which take up a lot of volume, until the optical fibers have been passed through conduits. Such housings can thereafter be installed to complete the assembly of the optical connectors. As an alternative, it is possible for the housings to be pre-installed into adapters that are disposed within the adapter panel <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>). With the fiber optic assembly disclosed herein, it is possible to simply plug the fiber optic assemblies directly into the pre-installed housings on the adapters <NUM> to simultaneously complete installation optical connectors on the associated cable (ferrules and outer housings installed) and installation of the optical connectors in the adapters <NUM>. The fiber optic assemblies are disposed within the housings from the rear thereof. Thus, once the fiber optic assemblies are removed from the pulling sock, they can be pushed into the housings using the fiber optic ferrule push (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Typical MPO connectors may be already provided on the opposite side of the adapters <NUM> that connect to various equipment inside a data center. This procedure of connecting fibers in the fiber optic ferrule eliminates the need to perform the fusion splicing of the optical fibers at the point where the fiber optic cable bundles from another data center enter a data center, and therefore the time and complexity of the installation needed to turn connect two data centers is reduced significantly. Since the fiber optic ferrule push has substantially the same footprint as the fiber optic ferrule inside the pulling sock, no significant changes to the pulling sock are required. Therefore, various embodiments of the fiber optic ferrule push as disclosed herein retroactively fit into the current pulling socks used in the field by the fiber optic connection industry. The housings could have a dust plug or some other structure to protect the inside portions of the housings from dust and debris. Similarly, the back side of the panel that has the adapters could also have dust plugs, to prevent dust and debris from fouling the faces of previously installed fiber optic assemblies. The fiber optic assembly disclosed herein may be provided as a bag of parts or a kit with the components shown in <FIG>. A cable assembly house or an end user at a data center may then use these components to achieve the setup shown herein.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the invention provide a method of connecting two or more data centers in an automated or "turn-key" manner, without requiring days or weeks of manual fusion splicing and minimal human labor. Since the components are manufactured to precision, errors due to human handling of fibers during splicing are also eliminated or substantially reduced. This method includes a step of connecting a fiber optic ferrule (e.g., the fiber optic ferrule <NUM>) to an MPO connector by providing the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> in a pulling grip of a jacketed fiber optic cable. The fiber optic ferrule <NUM> has at least one optical fiber terminated therein. Preferably, the fiber optic ferrule <NUM> is a multi-fiber ferrule, although single fiber ferrules could also be used with a smaller fiber optic ferrule push than the one disclosed herein. The method includes installing the ferrule push at a back side of the fiber optic ferrule. The fiber optic ferrule push is generally free of the fiber optic ferrule, except when used to push the fiber optic ferrule. The method includes installing a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM>) at least partially surrounding the fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule push, the housing being insertable into an adapter (e.g., one or more of the adapters <NUM>) in a panel (e.g., the adapter panel <NUM>.

To install the fiber optic ferrule to the pre-populated adapters <NUM>, the method includes pulling the fiber optic ferrule out of the pulling grip, and pushing the ferrule into the housing using the fiber optic ferrule push after said pulling.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic ferrule push (<NUM>) comprising:
a main body (<NUM>) extending between a front end (<NUM>) and a rear end (<NUM>), the main body having a central opening (<NUM>) extending between the front end and the rear end to receive a plurality of optical fibers (<NUM>) therethrough;
a front facing surface at the front end of the main body configured to engage a rear surface of a fiber optic ferrule (<NUM>);
at least one projection (<NUM>) extending outward from the main body to engage a housing (<NUM>) configured to receive the fiber optic ferrule;
wherein a key (<NUM>) extending outward from a surface of the main body (<NUM>) is configured to insert the optic ferrule push (<NUM>) in correct orientation into the housing (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the at least one projection (<NUM>) is toward the front end (<NUM>) in the front quarter of the ferrule push (<NUM>).