Patent Description:
Document <CIT> describes a multi-fiber optical fiber connector.

Document <CIT> discloses capillary valves and devices for interconnecting capillary tubes with each other, with microfabricated devices, and macroscale devices.

Document <CIT> describes simplex connectors for multicore optical fiber cables.

Document <CIT> discloses a variable attenuation type optical power attenuator used for an optical fiber communication system.

A brief summary of various embodiments is presented below. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of embodiments adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in later sections.

Various embodiments include a fiber optic connector assembly, including a boot portion connected to a fiber optic cable, a fixed body portion connected to the boot portion, a rotatable coupler connected to the fixed body portion and configured to rotate about the fixed body portion, a ferrule connected to the rotatable coupler and configured to rotate with the rotatable coupler about the fixed body portion, and a bulkhead adapter configured to receive the rotatable coupler after the rotatable coupler has been turned in one direction and returned back by spring tension to a resting position.

The rotatable coupler may include at least one alignment token to interface with the bulkhead adapter port and the bulkhead adapter includes at least one alignment groove to interface with the rotatable coupler.

The bulkhead adapter port may include at least one alignment token to interface with the rotatable coupler and the rotating rotatable coupler includes at least one alignment groove to interface with the bulkhead adapter.

The ferrule of a first fiber optic connector may include a guiding pin or a receiving gusset to connect to a ferrule of a second fiber optic connector.

The guiding pin in the first fiber optic connector may be removable and able to be placed into a receiving gusset of a second fiber optic connector to allow for fiber optic connector gender changes.

The bulkhead adapter may include an alignment pin insertion hole to receive a connection between a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector.

Two alignment grooves may be placed in opposing formations on either the rotatable coupler or bulkhead adapter to support quick polarity flips.

The ferrule may include at least one fiber plane and at least one bank of fiber strands.

Two or four fiber planes may be positioned in a mirror configuration to support quick polarity flips.

The ferrule face may expose at least two fiber planes multiplying the number of fiber planes and bank of fiber strands.

A cleaning media agent may be disposed within the ferrule. A cleaning media agent may be disposed within the bulkhead adapter body.

Various not claimed embodiments also include a method of providing fiber optic connectivity, including gripping a rotatable coupler of a fiber optic connector at a grip portion thereof, inserting the rotatable coupler into a bulkhead adapter in a straight direction, turning the rotatable coupler in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to increase a tension of the spring while pushing the rotatable coupler forward, and releasing the rotatable coupler such that the rotatable coupler rotates in a counter clockwise direction and locks the fiber optic connector into the bulkhead adapter.

The method may include releasing the rotatable coupler when the rotatable coupler has rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and reached a stop point in an alignment groove on the bulkhead adapter.

The method may include inserting the rotatable coupler into a port of the bulkhead adapter.

The method may include inserting an alignment token of the rotatable coupler or bulkhead adapter into an alignment groove of an adjoining bulkhead adapter or rotatable coupler.

The method may include cleaning a front portion of the rotatable coupler when inserting the rotatable coupler into the bulkhead adapter.

Various embodiments may also include a fiber optic connector assembly, including a boot portion connected to a fiber optic cable, a fixed body portion connected to the boot portion, a shrouded coupler connected to the fixed body portion, the shrouded coupler including a shroud disc and cleaning media agent at one end thereof, a ferrule connected to the rotatable coupler and configured to couple to the shroud disc of the shrouded coupler, and a bulkhead adapter configured to receive the shrouded coupler and provide connection for a fiber optic cable.

The shrouded coupler may include a guiding pin extending through a ferrule face of the ferrule and the shrouded coupler extends and covers the guiding pin, ferrule face, and ferrule.

The shroud disc may be removable from the shrouded coupler.

In a not claimed embodiment, the shrouded coupler may include a rotatable coupler region that rotates about a fixed ferrule to move the ferrule towards the cleaning media.

The shrouded coupler may include a coupler region and a rotatable ferrule that is configured to rotate inside the coupler region towards the cleaning media.

The ferrule may have a cylindrical shape to extend out of the shrouded coupler to interface with the shroud disc.

The shroud disc may include cutout gaps to receive banks of fiber strands within the ferrule.

Additional objects and features of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the drawings. Although several embodiments are illustrated and described, like reference numerals identify like parts in each of the figures, in which:.

It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

The descriptions and drawings illustrate the principles of various example embodiments. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Additionally, the term, "or," as used herein, refers to a non-exclusive or (i.e., and/or), unless otherwise indicated (e.g., "or else" or "or in the alternative"). Descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are not meant to limit the order of elements discussed, are used to distinguish one element from the next, and are generally interchangeable. Values such as maximum or minimum may be predetermined and set to different values based on the application. When steps of manufacture, process of using, or other method steps are described or claimed, the order of steps given is not constrained by the order presented, and may vary. Terms such as "below," "above," "right," and "left," may be used for relative orientation of a device or apparatus as illustrated in a figure. If an apparatus or component of a figure may be rotated and still function in a similar manner to what is described, the directional terms are not limited to the orientation illustrated in a particular figure. "Below" when rotated may become "right," or "left" or "above. " The same holds true for the other directional indicators.

Embodiments described herein include a multi feature, small form factor, fiber optics connector, providing fiber optics connectivity along with the capabilities of high quantity fiber strand counts, low insertion loss, self-cleaning at mating surfaces, ease of access, extended reach, and the possibility of copper or additional multimedia connectivity.

Standard fiber optics connectors which fasten to a compatible bulkhead adapter and join two connector ferrule faces and their embedded fiber optic strands together to continue the wavelength of light, have a number of issues that hinder connectivity performance and limit functionality. Some problems that arise include connector mating surfaces that are susceptible to dirt and debris contamination causing signal degradation and loss. There are connector fastening and releasing mechanisms that require access around the connector head/ferrule to detach them from a bulkhead adapter, requiring extra space around each adapter which limits patch panel port density. Some connector ferrule designs hinder the quantity of fiber strands supported at an optimal or ideal connectivity performance. There can be limited flexibility in fiber strand orientations where flipping polarity of fiber strand sequences cannot be done easily and uniformly. Also, prior art designs limit an ability to provide multiple types of media connectivity within a single connection.

A self-cleaning fiber interconnect surface is included in the present disclosure. Any bit of dirt, debris or physical containment between mated fiber optics connectors can cause signal degradation or a decrease in performance (as measured by dB loss, attenuation, etc.). Standard fiber optic connector ends are exposed to elements and contaminants during shipment and routine handling, added with the typical push-in design for mating the connectors together, which can trap and embed debris onto the fiber optic connector ends impacting connectivity performance.

Embodiments described herein address and resolve these and other issues while providing new features and attributes that enhance connectivity performance, efficiency, flexibility and capacity.

<FIG> illustrates two configurations of fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM> and ports <NUM> and <NUM> of bulkhead adapters <NUM> and <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) in accordance with embodiments described herein. The fiber optics connector <NUM> and associated bulkhead adapter port <NUM> are in column I. The fiber optics connector <NUM> and associated bulkhead adapter port <NUM> are in column II. The fiber optics connectors <NUM> or <NUM> may be used to connect one fiber optics cable <NUM> to another (illustrated in <FIG>), or may be used to couple a fiber optics cable <NUM> to an infrastructure patch panel (not illustrated). The fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM> have a round and cylindrical shape form factor that provides space efficiency along with an extended reach, and allows support of a circular ferrule design, rotating coupler system, and a twist action fasten and release capability thereof.

As illustrated in row "A," the fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may each include a boot portion <NUM> that wraps around and securely holds the fiber optic cable <NUM> within the fiber optics connector <NUM>. The boot portion <NUM> may be made of polymer or other material as is known in the art. The boot portion <NUM> protects a termination of the fiber optic cable <NUM> within an end of the fiber optics connector <NUM>. The material of the boot portion <NUM> is configured to provide strain relief, allowing for bending of the fiber optic cable <NUM> at the junction with the fiber optics connector <NUM>. The boot portion <NUM> may be color coded for easy identification and organization.

The boot portion <NUM> is assembled to a fixed body portion <NUM> of the fiber optics connector <NUM>. A size of the fixed body portion <NUM> starts small near the boot portion and enlarges thereafter. Mounted to the fixed body portion <NUM> are respective rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> having an adjoining circular ferrule <NUM>. The rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> and adjoining circular ferrules <NUM> are configured to rotate around the fixed body portion <NUM>. The rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> with their respective adjoining circular ferrules <NUM> rotate around the fixed body portion <NUM> with a spring tensioning that has a limited degree of turn, returning back to their original resting position when released. The degree of turn of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> is based on the particular design of a fiber plane <NUM> in relation to a cleaning media agent <NUM> provided within the ferrule <NUM> or if placed on a face of the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>). The cleaning media agent <NUM> is configured to perform a wiping/cleaning of a surface of an opposing fiber plane <NUM> during a fasten or release process of the fiber optics connectors <NUM> or <NUM>. The cleaning media agent <NUM> may be made of a material that attracts and extracts dirt and debris as it wipes the surface of the fiber plane <NUM>, yet is soft enough not to damage the fiber plane <NUM> surface and can additionally polish the fiber plane <NUM> to ensure optimal fiber strand connectivity and performance. The rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may have a connecting grip <NUM> that may be placed either at the front of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent the ferrule <NUM> or at the rear of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> adjacent the fixed body portion <NUM> allowing for extended reach away from a bulkhead adapter port.

The rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> are spring actuated rotating assemblies. The rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured with a clockwise turn and counter-clockwise return (i.e. a twist-and-return action). This allows for pre-tensioned fasten and release of the fiber optics connector <NUM> to a bulkhead, with a simple push, twist, and release of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> on respective fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. The spring tensioning may have a load setting of about one kilogram. The initial rotation of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> may be preconfigured to be clockwise or counter-clockwise, in relation to a layout of a track/groove into which the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted.

Fiber strands may be configured in fiber planes <NUM>. The fiber planes <NUM> may have banks of fiber strands <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) included therein. The circular ferrule <NUM> may have a ferrule face <NUM> from which the fiber plane and embedded fiber strands are coupled to adjoining fiber strands of a mating connector, or to an infrastructure panel. As the circular ferrule <NUM> may have the ferrule face <NUM> form which fiber strands are exposed, the rotatable coupler <NUM> may be designed to extend out further than the ferrule face <NUM>, creating a shroud or guard that protects the fiber plane <NUM> and a surface area of the bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> against abrasion or contamination during routine handling. When a shroud or covering is used, when inserted into the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> of a bulkhead adapter, the covering of the rotatable coupler <NUM> may recede back to expose the ferrule face <NUM> to ensure proper mating of the fiber surface area.

The fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may become part of respective assemblies including bulkhead adapters <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) and <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). The bulkhead adapters <NUM> and <NUM> may be used to accept and conjoin opposing fiber optics connectors <NUM> or <NUM>, mating and aligning their circular ferrule faces <NUM> and the embedded bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> together in order to complete fiber optics connectivity. There may also be a mix and match arrangement where a fiber optic connector <NUM> may connect through a bulkhead adapter to a fiber optic connector <NUM>. The bulkhead adapters <NUM> and <NUM> may also serve as ports within the infrastructure patch panel.

Referring to the rotatable coupler <NUM>, the rotatable coupler <NUM> may include first and/or second alignment tokens <NUM> and <NUM>, and first and second alignment tracks/grooves <NUM> and <NUM>. The first alignment token <NUM> may connect to and slide within a first alignment track/groove <NUM> on the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. The first alignment token <NUM> may be configured as male, and the first alignment track/groove <NUM> configured as female. The first alignment token <NUM> may be a key shape module that fits specifically into the first alignment track/groove <NUM>, conjoining and securing the fiber optics connector <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

The first alignment token <NUM> may be configured as primary, or key-up token into the first alignment track/groove <NUM> on the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. This means that the first alignment token <NUM> may be considered a primary pin that can be used to denote a key-up orientation of the fiber optics connector <NUM> and fiber strand orientation. A second key-down alignment token <NUM> is a secondary pin that may provide additional alignment and security, and can denote a key-down orientation of the fiber optics connector <NUM> and fiber strand orientation.

The first <NUM> and second <NUM> alignment tokens are configured to mate the fiber optics connector <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, while guiding a twist-and-return mating arrangement, which activates a self cleaning action during fasten and release, and providing additional precision to the alignment of ferrule faces and connector ends when secured.

The fiber optics connector <NUM> in column II is similar to the fiber optics connector <NUM> and includes alternative alignment tokens <NUM> and <NUM> that may be mounted upside down on the inside of a bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. The alignment tokens <NUM> and <NUM> may mate with one or more conjoining alignment track/grooves <NUM> and <NUM> of another embodiment of a rotatable coupler <NUM>. In column II the alignment track/grooves <NUM> and <NUM> may be moved about the alignment tokens <NUM> and <NUM>. The dual nature of the alignment pins and alignment track/grooves as illustrated and described in <FIG> is not limiting. The rotatable coupler <NUM> may be configured with only a single alignment track/groove, and the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> may be configured with only a single alignment pin.

Referring to <FIG>, the alignment token tracks/grooves <NUM> or <NUM> accept the first and second alignment tokens <NUM> and <NUM>, then guide the rotatable coupler <NUM> through the alignment token track/groove <NUM> and <NUM>. The tracks/grooves allow a user to rotate the rotatable coupler <NUM> as it is inserted, and securing the fiber optics connector <NUM> into its final alignment position within the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

This twist-and-return action of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> allow for fastening the fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM> by pushing them in, and letting the tracks/grooves guide the rotation of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM>. The releasing aspect is performed through another twist of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> without having to place a user's fingers close to the adjoining circular ferrule <NUM> or bulkhead adapters <NUM> or <NUM>. Whether the alignment tokens are placed on the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM>, or in the bulkhead adapters <NUM> or <NUM>, the insertion movement of the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM> into the bulkhead adapters is the same <NUM> or <NUM>. The twist-and-return action, in combination with the embedded cleaning media agent <NUM> may also perform a self-cleaning function of wiping an opposing fiber plane <NUM> and fiber strand surface, prior to the final mating alignment and mating of the fiber strands together.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the fiber optic connector <NUM> and circular ferrule <NUM> in accordance with <FIG>. This configuration and like elements described regarding fiber optic connector <NUM> also apply to the fiber optic connector <NUM>. The circular ferrule <NUM> may be affixed to the rotatable coupler <NUM> and rotate along with the rotatable coupler <NUM> during the twist-and return fasten and release action. A front portion of the circular ferrule <NUM> is the ferrule face <NUM>. The ferrule <NUM> and ferrule face <NUM> may be shaped to specifically host components that pass through and are part of the ferrule <NUM> and such as an embedded trapezoid sector or other shaped fiber planes <NUM>, radial bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>, and the cleaning media agent <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). The fiber planes <NUM> having bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> are not limited to a trapezoid sector shape, but may use other configurations in which to connect fiber strands of mating connectors. For example the fiber planes <NUM> may be oval, rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape that may enclose a single or group of fiber stands. A layout of the cleaning media agent <NUM> may be shaped in a similar manner to the fiber planes so that the cleaning media agents <NUM> is able to adequately wipe the fiber strands. The ferrule face <NUM> of the ferrule <NUM> may match and mate to an adjoining/opposing fiber optics connector (not illustrated) to complete fiber optics connectivity. A center guide pin <NUM> may be used to connect one fiber optic connector <NUM> to another and provide additional communication ability. A center placement of the center guide pin <NUM> allows for rotational functionality during fastening and release of the fiber optic connector <NUM> and also provides precise axial alignment of the fiber planes <NUM> and fiber strand banks <NUM> when mated.

<FIG> illustrates a mating connection of fiber optic cable connectors <NUM> and <NUM> through the bulkhead adapter <NUM> in accordance with <FIG>. The bulkhead adapter port <NUM> may take the form of a sleeve or shroud that accepts the fiber optic connector <NUM> and also hosts the embedded alignment track/grooves <NUM> and <NUM> or mating alignment tokens <NUM> or <NUM> depending on the design in use. The bulkhead adapter <NUM> may have bulkhead mating planes <NUM> within opposing bulkhead adapter ports <NUM>. The bulkhead mating planes <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of a body portion <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. When mounted within the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>, ferrules <NUM> of the opposing fiber optic connectors <NUM> and <NUM> mate through the mating planes <NUM> within the body portion <NUM>. Opposing ferrules <NUM> rest against and align two conjoining/mated fiber planes <NUM> and bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> of opposing fiber optic connectors <NUM> and <NUM> to make a fiber optic cable connection. When coming together, a cleaning media agent <NUM> in a first ferrule of the first fiber optic connector <NUM> may rotate against an opposing ferrule of the second fiber optic connector <NUM>, wiping and cleaning the tips of the fiber strands of the second fiber optic connector <NUM>. Alternativley, or simultaneously, the cleanring media agent <NUM> of the second fiber optic connector <NUM> may clean the fiber strands of the first fiber optic connector <NUM>.

Within the bulkhead mating planes <NUM> or the body portion <NUM> may be fiber alignment planes where the banks of fiber strands <NUM> are contained and aligned. The bulkhead port <NUM> may include a receiving cavity <NUM> to accept the fiber optic connector <NUM> and which contains the mating plane <NUM>. The bulkhead adapter <NUM> may also include its own cleaning wiping area where the body portion <NUM> can host the fiber cleaning media used to swipe or wipe the fiber planes <NUM> of the fiber optic connectors <NUM> and <NUM> during the twist-and-return fasten and release of the fiber optic connectors <NUM> and <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

The bulkhead adapter <NUM> may further include a panel clip or mounting screw (not illustrated) embodded in the body portion <NUM> that is used to affix and secure the bulkhead adapter <NUM> onto an infrastructure path panel or transceiver.

The bulkhead adapter <NUM> furth includes an alignment pin insertion hole <NUM> within the body portion <NUM> and bulkhead mating plane <NUM> to accept the center guide pin <NUM> of an inserted fiber optic connector <NUM>. The center guide pin <NUM> is passed through the mating plane <NUM> and body portion <NUM> to be inserted into a gusset <NUM> of a conjoining female fiber optics connector <NUM>. The alignment pin insertion hole <NUM> may be of a specific diameter that specifically accepts the center guide pin <NUM>, allowing for rotation of the fiber optic connector <NUM> and helping to achieve optimal alignment and connectivity performance. The diameter may be similar in diameter and length to the gusset <NUM>, such as <NUM> - <NUM> in diameter, and <NUM> in length. <NUM> - <NUM> diameter, length <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the male fiber optics connector <NUM> is positioned to be coupled to the female fiber optics connector <NUM>. The male fiber optics connector <NUM> has the male center guide pin <NUM> disposed into a center of the circular ferrule 135A. The female fiber optics connector <NUM> has the receiving gusset <NUM> to receive the center guide pin <NUM> and complete a coupling of the two connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. The gusset <NUM> is disposed on the circular ferrule 135B and rotatable coupler 330B.

The center guide pin <NUM> is easily removable and replaceable such that gender changes can be performed without the need to disassemble the connectors <NUM> or their components. The center guide pin <NUM> may be of a specific diameter and length to achieve optimal alignment and connectivity performance. For example, the center guide pin <NUM> may be on the order of <NUM> to <NUM> in diameter having a length of about <NUM>.

The receiving gusset <NUM> may be of a specific diameter that specifically accepts the center guide pin <NUM>, allowing for the rotation of the rotatable coupler 330A as it is inserted into the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The receiving gusset <NUM> of a receiving female fiber optic connector <NUM> helps to achieve optimal alignment and connectivity performance. The diameter of the receiving gusset <NUM> may be similarly sized to the center guide pin <NUM>, on the order of, but slightly larger than <NUM> to <NUM> in diameter having a length of about <NUM>.

The receiving gusset <NUM> may be conductive to complete connectivity with the mated center guide pin <NUM> providing an additional or supplementary source of connectivity within the connector in addition to the fiber optic strands.

In addition to fiber optic connection, the fiber optic connectors <NUM> described herein have multimedia capabilities. The fiber optic connectors <NUM> have an additional feature, where the center guide pin <NUM> or multiple fiber plane <NUM> design can be made of or used to contain a separate connectivity media type such as copper, a variation of fiber optics or other media, to grant the connector the capability of supporting multimedia connectivity within a single connection. The center guide pin <NUM> can be used to support copper cabling connectivity as it inserts directly into the gusset <NUM> of another mated fiber optics connector <NUM>. Also, each individual fiber plane <NUM> can host a separate and different embedded media type in parallel to the primary fiber plane and embedded bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>.

The circular and round shape of the ferrule face <NUM> provides several beneficial attributes such as providing a large mating surface area to provide good space efficiency per fiber strand. As illustrated in <FIG>, the circular ferrule <NUM> houses at least one sector shaped fiber plane <NUM> that have parallel and opposing formations in opposing fiber optic connectors which provide easy "on the fly" polarity adjustments/flips. The circular ferrule <NUM> allows for twist-and-return action of the rotatable coupler <NUM> for spaceless fastening and releasing of the fiber optics connector <NUM> from the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another mating connection of fiber optic cable connectors <NUM> and <NUM> thorugh another bulkhead adapter <NUM> in accordance with <FIG>. As an alternative to the arrangement illustrated in <FIG>, as described herein, an alignment groove 261A may be disposed in a rotatable coupler 230A of a fiber optic connector <NUM> and a second alignment groove 261B may be disposed in a rotatable coupler 230B of a fiber optic connector <NUM>. The rotatable coupler 230A may rotate about an alignment pin 262A disposed in a bulkhead adapter port 251A. The rotatable coupler 230B may rotate about an alignment pin 262B in a bulkhead adapter port 251B. Other common features previously described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> also apply to the embodiment of <FIG>, including but not limited to the cleaning media placement in the ferrules or body portion.

The twist-and-return actions of embodiments described herein are described in accordance with <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, columns I and II, row "A" may denote an uncoupled stage of the fiber optic connector <NUM> and the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, and an uncoupled position of the fiber optic connector <NUM> and the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. The alignment token track/grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be configured to have an initial straight portion (along an axis "Z") that is disposed perpendicular to a cross-section of respective bulkhead adapter port <NUM> perimeter. In a row "B" stage, the fiber optic connector <NUM> may be initially coupled to the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. Alternatively, the fiber optic connector <NUM> may be initially coupled to the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. For further coupling, in a row "C" stage, the alignment token track/grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a diagonal portion for further insertion of the fiber optics connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. The diagonal portions guide a turning motion of the rotatable couplers <NUM> and <NUM> within the respective bulkhead adapter ports <NUM> and <NUM>. In stage "D," to achieve a locking or fully mounted configuration in the first and/or second alignment token track/grooves <NUM> or <NUM>, and/or <NUM> and <NUM>, the alignment tracks may conclude with a straight portion (along axis "X") that is parallel to the cross-section of the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> and <NUM> perimeters. Spring tension in the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM> may increase in row "C" as the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM> are rotated along the diagonal path. Upon release into the straight groove in row "D," the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM> may become securely held within the bulkhead adapter ports <NUM> or <NUM>, biased by internal springs of the rotatable couplers <NUM> or <NUM>.

According to embodiments described herein, once a fiber optic connector <NUM> is mounted within a bulkhead adapter <NUM>, various connections may be made between one fiber optic strand bank <NUM> and another. The circular ferrules <NUM> may accept multiple possible arrangements for banks of fiber optic strands. Fiber strands may be in a fiber bank <NUM> having the shape of a trapezoid, referred to as a sector. This sector enables a wider portion of the trapezoid to align with an arc of the circular ferrule <NUM> and a narrow portion of the trapezoid to match with a narrower arc on along the center guide pin <NUM> or receiving gusset <NUM>. The trapezoid sector shape may permit a precise alignment of banks of fiber strands <NUM> when mated, and at a higher quantity of fiber strands versus conventional flat row formats. The fiber plane <NUM> is a designated area on the ferrule face <NUM> where bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> are contained and aligned. More than one fiber bank <NUM> may be provided within a fiber optic connector <NUM>. The fiber plane <NUM> is also a targeted area of media cleaning/wiping.

The fiber plane <NUM> is the area on the ferrule face <NUM> that is used to house the embedded bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>. The trapezoid sector shape allows for radial or flat formation/orientation of bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> providing greater precision in fiber strand alignments between mated fiber optic connectors <NUM>.

The trapezoid shape of the fiber plane <NUM> allows for the cleaning/wiping of media <NUM> used to wipe an opposing surface of the fiber plane <NUM> and embedded bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>, during the twist-and-release movement of the fiber optics connectors <NUM>. The fiber planes <NUM> can be positioned on the circular ferrule <NUM> in parallel, diametric, and quad orientations to mirror fiber strand formations, allowing for easy polarity changes or flips without the need to modify or remove the rotatable coupler <NUM>.

According to embodiments described herein, there may be multiple layout orientations of radial banks of fiber strands <NUM>. A bank of fiber strands <NUM> is a grouping and formation within the fiber plane <NUM>. The bank of fiber strands <NUM> are precisely aligned to mate and marry to an adjoining fiber optic connector <NUM> in order to complete fiber optics connectivity of two or more cables connected together, and/or cables to a patch panel, source, or destination panel.

The circular ferrule face <NUM> has a large mating surface area to connector body ratio. Embodiments described herein include high fiber strand count at low loss. The result is higher fiber optics connectivity performance (>. 03db) at quantities exceeding <NUM> strands. Superior fiber alignment performance is enabled having very high strand counts to provide a significant increase in both fiber strand quantity and density per connector.

<FIG> illustrate example fiber banks and fiber optic strand formations in accordance with embodiments described herein. <FIG> illustrates different variations of a duplex and quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) fiber connector <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein. A first group <NUM> represents different configurations of a one strand fiber orientation that may be used according to embodiments described herein. Each strand may include numerous smaller strands embedded therein. A second group <NUM> represents different configurations of a two strand fiber orientation that may be used according to embodiments described herein. A third group <NUM> represents different configurations of a four strand fiber orientation that may be used according to embodiments described herein. A fourth group <NUM> represents different configurations of an eight strand fiber orientation that may be used according to embodiments described herein. One skilled in the art may be able to determine alternative arrangements for the one, two, four, and eight strange fiber orientations without deviating from the implementations presented herein, given the trapezoidal shape of the disclosed fiber sectors.

<FIG> illustrates different fiber strand orientations of a high density fiber connector <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein. As illustrated in <FIG>, the high density fiber connector <NUM> may include various configurations for a twelve strand fiber orientation. Particular arrangements are not limited thereto. One skilled in the art may be able to determine alternative arrangements for the twelve strange fiber orientations without deviating from the implementations presented herein, given the trapezoidal shape of the disclosed fiber sectors.

<FIG> illustrates different fiber strand orientations of a super high density fiber connector <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein. As illustrated in <FIG>, the super high density fiber <NUM> may include various configurations for a twenty-four strand fiber orientation. Particular arrangements are not limited thereto. One skilled in the art may be able to determine alternative arrangements for the twenty-four strange fiber orientations without deviating from the implementations presented herein, given the trapezoidal shape of the disclosed fiber sectors.

The fiber planes <NUM> and banks of fiber strands <NUM> may be cleaned as described herein. As illustrated in <FIG>, the circular ferrule <NUM> may further house the cleaning media agent <NUM> used to wipe the surface of the fiber planes <NUM> and embedded banks of fiber strands <NUM>, during fastening and release of the fiber optics connector <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

A cleaning media may be used in the circular ferrules <NUM> to swipe or wipe the fiber plane(s) <NUM> and bank(s) of opposing fiber strands <NUM> of an opposing fiber optics connector during a twist-and-return fasten and release process of the fiber optics connector <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, ensuring a clean and debris free connection between two connector interfaces. This is made possible by the capability of embedding a cleaning media agent <NUM>, on either the connector circular ferrule <NUM> or bulkhead adapter <NUM>, that performs a preemptive wiping/cleaning of the surfaces of the bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> as part of the coupling process, and removing any contaminants that may get trapped or embedded between the mated fibers in the bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>.

The circular ferrule <NUM> may include injection port holes (not illustrated) for injecting a liquid or semi-solid cleaning media agent <NUM> that can saturate a wiping media of the fiber plane <NUM> which may aid in cleaning debris off of the fiber plane <NUM> and bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM>. The injection port holes may also be used as a push through to remove the wiping media so it can be replaced.

The cleaning media agent <NUM> may be formulated to specifically fit within the circular ferrule <NUM> and bulkhead adapter <NUM> mating surface area. The cleaning media agent <NUM> may also be made of a cloth or brush material that may not scratch the ferrule face <NUM> or fiber plane <NUM> surface and also attract yet not release debris and contaminants as the cleaning media agent <NUM> performs the wiping process. The cleaning media agent <NUM> may be easily removed and replaced on either the circular ferrule <NUM> or bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

Tools and detergents can be implemented to cleanse the cleaning media agent <NUM> on the fiber optics connector <NUM> or bulkhead adapter <NUM>, ensuring that residual debris may not end up causing cross contamination if the fiber optics connectors <NUM> are frequently connected or disconnected.

<FIG> illustrates use of a thin cleaning media agent <NUM> on a bulkhead adapter port <NUM> in accordance with embodiments described herein. In <FIG>, column I, a thin cleaning media agent <NUM> may be disposed on an end face <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. Similarly, in column II, a thin cleaning media agent <NUM> may be disposed on an end face <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. The cleaning media agents <NUM> and <NUM> are sufficiently thin so the ferrule faces of both connectors can be placed in close proximity such that their adjoining fiber plane and fiber strands can complete optical connectivity. The shape of the cleaning media agents <NUM> and <NUM> on the end face <NUM> may be configured to support a complete wiping and cleaning of the ferrule face during the rotate and return action of the connector's insertion or release. The cutout gaps <NUM> and <NUM> utilize the remaining space of the end face <NUM> and may be shaped to fit the ferrule faces <NUM> and fiber banks <NUM>. The cutout gaps <NUM> and <NUM> are thus shaped so that fiber planes <NUM> may extend through the cutout gaps to expose the cleaned tips of the fiber strands to mate with fiber strands of an opposing connector within the bulkhead adapter.

Referring to column I, a fiber optic connector <NUM> may be loaded into the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> in a similar manner to the mounting a rotation described regarding <FIG>. Row "A" illustrates an uncoupled stage. Row "B" illustrates a first coupling stage. In row "C," during a rotation stage along the diagonal portion of the alignment track(s)/groove(s), the fiber plane <NUM> is moved closer to the cleaning media agent <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter port <NUM>. At the end of the diagonal alignment groove, the fiber plane <NUM> has been fully rotated and pushed forward to be flush with the cleaning media agent <NUM>. Upon release of the rotatable coupler <NUM> during stage "D", the cleaning agent <NUM> brushes against the bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> that are exposed in the fiber planes <NUM>, attracting and extracting dirt and debris as the cleaning media agent <NUM> wipes the surface of the fiber plane <NUM>. This action of wiping the fiber plane <NUM> occurs whether there are one, two, four, or more fiber planes exposed on a ferrule face, in accordance with embodiments described herein.

Embodiments described herein provide for flexible fiber strand orientation flips and quick polarity changes. The design of the fiber optic connector <NUM> described herein has the ability to flip or reverse polarity of banks of fiber strand <NUM> sequencing/formations, without the need to disassemble or modify the fiber optic connector <NUM> or its components. This is performed by simply inserting the fiber optic connector <NUM> upside-down or right-side up into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The inverted insertion capability is made possible by the alignment tokens <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and/or the alignment track/grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> placement on opposing sides of the rotatable coupler <NUM> and bulkhead adapter <NUM>, which can accept the fiber optic connector <NUM> being inserted either orientation.

<FIG> illustrate multiple fiber bank configurations embedded in the fiber optic connector in accordance with embodiments described herein. In order to increase the number of fiber strand connections, multiple fiber banks of fiber strands may be used in a single connector. <FIG> illustrates a scenario in which twenty-four to forty-eight fiber strands may be used. First and second banks of fiber strands 743A and 743B may be used to increase a quantity of connectivity of a fiber optic connector <NUM>. The fiber optic connector of <FIG> may thus have a mirrored fiber plane layout. Both banks of fiber strands 743A and 743B have the sector trapezoidal shape, maximizing the space within the circular ferrule face <NUM>. A first fiber bank <FIG> illustrates the use a single alignment token <NUM>, but embodiments are not limited thereto. A second alignment token could be used to increase the connectivity of the fiber optic connector <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a scenario in which forty-eight to ninety-six fiber strands may be used in a mirrored layout of four banks of fiber planes 743C, 743D, 743E, and 743F. As illustrated in <FIG>, the circular ferrule faces <NUM> with the mirrored fiber plane layout orientation allows for easy polarity changes/flips without the need to modify or remove the connector housing, achieved by simply inserting the fiber optic connector <NUM> upside down or right-side up into a bulkhead adapter (not illustrated). 6B further illustrates and includes the cleaning media agent <NUM> disposed between the fiber planes <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a smaller form factor fiber optic connector <NUM> in accordance with FIG. In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, any of the banks of fiber strands illustrated in FIGS. 4B, or 4C may be used. In case the smaller fiber banks illustrated in FIG. 4A are used, a smaller fiber optic connectors such as the one illustrated in <FIG> with smaller ferrules and smaller ferrule faces may be used accordingly. Likewise embodiments described herein include a compatible bulkhead adapter to support the smaller form factor fiber optic connectors and ferrules. The smaller form factor illustrated in <FIG> may host duplex and Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QFSP) fiber formations. A larger form factor connector <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may host high density and super high density fiber formation.

A method of operation of the fiber optic connectors <NUM> described herein may be described with reference to the illustrated figures. With reference to <FIG>, column I, and <FIG>, when a user desires to connect fiber planes <NUM> on a male fiber optic connector <NUM> to a female fiber optic connector <NUM>, several steps may be undertaken. There is no designated order of connection. A male <NUM> or female <NUM> fiber optic connector may be connected first or second. On the side of the male fiber optic connector <NUM>, a user may grab onto the connecting grip portion <NUM> of the male fiber optic connector <NUM>. If a single alignment token <NUM> is present on the male fiber optic connector <NUM>, the user may align the alignment token <NUM> with the alignment track/groove <NUM>. To begin coupling the male fiber optic connector <NUM> to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, the user must push the rotatable coupler <NUM> forward into the initial straight portion of the alignment track/groove <NUM> on the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

When the user continues to push the rotatable coupler <NUM> forward, the second portion of the alignment track/groove <NUM>, the angled portion thereof, may force the user to rotate the rotatable coupler <NUM> in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on an orientation of the alignment track groove <NUM>. The fiber optic cable <NUM>, boot portion <NUM>, and fixed body portion <NUM> may not rotate. The rotatable coupler <NUM> may begin to rotate preloaded by an internal spring mechanism, where preload tension of the spring increases as the degree of rotation increases. When the user turns the rotatable coupler <NUM> to a point in the alignment track/groove <NUM> that stops the movement thereof, the user may release the tension on the spring, and the alignment token <NUM> may move along the final straight portion of the alignment track groove <NUM> to come to rest position within the bulkhead adapter port <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. This movement is referred to herein as the fasten-and-release mechanism, or twist-and-release movement. The configuration and movement succeeds in firmly loading and holding a fiber optic connector <NUM> into a bulkhead adapter port, such that fiber planes <NUM> of fiber optic connectors <NUM> may be properly aligned for mating and signal communication. If there is a cleaning media agent <NUM> installed in the mating plane <NUM> of the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, the fiber planes <NUM> and bank(s) of fiber strands <NUM> may be cleaned as the fiber optic connector <NUM> is being mounted. When unfastening a fiber optic connector <NUM>, the insertion movements may be reversed including compressing and release of the internal spring mechanisms to de-couple a fiber optic connector <NUM> from a bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

As illustrated in the accompanying figures, more than one alignment token and alignment groove may be used to provide additional security to the system. Also, alternatively, the rotatable coupler <NUM> may include alignment grooves while the bulkhead adapter port includes the alignment tokens, as illustrated in column II of <FIG>, and a similar mounting method may be performed.

Embodiments described herein thus provide a high density fiber strand and low loss connectivity solutions. The culmination of unique fiber optic connector <NUM> components including but not limited to a large circular ferrule, sector shaped fiber planes, radial banks of fiber strands, a center guide pin and gusset, alignment tokens, and tracks/grooves, results in a precise alignment of fiber strands when fiber optic connectors <NUM> are mated, and at a higher quantity of fiber strands. The result is higher fiber optics connectivity performance (>. 03db) at fiber strand quantities up to and exceeding forty-eight fiber strands.

The fiber optic connectors <NUM> having a circular and cylindrical shape and a rotatable couplers, allows for the "twist-and-return" action described herein for fastening and releasing the fiber optic connectors from a bulkhead adapter port. This feature has the added benefit of allowing handling of the fiber optic connectors to be performed away from a connector head or bulkhead adapter port, reducing the overall footprint of the fiber optic connector and allowing for a tighter grouping and higher population of ports per patch panel.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate rotatable shroud couplers <NUM> having fixed circular ferrules <NUM> in accordance with not claimed embodiments described herein. The rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is a variation of the rotatable coupler <NUM> described previously. The rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> includes an elongated covering and provides protection to the circular ferrule <NUM>, ferrule face <NUM>, fiber planes <NUM> and the center guiding pin <NUM>. As illustrated in this not claimed embodiment, the circular ferrule <NUM> includes a cylindrical shape and protrudes out of the rotatabe shroud coupler <NUM> when the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is inserted into the bulkhead <NUM>.

The rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> further includes a shroud disc <NUM> at one end thereof that can host a cleaning media <NUM>. The shroud disc <NUM> of rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> the includes the cleaning media <NUM> adjacent cutout gaps <NUM> in which to receive the bank(s) of fiber strands extending through the ferrule face <NUM> after they are wiped and cleaned. The shroud disc <NUM> of the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is disposed on an end of the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> opposite the connecting grip <NUM>. The shroud disc <NUM> is removable from the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> for general maintenance, repair or replacement.

Similar to other embodiments, the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> may have an alignment token <NUM> disposed thereon to be received within a track or groove <NUM> of a bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The track or groove <NUM> may have a different shape than an alignment groove <NUM> described in other embodiments. The track <NUM> may have an initial straight portion, a slanted portion, and another straight portion. The shapes of these grooves are interchangeable and the depiction and description thereof are not meant to be limiting in terms of couplers that may be securely fastened to a bulkhead adapter. The rotatable coupler <NUM> may be spring loaded.

Different stages of insertion of rotatable shroud couplers are illustrated in column I and II, stages A through D. As illustrated in column I, and transitioning from stage A to stage D, a fiber optic cable <NUM> connected to the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The stages A to D are not rigid demarcation points. The depictions and descriptions of these stages A to D are meant to represent a continuous movement of parts, from an initial insertion, cleaning, to a secure connection.

From stage A to stage B, an initial coupling takes place. The rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> may be inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM> as the alignment token <NUM> is inserted into a first straight portion of the track <NUM>. From stage B to stage C, the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> does not yet rotate as the circular ferrule <NUM> is pushed through and protrudes from within the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> until it comes into contact with the cleaning media <NUM>. In this not claimed embodiment, the orientation of the fiber planes <NUM> having fiber strands therein within the circular ferrule <NUM> are fixed and do not rotate.

Upon further insertion by a user from stage C to stage D, the alignment token <NUM> of the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is forced into rotation along the track <NUM> such that the cleaning media <NUM> of the shroud disc <NUM> is wiped over the fiber planes <NUM> and banks of fiber strands included therein to clean and sanitize the fiber strands. This cleaning allows the fiber strands to be clear of dirt and debris and establish clearer lines of communication. After cleaning, the fiber planes <NUM> fit within the cutout gaps <NUM> of the shroud disc <NUM>. A single trapezoid set is illustrated in row D, representing the fiber planes <NUM> extending through the cutout gaps <NUM>. The guiding pin <NUM> of the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> is able to marry with a receiving gusset of an opposing fiber optic coupler within an opposite side of the bulkhead adapter. This rotation exposes the fiber strands alongside the guiding pin <NUM> for marrying the adjoining connector within the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The other side of the bulkhead adapter <NUM> may receive any one of the coupler/ferrule combinations described herein.

Column II of <FIG> illustrates another not claimed embodiment of the rotating shroud coupler <NUM> in which a second alignment groove track <NUM> is disposed on the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> and an alignment pin <NUM> is affixed to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. Insertion, rotation, and cleaning of the circular ferrule <NUM> mimics the not claimed embodiment of column I in which the shroud disc <NUM> is rotated over the fiber strands of the circular ferrule <NUM> to prepare the fiber strands for dirt-free mating.

<FIG> illustrate front views of various rotating shroud couplers in accordance with <FIG>. As described herein, multiple form factors may be used. <FIG> illustrates two positions of a duplex or QFSP cable connector <NUM> which may utilize one to four fiber strands per fiber bank <NUM> and <NUM> for a total capacity of two to eight fiber strands. The upper position of <FIG> denotes a starting or ending point of rotation of a shroud disc of the rotatable shroud coupler. The lower position of <FIG> denotes a rotated position in the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The form factor of <FIG> may referred to as a small "S" body.

<FIG> illustrates a high density (HD) version of the cable connector <NUM> in a larger "L" body format that includes two opposing fiber banks <NUM> and <NUM> each hosting <NUM>-<NUM> fiber strands for a total capacity of up to <NUM> strands per connector. The upper position of <FIG> denotes a starting or ending point of rotation of the ferrule face as opposed to the shroud disc with cleaning media <NUM>. The lower position of <FIG> denotes a rotated position of the ferrule face and shroud disc with cleaning media <NUM> when completely inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a super high density (SHD) version of the cable connector <NUM> which also utilizes the larger "L" body format <NUM>. The SHD cable connector <NUM> adds an additional two fiber planes <NUM> and <NUM> to the not claimed embodiment of <FIG>. each plane hosting <NUM>-<NUM> fiber strands for a total capacity of up to <NUM> strands per connector.

The not claimed embodiments of <FIG> have similar components that will be described with reference to <FIG>. Each of thenot claimed embodiments include a fixed ferrule <NUM> and a shroud disc <NUM> that can contain a cleaning media. The shroud disc <NUM> is in the shape of a cross, having four segments, but configurations are not limited thereto. The cleaning/wiping media area may take the form of any polygon or shape in which to adequately wipe the bank(s) of fiber strands exposed via a ferrule face. These polygonal shapes are separated by cutout gap regions <NUM> in which to receive the cleaned bank(s) of fiber strands. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cleaning/wiping area <NUM> of the shroud disc <NUM> may include arced sections to correspond to shapes of the ferrule face <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when an alignment pin <NUM> traverses the track <NUM>, the rotatable shrouded coupler <NUM> rotates to wipe the cleaning media <NUM> over the bank of fiber strands, and the ferrule <NUM> remains fixed in place. After being cleaned, the banks of fiber strands <NUM> and <NUM> fit within the cutout gap regions <NUM> that move when the shroud disc rotates, ready to mate with an opposing connector. The shroud disc <NUM> is connected to an outer rim <NUM> of a removable shroud disc <NUM>. A counter-clockwise turn <NUM> may engage the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> to a bulkhead <NUM>, and a counter-clockwise turn <NUM> may release the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM>. Orientations of the alignment tracks and rotation of the rotatable shroud coupler <NUM> may be mirrored to provide opposite rotations thereof.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate fixed shroud couplers <NUM> and rotating circular ferrules <NUM> in accordance with not claimed embodiments described herein. The fixed shroud coupler <NUM> includes a base portion adjacent the connecting grip <NUM> and an extending shroud portion that covers the circular ferrule <NUM>. Upon rotation of the circular ferrule <NUM>, the circular ferrule <NUM> may protrude out of the base portion of the shroud coupler and within the extended portion of the fixed shroud coupler for it to be cleaned and put into a mating position. The fixed shroud coupler <NUM> provides protection to the front ferrule face <NUM>, fiber planes <NUM> and the center guiding pin <NUM>. The fixed shroud coupler <NUM> further includes a shroud disc <NUM> having cleaning media <NUM> formed integrally within the shroud disc <NUM>. The shroud disc <NUM> includes cutout gaps adjacent the cleaning media. The shroud disc <NUM> of the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> is disposed on an end of the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> opposite the connecting grip <NUM>. The shroud disc <NUM> is removable from the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> for general maintenance, repair or replacement. The shroud disc <NUM> of the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> the includes the cleaning media <NUM> adjacent cutout gaps <NUM> in which to receive the bank(s) of fiber strands extending through the ferrule face of the ferrule <NUM> after they are wiped and cleaned.

Similar to other embodiments, the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> may have an alignment token <NUM> disposed thereon to be received within a track or groove <NUM> of a bulkhead adapter <NUM>. Illustrated in <FIG> are two sides <NUM> and <NUM> of a bulkhead adapter in accordance with embodiments described herein. The track or groove <NUM> may have varying shapes as described herein.

As illustrated in column I, and transitioning from stage A to stage D, a fiber optic cable <NUM> connected to the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> is inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. Again, the stages A to D are not rigid demarcation points, but represent different snapshots of the movement of the parts described and illustrated herein. From stage A to stage B, an initial coupling takes place. The shroud coupler <NUM> is inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM> and the alignment token <NUM> is inserted into a first straight portion of the track <NUM>. From stage B to stage C, the circular ferrule <NUM> does not yet rotate as the circular ferrule <NUM> body is pushed through the shroud coupler <NUM> until it mates with the cleaning media <NUM>. Throughout this not claimed embodiment, the orientation of the shroud coupler <NUM> does not rotate. The fiber plane(s) <NUM> within the circular ferrule <NUM> do rotate.

Upon further insertion by a user from stage C to stage D, instead of the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> rotating in the bulkhead <NUM>, it is the circular ferrule <NUM> that rotates against the fixed cleaning media <NUM> as the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> is pushed into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. The circular ferrule <NUM> rotates and the shroud coupler <NUM> with cleaning media <NUM> remains fixed in place. In this not claimed embodiment, the rotation of the ferrule face <NUM> wipes the bank(s) fiber strands against the cleaning media, effectuating cleaning and disinfecting as described herein. The pushing and rotation movement of the cylindrical and circular ferrule <NUM> effectuates the cleaning action of the cleaning media <NUM>. This same pushing and rotation allows the banks of fiber strands in the fiber plane <NUM> to fit within cutout gaps <NUM> of the shroud disc <NUM>. A single trapezoid set is illustrated in row D, representing the fiber planes <NUM> extending through the cutout gaps <NUM>. Though not illustrated there may be a second fiber optic cable and shroud coupler coupled to the other side of bulkhead adapter <NUM> to establish connection with the fiber optic cable coupled to the fixed shroud coupler <NUM>. An opposing fiber optic cable may be coupled to any one of the couplers described herein such that a male guiding pin couples with a female gusset.

Column II of <FIG> illustrates another not claimed embodiment of a fixed shroud coupler <NUM> and rotating circular ferrule <NUM> in which a second alignment groove track <NUM> is disposed on the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> and an alignment pin <NUM> is affixed to the bulkhead adapter <NUM>. In this case, when the shroud coupler <NUM> is inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>, the groove <NUM> is inserted over the alignment pin <NUM>. Further insertion and rotation of the circular ferrule <NUM> then mimics the not claimed embodiment of column I in which the circular ferrule <NUM> is rotated against the cleaning media <NUM> to clean the bank(s) fiber strands.

<FIG> illustrates front views of various fixed shroud couplers in accordance with <FIG>. Multiple form factors may be used. <FIG> illustrates a duplex or QFSP cable S body connector <NUM> which may utilize one to four fiber strands per fiber bank for a total capacity of two to eight fiber strands.

<FIG> illustrates a high density (HD) version of the cable connector in a larger "L" body format <NUM> that includes two opposing fiber banks <NUM> and <NUM> each hosting <NUM>-<NUM> fiber strands for a total capacity of up to <NUM> strands per connector. The upper position of <FIG> denotes a starting or ending point of rotation of the ferrule face as opposed to the shroud disc <NUM>. The lower position of <FIG> denotes a rotated position of the ferrule face and shroud disc <NUM> when completely inserted into the bulkhead adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a super high density (SHD) version of the cable connector which also utilizes the larger "L" body format <NUM>. The SHD cable connector <NUM> adds an additional two fiber planes <NUM> and <NUM> to the not claimed embodiment of <FIG>. each plane hosting <NUM>-<NUM> fiber strands for a total capacity of up to <NUM> strands per connector.

The not claimed embodiments of <FIG> have similar components that will be described with reference to <FIG>. Each of the not claimed embodiments include a rotatable ferrule region <NUM> and a cleaning/wiping media area <NUM>. The cleaning/wiping media area <NUM> is in the shape of a cross, having four legs, but is not limited thereto. The cleaning/wiping media area may take the form of any polygon or shape in which to adequately wipe the bank(s) of fiber strands exposed via a ferrule face. These polygonal shapes are separated by cutout gap regions <NUM> in which to receive the cleaned bank(s) of fiber strands. The rotatable cylindrical and circular ferrule <NUM> provides a ferrule face <NUM> exposing bank(s) of fiber planes <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when an alignment pin <NUM> traverses the track <NUM>, the rotatable circular ferrule <NUM> rotates against the cleaning media area <NUM> to wipe the fiber strands over the cleaning media, and the fixed shroud coupler <NUM> remains fixed in place. The pushing and rotating action then secures the rotatable circular ferrule <NUM> within the cutout gaps <NUM> of the removable shroud disc <NUM>, where the clean fiber strands are ready for mating with an opposing cable connector. The cleaning/wiping media area <NUM> is connected to an outer rim of a removable shroud disc <NUM>. A counter-clockwise turn <NUM> may engage the rotatable ferrule <NUM> to a bulkhead <NUM> triggering the wiping of the fiber strands, and a clockwise turn <NUM> may release the rotatable ferrule <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) assembly, comprising:
a boot portion (<NUM>) connected to a fiber optic cable (<NUM>);
a fixed body portion (<NUM>) connected to the boot portion (<NUM>);
a rotatable coupler (<NUM>, <NUM>, 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) connected to the fixed body portion (<NUM>) and configured to rotate about the fixed body portion (<NUM>);
a ferrule (<NUM>) connected to the rotatable coupler (<NUM>, <NUM>, 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B); and
a bulkhead adapter (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that:
the ferrule (<NUM>) is configured to rotate with the rotatable coupler (<NUM>, <NUM>, 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) about the fixed body portion (<NUM>); and
the bulkhead adapter (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to receive the rotatable coupler (<NUM>, <NUM>, 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) after the rotatable coupler (<NUM>, <NUM>, 230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) has been turned in one direction and returned back by spring tension to a resting position.