Patent ID: 7556437

Claim:
A fiber optic connector assembly comprising: a fiber optic connector including an outer housing having a connector interface end, the fiber optic connector also including a connector interface housing mounted at the connector interface end of the outer housing, the connector interface housing having a first end supporting a ferrule and a second end forming a base supported by a retention block mounted within the outer housing, the fiber optic connector further including a retention nut rotatably mounted about the outer housing, the retention nut having external threads; a cap for covering the connector interface end, the cap having internal threads that receive the external threads of the retention nut such that the retention nut secures the cap to the fiber optic connector; and a stabilizing element positioned within the cap that compresses against the retention block when the cap is secured to the fiber optic connector by the retention nut, wherein the stabilizing element maintains alignment of the connector interface housing relative to the outer housing.