Patent ID: 6848834

Claim:
A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector for connecting the terminal ends of two multi-channel fiber optic cables having termini of respective ones of multiple optical fibers included within said cables, the connector comprising: translating termini having terminal ends of which extend out of the forward end of an insert cap to prevent mud or debris from becoming lodged within the bores of the insert cap and within alignment sleeves which are contained within the insert cap; a first housing having a first connector face, a first insert cap tower and two first insert cap tangs which extend forward of said first connector face, wherein said two first tangs and said first insert cap tower are spaced apart to extend forward of said first connector face in a keyed arrangement for reciprocally engaging a second housing having a second insert cap tower with two second tangs, said two first tangs fitting adjacent to the second insert cap tower, said first insert cap tower fitting adjacent to the second insert cap tower and the second tangs, and said first connector face fitting against a second forward surface of the second insert cap tower; said first insert cap tower having two interior passages which define first plug body cavities within which are disposed respective ones of a first pair of said termini; and said first connector face having a pair of interior passages which define two first connector face cavities which are disposed between said first insert cap tower and said two first tangs, from which respective ones of a second pair of said termini extend.