HK40020595B

HK40020595B - Connector engagement sensing mechanism

Info

Publication number: HK40020595B
Application number: HK62020010307.0A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 武内健一郎; 陆海光; C‧K‧P‧恩格
Original assignee: 光互通控股有限公司
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2018-02-01
Publication date: 2022-12-23

Description

Connector engagement sensing mechanism

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation of us patent application No. 15/863,331 filed on 5.1.2018, claiming the benefits of us provisional patent application No. 62/473,872 filed on 3.20.2017 and us provisional patent application No. 62/453,449 filed on 1.2.2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present technology relates generally to optical and electrical connectors, and more particularly to detection of connection of such devices.

Background

The optical fibers and wires are optically or electrically connected to respective opposing optical fibers and wires to transmit signals between the respective connected optical fibers and wires, which may occur during operation of the data storage and transmission device. The respective opposite optical fibers and wires are held at their ends by the connector. To establish a connection between the respective opposing optical fibers and wires, the respective opposing optical fibers and wires are connected to each other or to both adapters.

The connection between the respective fiber optic connectors and the electrical wire connectors (the electrical wire connectors and the electrical wires held thereby are commonly referred to as wire harnesses) is typically made using a latching arrangement, as is the case with the fiber optic "LC connectors" and "SC connectors". This configuration prevents disconnection of the connectors when they are connected to each other or to the respective adapters, for example, by pulling out, and also provides tactile feedback to alert a user connecting the connectors to each other or to the respective adapters that a full connection has been made that has prevented accidental disconnection.

Sometimes, incomplete connections between connectors or between connectors and adapters are made that may not be detectable by the user. In addition, fatigue or other stresses caused by use of the connectors may weaken the mechanical connection between the connectors or between the connectors and the adapter, resulting in a broken or inadequate connection. Such incomplete or broken connections result in reduced system performance or even complete system failure.

Therefore, it is necessary to detect whether appropriate corresponding fiber optic and wire connections are made and maintained.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, the connector may include a receptacle for receiving a mating connector and an electrical switch mounted to the receptacle. The connectors and mating connectors may be, but are not limited to, mating optical or electrical connectors. When the mating connector is received in a predetermined position within the receptacle, the electrical switch may generate or stop generating an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received in the predetermined position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, an energy delivery connector assembly may include an energy delivery connector and a mating connector for mating with the energy delivery connector. Such an energy transmission connector may include a receptacle sized to receive a mating connector and an electrical switch mountable to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined location within the receptacle, the electrical switch may generate or cease generating an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location.

In some arrangements, the energy transfer connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or a conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, the optical fiber or conductive element may be in a predetermined aligned position within the energy transmitting connector when the mating connector is received in a predetermined position and holds the optical fiber or conductive element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, the energy transmission connector may include a receptacle and a sensor, the receptacle being sized to receive a mating connector for mating with the energy transmission connector. The sensor may be mounted to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined location within the receptacle, the sensor may detect that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location within the receptacle and generate or cease generating an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location.

In some arrangements, the energy transmission connector may be an energy signal transmission connector. In some such arrangements, the energy signal transmission connector may be an optical signal transmission connector or an electrical signal transmission connector for holding respective optical fibers that transmit optical signals corresponding to the data or electrically conductive elements that transmit electrical signals corresponding to the data. Such data may be data transmitted to or from network devices or server devices, including but not limited to such devices as may be found in a data center.

In some such arrangements, the energy signal transmission connector may be an optical or electrical connector for holding an optical fiber or a conductive element. In this manner, in some such arrangements, the optical fiber or conductive element may be in a predetermined aligned position within the energy transmitting connector when the mating connector is received in a predetermined position and holds the optical fiber or conductive element.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be an electro-optical sensor. The electro-optical sensor may be, but is not limited to, a position sensor that generates a signal when an object interrupts light emitted by the position sensor or a photo-sensor, the sensor detecting at least one of a distance of the object from the photo-sensor and a presence or absence of the object.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be an electrical switch. In this manner, when the mating connector is received at a predetermined location within the receptacle, the electrical switch can be contacted by the mating connector such that the electrical switch generates or ceases to generate an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, an energy transmission connector assembly may include an energy transmission connector and a mating connector for mating with the energy transmission connector. Such an energy transmission connector may include a receptacle sized to receive a mating connector and a sensor mountable to the receptacle. When the mating connector is received at a predetermined location within the receptacle, the sensor may detect that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location within the receptacle and generate or cease generating an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, an energy transmission connector assembly may include a receptacle sized to receive a mating connector for mating with an energy transmission connector, and a sensor mounted to a frame configured to engage the receptacle. When the frame is engaged with the receptacle and the mating connector is received at a predetermined location within the receptacle, the sensor may detect that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location within the receptacle and may generate or cease generating an electrical signal indicating that the mating connector is received at the predetermined location.

In some arrangements, the sensor may detect through the receptacle that the mating connector is received in a predetermined location within the receptacle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include a housing, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing may have a hole. The ferrule is translatable within the bore of the housing. The sensor may be mounted in a bore of the housing and may be configured to detect translation of the ferrule. Upon such detection of the ferrule, the electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position.

In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe that may be configured to contact the ferrule during translation of the ferrule. In this manner, the probe may translate with the ferrule during contact with the ferrule, and the electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe. Such a probe may be a retractable probe that retracts from a rest position.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be a pressure sensor or a displacement sensor.

In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include a resilient element that may abut the ferrule. In such a configuration, the sensor may detect a change in length of the resilient element during translation of the ferrule.

In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include a portion of the optical fiber passing through the ferrule. In such a configuration, the ferrule may maintain the position of the portion of the fiber passing through the ferrule.

In some arrangements, the connector assembly may include a cable. The cable may include a second sensor positionable along a length of the cable. In such a configuration, the electrical characteristics of the second sensor may change when the surface of the cable on which the second sensor is located is deformed. In some such arrangements, the remote electronic device may generate an alarm signal when the electrical signal corresponding to the altered electrical characteristic of the second sensor is conducted to the remote electronic device and has at least a minimum value.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include a housing, a ferrule, and electrically conductive first and second contacts. The housing may have a hole. The ferrule is translatable within the bore of the housing. A conductive first contact may be mounted to the housing. A conductive second contact may be mounted to the ferrule. The conductive second contact is movable between a first position and a second position during translation of the ferrule. The conductive second contact may be conductively coupled with the conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the first position of translation, and the conductive second contact may not be conductively coupled with the conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the second position of translation.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a system may include a circuit, a housing, a ferrule, and electrically conductive first and second contacts. The circuitry may be configured to provide control signals to the peripheral components. The housing may have a hole. The ferrule is translatable within the bore of the housing. The conductive first contact may be mounted to the housing. A conductive second contact may be mounted to the ferrule at an end of the ferrule. The conductive second contact is movable between a first position and a second position during translation of the ferrule. The conductive second contact may be conductively coupled with the conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the first position of translation, and the conductive second contact may not be conductively coupled with the conductive first contact when the ferrule is in the second position of translation.

In some arrangements, the circuit may be a logic circuit, and in some such arrangements, the system may be a logic system.

In some arrangements, the circuitry may not provide the control signal to the peripheral component when the conductive first and second contacts are conductively coupled.

In some arrangements, the circuitry may provide the control signal to the peripheral component when the conductive first and second contacts are conductively coupled.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing may be received by the adapter and may have an aperture. The ferrule is translatable within the bore of the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the housing or the adapter. The sensor may be configured to detect translation of the ferrule. The electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule is translated to a predetermined position.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on an exterior of a wall of the housing, wherein the wall defines an aperture of the housing and the exterior is located on an opposite side of the wall from the aperture.

In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe that may be configured to contact the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing or to contact the housing when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. In this manner, the probe may translate relative to the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing, or the probe may be translated with the housing when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. The translation of such a probe may be proportional to the translation of the ferrule during such contact of the probe with the corresponding adapter or housing. The electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be a displacement sensor. In some other arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor, for example, a pressure sensor.

In some arrangements, the connector assembly may further include a protrusion extendable from the housing. In some such arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the projection when the sensor is mounted on the housing, or the probe may be configured to contact the projection when the sensor is mounted on the adapter.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a body and a protrusion that may extend from the body. The sensor may be mounted on the body or the protrusion between the body and the protrusion. The sensor may include a probe that may be configured to contact the protrusion when the sensor is mounted on the body, or to contact the body when the sensor is mounted on the protrusion. In this manner, the probe may be translated with the protrusion when the sensor is mounted on the body, or the probe may be translated relative to the body when the sensor is mounted on the protrusion. The translation of such a probe may be proportional to the translation of the ferrule during such contact with the corresponding protrusion or body. The electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the translation of the probe.

In some such arrangements, the tab may be hingedly connected to the body when the sensor is on the body. In some other such arrangements, the protrusion may be integral with the body.

In some arrangements, the connector assembly may further include a protrusion that may extend from the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the protrusion when the sensor is mounted on the housing, or the sensor may be configured to contact the protrusion when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. During translation of the ferrule by the minimum distance, the sensor may be pressed by a force from the adapter when the sensor is mounted on the housing, or the protrusion may be pressed by a force against the sensor when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. The electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a body and a protrusion extending from the body. The sensor may be mounted on the body or the protrusion between the body and the protrusion. The sensor may be configured to contact the body when the sensor is mounted on the protrusion, or the sensor may be configured to contact the protrusion when the sensor is mounted on the body. During translation of the ferrule by the minimum distance, the sensor may be pressed by a force against the body when the sensor is mounted on the protrusion, or the protrusion may be pressed by a force against the sensor when the sensor is mounted on the body. The electrical characteristic of the sensor may change to indicate that the ferrule has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing device, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing arrangement may include a housing receivable by the adapter and may have a bore, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end of the housing. The ferrule may be at least partially received within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing means or on an adapter. The sensor may face and be spaced from the rear end of the housing means when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. The sensor may be configured to detect a force applied by a rear end of the housing arrangement, or in some arrangements, by other components of the housing arrangement that are fixed to the housing so as to translate with the housing. The electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that a predetermined force has been applied by the housing means.

In some arrangements, the adapter may include a first adapter wall and the housing arrangement may include a first housing wall. In this way, when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall facing in the first direction, movement of the first housing wall in a second direction opposite to the first direction may be limited by the first adapter wall.

In some arrangements, the first housing wall may face in the second direction.

In some arrangements, the mating end of the ferrule may face in the first direction and may be located inward of the first adapter wall when movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall.

In some arrangements, the mating end of the ferrule can be spaced from the first housing wall in the first direction when movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall.

In some arrangements, the first housing wall may be movable when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall.

In some arrangements, the adapter may include a second adapter wall opposite the first adapter wall. In some such arrangements, the first housing wall can be located between the first adapter wall and the second adapter wall when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall.

In some such arrangements, the housing arrangement can include a second housing wall opposite the first housing wall. When the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall, the first housing wall may face the first adapter wall to define a first distance between the first housing wall and the first adapter wall, and the second housing wall may face the second adapter wall to define a second distance between the second housing wall and the second adapter wall. In this way, the sum of the first distance and the second distance may be greater than zero.

In some such arrangements, the first distance may be a first gap defined by a peak of the first housing wall and a peak of the first adapter wall. The second distance may be a second gap defined by a peak of the second housing wall and a peak of the second adapter wall. In this manner, the sum of the first gap and the second gap may be greater than zero. In some such arrangements, the sum may be at least 0.1 mm. In some such arrangements, the sum of the first gap and the second gap may be at least 0.5 mm.

In some arrangements, the first housing wall may be defined by a step of a lever of the LC connector. The first adapter wall may be a portion of a cavity extending through or within the adapter. In this way, when the primary housing wall is received in the adapter, the step of the rod may be received in a bore or extended cavity within the adapter.

In some arrangements, the housing arrangement may form part of an SC connector. The housing may define a recess and may include a protrusion that may function as a catch that may be, but is not limited to, for interacting with a hook of the flange. The first housing wall may define a portion of the recess. The first adapter wall may define an end of the flange such that the end of the flange is received in the recess of the housing when the first housing wall is received in the adapter.

In some arrangements, the adapter may include a substrate, and the sensor may be mounted on the substrate.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing means. In some such arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate and the post may extend from the base plate such that when the sensor detects a force applied by the rear end of the housing arrangement, the sensor abuts the post.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be a displacement sensor.

In some arrangements, indicating that the predetermined force has been applied by the housing arrangement may indicate that a second predetermined force has been applied to the mating end of the ferrule.

In some arrangements, the housing means further comprises extension means extendable from the rear end of the housing. In some such arrangements, the rear end of the extension means may define the rear end of the housing means.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the extension device.

In some arrangements, the extension device is detachable from the housing without destroying either of the housing and the extension device.

In some arrangements, the extension device may be threaded onto or into the housing.

In some arrangements, the extension device can include an inner extension and an outer extension that can be connected to the inner extension. The inner extension may be directly connected to the rear end of the housing and the outer extension may extend radially from the inner extension such that a force is applied by the rear end of the outer extension that the sensor is configured to detect.

In some arrangements, the inner and outer extensions may be in the form of tubes. In some such arrangements, the outer extension can circumferentially surround the inner extension and can be connected to the inner extension. In some such arrangements, the outer extension may be threadably connected to the inner extension.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing arrangement, a ferrule, and a sensor. The housing arrangement may include a housing receivable by the adapter and may have a bore, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end of the housing. The ferrule may be located within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing arrangement. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the housing means or on an adapter. The sensor may face and be spaced from the rear end of the housing means when the sensor is mounted on the adapter. The sensor may be configured to detect translation of the housing means. In this way, the electrical characteristics of the sensor may change to indicate that the housing arrangement has translated to a predetermined position.

In some arrangements, indicating that the housing arrangement has translated to the predetermined position may indicate that the mating end of the ferrule has translated to the second predetermined position.

In some arrangements, the housing means and the ferrule may be translated the same distance.

In some arrangements, the sensor may include a base module and a displaceable probe extendable from the base module. In this way, the electrical characteristics of the sensor may be altered to indicate that the housing means has translated to a predetermined position as a function of the force acting on the probe or displacement of the probe.

In some arrangements, the housing means may further comprise extension means extendable from the rear end of the housing. In some such arrangements, the rear end of the extension means may define the rear end of the housing means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a connector assembly may include an adapter, a housing device, a ferrule assembly, and a sensor. The housing means may comprise a housing receivable by the adapter. The housing may include an aperture, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end of the housing. The aperture through the housing may define an opening at a rear end of the housing, which in some arrangements may be the rear end of the housing means. The ferrule assembly may include a ferrule positioned within the bore of the housing and may have a mating end that may extend beyond the front end of the housing. The ferrule assembly may have a front end and a rear end opposite the front end of the ferrule assembly. The sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly or on the adapter facing and spaced from the rear end of the ferrule assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect either or both of: (i) a force applied by a rear end of the ferrule assembly, and (ii) a translation of the ferrule assembly. In this way, the electrical characteristics of the sensor may be changed to perform either or both of the following: (i) when the sensor is configured to detect a force applied by the back end of the ferrule assembly, indicating that a predetermined force has been applied by the ferrule assembly; and (ii) when the sensor is configured to detect translation of the ferrule assembly, indicating that the ferrule assembly has translated to a predetermined position.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly. In some such arrangements, the rear end of the ferrule assembly may be located outside of the housing device when the sensor detects either of (i) a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly.

In some arrangements, the adapter may include a base plate and a post extending from the base plate such that the sensor abuts the post when the sensor detects any of (i) a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly.

In some arrangements, the sensor may be a force sensor. In some arrangements, the sensor may be a displacement sensor.

In some arrangements, the ferrule assembly may further include an extension device extendable from a rear end of the ferrule. In some such arrangements, the rear end of the extension device may define the rear end of the ferrule assembly.

In some arrangements, the extension device is detachable from the housing without damaging either of the ferrule and the extension device.

In some arrangements, the extension device may be threaded onto or into the collar.

In some arrangements, the extension device can include an inner extension and an outer extension connected to the inner extension. In some such arrangements, the inner extension may be directly connected to the back end of the ferrule and the outer extension may extend radially from the inner extension such that a force is applied by the back end of the outer extension that the sensor is configured to detect.

In some arrangements, the sensor may include a probe extendable into the bore of the housing. In some such arrangements, the probe may be aligned with the ferrule assembly such that the ferrule assembly may contact the probe when the sensor detects any of (i) a force applied by a rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the subject matter of the present invention and its various advantages may be acquired by referring to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an optical assembly according to the present technique prior to assembly of male and female connector assemblies of the optical assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the optical assembly of FIG. 1 after assembly of the male and female connector assemblies of the optical assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an optical assembly according to the present technique prior to assembly of male and female connector assemblies of the optical assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical assembly of FIG. 3 after assembly of the male and female connector assemblies of the optical assembly;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 3;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in fig. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a portion of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly according to the present technique;

12A and 12B are cross-sectional side views of a connector assembly used in an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional side view of a connector assembly used in an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional side views of a connector assembly used in various optical assemblies in accordance with the present technique;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in a disconnected state and a connected state, respectively, in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a connector assembly used in an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a connector assembly in a disconnected state and a connected state, respectively, for use in an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in a disconnected state and a connected state, respectively, in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technique;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are cross-sectional rear views of the optical assembly shown in FIG. 21 taken along line 21A-21A and line 21B-21B in FIG. 21;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional rear view of the optical assembly illustrated in FIG. 22, taken along line 22A-22A of FIG. 22;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are side cross-sectional views of an optical assembly in a connected state in accordance with the present technique;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in a disconnected state and a connected state, respectively, in accordance with the present technique;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are cross-sectional side views of an optical assembly in a disconnected state and a connected state, respectively, in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly in a disconnected state in accordance with the present technique;

FIG. 28 is a side view, partially in section, of an optical assembly according to the present technique;

FIGS. 29-31 are side views, partially in section, of an optical assembly according to the present technique; and are combined

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a network component having a connector assembly to which the present techniques may be applied.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the optical assembly 100, as an exemplary energy signal transmission assembly that facilitates transmission of an optical signal from one optical fiber to another, may include a female connector assembly 110 and a male connector 140, which as shown may be connectors for aligning optical fibers, such as "LC connectors". The female connector assembly 110 may include a first receptacle 112 and a second receptacle 114 opposite the first receptacle 112 and sharing a wall, wherein the first receptacle 112 may receive a fiber optic component (not shown) and the second receptacle 114 may receive a mating end 141 of a male connector 140. As in the example shown, the female connector assembly 110 may include multiple sets of first and second receptacles 112, 114 to receive multiple fiber optic components and male connectors 140.

The female connector assembly 110 may also include a switch 130, which as shown may be mounted on a surface within the second receptacle 114. Switch 130 is shown as a toggle switch having a module base 132 and a trigger 134. However, other switches including, but not limited to, push-button switches and magnetically activated switches or other mechanical contact switches may be used in place of toggle switches.

The female connector assembly 110 may include a female protrusion 116 defining an aperture 118, the aperture 118 for receiving a male protrusion 142 extending from a mating end of the male connector 140 when the second receptacle 114 of the female connector assembly 110 receives the mating end 141. As best shown in fig. 2, when the male protrusion 142 is received within the female protrusion 116, the female protrusion may be received within the recess 144 of the male connector 140. By interconnecting the male and female protrusions 142, 116, the optical fibers 180 extending within the apertures 145 of the male protrusions 142 of the male connector 140 may be positioned in the female connector assembly 110 to align with the ends of the optical fibers previously described herein that may be received within the fiber optic components within the first receptacle 112. As in the example shown, the female connector assembly 110 may include a second female protrusion 119 defining a hole for receiving a male protrusion extending from a mating end of a fiber optic component through which an optical fiber of the fiber optic component may extend to align with the optical fiber 180.

The male connector 140 may include a lower clip 146 extending from the mating end 141 and an upper clip 148 extending from a front end 149 of the male connector 140. The upper clip 148 may serve to limit travel of the lower clip 146 in a direction away from the remainder of the male connector, as well as provide an obstruction to prevent undesired flexing of the lower clip. The lower clip 146 may include a rear surface 150 such that as the male connector 140 is received within the second receptacle 114 of the female connector 110, the rear surface may contact the trigger 134 of the switch 130 to move the trigger rearward. As shown, the switch 130 can be positioned within the second receptacle 114 such that when the male connector 140 reaches a predetermined insertion distance, the trigger 134 is moved to a position that closes the normally open contacts, or alternatively, opens the normally closed contacts. In this manner, the switch 130 may generate a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light board (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal that is transmitted to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or alternatively, may cease generating or transmitting a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, to provide an indication that the male connector 140 is properly received within the female connector 110 when the switch is open. In some arrangements, such switches may have variable electrical characteristics such as resistance, capacitance or inductance that may change when the switch is closed. In such an arrangement, a change in resistance, capacitance or inductance within the switch may be identified by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal transmitted from the switch, such as by a wire or similar signal transmission means, and corresponding to the changed electrical characteristic.

In some arrangements, the switch 130 may be connected with a wire extending into a portion of the second receptacle 114, and in other arrangements, the switch 130 may be in contact with a conductive terminal (not shown) of an adjacent switch. In still other arrangements, the switch 130 may be electrically connected in other configurations known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as, but not limited to, a flexible ribbon cable or a flexible circuit board as shown, for example, in alternative arrangements in the embodiments of fig. 3-6.

Referring now to fig. 3-6, the optical assembly 200 may include a female connector assembly 210 and a male connector 140. The female connector assembly 210 may be substantially similar to the female connector assembly 110 with certain notable exceptions described herein. The female connector assembly 110 may also include a sensor 230, which may be an electro-optical sensor, instead of or in addition to the switch 130. As best shown in FIG. 5, such electro-optical sensors may be position sensors, for example, proximity sensor OSRAM SFH 7741, proximity sensor SHARP GP2AP030A00F with ambient light sensor, proximity sensor SHARP GP2AP002S00F, proximity sensor GP2AP002A00F with integrated ambient light sensor, and with infrared emitter, I²Any of the fully integrated proximity and ambient light sensors VISHAY VCNL4040 of the C-interface and interrupt functions, and the position sensor transmits and receives light, as indicated by arrows 205 and 206 in fig. 5, and generates signals, such as, but not limited to, electrical signals. Such a signal may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or the position sensor may generate and transmit a signal transmitted to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device when the object interrupts the light transmitted by the sensor, or alternatively, stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal. In some arrangements, such a position sensor may have a position sensorA variable electrical characteristic such as resistance, capacitance or inductance that may be changed when light is received or stopped being received by the sensor. In such an arrangement, changes in resistance, capacitance or inductance within the sensor may be identified by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal transmitted from the position sensor and corresponding to the changed electrical characteristic, such as by a wire or similar signal transmission means.

As in the example shown, the sensor 230 may be mounted to the exterior of the female connector assembly 210. In this arrangement, the female connector assembly 210 may have a pair of holes 221, 222 through the sidewall of the second receptacle 214. Still referring to fig. 5, light transmitted by the sensor 230 may pass through the hole 221, and light received by the sensor 230 may pass through the hole 222.

As shown in fig. 6, a cable 225, which may be, but is not limited to, a flexible ribbon cable or, as shown, a flexible circuit board, may be electrically connected to and extend from the sensor 230. In this manner, the cable 225 may provide power to activate the sensor 230 so that the sensor may transmit light, detect received light, and generate or generate and transmit a signal when an object interrupts the light transmitted by the sensor.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the mating end 141 of the male connector 140 can include a trailing edge 147 such that the trailing edge can interrupt light transmitted by the sensor 230 when the trailing edge is received into the second receptacle 214 of the female connector assembly 210 to a depth aligned with the aperture 222 of the female connector assembly 210. In this manner, the sensor 230 can detect the presence of the male connector 140 in the second receptacle 214 of the female connector assembly 210. Upon detecting the presence of the male connector 140, the sensor 230 may generate a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, conveyed along the cable 225 that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as an optical panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal transmitted to a remote signal receiver, or alternatively, the sensor 230 may cease generating or transmitting a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, in a manner similar to the switch 130 of the optical assembly 100 as previously described herein.

Referring to fig. 7, the optical assembly 300 may include a female connector assembly 310 and a male connector 140. The female connector assembly 310 may be substantially similar to the female connector assembly 210, except that the sensor 230 of the female connector assembly may be positioned outside of the female connector assembly 310 such that the sensor 230 is aligned with a hole extending through a sidewall of the second receptacle 314 of the female connector assembly 310. In such an arrangement, the aperture for sensor 230 detection light through the sidewall of the second receptacle 314 may be positioned to align with the lower clip 146 when the lower clip 146 is in a resting position with the male connector 140 fully inserted into the female connector assembly 310. As such, when the lower clip 146 is in the resting position, the sensor 230 may detect the interruption of the light sent by the sensor 230, and thus the sensor 230 may generate a signal along the cable 225 or stop generating a signal along the cable 225 in the same manner that the optical assembly 200 generates a signal or stops generating a signal by the optical assembly 200. Since the lower clip 146 is in the rest position when the male connector 140 is fully inserted, the sensor 230 detects the presence of the male connector 140 and the full insertion into the female connector assembly 310.

Referring to fig. 8, the optical assembly may include a female connector assembly 410 and a male connector, such as male connector 140. The female connector assembly 410 may be substantially similar to the female connector assembly 210 except that the sensor 230 may be secured to a structure 460, which may be, but is not limited to, a frame, which may be separable from the female connector assembly 410. As shown, the cable 225 may be secured to the structure 460, such as, but not limited to, by an adhesive to increase the rigidity of the cable.

The structure 460 may be positioned relative to the female connector assembly 410 or even integrated with the female connector assembly 410 such that the sensor 230 is aligned with the aperture 222 extending through the sidewall of the second receptacle 214 of the female connector assembly 410. In this manner, when the trailing edge 147 of the male connector 140 is received into the second receptacle 214 of the female connector assembly 410 to a depth aligned with the aperture 222 of the female connector 210, the trailing edge interrupts the light transmitted by the sensor 230. In this manner, the sensor 230 can detect the presence of the male connector 140 in the second receptacle 214 of the female connector assembly 410. Upon detecting the presence of the male connector 140, the sensor 230 may generate a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal, conveyed along the cable 225 that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal that is transmitted to a remote signal receiver, or alternatively, the sensor 230 may stop generating or transmitting a signal, such as but not limited to an electrical signal.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown) of the optical assemblies 200 and 400, the sensor 230 and corresponding holes for aligning the light transmitted and received by the sensor may be positioned outside of the second receptacle of the female connector assembly such that the trailing edge 147 of the male connector 140 may be aligned with the first hole, wherein the trailing edge may be aligned with the first hole when the male connector 140 is fully inserted into the second receptacle of the female connector. As such, the sensor 230 can detect the interruption of the light transmitted by the sensor 230 when the male connector 140 is fully inserted into the second receptacle of the female connector, and thus the sensor 230 can generate a signal that is conveyed along the cable 225 or stop generating a signal that is conveyed along the cable 225 in the same manner that the signal can be generated by the optical assembly 200 or can stop generating a signal by the optical assembly 200. In such an arrangement, the sensor 230 thus detects the presence of the male connector 140 and full insertion into the female connector assembly.

Referring now to fig. 9, a cover 570 may be placed over a sensor, such as sensor 230, and mounted to a female connector assembly, such as female connector assembly 210 or any other female connector assembly disclosed herein, to cover the connection between the sensor and cable 225. In this manner, the cover 570 may prevent contaminants from damaging the circuitry between the sensor and the cable 225 or interfering with the transmission of signals between the sensor and the cable 225.

Referring now to fig. 10A and 10B, the optical assembly 600 may include first and second connector assemblies 610, 640 and an adapter 650, wherein the first and second connector assemblies may be engaged by abutting each other and the first and second connector assemblies may be inserted into the adapter 650 and properly aligned with each other. Each of the first connector assembly 610 and the second connector assembly 640 may include a housing 611, a fiber and ferrule assembly 616, a resilient element 621, which may be but is not limited to a coil spring, and a resilient element stop 623, wherein the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 may have an inner ferrule portion 617A and an outer ferrule portion 617B, and a fiber 1 extending through each of the inner and outer ferrule portions and held in place by the outer ferrule portion. As in the illustrated example, each of the first connector assembly 610 and the second connector assembly 640 may optionally include a buffer line assembly 627, a crimp ring 628, and a shield 629, wherein the crimp ring 628 may crimp the buffer line assembly and the rear end of the resilient element stop 623, and the shield 629 may cover any or all of the rear end of the resilient stop 623, the buffer line assembly 627, and the crimp ring 628.

As shown, the housing 611 may include a divider 612 across its diameter through which the outer ferrule portion 617B of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 may extend. In this manner, the spacer 612 retains a central portion of the outer ferrule portion 617B such that the spacer facilitates alignment of the outer ferrule portion of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616, and thus the fiber 1, along a central axis defined by the housing.

The inner race portion 617A may extend through the housing bore 613 of the housing 611 inside the partition portion 612 of the housing 611, wherein a forward section of the inner race portion 617A may have the same or substantially the same outer diameter as the housing bore such that the inner race portion is in sliding engagement with the housing bore, in this example in sliding contact, and is fixed in radial and axial position relative to the housing.

The rear end of the outer race portion 617B, which may be made of any one of ceramic, glass, and hard plastic, may extend into the front section of the inner race portion 617A, but is not limited thereto. In this manner, the inner ferrule portion 617A may retain a central portion of the outer ferrule portion 617B such that the inner ferrule portion, along with the partitions 612 of the housing 611, facilitates alignment of the outer ferrule portion of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616, and thus the optical fibers 1, along a central axis defined by the housing.

The resilient element stop 623 may extend through the housing 611 and may have a front flange 624 extending radially from a longitudinal axis of the resilient element stop 623. As shown, the front flange 624 may be chamfered such that a front end of the front flange of the elastic element stopper 623 has a smaller diameter than a rear end of the front flange. The front flange 624 may extend into the bore 615 of the housing 611 when the resilient element stop 623 is assembled with the housing 611. As further shown, the resilient element stop 623 may have the same or substantially the same outer diameter as the housing bore 613 of the housing 611. In this manner, the elastic element stopper 623 may be inserted into the housing hole 613 through the rear end of the housing and held in contact with the housing hole 613, so that the elastic element stopper is fixed in radial and axial positions with respect to the housing 611.

The elastic member stopper 623 may include a stopper hole 625 that may receive the rear section of the inner race portion 617A. The rear section of the inner race portion 617A may have the same or substantially the same outer diameter as the stopper hole 625, such that the inner race portion is in sliding engagement with the stopper hole, in this example in sliding contact, and is fixed in radial and axial position relative to the resilient element stopper 623.

Still referring to fig. 10A and 10B, the resilient element 621 may be compressed between a front section of the inner ferrule portion 617A of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 and a front end of the front flange 624 of the resilient element stop 623. As such, when the first and second connector assemblies 610 and 640 are assembled, both ends of the elastic member 621 may be held against the front section of the inner race portion 617A and the front end of the front flange 624 of the elastic member stopper 623, respectively. In this manner, as shown, the front end of the inner collar portion 617A may abut the divider portion 612 when no external force (i.e., non-gravitational) is acting on either of the first connector assembly 610 and the second connector assembly 640.

The first and second connector assemblies 610, 640 may preferably be sized such that when the two assemblies abut each other, the centers of the front ends of the opposing fibers 1 extending through their respective fiber and ferrule assemblies 616 are axially aligned with the central axis defined by the fiber and ferrule assemblies 616 of the respective first and second connector assemblies 610, 640, and these centers are disposed as close to each other as physically possible as shown in fig. 10B.

The first connector assembly 610, and in some arrangements the second connector assembly, or both the first connector assembly 610 and the second connector assembly 640, may include a sensor 630 that may be positioned within a housing aperture 613 of the housing 611 of the first connector assembly. As in the example shown, the sensor 630 may be secured to the stopper hole 625, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners or chemical bonding known to those skilled in the art. The sensor 630 may include a probe 631, the probe 631 being extendable in a forward direction from a sensor module 633 of the sensor in a rest position, and retractable such that the probe is retracted from the rest position to a retracted position, wherein at least a portion of the probe not received in the sensor module in the retracted position is received in the sensor module in the rest position. In such an arrangement, the sensor 630 may be a displacement sensor or a force sensor, e.g., a pressure sensor.

When sensor 630 is a displacement sensor, such as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a linear encoder in sensor module 633 can detect the movement of probe 631 within the module. In other arrangements where the sensor 630 is a displacement sensor, the probe 631 can be made of a material such that the probe can provide a variable resistance to current flowing through the probe as portions of the probe move into and out of the sensor module 633. This change in resistance can be measured by an electronic device that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed resistance, where the electrical signal can be transmitted by wire or similar signal transmission means. In still other arrangements where sensor 630 is a displacement sensor, probe 631 can be made of a dielectric material such that the probe can provide a variable capacitance as portions of the probe move into and out of sensor module 633. This change in capacitance may be measured by an electronic device that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the changed capacitance, where the electrical signal may be transmitted by wire or similar signal transmission means.

In some arrangements where sensor 630 is a force sensor, probe 631 may abut a pressure sensing surface, which may be, but is not limited to, a diaphragm. In some arrangements where the sensor 630 is a force sensor, the sensor may not include the probe 631, but rather the inner collar portion 617A of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 may have an extension (not shown) that may abut a pressure sensing surface, which may be, but is not limited to, a diaphragm. In some arrangements where sensor 630 is a force sensor such as those just described, the pressure sensing surface may be a deflectable diaphragm or other cantilever against probe 631 or an extension of inner collar portion 617A of fiber and ferrule assembly 616, as the case may be.

In still other arrangements, the sensor 630 may not be a pressure sensor or displacement sensor such as those just described. Alternatively, the micro strain gauges may be secured to elastic elements within the sensor module 633, where the elastic elements may be fixedly attached to the probes 631, such as, but not limited to, by fastening or chemical bonding. In such an arrangement, the strain gauge may detect deformation of the surface of the elastic element, for example in the axial direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe 631.

As shown, the sensor 630 may be positioned within the housing aperture 613 of the housing 611, and in this example within the stopper aperture 625 of the elastic element stopper 623, such that the front end of the retractable probe 631 may contact the rear end of the inner race portion 617A. In this manner, when the first connector assembly 610 is not engaged, in this example not abutting, with the second connector assembly 640, the probes 631 of the sensor 630 may protrude from the sensor module 633 in a rest position. Further, in this manner, during engagement of the first connector assembly 610 with the second connector assembly 640, a force exerted by the front end of the outer collar portion 617B of the second connector assembly 640 and the front end of the outer collar portion 617B of the first connector assembly 610 in a rearward direction may cause the probes 631 to retract toward the sensor module 633 of the sensor 630.

As shown in fig. 10A, when the first connector assembly 610 is fully inserted into the adapter 650 of the optical assembly 600 without engaging, in this example abutting, the second connector assembly 640, thus leaving the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 in the rest position, the outer ferrule portion 617B may extend beyond the plane 699 bisecting the adapter. As shown in fig. 10B, when the second connector assembly 640 is fully inserted into the adapter 650 of the optical assembly 600 after insertion of the first connector assembly 610, the front ends of the outer ferrule portions 617B of the first and second connector assemblies 610, 640 may be urged toward each other to maintain their opposing optical fibers and ferrule assemblies 616 in contact but tending toward a rearward direction away from each other. In this manner, the rear end of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 of the first connector assembly 610, i.e., the rear end of the inner ferrule portion 617A, can compress the retractable probe 631 of the sensor 630. When the retractable probe 631 is so compressed within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 630 may generate a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and transmit a signal that is transmitted to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or alternatively, may cease generating or transmitting a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, to provide an indication of the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth. In some arrangements, such displacement sensors or force sensors may have variable electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance, that may change upon the occurrence or cessation of movement or force provided by the connector assembly. In such an arrangement, a change in resistance, capacitance, or inductance within the sensor may be recognized by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal transmitted from the displacement sensor or force sensor, such as by a wire or similar signal conduction means, and corresponding to the changed electrical characteristic.

In this same manner, a signal generated or stopped within a predetermined tolerance as a result of the probe 631 of the sensor 630 being retracted when the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adapter 650 or as a result of the probe 631 of the sensor 630 being excessively retracted when the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 650 can also be used to detect when the optical fiber 1 is pulled backwards, i.e., in a direction away from the adapter 650. This pulling effect may be, but is not limited to, the result of a person pulling on the first connector assembly 610 or the expansion of the cable buffer wire assembly 627 in all directions due to environmental factors (temperature, humidity, etc.). As shown in the example of fig. 10A and 10B, a cable 635 may extend from the sensor 630 out the back end of the elastic element stop 623 and through the cable buffer wire assembly 627.

As shown in fig. 11, in an alternative arrangement of the optical assembly 600, the optical assembly 700 may include any signal transmission cable 635A, such as an electrical cable or an optical cable, that may extend from the sensor 630 to the indicator 690. As in the example shown, the indicator 690 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display that may be mounted to an outer surface of the adapter 650. In this manner, the indicator 690 may illuminate when the second connector assembly 640 is inserted to a predetermined depth. As further shown, the indicator 690 may also be, but is not limited to, electrically connected to or in wireless communication with an external circuit, such as by a wire, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In another alternative arrangement, the sensor 630 similarly may be in wireless communication with the indicator 690.

Referring now to fig. 12A and 12B, an optical package 800 may be substantially similar to the optical package 600, with the notable exception that the optical package 800 may include a first connector assembly 810, the first connector assembly 810 having a sensor 830 in addition to or as in the illustrated example in place of the sensor 630. The sensor 830 may be placed on the elastic member 621. The sensor 830 may be a micro strain gauge that may be placed along the surface of the elastic member 621 to detect a change in distance between two points of the surface of the elastic member. In this configuration, the strain gauge may be a variable resistance element whose resistance changes when the surface of the elastic element on which the strain gauge is located expands or contracts.

In this manner, as the inner race portion 617A moves or retracts rearward within the housing 611, the sensor 830 can detect the compression of the resilient element 621 and thus the movement on the surface of the resilient element 621. When the sensor 830 does so detect a change in distance between two points of the surface of the resilient element 621 within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 830 may generate a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light board (not shown), or generate and send a signal that is transmitted to a remote signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or alternatively, may cease generating or sending a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, to provide an indication of the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth.

In arrangements utilizing strain gauges, the strain gauge sensor may have a variable electrical characteristic, such as resistance, capacitance or inductance, that changes when a change in the surface of the elastic element occurs or ceases to occur. In such an arrangement, changes in resistance, capacitance or inductance within the sensor may be identified by a remote receiver that receives an electrical signal transmitted from the strain gauge sensor, such as by a wire or similar signal transmission means, and corresponding to the changed electrical characteristic. In another alternative arrangement, the sensor 830 may be a piezoelectric material (not shown) placed on or near the resilient element 621 that can react to movement of the resilient element 621 by sending signals such as those just described with respect to micro strain gauges.

In another alternative arrangement to that shown in the example of fig. 12A and 12B, as shown in fig. 12C, the optical assembly 800A and its first connector assembly 810A may be identical to the optical assembly 800 and first connector assembly 810, respectively, except that the resilient element 621 of the first connector assembly 810A may be a coil spring that functions as an inductive element when current flows through the spring between the wires 835A and 835B connected at both ends of the coil spring. In this manner, the compression or expansion of the resilient element 621 causes a change in the length of the resilient element and thus a change in the inductance of the resilient element, which can be measured by electronic means receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the current generated in the resilient element according to the changed inductance, wherein the electrical signal is transmitted by means of wires or similar signal transmission means. As shown, a magnetic core 831, which may be, but is not limited to, made of iron or nickel, may extend around a notch 818 of the inner race portion 617A of the first connector assembly 810A. In this manner, the magnetic flux, and thus the inductance, produced by the resilient element 621 and the magnetic core 831 may be significantly increased over the inductance produced by the resilient element alone. In this manner, the change in length of the resilient member is more easily detected and an indication of the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth is more reliable.

In another alternative arrangement (not shown) to that shown in the example of fig. 12A and 12B, an electrode such as, but not limited to, a conductive metal plate may be connected to an end of the resilient element 621 to form a capacitor. In this manner, compression or expansion of the resilient element 621 causes a change in the length of the resilient element and thus a change in the capacitance of the capacitor, which can be measured by an electronic device receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the changed capacitance, wherein the electrical signal is transmitted by wire or similar signal transmission means.

Referring now to fig. 13, an optical assembly 900 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 600, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 900 may include an alternative arrangement of resilient element stops 623, and in some cases as in the example shown, may not include a sensor 630. In such an arrangement, the connector assembly 910 can include front stops 923, which can have the same or substantially the same outer diameter at their rear ends as the inner diameter of the rear stops 923A, as shown, the front stops 923 and the housing 611 being detachable from the rear stops 923A. The optical assembly 900 can include a sensor 930 that can be mounted to a rear stop 923A, which as shown can be crimped to the assembly of the buffer wire assembly 627, the crimp ring 628, and the boot 629. In this manner, the connector assembly 910 may be replaced by another connector assembly, such as when the connector assembly becomes defective, while reusing the sensor 930 and the rear stops 923A.

Referring to fig. 14, optical assembly 1000 may be substantially similar to optical assembly 900, with the notable exception that optical assembly 1000 may include a first connector assembly 1010 having a sensor 1030 in addition to or in place of sensor 930. Instead of cables 635 extending from sensor modules 933 of sensor 930 as shown in fig. 13, sensor 1030 can include cables 635A extending from sensor modules 1033, as well as cables 1025. The cable 635A may carry signals, such as, but not limited to, electrical signals, generated by the sensor 1030 that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generated and transmitted by the sensor 1030 that is transmitted to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or alternatively, may cease carrying signals, such as, but not limited to, electrical signals, to provide an indication that a second connector assembly, such as the connector assembly 640, is inserted into an adapter, such as the adapter 650, to a predetermined depth.

Cable 1025 may extend through the protective cover between the protective cover 629 and the buffer line assembly 627 such that the cable extends along substantially the same path as optical fiber 1. The cable 1025 may include one or more sensors (not shown) along its length, which may be micro strain gauges known to those of ordinary skill in the art that detect changes in the length of the cable, or more precisely, the distance between two points on the surface of the cable, that are likely to be caused by bending or deformation of the cable. In such a configuration, the sensor may be a variable resistance element that changes in resistance as the surface of the cable on which the sensor is located expands or contracts. In the example shown, the sensor 1030 may receive an electrical signal transmitted from a micro-strain gauge and corresponding to the changed resistance when a change in cable length occurs. The sensor 1030 may be set such that when any such change in the surface of the cable 1025 equals or exceeds a threshold, the sensor may generate a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, that may be transmitted to a remote electronic device, such as a light panel (not shown), or generate and send a signal that is transmitted to a signal receiver coupled to the electronic device, or alternatively, may cease generating or sending a signal, such as, but not limited to, an electrical signal, in order to alert necessary personnel that the cable, and therefore possible optical fibers 1, are undesirably bent at a portion thereof, for example, to less than a minimum bend radius. In the example of fig. 14, since it is desired that the optical fiber have a minimum bend radius along its length, any change along the length of the optical fiber 1 detected by the sensor 1030 that would result in a portion of the cable being less than the minimum bend radius will generally be considered undesirable and result in the generation of an alarm signal.

Referring to fig. 15, the optical assembly 1100 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 600, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1100 may include a first connector assembly 1110 having electrodes 1131, 1132 in addition to or in place of the sensor 630 as in the illustrated example to provide an indication of insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 as a result of displacement of the outer collar portion 617B of the first connector assembly 1110 due to engagement (in this example, contact) of the first and second connector assemblies 1110, 617B of the first and second connector assemblies 1110, 640 of the optical assembly 1100. The ferrule electrodes 1131 may be connected to the front end of the inner ferrule portion 617A, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, which may be, but is not limited to, epoxy, and may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1135A, which may be, but is not limited to, copper wire. The housing electrode 1132 may be connected to the rearward side of the divider 612 of the housing 611, such as by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive that may be, but is not limited to, epoxy, and may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1135B that may be, but is not limited to, copper wire.

In this manner, when the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adapter 650 as in the upper part of fig. 15, the front end of the inner race portion 617A may be at its forwardmost position against the partition 612 of the housing 611. In this manner, the ferrule electrode 1131 and the case electrode 1132 may be in contact, so that a closed circuit is formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1135A, the ferrule electrode 1131, the case electrode 1132, and the cable 1135B. In contrast, when the second connector assembly 640 is inserted into the adaptor 650 as in the lower portion of fig. 15, the front end of the inner race portion 617A may be disposed away from the partition portion 612 of the housing 611. In this way, the ferrule electrode 1131 and the case electrode 1132 may not be in contact, so that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1135A, the ferrule electrode 1131, the case electrode 1132, and the cable 1135B is opened. In such a configuration, the logic circuit 99 may control the power-off of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is closed and the power-on of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is open. In this manner, light emission through the first connector assembly 1110 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy. In an alternative arrangement, a logic circuit such as logic circuit 99 may not be needed, and cable 1135A, ferrule electrode 1131, housing electrode 1132, and cable 1135B may form part of another circuit that may be opened or closed based on contact between the ferrule electrode 1131 and the housing electrode 1132.

As shown in fig. 16, the optical assembly 1200 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 1100, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1200 may include a first connector assembly 1210 having electrodes 1231, 1232, the electrodes 1231, 1232 being in addition to or in place of the electrodes 1131, 1132 as in the illustrated example, to provide an indication of insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth due to displacement of the outer collar portion 617B of the first connector assembly 1210 resulting from engagement of the first connector assembly 1210 and the outer collar portion 617B of the second connector assembly 640 of the optical assembly 1200. The stopper electrode 1231 may be attached to the forward facing inner step of the resilient stopper element 623 such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive which may be, but is not limited to, epoxy. The stopper electrode 1231 may include an insulating member 1237 and conductive upper and lower bases 1236A and 1236B connected to both sides of the insulating member. The insulating element 1237 may be made of an insulating or dielectric material, such as, but not limited to, a plastic or rubber material. In this manner, upper base 1236A and lower base 1236B may not be electrically connected. The upper base 1236A may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1235A, and the lower base 1236B may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1235B, wherein each cable may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire.

As further shown, the upper and lower bases 1236A, 1236B can be connected to respective upper and lower jaws 1237A, 1237B that extend in a forward direction toward the inner collar portion 617A. In this manner, the upper jaw 1237A and the lower jaw 1237B may allow the stopper electrode 1231 to have a longitudinal extension to contact other electrodes including the collar electrode 1232 in the arrangement shown.

The collar electrode 1232 may be attached to the rearward side of the inner collar portion 617A, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive, which may be, but is not limited to, epoxy. As shown, the snare electrode 1232 may be, but is not limited to being, annular, such that the snare electrode contacts the entire circumference of the rearward side of the inner race portion 617A.

When the second connector assembly 640 is inserted into the adaptor 650 as in the lower portion of fig. 16, the ferrule electrode 1232 connected to the rear end of the inner collar portion 617A may be disposed to contact the upper and lower claws 1237A and 1237B of the stopper electrode 1231 connected to the forward-facing inner step portion of the elastic stopper element 623. In this way, a closed circuit is formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1231, the ferrule electrode 1232, and the cable 1235B. Due to the length of the jaws 1237A, 1237B, the inner collar portion 617A does not have to travel all the way back to and thus contact the upper base 1236A and lower base 1236B adjacent the forward facing inner step of the elastic stopper element 623 to electrically connect the electrodes 1231, 1232 with the stopper electrode 1231.

In operation, when the second connector assembly 640 is fully inserted into the adapter 650, the outer race portions 617B of the first and second connector assemblies 1210, 640 may be in contact at relative positions (indicated by dashed lines 699) within the adapter 650 that may differ according to the length and relative position of the outer and inner race portions 617A and the relative force applied by the resilient members 621 of the first and second connector assemblies. Thus, as in the example shown, the upper and lower jaws 1237A, 1237B can flex inward such that the inner collar 617A, and thus the collar electrode 1232, can travel further backward even after the initial electrical coupling between the collar electrode 1232 and the stopper electrode 1231. In this manner, the inner collar portion 617A, the outer collar portion 617B, and the resilient element 621 of the second connector assembly 640 may be sized differently from component to component, but still result in an electrical coupling between the stopper electrodes 1231 and the collar electrodes 1232 when the second connector assembly 640 is inserted into the adapter 650. In one example, when the second connector assembly 640 is inserted into the adaptor 650, the circuit formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1231, the ferrule electrode 1232, and the cable 1235B may close as long as the inner and outer ferrule portions 617A, 617B of the first connector assembly 1210 travel backward a minimum of 0.25 mm.

Further, the upper and lower jaws 1237A, 1237B may be cantilevered relative to the bases 1236A, 1236B to provide a spring action such that the inner and outer collar portions 617A, 617B may travel rearwardly a distance greater than 0.25mm, such as 1.0mm or greater, while the circuit formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1231, the collar electrode 1232, and the cable 1235B remains closed. In addition to or instead of the upper jaw 1237A and the lower jaw 1237B, a coil or leaf spring may be connected to or may act as the ferrule electrode 1232, such as in the example illustrated in fig. 17 below, to provide a conductive coupling that is maintained between the stopper electrode and the ferrule electrode at various distances of rearward travel of the inner and outer ferrule portions of the second connector assembly.

In contrast, when the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adaptor 650 as in the upper part of fig. 16, the collar electrode 1232 connected to the rear end of the inner collar portion 617A may be at its forwardmost position farthest from the stopper electrode 1231. In this way, the stopper electrode 1231 and the collar electrode 1232 may not be in contact, so that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit 99, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1231, the collar electrode 1232, and the cable 1235B is opened. In such a configuration, the logic circuit 99 may control the power on of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is closed and the power off of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is open. In this manner, light emission through the first connector assembly 1210 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy. In an alternative arrangement, a logic circuit such as the logic circuit 99 may not be required, and the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1231, the ferrule electrode 1232, and the cable 1235B may form part of another circuit that may be opened or closed based on contact between the stopper electrode 1231 and the ferrule electrode 1232.

Referring now to fig. 17, the optical assembly 1300 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 1200, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1300 may include a first connector assembly 1310 having electrodes 1331, 1332 in place of electrodes 1231, 1232 to provide an indication of the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth. The stopper electrode 1331 may be connected to the forward-facing inner step portion of the elastic stopper element 623 in the same manner as the stopper electrode 1231. As shown, the stopper electrode 1331 may be, but is not limited to, annular in shape such that the stopper electrode contacts the entire circumference of the forward facing inner step portion of the elastic stopper element 623.

The stopper electrode 1331 may include an insulating member 1337 and upper and lower bases 1336A and 1336B connected to both sides of the insulating member. The insulating element 1337 may be the same as or very similar to the insulating element 1237 of the stopper electrode 1231. In this manner, upper base 1336A and lower base 1336B may not be electrically connected to each other. The upper base 1336A may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1235A, and the lower base 1336B may be electrically connected to the logic circuit 99 by a cable 1235B.

The snare electrode 1332 may be in the form of a coil spring. The snare electrode 1332 may be attached to the rearward side of the inner collar portion 617A, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, which may be, but not limited to, epoxy. As shown, the collar electrode 1332 may be, but is not limited to being, substantially annular, such that the front end of the collar electrode contacts substantially the entire circumference of the rearward side of the inner collar portion 617A. The rear end 1333 of the ferrule electrode 1332 can be substantially flat such that when the second connector assembly 640 is inserted a predetermined depth into the adapter 650, the rear end can simultaneously contact the upper base 1336A and the lower base 1336B of the stopper electrode 1331.

In this manner, a closed circuit is formed by a logic circuit such as the logic circuit 99 described previously herein, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1331, the ferrule electrode 1332, and the cable 1235B. Due to the compressibility of the ferrule electrode 1332, the ferrule electrode can provide an electrically conductive coupling that is maintained between the stopper electrode 1331 and the ferrule electrode 1332 at various distances of rearward travel of the inner and outer ferrule portions 617A, 617B of the second connector assembly 1310.

Conversely, when the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adapter 650, the ferrule electrode 1332 may be in its forward-most position furthest from the stopper electrode 1331. In this way, the stopper electrode 1331 and the ferrule electrode 1332 may not be in contact, so that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1331, the ferrule electrode 1332, and the cable 1235B is opened. In such a configuration, the logic circuit may control the power on of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is closed and the power off of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is open. In an alternative arrangement, no logic circuitry may be required, and the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1331, the ferrule electrode 1332, and the cable 1235B may form part of another circuit that may be opened or closed based on contact between the stopper electrode 1331 and the ferrule electrode 1332.

Referring to fig. 18, the optical assembly 1400 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 1300, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1400 may include a first connector assembly 1410 having electrodes 1431, 1432 in place of the electrodes 1331, 1332 to provide an indication of the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth. In addition, the optical assembly 1400 may include an inner ferrule assembly 1417A, a resilient element 1421, and a resilient stop element 1423 in place of the inner ferrule assembly 617A, resilient element 621, and resilient stop element 623.

The inner ferrule assembly 1417A may include a tube 1418 that may extend around a groove 1419 defined by a rear end of the inner ferrule assembly 1417A. The tube 1418 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic. Unlike the resilient element 621 of the first connector assembly 610, the resilient element 1421 may extend beyond the rear end of the inner ferrule assembly 1417A while still abutting the front end of the resilient stop element 1423. The resilient stop member 1423 may have a stop hole 1425 that is narrower than the stop member 623 of the first connector assembly 610 such that the resilient member 1421 does not extend into the stop hole 1425.

In this manner, the stopper electrode 1431 may be connected to the front end of the elastic stopper element 1423. As shown, the stopper electrode 1431 may be, but is not limited to, annular in shape such that the stopper electrode contacts the entire circumference of the front end of the elastic stopper element 1423.

Stopper electrode 1431 may include an insulating element 1437 and a conductive upper base 1436A and a conductive lower base 1436B connected to both sides of the insulating element. In this manner, the upper and lower bases 1436A, 1436B may not be electrically connected to each other. The upper base 1436A may be electrically connected to the logic circuitry 99 by a cable 1235A, and the lower base 1436B may be electrically connected to the logic circuitry 99 by a cable 1235B.

The ferrule electrode 1432 may be in the form of a coil spring. The collar electrode 1432 may be coupled to the rearward step of the inner collar portion 617A formed along the groove 1419, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive, which may be, but is not limited to, epoxy, and may extend around a rear end of the inner collar portion. As such, the snare electrode 1432 may be positioned within a tube 1418 that may separate the snare electrode from the resilient element 1421.

As shown, the collar electrode 1432 may be, but is not limited to being, substantially annular, such that the front end of the collar electrode contacts substantially the entire circumference of the rearward step of the inner collar portion 1417A. A rear end 1433 of ferrule electrode 1432 may be substantially flat such that when second connector assembly 640 is inserted a predetermined depth into adapter 650, the rear end may simultaneously contact upper base 1436A and lower base 1436B of stopper electrode 1431.

In this manner, a closed circuit is formed by a logic circuit such as the logic circuit 99 described previously herein, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1431, the ferrule electrode 1432, and the cable 1235B. Due to the compressibility of the collar electrode 1432, the collar electrode can provide an electrically conductive coupling that is maintained between the stopper electrode 1431 and the collar electrode 1432 at various distances of rearward travel of the inner collar portion 1417A and the outer collar portion 617B of the second connector assembly 1410. Conversely, when the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adapter 650, the ferrule electrode 1432 may be in its forwardmost position furthest from the stopper electrode 1431. In this manner, the stopper electrode 1431 and the ferrule electrode 1432 may not be in contact, so that the normally closed circuit formed by the logic circuit, the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1431, the ferrule electrode 1432, and the cable 1235B is opened. In such a configuration, the logic circuit may control the powering on of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is closed and the powering off of the connected electronic or optoelectronic system when the circuit is open. In an alternative arrangement, no logic circuitry may be required, and the cable 1235A, the stopper electrode 1431, the ferrule electrode 1432, and the cable 1235B may form part of another electrical circuit that may be opened or closed based on contact between the stopper electrode 1431 and the ferrule electrode 1432.

Referring to fig. 19, the optical package 1500 may be substantially similar to the optical package 600, with the notable exception that the optical package 1500 may include a first connector assembly 1510 having a sensor 1530 in addition to or in place of the sensor 630 as in the illustrated example, to provide an indication of insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 due to displacement of the outer collar portion 617B of the first connector assembly caused by engagement of the outer collar portion 617B of the second connector assembly with the first connector assembly of the optical package. The sensor 1530 may be attached to the back side of the projection 611A of the housing 611, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, and may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as the logic circuit 99, by a cable 1535, which may be, but not limited to, a copper wire. The protrusion 611A may be configured in the form of a triangular prism, such as shown, to extend and fit into the notch 651 of the adapter 650. In this manner, connector assembly 1510 can be mounted to adapter 650 such that the rear side of protrusion 611A can abut the forward side of notch 651 to resist the connector assembly being pulled out of the adapter.

Sensor 1530 may be the same or substantially similar to sensor 630, wherein sensor 1530 may be, but is not limited to, a force sensor or a displacement sensor. As a force sensor, the sensor 1530 may include a deflectable diaphragm or other known force sensing device. Similar to the sensor 630, the sensor 1530 can include a probe (not shown) that can extend from a sensor module of the sensor in a rest position of the sensor and can be retracted such that the probe retracts from the rest position to a retracted position, wherein at least a portion of the probe not received in the sensor module in the rest position is received in the sensor module in the retracted position. In the rest position, the sensor (and for sensors with probes, probes of the sensor) may be in contact with or spaced from the forward side of the notch 651 of the adapter 650. In other arrangements, also similar to the sensor 630, a micro-strain gauge may be secured to the resilient element of a probe connected to the sensor with the probe and may be located within the sensor module of the sensor such that the strain gauge may detect deformation of the surface of the resilient element during extension and retraction of the probe.

When the second connector assembly 640 is not inserted into the adapter 650 as in the upper part of fig. 19, the front end of the inner race portion 617A may be at its forwardmost position abutting against the partition 612 of the housing 611 as in the arrangement of the optical assembly 600. When the second connector assembly 640 is fully inserted into the adapter 650 of the optical assembly 1500 such that the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 is in a rest position, the front ends of the outer ferrule portions 617B of the first and second connector assemblies 1510 and 640 can be pushed against each other such that their opposing fiber and ferrule assemblies 616 remain in contact but tend toward a rearward direction away from each other. As such, the rear end of the fiber and ferrule assembly 616 of the first connector assembly 610 may be pushed rearward such that the housing 611 is pushed rearward by the front flange 624 of the stop 623. In this manner, the sensor 1530 (and for sensors having a probe, the probe of the sensor) can be pressed against the forward side of the notch 651 of the adapter 650. When the sensor 1530 is so pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 1530 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1535 that provides an indication that the second connector assembly 640 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1510 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth. When the second connector assembly 640 is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through the first connector assembly 1510 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

In an alternative arrangement of the optical assembly 1500, the sensor 1530 may be connected to the rear side of the protrusion of the housing of the second connector assembly instead of the rear side of the protrusion 611A of the first connector assembly 1510. In this manner, the sensor 1530 may operate in the same manner as any of the settings of the sensor 630 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1535 that provides an indication that the second connector assembly has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1510 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth.

As shown in fig. 20, the optical assembly 1600 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 1500, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1600 may include the first connector assembly 1610 without the sensor 1530 and further include a sensor 1630 connected to the adapter 650 of the optical assembly to provide an indication of insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 due to displacement of the outer ferrule portion 617B of the first connector assembly as a result of engagement of the first and second connector assembly outer ferrule portions 617B of the optical assembly. Sensor 1630 can be the same or substantially similar to sensor 1530. Sensor 1630 may be attached to the forward side of recess 651 of adapter 650, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, such that the force sensing device of the sensor faces the rear side of protrusion 611A of housing 611. In this manner, in the rest position, the sensor 1630 may be in contact with or spaced from the back side of the projection 611A.

When the housing 611 is pushed rearward due to the insertion of the second connector assembly 640 into the adapter 650 of the optical assembly 1600, the rear side of the protrusion 611A may press against the sensor 1630. The sensor 1630 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by a cable 1635 which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the sensor 1630 is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 1630 may operate in the same manner as any of the settings of either of the sensors 630, 1530 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1635 that provides an indication that the second connector assembly 640 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1610 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 650 to a predetermined depth. When the second connector assembly 640 is not at the predetermined depth, emission of light through the first connector assembly 1610 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

In an alternative arrangement of the optical assembly 1600, the sensor 1630 may be connected to the forward side of the recess that receives the adapter-side of the second connector assembly 640, rather than the forward side of the recess 651 that receives the adapter 650-side of the first connector assembly 1610. In this manner, the sensor 1630 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1635 that provides an indication that the second connector assembly 640 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1610 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter to a predetermined depth.

In another alternative arrangement of the optical assembly 1600 in which the sensor has a probe that may extend from the sensor module, the sensor module may be mounted to an outside (not shown) of the adapter 650, such as, but not limited to, an end of the adapter, where the probe may extend through an aperture formed through the adapter. In this manner, the probe of the sensor may be pressed by the protrusion 611A of the housing 611, such that the sensor operates in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630 with a probe.

Referring to fig. 21, 21A, and 21B, the optical assembly 1700 may include an adapter 1750 and first and second LC connector assemblies 1710, 1740, the first and second LC connector assemblies 1710, 1740 may engage each other, e.g., by contacting, by being inserted into the adapter and abutting each other in substantially the same manner that the first and second connector assemblies 1510, 640 of the optical assembly 1500 may abut each other. The adapter 1750 may define a main bore 1752 and a slot 1754 extending from a top of the main bore, and may further define a bore 1756 extending from the top of the adapter through the slot and intersecting the main bore. In some alternative arrangements, the apertures 1756 may be cavities that extend only partially through the slots 1754. The first and second LC connector assemblies 1710, 1740 can each include a housing 1711 and a rod 1711A extending from the housing. As shown, the rod 1711A may be integral with the housing 1711 such that the rod and housing are not separable without damaging the housing. The rod 1711A may include a first shaft portion 1712 and a second shaft portion 1713, where the first shaft portion connects the second shaft portion to the remainder of the rod. The first shaft portion 1712 may be wider than the second shaft portion 1713. In this manner, the first and second shaft portions 1712, 1713 may slide or otherwise move within the main bore 1752 of the adapter 1750, but only the shaft portion 1713 may slide or otherwise move within the slot 1754.

The first LC connector assembly 1710 may include a sensor 1730, which may be the same or substantially similar to the sensor 1530, to provide an indication that the second LC connector assembly 1740 is fully inserted into the adapter 1750. The sensor 1730 may be connected to a step 1714 defined by the intersection of the first and second shaft portions 1712, 1713 of the stem 1711A, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, such that the probe of the sensor faces the rear of the bore 1756 of the adapter 1750. In this manner, in the rest position, the sensor 1730 may be in contact with or spaced from the rear of the bore 1756.

When the housing 1711 is pushed rearward as the second LC connector assembly 1740 is inserted into the adapter 1750 of the optical assembly 1700, the sensor 1730 may be pressed against the rear of the hole 1756. The sensor 1730 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, through a cable 1735 which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the sensor 1730 is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 1730 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1735 that provides an indication that the second LC connector assembly 1740 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1710 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 1750 to a predetermined depth. When the second LC connector assembly 1740 is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 1710 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring to fig. 22 and 22A, the optical assembly 1800 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 1700, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 1800 may include a first LC connector assembly 1810 without a sensor 1730, and may also include a sensor 1830 mounted to an adapter 1850 of the optical assembly to provide an indication of insertion of a second LC connector assembly 1740 into the adapter 1850. The adaptor 1850 may be substantially identical to the adaptor 1750, except that the adaptor may define a notch 1851, the notch 1851 extending in a rearward direction from a hole 1856 substantially identical to the hole 1756 of the adaptor 1750 as best shown in fig. 22, and extending in a transverse direction from the slot 1854 as best shown in fig. 22A. The sensor 1830 may be the same or substantially similar to the sensor 1730. The sensor 1830 may be connected to the adapter 1850, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, within and connected to the recess 1851 of the adapter such that the force sensing device of the sensor is located at or within the aperture 1856 of the adapter and faces forward. In this manner, in the rest position, the sensor 1830 may be in contact with or spaced from the step 1714 defined by the intersection of the first and second shaft portions 1712, 1713 of the stem 1711A.

When the housing 1711 is pushed rearward due to the insertion of the second LC connector assembly 1740 into the adapter 1850 of the optical assembly 1800, the step 1714 may press against the sensor 1830. The sensor 1830 may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit 99, by a cable 1835, which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the sensor 1830 is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 1830 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of any of the sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1835 that provides an indication that the second LC connector assembly 1740 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1810 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 1850 to a predetermined depth. When the second LC connector assembly 1740 is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 1810 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring to fig. 23, optical assembly 1900 may be substantially similar to optical assembly 1700, with the notable exception that optical assembly 1900 may include a first LC connector assembly 1910 having a body 1911 and a stem 1911A in place of housing 1711, and a sensor 1930 mounted between body 1911 and a front end 1912A of stem 1911A. As shown, the lever 1911A may be mounted to the body 1911 by a hinge pin 1915 to allow the lever to rotate relative to the body about the hinge pin.

Sensor 1930 may be located forward of hinge pin 1915 such that when body 1911 of first LC connector assembly 1910 is pushed rearward as a result of insertion of second LC connector assembly 1740 into adapter 1750 of optical assembly 1900, front end 1912A may press against sensor 1930 to create a torque about the hinge pin due to the force exerted by the rear of hole 1756 against step 1914 of stem 1911A. The sensors 1930 can be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by cables 1935, which can be, but are not limited to, copper wires. In this manner, when the sensor 1930 is pressed by a force within a predetermined tolerance range, the sensor 1930 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of the sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730, 1830 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable 1935 that provides an indication that the second LC connector assembly 1740 has applied sufficient force to the first connector assembly 1910 such that the second connector assembly is inserted into the adapter 1750 to a predetermined depth. When the second LC connector assembly 1740 is not at the predetermined depth, light emission through the LC first connector assembly 1910 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring to fig. 24, optical assembly 2000 may be substantially similar to optical assembly 1900 with the notable exception that stem 2011A may be integral with main body 2011 of first LC connector assembly 2010 such that the stem and main body are not separable without breaking either of the main body and stem. In a manner substantially similar to the operation of optical assembly 1900, when main body 2011 of first LC connector assembly 2010 is pushed rearward as a result of insertion of second LC connector assembly 1740 into adapter 1750 of optical assembly 2000, front end 2012A of rod 2011A may press against sensor 1930 as a result of the force exerted by the rear of bore 1756 against step 2014 of rod 2011A in relation to the interface of rod 2011A and main body 2011.

Referring now to fig. 25A and 25B, the optical assembly 2100 may include an adapter 2150 and first and second LC connector assemblies 2110, 2140 that may be engaged with each other by being inserted into the adapter and abutted against each other in substantially the same manner that the first and second LC connector assemblies 2110, 2140 of the optical assembly 1500 may be abutted against each other. The adapter 2150 may define a main aperture 2152 and a slot 2154 extending from a top of the main aperture (substantially similar to the slot 1754 of the adapter 1750), and may also define an aperture 2156A extending from the top of the adapter through the slot and intersecting the main aperture. In some alternative arrangements, the aperture 2156A may be a cavity that extends only partially through the slot 2154. The first LC connector assembly 2110 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 may each include a housing 2111 and a post 2111A extending from the housing. As shown, the rod 2111A can be integral with the housing 2111 such that the rod and housing cannot be separated without damaging the housing. The rod 2111A may include a first shaft portion 2112 and a second shaft portion 2113, with the first shaft portion connecting the second shaft portion to the remainder of the housing 2111. The first shaft portion 2112 may be wider than the second shaft portion 2113. In this manner, the first and second shaft portions 2112, 2113 may slide or otherwise move within the main bore 2152 of the adapter 2150, but only the shaft portion 2113 may slide or otherwise move within the slot 2154.

The adapter 2150 can include a base 2151 that can extend rearwardly away from a central wall 2155 of the adapter. Sensor 2130, which may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor 1530, may be attached to base 2151, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive such as, but not limited to, epoxy, such that the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor faces rearward facing rear surface 2115 of housing 2111. As in the example shown, the sensor 2130 may be mounted to the base 2151 after the first LC connector assembly 2110 is inserted into the adapter 2150. Advantageously, the adapter 2150 and each of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2110, 2140 may be off-the-shelf components, wherein the adapter may be retrofitted with the sensor 2130.

As shown in fig. 25A, before first LC connector assembly 2110 and second LC connector assembly 2140 contact each other, the probes or other force sensing devices of sensor 2130 may contact back surface 2115 such that a first force is applied to the probes or other force sensing devices for the force sensor or such that the probes or other force sensing devices extend to a first length for the displacement sensor. In this manner, the sensor 2130 may be preset to a first setting that may be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. As shown in fig. 25B, when the housing 2111 of the first LC connector 2110 receives a rearward force due to the insertion of the second LC connector assembly 2140 into the adapter 2150 of the optical assembly 2100 and the abutment of the opposing outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2110, 2140, the rear surface 2115 of the housing may be pressed against the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 such that the probe or other force sensing device may be set to a second setting, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force that is greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a corresponding second length that is shorter than the first length.

The sensor 2130 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within a predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), the sensor 2130 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 contacts the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2110 with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, such a signal may indicate that the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adapter 2150 when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has applied sufficient force to the first LC connector assembly 2110. When the mating ends of the outer collar portions 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 do not contact the mating ends of the outer collar portions 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2110 at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 2110 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

As further shown in fig. 25A, before the first LC connector assembly 2110 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 contact each other, the first LC connector assembly 2110 may be fully inserted into the adapter 2150 such that the front surface 2116 of the housing 2111 abuts the central wall 2155 of the adapter. As further shown, sensor 2130 may be positioned on adapter 2150 such that rear surface 2115 of housing 2111 contacts a probe or other force sensing device of sensor 2130 as previously described herein. In this manner, a gap a-a may be formed between the step 2114A of the rod 2111A and the rear of the bore 2156A of the adapter 2150 in this initial position, such that the rearward force applied by the first LC connector assembly 2110 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130, and no such rearward force is directed toward the rear of the bore 2156A. Preferably, the gap A-A may be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, the first LC connector assembly 2110 may be inserted into the adapter 2150 sufficiently to form the gap a-a without the front surface 2116 of the housing 2111 abutting the central wall 2155 of the adapter.

As further shown in fig. 25B, when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been fully inserted into the adapter 2150, the step 2114B of the stem 2111B of the second LC connector assembly may push back against the rear of the bore 2156B extending through the adapter. As further shown, the sensor 2130 may be positioned on the adapter 2150 such that the first LC connector assembly 2110 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 are held in place while resting in this fully inserted position of the second LC connector assembly by abutment at one end by the first LC connector assembly 2110 with a probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 and at the other end by abutment of the second LC connector assembly 2140 with the rear of the bore 2156B of the adapter 2150. In this manner, a gap B-B, which in this example may be less than gap a-a, may be formed between the step 2114A of the rod 2111A and the rear of the bore 2156A of the adapter 2150 in this rest position, such that the rearward force applied by the first LC connector assembly 2110 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130, and no such rearward force is directed toward the rear of the bore 2156A. Although the gap B-B may be zero, the gap B-B may preferably be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm.

Referring to fig. 26A and 26B, the optical assembly 2200 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 2100, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 2200 may include an adapter 2250 without a sensor 2130, and may also include a sensor 2230 connected to the first LC connector assembly 2210 of the optical assembly to provide an indication that the mating ends of the outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2140 mate with each other. The adapter 2250 may be substantially identical to the adapter 2150, except that a post 2253 may extend from a base 2251 of the adapter 2250. In some arrangements, the post 2253 may be integral with the adapter 2250 such that the post and adapter are not separable without damaging either or both of the post and adapter, while in other arrangements the post may be connected to the adapter, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy.

Sensor 2230 may be the same as or substantially similar to sensor 2130. The sensor 2230 may be attached to the rear-facing surface 2215 of the housing 2211 of the first LC connector assembly 2210, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a magnetically attractable element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, such that the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor extends in a rearward direction or faces in a rearward direction, as the case may be. Advantageously, the adapter 2250 and each of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2210, 2140 may be off-the-shelf components, wherein the adapter may be retrofitted with the post 2253 and at least the first LC connector assembly 2210 may be retrofitted with the sensor 2230.

As shown in fig. 26A, before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2210, 2140 contact each other, the probe or other force-sensing device of the sensor 2230 may contact the post 2253, such that a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing device for the force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing device extends to a first length for the displacement sensor. In this manner, the sensor 2230 may be preset to a first setting that may be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. As shown in fig. 26B, when the housing 2211 receives a rearward force due to the second LC connector assembly 2140 being inserted into the adapter 2250 of the optical assembly 2200 and the opposing outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2210 and 2140 abutting, the probe or other force-sensing device of the sensor 2230 may be compressed against the post 2253 such that the probe or other force-sensing device may be set to a second setting, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force that is greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a corresponding second length that is shorter than the first length.

Sensor 2230 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2230 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within a predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), the sensor 2230 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730, 2130 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 contacts the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2210 with the predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has applied sufficient force to the first LC connector assembly 2210, such a signal may indicate that the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adapter 2250. When the mating ends of the outer ferrule portions 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 do not contact the mating ends of the outer ferrule portions 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2210 at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 2210 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

As further shown in fig. 26A, before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2210, 2140 contact each other, the first LC connector assembly 2210 may be fully inserted into the adapter 2250 such that the front surface 2216 of the housing 2211 abuts the central wall 2255 of the adapter. As further shown, the post 2253 may be positioned on the adapter 2250 such that a probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2230 is in contact with the post as previously described herein. In this manner, a gap a-a may be formed between the step 2214A of the rod 2211A and the rear of the bore 2256A of the adapter 2250 in this initial position such that the rearward force applied by the probe or other force sensing device connected to the sensor 2230 of the first LC connector assembly 2210 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the post 2253 and no such rearward force is directed toward the rear of the bore 2256A. Preferably, the gap A-A may be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, the first LC connector assembly 2210 may be fully inserted into the adapter 2250 to form the gap a-a without the front surface 2216 of the housing 2211 abutting the center wall 2255 of the adapter.

As further shown in fig. 26B, when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been fully inserted into the adapter 2250, the step portion 2114B of the stem 2111B of the second LC connector assembly may push back against the rear of the bore 2256B extending through the adapter. As further shown, the post 2253 may be positioned on the adapter 2250 such that the first and second LC connector assemblies 2210, 2140, when at rest in this fully inserted position of the second LC connector assembly, are held in place by way of abutment at one end with the post by a probe or other force sensing device connected to the sensor 2230 of the first LC connector assembly 2210, and at the other end with the rear of the bore 2256B of the adapter 2250 by the second LC connector assembly 2140. In this manner, a gap B-B, which may be smaller than gap a-a in this example, may be formed between the step portion 2214A of the rod 2211A and the rear of the bore 2256A of the adapter 2250 in this rest position, such that rearward forces applied by a probe or other force sensing device connected to the sensor 2230 of the first LC connector assembly 2210 are directed fully or almost fully toward the post 2253, and no such rearward forces are directed toward the rear of the bore 2256A of the adapter 2250. Although the gap B-B may be zero, the gap B-B may preferably be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm.

Referring now to fig. 27, the optical assembly 2300 may include an adapter 2350 and first and second SC connector assemblies 2310, 2310 (not shown, but also labeled as 2310 hereinafter for reference purposes), which may have the same configuration as the first SC connector assembly or a different configuration, wherein the assemblies may be engaged with each other by being inserted into the adapter and abutting each other in a similar manner in which the first and second connector assemblies 1510, 640 of the optical assembly 1500 may abut each other and the first and second connector assemblies 2110, 2140 of the optical assembly 2100 may abut each other. Both sides of the adapter 2350 can include at least one hooked flange 2352 (two hooked flanges 2352 on each side in the example shown) and a slot 2354, the hooked flange overhanging into the slot 2354 away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter when the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 are received on the respective sides of the adapter. The first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 may each include a housing 2311, the housing 2311 having at least one pawl 2312 extending away from a longitudinal axis of the housing and defining at least one groove 2313 corresponding to each hooked flange 2352 of the adapter 2350 (in the example shown, two pawls 2312 and two grooves 2313 are on each of the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310). In this manner, as the first connector assembly 2310 is inserted into the adapter 2350, the catches 2312 may slide over the respective hooked flanges 2352 of the adapter 2350 and the ends of the hooked flanges may be received in the respective grooves 2313 of the housing 2311 of the first SC connector assembly. As shown, the housing 2311 may be housed within a housing 2311A, and the housing 2311A may slide along the housing 2311 away from the central wall 2355 of the adapter 2350 to overhang the hooked flange 2352 outward away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter and allow the housing 2311 to be released from the adapter, in this example, to unhook. In some alternative arrangements, the hooked flanges of the adapter and the catches of the first and second SC connector assemblies may be reversed such that the hooked flanges are closer to the longitudinal axis defined by the adapter than the catches, i.e., such that the hooked flanges are located inside the catches. In such an arrangement, the claw with the hooked flange would extend away from the longitudinal axis defined by the adapter and the claw of the pawl would extend toward the longitudinal axis, i.e., such a claw would extend in a direction opposite to the illustrated claws of the hooked flange 2352 and the pawl 2312 shown in fig. 27.

The adapter 2350 can include a base 2351 that can extend rearward away from the central wall 2355 of the adapter. The sensor 2330, which may be the same as or substantially similar to the sensor 2130, may be connected to the base 2351, for example, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, attractable magnetic elements, or chemical adhesives, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, such that the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor faces the rear-facing surface 2315 of the housing 2311. As in the example shown, after the first SC connector assembly 2310 is inserted into the adapter 2350, the sensor 2330 may be mounted to the base 2351. Advantageously, the adaptor 2350 and each of the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 may be off-the-shelf components, wherein the adaptor may be retrofitted with the sensor 2330.

As further shown in fig. 27, before the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 contact each other, the housing 2311 may be positioned relative to the adapter 2350 such that a gap a-a is formed between the end of the hooked flange 2352 and the pawl 2312 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adapter 2350 and the first SC connector assembly 2310, and a probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 may contact the rear surface 2315 of the housing 2311. In this manner, depending on the type of sensor used, a first force is applied to the probe or other force sensing device for a force sensor or extended to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, the sensor 2330 can be preset to a first setting, which can be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. In some alternative arrangements, although not in the example shown, the housing 2311 may be positioned relative to the adapter 2350 such that a front surface 2316 of the housing abuts the central wall 2355 of the adapter 2350.

In a manner similar to the operation of the optical assembly 2100, when the housing 2311 of the first SC connector assembly 2310 of the optical assembly 2300 receives a rearward force due to the insertion of the second SC connector assembly 2310 into the adapter 2350 of the optical assembly 2300 and the abutment of the opposing outer collar portions 2317B of the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310, the rear surface 2315 of the housing may be pressed against the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 such that the probe or other force sensing device may be set to a second setting relative to the state before the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 contact each other, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force that is greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a second length that is shorter than the first length.

The sensor 2330 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within a predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), the sensor 2330 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730, 2130 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of the outer collar portion 2317B of the second SC connector assembly 2310 contacts the mating end of the outer collar portion 2317B of the first SC connector assembly 2310 with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, such a signal may indicate that the second SC connector assembly 2310 has been inserted into the adaptor 2350 to at least a predetermined depth, or that the second SC connector assembly 2310 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adaptor 2350, respectively, when the second SC connector assembly 2310 has exerted a sufficient force on the first SC connector assembly 2310. When the mating end of the outer collar portion 2317B of the second SC connector assembly 2310 is not in contact at all or in contact with the mating end of the outer collar portion 2317B of the first SC connector assembly 2310 with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first SC connector assembly 2310 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring to fig. 27, prior to the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 contacting each other, the first SC connector assembly 2310 may be inserted into the adapter 2350 and then the sensor 2330 may be positioned on the adapter 2350 such that the rear surface 2315 of the housing 2311 contacts the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 as previously described herein. In this manner, a gap a-a may be formed in the space defined between the end of the hooked flange 2352 of the adapter 2350 and the catch 2312 of the housing 2311 in this initial position. In this manner, the rearward force applied by the first SC connector assembly 2310 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330, and no such rearward force is directed toward the hooked flange 2352. Preferably, the gap A-A may be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm.

When the second SC connector assembly 2310 has been fully inserted into the adapter 2350 and the first and second SC connector assemblies 2310 are at rest in this fully inserted position of the second SC connector assembly, the sensor 2330 may be positioned on the adapter 2350 such that the first SC connector assembly and the second SC connector assembly are held in place by abutment at one end by the first SC connector assembly with a probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 and by abutment of the second SC connector assembly with at least one hooked flange 2352 of the adapter 2350 on one side of the adapter into which the second SC connector assembly has been inserted. In this manner, the gap defined by gap a-a between the hooked flange 2352 of the adapter 2350 and the pawl 2312 on the adapter side where the first SC connector assembly 2310 is inserted in this rest position may be reduced such that the rearward force applied by the first SC connector assembly is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2330 and no such rearward force is directed toward the hooked flange of the first SC connector assembly. Although this reduced gap may be zero, the reduced gap may preferably be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, even more preferably about 0.5 mm.

In some alternative arrangements, the optical assembly may be the same as the optical assembly 2300, except that the sensor may be connected to a rear surface of the housing of the first SC connector assembly, such as the rear surface 2315 of the housing 2311 of the first connector assembly 2310, such as, but not limited to, by one or more fasteners, a attractable magnetic element, or a chemical adhesive, such as, but not limited to, epoxy, and the post, rather than the sensor, may be connected to the base of the adapter in a substantially similar manner as the post 2253 is connected to the base 2251 of the adapter 2250 of the optical assembly 2200. In operation, the sensor on the rear surface of the housing can interact with the post in substantially the same manner that the post 2253 can interact with the sensor 2230. As in the previous examples, the adapter and each of the first and second LC connector assemblies may be off-the-shelf components, wherein the adapter may be retrofitted with the post and at least the first LC connector assembly may be retrofitted with the sensor.

Referring to fig. 28, optical assembly 2400 may be substantially similar to optical assembly 2100, with the notable exception that optical assembly 2400 may include a first LC connector assembly 2410 in place of first LC connector assembly 2110. The first LC connector assembly 2410 may be substantially similar to the first LC connector assembly 2110, with the notable exception that the first LC connector assembly 2410 may include a housing device 2411 in place of the housing 2111. The housing device 2411 may include a housing 2418 and an extension device 2419, and as shown, the extension device 2419 may include a substantially tubular inner extension 2420A extending from a rearward end of the housing. As shown, in some arrangements, the inner extension 2420A can be integral with the housing 2111 such that the inner extension is not separable from the housing without damaging either or both of the inner extension and the housing, while in other arrangements, the inner extension and the housing can be separate components. The inner extension 2420A of the extension device 2419 may include a rib or shoulder 2419A for engagement with the outer extension 2420B of the extension device 2419, or alternatively internal threads. In some arrangements, the outer extension 2420B may include a cavity for receiving a corresponding rib or shoulder 2419A of the inner extension 2420A or an external thread corresponding to an alternative internal thread. In some alternative arrangements, the outer extension may comprise a rib or shoulder and the inner extension may comprise a respective cavity for receiving the respective rib or shoulder. In some alternative arrangements, the inner and outer extensions may be connected by a morse taper or other interference fit.

Similar to other examples described herein, the probes or other force sensing devices of the sensor 2130 may be in contact with the back surface 2415 of the outer extension 2420B of the extension device 2419 before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2410, 2140 contact each other. Such that for a force sensor a first force is applied to the probe or other force sensing device or such that for a displacement sensor the probe or other force sensing device extends to a first length. In this way, the sensor 2130 may be preset to a first setting, which may be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. In an alternative arrangement, the probes or other force sensing devices of sensor 2130 may be in contact with the rear surface of inner extension 2420A of extension device 2419 with or without outer extension 2420B before first LC connector assembly 2410 and second LC connector assembly 2140 are in contact with each other such that a first force is applied to the probes or other force sensing devices for the force sensor or such that the probes or other force sensing devices extend to a first length for the displacement sensor.

As further shown in fig. 28, when the housing device 2411 receives a rearward force as the second LC connector assembly 2140 is inserted into the adapter 2150 of the optical assembly 2400 and the opposing outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2410, 2140 abut, the rear surface 2415 of the housing device 2411 may press against the probes or other force sensing devices of the sensor 2130 such that the probes or other force sensing devices may be set to a second setting relative to the state before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2410, 2140 contact one another, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force that is greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a corresponding second length that is shorter than the first length.

The sensor 2130 may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within a predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), the sensor 2130 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 contacts the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2410 with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, such a signal may indicate that the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adapter 2150 when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has applied sufficient force to the first LC connector assembly 2410. When the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 does not contact the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2410 at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 2410 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Before the first LC connector assembly 2410 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 contact each other, the first LC connector assembly 2410 may be fully inserted into the adapter 2150 such that the front surface 2416 of the housing device 2411 abuts the central wall 2155 of the adapter. As further shown, the sensor 2130 may be positioned on the adapter 2150 such that the rear surface 2415 of the housing device 2411 is in contact with a probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 as previously described herein. In this manner, a gap a-a (see, e.g., fig. 25A) may be formed between the step 2414A of the rod 2411A and the rear of the bore 2156A of the adapter 2150 in this initial position such that the rearward force applied by the first LC connector assembly 2410 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 and no such rearward force is directed toward the rear of the bore 2156A. Preferably, the gap A-A may be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm. In some alternative arrangements, the first LC connector assembly 2410 may be inserted into the adapter 2150 sufficiently to form the gap a-a without the front surface 2416 of the housing 2411 abutting the central wall 2155 of the adapter.

As further shown in fig. 28, when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been fully inserted into the adapter 2150, the step 2114B of the stem 2111B of the second LC connector assembly may push back against the rear of the bore 2156B extending through the adapter. As further shown, sensor 2130 may be positioned on adapter 2150 such that, at rest in this fully inserted position of the second LC connector assembly, first LC connector assembly 2410 and second LC connector assembly 2140 are held in place by the first LC connector assembly 2410 abutting a probe or other force sensing device of sensor 2130 at one end and the second LC connector assembly 2140 abutting a rear portion of bore 2156B of adapter 2150 at the other end. In this manner, a gap B-B, which in this example may be less than gap a-a, may be formed between step 2414A of rod 2411A and the rear of bore 2156A of adapter 2150 in this rest position, such that the rearward force exerted by first LC connector assembly 2410 is directed fully or nearly fully toward the probe or other force sensing device of sensor 2130, and no such rearward force is directed toward the rear of bore 2156A. Although the gap B-B may be zero, the gap B-B may preferably be at least about 0.01mm, more preferably at least about 0.1mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm.

Referring now to fig. 29, the optical assembly 2500 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 2100, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 2500 may include a first LC connector assembly 2510 in place of the first LC connector assembly 2110. The first LC connector assembly 2510 may be substantially similar to the first LC connector assembly 2110, with the notable exception that the first LC connector assembly 2510 may include a housing means 2511 in place of the housing 2111, and an inner collar portion 2517A that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the outer collar portion 2117B to form a portion of the collar assembly and extends rearwardly through and beyond an opening 2512 defined by a rear surface of the housing means 2511. The inner collar portion 2517A may comprise a main body segment 2518 and an extension device 2519, and the extension device 2519 may comprise a substantially tubular inner extension body 2520A extending from a rear end of the main body segment as shown. As shown, in some arrangements, the inner extension body 2520A can be integral with the body segment 2518 of the inner collar portion 2517A such that the inner extension body is not separable from the body segment without destroying either or both of the inner extension body and the body segment, while in other arrangements, the inner extension body and the body segment can be separate components. The inner extension body 2520A of the extension device 2519 of the inner collar portion 2517A may include ribs or shoulders 2519A or alternative internal threads for engagement with the outer extension body 2520B of the extension device 2519. In some arrangements, the outer extension 2520B may include a cavity for receiving a corresponding rib or shoulder 2519A of the inner extension 2520A or external threads corresponding to alternative internal threads. In some alternative arrangements, the outer extension may comprise a rib or shoulder and the inner extension may comprise a respective cavity for receiving the respective rib or shoulder. In some alternative arrangements, the inner and outer extensions may be connected by a morse taper or other interference fit.

Similar to other examples described herein, the probe or other force-sensing device of the sensor 2130 may be in contact with the back surface 2515 of the outer extension 2520B of the extension device 2519 before the first LC connector assembly 2510 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 are in contact with each other, such that a first force is applied to the probe or other force-sensing device for the force sensor, or such that the probe or other force-sensing device extends to a first length for the displacement sensor. In this way, the sensor 2130 may be preset to a first setting, which may be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. In an alternative arrangement, such as in the example of fig. 30, the probe or other force sensing device of sensor 2130 may be in contact with the back surface of the inner extension 2520A of the extension device with or without the outer extension 2520B as shown in fig. 30 before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2510A and 2140A of the optical assembly 2500A are in contact with each other, such that a first force is applied to the probe or other force sensing device for the force sensor, or such that the probe or other force sensing device extends to a first length for the displacement sensor.

Referring again to fig. 29, when the inner collar portion 2517A receives a rearward force due to the insertion of the second LC connector assembly 2140 into the adaptor 2150 of the optical assembly 2500 and the abutment of the opposing outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2510, 2140, the rear surface 2515 of the outer extension 2520B of the extension device 2519 may be pressed against the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 such that the probe or other force sensing device may be set to a second setting relative to the state before the first and second LC connector assemblies 2510, 2140 contact each other, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force that is greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a corresponding second length that is shorter than the first length.

The sensor 2130 may be electrically connected to a logic circuit, such as logic circuit 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor 2130 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within the predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), the sensor 2130 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of the collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 is contacting the mating end of the collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2510 with the predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, such a signal may indicate that the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adapter 2150 when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has exerted sufficient force on the first LC connector assembly 2510. When the mating ends of the outer collar portions 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 do not contact the mating ends of the outer collar portions 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2510 at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 2510 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring now to fig. 31, the optical assembly 2600 may be substantially similar to the optical assembly 2500, with the notable exception that the optical assembly 2500 may include a first LC connector assembly 2610 in place of the first LC connector assembly 2510, and a sensor 2630 in place of the sensor 2130. The first LC connector assembly 2610 may be substantially similar to the first LC connector assembly 2510, with the notable exception that the first LC connector assembly 2610 may include an inner collar portion 2617A instead of an inner collar portion 2517A, which circumferentially surrounds a portion of an outer collar portion 2117B to form part of the collar assembly and extends rearwardly without extending beyond an opening 2512 defined by a rear surface of the housing arrangement 2511. The sensor 2630 can be substantially similar to the sensor 2130, with the notable exception that the sensor 2630 can include an extension device 2631, which can be a probe arm that extends to the rear surface 2615 of the inner collar portion 2617A.

Similar to other examples described herein, the extension device 2631 of the sensor 2630 may be contacted by the rear surface 2615 of the inner race portion 2617A before the first LC connector assembly 2610 and the second LC connector assembly 2140 contact each other, such that a first force is applied to the force sensing device by the extension device 2631 for a force sensor, or such that the force sensing device of the sensor extends to a first length for a displacement sensor. In this manner, the sensor 2630 may be preset to a first setting that may be caused by other actions on the sensor in alternative settings. Alternatively, the first setting of the sensor 2630 may be defined without initial contact between the extension device 2631 and the inner collar portion 2617A.

Still referring to fig. 31, when the inner collar portion 2617A receives a rearward force due to the insertion of the second LC connector assembly 2140 into the adapter 2150 of the optical assembly 2600 and the abutment of the opposing outer collar portions 2117B of the first and second LC connector assemblies 2610, 2140, the rear surface 2615 of the inner collar portion 2617A may be pressed against the extension device 2631 of the sensor 2630 such that the probe or other force sensing device of the sensor may be set to the second setting, for example, by: depending on the particular arrangement, the force sensor is compressed by a corresponding second force greater than the first force, or the displacement sensor is compressed to a corresponding second length shorter than the first length.

Sensor 2630 may be electrically connected to logic circuitry, such as logic circuitry 99, by a cable, such as cable 1735 (see fig. 21), which may be, but is not limited to, a copper wire. In this manner, when the probe or other force sensing device of sensor 2630 is pressed or moved by a force within a predetermined tolerance range by a distance within a predetermined tolerance range (which may be limited only by a corresponding minimum force or minimum distance), sensor 2630 may operate in the same manner as any arrangement of sensors 630, 1530, 1630, 1730 to generate or cease generating a signal along the cable that provides an indication that the mating end of outer collar portion 2117B of second LC connector assembly 2140 contacts the mating end of outer collar portion 2117B of first LC connector assembly 2610 with a predetermined minimum force. In some arrangements, such a signal may indicate that the second LC connector assembly 2140 has been inserted a sufficient distance into the adapter 2150 when the second LC connector assembly 2140 has exerted a sufficient force on the first LC connector assembly 2610. When the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the second LC connector assembly 2140 does not contact the mating end of the outer collar portion 2117B of the first LC connector assembly 2610 at all or with a predetermined minimum force, light emission through the first LC connector assembly 2610 may be stopped, thereby preventing damage and saving energy.

Referring to fig. 32, the detection system disclosed herein, whether activated by a switch or sensor or by conductive contact such as between two electrodes, may be used in conjunction with a network or server device, such as a line card 2401 that includes a printed circuit board 2402, the printed circuit board 2402 having a connector interface such as a connector assembly 2403. In this example, the line card 2401 may include any of switches, sensors, or conductive contacts on the connector assembly 2403 that may detect the presence of a corresponding external connector inserted into the connector assembly. In this manner, connector assembly 2403 may cease emitting light when an external connector is not inserted into the connector assembly, or may actively emit light in an alternative arrangement.

In some alternative arrangements of the optical assemblies described herein, such as, but not limited to, optical assembly 1500, optical assembly 1600, optical assembly 1700, optical assembly 1800, optical assembly 1900, optical assembly 2000, optical assembly 2100, optical assembly 2200, optical assembly 2300, optical assembly 2400, optical assembly 2500A, optical assembly 2600, the collar portion or portions of the connector assembly that are first received by the respective adapter may not translate relative to the housing such that the translation of the collar portion or portions of such a connector assembly is the same as the translation of the housing. In some alternative arrangements of optical components described herein, such as, but not limited to, optical component 1500, optical component 1600, optical component 1700, optical component 1800, optical component 1900, optical component 2000, optical component 2100, optical component 2200, optical component 2300, optical component 2400, optical component 2500A, optical component 2600, a connector component that is second received by a respective adapter may be held in place in the adapter by external forces as well as forces applied by a connector component that is first received by the adapter. In this manner, for translational movement of the connector assembly secondarily received by the respective adapter in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly secondarily received by the adapter and the longitudinal axis of the adapter, the adapter may not provide a force that limits the translational movement.

It should be understood that the techniques disclosed herein are applicable to many types of energy transmission connectors, including but not limited to optical or electrical signal transmission connectors for holding respective optical fibers that transmit optical signals corresponding to data or conductive elements that transmit electrical signals corresponding to data. The optical signal transmission connectors may be, but are not limited to, LC, SC, MPO, MTP, FC, ST, and MU connectors. As a general example, the present techniques may be used with connectors that include fiber optic ferrules and ferrule holders such as the outer and inner ferrule portions previously described herein, springs or other resilient elements such as the resilient elements previously described herein, housings such as the housings previously described herein, and spring stops such as the resilient stop elements previously described herein.

It is further understood that the disclosure set forth herein includes any possible combination of the specific features set forth above, whether or not specifically disclosed herein. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, configuration, construction or embodiment, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects, configurations, constructions and embodiments of the present technology, and in the general context of the present technology.

In addition, although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular features, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments, including variations in the dimensions of the various features described herein, and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. In this regard, the present technology includes many additional features in addition to those specifically recited in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing disclosure should be considered in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense, as the inventive technique is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising:

an adapter including a first adapter wall and defining a port;

a housing arrangement including a housing received in the port of the adapter and having a bore, the housing arrangement further including a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a first housing wall such that when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall facing in a first direction, movement of the first housing wall in a second direction opposite the first direction is limited by the first adapter wall;

a ferrule positioned within the bore of the housing and having a mating end extending beyond the front end of the housing means;

a sensor mounted on the rear end of the housing means and located outside both the port of the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with the cylindrical surface located outside both the port of the adapter and the housing or mounted outside both the port of the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with the rear end of the housing means, the sensor being configured to detect a force applied by the rear end of the housing means, wherein an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate that a predetermined force has been applied by the housing means.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor is mounted on the adapter when the sensor is opposite the rear face of the housing arrangement.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first housing wall faces in the second direction.

4. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mating end of the ferrule faces the first direction and is located inside the first adapter wall when movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the mating end of the ferrule is spaced from the first housing wall in the first direction when movement of the first housing wall in the second direction is limited by the first adapter wall.

6. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first housing wall is movable when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall.

7. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adapter comprises a second adapter wall opposite the first adapter wall, and wherein the first housing wall is located between the first and second adapter walls when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the housing arrangement includes a second housing wall opposite the first housing wall, and wherein when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and located inside the first adapter wall, the first housing wall faces the first adapter wall to define a first distance therebetween, and the second housing wall faces the second adapter wall to define a second distance therebetween, and wherein a sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than zero.

9. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein the first distance is a first gap defined by a peak of the first housing wall and a peak of the first adapter wall, wherein the second distance is a second gap defined by a peak of the second housing wall and a peak of the second adapter wall, and wherein a sum of the first gap and the second gap is at least 0.1 mm.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the sum of the first and second gaps is at least 0.5 mm.

11. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first housing wall is defined by a step of a stem of an LC connector, and wherein the first adapter wall is a portion of a bore extending through the adapter or a cavity extending within the adapter, such that when the first housing wall is received in the adapter, the step of the stem is received in the bore or the extending cavity within the adapter.

12. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing means forms part of an SC connector, the housing defining a recess and comprising a projection acting as a catch, the first housing wall defining a portion of the recess, and wherein the first adapter wall defines an end of a flange such that when the first housing wall is received in the adapter, the end of the flange is received in the recess of the housing.

13. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the adapter comprises a substrate and the sensor is mounted on the substrate.

14. The connector assembly of claim 1 or 3, wherein the adapter comprises a base plate and the post extends from the base plate when the sensor is mounted on the rear end of the housing device such that the sensor abuts the post when the sensor detects a force applied by the rear end of the housing device.

15. The connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor is a force sensor.

16. The connector assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the indication that a predetermined force has been applied by the housing arrangement is an indication that a second predetermined force has been applied to the mating end of the ferrule.

17. The connector assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing means further comprises an extension means extending from a rear end of the housing, and wherein a rear end of the extension means defines a rear end of the housing means.

18. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the sensor abuts a rear end of the extension device when the sensor detects a force applied by the rear end of the housing device.

19. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the extension device is not separable from the housing without damaging either of the housing and the extension device.

20. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the extension device is threaded onto or into the housing.

21. The connector assembly of claim 17, wherein the extension device includes an inner extension and an outer extension connected to the inner extension, the inner extension being directly connected to the rear end of the housing, and the outer extension extending radially from the inner extension such that a force detected by the sensor is applied by the rear end of the outer extension.

22. The connector assembly of claim 21, wherein the inner extension and the outer extension are tubes, and wherein the outer extension circumferentially surrounds and is connected to the inner extension.

23. A connector assembly comprising:

an adapter including a first adapter wall and defining a port;

a housing arrangement including a housing received in the port of the adapter and having a bore, the housing arrangement further including a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a first housing wall such that when the first housing wall is received in the adapter and is located inside the first adapter wall facing a first direction, movement of the first housing wall in a second direction opposite the first direction is limited by the first adapter wall;

a ferrule located within the bore of the housing and having a mating end extending beyond the front end of the housing means;

a sensor mounted on the rear end of the housing device and located outside both the port of the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with the cylindrical surface located outside both the port of the adapter and the housing or mounted outside both the port of the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with the rear end of the housing device, the sensor configured to detect translation of the housing device, wherein an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate that the housing device has translated to a predetermined position.

24. The connector assembly of claim 23, wherein said sensor is mounted on said adapter when said sensor is opposite a rear face of said housing means.

25. The connector assembly of claim 23, wherein indicating that the housing means has translated to the predetermined position indicates that the mating end of the ferrule has translated to a second predetermined position.

26. The connector assembly of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the housing means and the ferrule translate the same distance.

27. The connector assembly of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the housing means further comprises an extension means extending from a rear end of the housing, and wherein a rear end of the extension means defines a rear end of the housing means.

28. The connector assembly of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the sensor is a displacement sensor, and wherein the sensor is located outside of the port of the adapter and the bore of the housing such that the sensor is exposed.

29. A connector assembly comprising:

an adapter;

a housing arrangement including a housing, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end, the housing being received in the adapter and having a bore, the bore of the housing defining an opening at the rear end of the housing arrangement;

a ferrule assembly including a ferrule located within the bore of the housing and having a mating end extending beyond the front end of the housing arrangement, the ferrule assembly having a front end and a rear end opposite the front end of the ferrule assembly;

a sensor mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly and outside of both the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with a cylindrical surface outside of both the adapter and the housing, or mounted outside of both the adapter and the housing such that the sensor is in facing relation with the rear end of the ferrule assembly, the sensor including a probe and configured to detect either or both of: (i) a force exerted by a rear end of the ferrule assembly, and (ii) a translation of the ferrule assembly,

wherein the probe is aligned with the ferrule assembly such that the ferrule assembly contacts the probe when the sensor detects a respective one of a force applied by a back end of the ferrule assembly and a translation of the ferrule assembly, and

wherein the electrical characteristics of the sensor are varied to: (i) indicating that a predetermined force has been applied by the ferrule assembly when the sensor is configured to detect a force applied by a rear end of the ferrule assembly, or (ii) indicating that the ferrule assembly has translated to a predetermined position when the sensor is configured to detect translation of the ferrule assembly.

30. The connector assembly of claim 29, wherein the sensor is mounted on the adapter when the sensor is opposite the rear face of the ferrule assembly.

31. The connector assembly of claim 30, wherein the adapter comprises a substrate and the sensor is mounted on the substrate.

32. The connector assembly of claim 29 or 30, wherein the sensor further comprises a base module and the probe is a displaceable probe extending from the base module, and wherein an electrical characteristic of the sensor changes to indicate that the housing arrangement has translated to the predetermined position as a function of a force acting on the probe or a displacement of the probe.

33. The connector assembly of claim 29, wherein when the sensor is mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly, the rear end of the ferrule assembly is located outside of the housing device when the sensor detects any of (i) a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly and (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly.

34. The connector assembly of claim 29, wherein when the sensor is mounted on the rear end of the ferrule assembly, the adapter comprises a base plate and the post extends from the base plate such that when the sensor detects either (i) a force applied by the rear end of the ferrule assembly or (ii) translation of the ferrule assembly, the sensor abuts the post.

35. The connector assembly of any one of claims 29, 30 and 34, wherein the sensor is a force sensor.

36. The connector assembly of any one of claims 29, 30 and 34, wherein the sensor is a displacement sensor.

37. The connector assembly of any one of claims 29, 30, and 34, wherein the indication that a predetermined force has been applied by the housing arrangement is an indication that a second predetermined force has been applied to the mating end of the ferrule.

38. The connector assembly of any one of claims 29, 30 and 34, wherein the ferrule assembly further comprises an extension device extending from a rear end of the ferrule, and wherein a rear end of the extension device defines a rear end of the ferrule assembly.

39. The connector assembly of claim 38, wherein the sensor abuts a rear end of the extension device when the sensor detects a respective one of a force applied by a rear end of the ferrule assembly and a translation of the ferrule assembly.

40. The connector assembly of claim 39, wherein the extension device is non-separable from the ferrule without damaging either of the ferrule and the extension device.

41. The connector assembly of claim 38, wherein the extension device is threaded onto or into the ferrule.

42. The connector assembly of claim 38, wherein the extension device comprises an inner extension and an outer extension connected to the inner extension, the inner extension being directly connected to the back end of the ferrule, and the outer extension extending radially from the inner extension such that a force detected by the sensor is applied by the back end of the outer extension.

43. The connector assembly of claim 42, wherein the inner extension and the outer extension are tubes, and wherein the outer extension circumferentially surrounds and is connected to the inner extension.

44. The connector assembly of claim 29 or 30, wherein the probe extends into a bore of the housing.

45. The connector assembly of claim 29 or 30, wherein the sensor is located at least partially outside of a port defined by the adapter and at least partially outside of an aperture of the housing such that the sensor is exposed.