MX2008009484A - Installation tool with integrated visual fault indicator for field-installable mechanical splice connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanical splice fiber optic connector installation tool operable for performing splice terminations and verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a power source, a connector holder, an integrated Visual Fault Locater having an optical transmission element and a display for displaying the status of the termination. An adapter configured to receive the connector and align the connector with the optical transmission element, such that the optical transmission element is spaced apart from the connector at a predetermined distance and is in optical communication with the connector for propagating light energy through the adapter and along the stub optical fiber to a termination area of the connector.

Description

INSTALLATION TOOL WITH INTEGRATED VISUAL FAULT INDICATOR FOR MECHANICAL UNION CONNECTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the installation of mechanical joint connectors and verification of appropriate mechanical joint terminations, and more particularly, to an installation tool with an integrated visual fault indicator for a mechanical joint connector that can be installed in field.

Technical Background Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry in which optical fibers are used for voice, data and video transmission. Due, at least in part, to the extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation provided by optical fibers, the variety of applications in which the optical fibers used are continuously increasing. For example, optical fibers that not only serve as a medium for the transmission of long-distance signals, but that are increasingly directed to the home, and in some cases, directly to a desk or other work location. In the ever increasing and varied use of optical fibers, apparatus and methods have been developed for coupling optical fibers, apparatuses and methods that have been developed to couple optical fibers to one another outside the controlled environment of a factory setting, commonly referred to as as "field installation" or "in the field", such as in a central telephone office, in an office building and in various types of external plant terminals. However, in order to efficiently couple the optical signals transmitted to the fibers, an optical fiber connector should not attenuate, reflect or in any way significantly alter the optical signals. In addition, the fiber optic connectors for coupling the optical fibers can be relatively rough and adapted to be switched on and off a number of times in order to adapt the changes in the optical transmission path that can occur over time. Although optical fiber connectors are mounted more efficiently and reliably to the final portion of an optical fiber in a factory setting, many fiber optic connectors must be mounted on the end portion of an optical fiber in the field in order to reduce the minimum cable lengths and optimize cable routing management. As such, a number of optical fiber optic connectors have been specifically developed to facilitate field installation. An advantageous type of fiber optic connector that is specifically designed to facilitate field installation is from the UNICAM® family of optical fiber connectors that can be installed in the field available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. Although the UNICAM® family of fiber optic connectors can be installed in the field of Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. Although the UNICAM® family of field-installable connectors includes a number of common features including a common termination technique (ie, mechanical union), the UNICAM® family also offers different connector styles, including mechanical union connectors adapted to be mounted on connectors of a single optical fiber and of mechanical union adapted to be mounted on two or more optical fibers. Regardless of this, each installable connector in the field requires an apparatus to perform a junction termination and therefore determine whether the continuity of the optical coupling between the field fiber and the cut fiber of the connector is acceptable. Typically, a junction termination can be accepted when a related variable for optimal performance of the connector, such as insertion loss or reflectance, is within a prescribed limit or threshold value. The installation tools have been developed to facilitate the termination of joining of one or more optical fibers to an optical fiber connector, and particularly to allow the termination of joining of one or more optical field fibers to a mechanical joining connector. Examples of conventional installation tools for performing mechanical joints in the field are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,040,867; 5,261,020; 6,816,661; and 6,931,193. In particular, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,816,661 and 6,931,193 describe a UNICAM® installation tool available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina designed specifically to facilitate the assembly of the UNICAM® family of fiber optic connectors in the extreme portions of one or more optical field fibers. Said installation tool normally supports a mechanical joint connector, including a splint and the joining components, while a field optical fiber is inserted into the connector and aligned with a short optical fiber. In this regard, the installation tool generally includes a tool base, a tool housing placed in the tool base and an adapter provided in the tool housing. The adapter has a first end for coupling the mechanical joint connector to be mounted on the field optical fiber, and a second opposite end that serves as a temporary adapter. The advancing end of the mechanical joint connector is received inside the first end of the adapter, which in turn is placed in the tool housing. The end portion of the field optical fiber is then inserted and advanced into the open rear end of the mechanical joining connector and the joining components are subsequently driven, eg driven by engagement of the cam member with at least one of the joining components in order to secure the optical fiber and field optical fiber between the joining components. Once the optical fiber connector is mounted on the end portion of the field optical fiber, the resulting fiber optic cable assembly is typically tested end-to-end for acceptable optical continuity. While optical connections and fiber optic cables are tested using a variety of methods, a widely accepted test includes the introduction of light having a predetermined intensity and / or wavelength into one of the short optical fiber or optical fiber of countryside. By measuring the propagation of light through the optical fiber connector, or by measuring the amount of light emanating from the diffusion points, the continuity of the optical coupling can be determined. In order to facilitate the relatively simple and inexpensive continuity test, Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina has also developed installation tools for mechanical junction connectors that can be installed in the field that allows continuity testing while The connector remains mounted on the installation tool. In order to test the continuity of the optical coupling between the field optical fiber and the long optical fiber, a light source is typically provided to the installation tool to supply a laser light of visible wavelength (e.g. , red) to the optical fibers and the termination area. In known apparatuses and methods, visible light is supplied from the light source to the short fiber through a bridge. The bridge typically includes a length of optical fiber having adapters mounted on one or more ends of the fiber. As a result, the termination area is illuminated with visible light which produces a "brightness" which indicates the amount of light of the short optical fiber that is coupled to the field optical fiber, at least a portion of the connector is formed of a transparent or non-opaque material (e.g., translucent), for example, the joining components and / or the cam member so that the brightness in the termination area is visible to the operator. The Corning Cable Systems LLC method for verifying an acceptable junction termination described above is commonly referred to as the "Continuity Test System" (CTS) and the combined functionality of the visible light, bridge, and connector test and commonly referred to as a "Visual Fault Locator" (VFL), for its acronym in English) . In practice, the method is generally sufficient to determine if the majority of joint terminations are acceptable given the quality of the joint that does not need to be maintained to a high degree of precision and the operator usually has great training and highly experienced. However, the devices and methods on several disadvantages. Specifically, the aforementioned methods require that an operator have localized and use numerous components, ie the bridge, adapter and test connector, in order for the system to function properly. A failure of any of these components will result in a taste test process. Additionally, the costs associated with the manufacture and use of the named structural components is excessive.

In view of the drawbacks mentioned above, the improved apparatus and methods are required to perform the joining terminations and verify their acceptance. Such devices and methods require that a simplified installation tool incorporating an improved VFL be provided. Furthermore, said apparatus and methods require that VFL include an integrated adapter having a lens thereon and that they are operable to receive a mechanical joint connector, so that the connector can be optimally coupled with VFL. As a result, the provisions for incorporating VFL into the installation tool eliminates the need for bridges, adapters and test connectors, thus allowing less experienced operators to use the system. This results in a system and method of using lower costs. In addition, improved apparatus and methods are also required to eliminate the subjectivity currently introduced by an operator when an acceptable junction termination is verified in a field-installable fiber optic connector and to thereby correspondingly increase the accuracy to determine if an acceptable termination of particular union. Preferably, said apparatuses and methods shall adapt the connectors of installable optical fibers and more preferably, the mechanical connectors connectable in the field of a single fiber and of multiple fibers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing optical fiber terminations within connectors of mechanical bonding optical fibers, and thus verifying that the terminations are appropriate. Specifically, the present invention provides a bridgeless installation tool for receiving a mechanical joint connector. The installation tool generally comprises a power source, a vehicle that can be operated to hold the mechanical joint connector, a cam handle, a folds handle, an improved visual fault locator (VFL) and a feedback screen, providing thus an integrated tool to make joint terminations and thus test the continuity of the terminations. Using the installation tool of the present invention, the need for test connectors, bridges or optical test fibers and adapters is eliminated. In addition, a more efficient and more reliable bridging installation tool that saves space is provided. In addition, the structural components of the installation tool provided are such that VFL and an optical fiber connector splint need not be in actual physical contact, as with conventional apparatus and methods, while transmitting the optical transmissions, in a preferred, the installation tool includes a tool housing for securing the vehicle thereon. The tool housing includes an upper portion and a lower portion operable to receive the power source. The mechanical joint connector is placed in the vehicle such that a cam member of the connector is received within a cam actuator r comprising a means suitable for actuating the cam member at the appropriate time to ensure a short optical fiber of the cam. connector and a fiber optic field between one or more unite components. Preferably, the tool housing includes an activation device for activating the VFL to prepare light energy in the termination area. Also supported within the vehicle is the VFL. As indicated, the VFL can be operated to electronically couple the insertion loss of the fiber optic connector at the mechanical junction point, or termination area. Generally the VFL comprises a VFL cover that is slidably equal within the vehicle and can have a slidable movement in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal positioning of the connector, so that the cover can be placed to cover the connector.

When in the covered position, the VFL laser diode is placed a predetermined distance away from the adapter. Consequently, the laser diode can measure optical signals through the adapter and in the termination area of the connector to ensure that the optical connection meets acceptable standards. In alternative embodiments, the adapter can be removed and mounted directly on the splint so that the adapter serves to function as a dust cap. The illustrative embodiment of the installation tool also includes a collection means for collecting the optical power propagated by VFL and emanating from the termination area of the mechanical union connector. The collection means preferably located in a lower portion of the tool housing. The collection means may operate to detect the amount of brightness emanating from the termination area and collects the light energy and preferably receives the light energy in the form of optical power. The means of collection converts the collected light to an electrical signal using an opto-electronic circuit. Preferably, a predetermined threshold level is stored within the tool. The light emanating from the junction point is collected using the collection means and compared to the threshold level in order to provide a signal to "advance" or "not to advance" to an operator screen to indicate an appropriate termination or not appropriate. The feedback screen can be complex and displaying a measured amount of light energy, or in other preferred embodiments, can be simple and exhibit acceptable or unacceptable termination. The cam handle of the installation tool is provided so that it can be slidably coupled and propelled out with one side of the tool housing. The cam handle is preferably driven outwardly by a spring-like mechanism located within the lower portion of the tool housing. Further, the cam handle preferably includes a gear mechanism extending outwardly therefrom and on the side of the tool housing so as to equally engage the means for driving the cam member of the connector. The cam handle can be operated to compress inwardly, thereby actuating and rotating the cam member of the connector and optimally aligning and coupling the short fiber and the field fiber. The folds handle of the installation tool is provided so that it slidably engages and propels outwardly with a second side of the tool housing. The bead handle preferably that is urged out preferably by a spring-type mechanism located within the lower portion of the tool housing. In addition, the bending handle can be operated to be compressed and preferably includes a means for driving a turbo bending around a damped relief portion of the field fiber optic, thereby providing additional strain relief to the termination area. In another aspect of the present invention, the mechanical joint connector is loaded on the tool housing vehicle. Then, the VFL cover then slides closed position dwarf so that the connector ferrule is received inside the VFL adapter. Then the field optical fiber is inserted through the back art of the connector so that it is in physical contact with the short optical fiber. The cam handle is compressed, rotating and thus actuating the cam member of the connector a predetermined number of degrees and forming the joint termination. In a preferred embodiment, the activation device is activated such that the laser diode emits an optical signal through an adapter lens, the focus of light in the termination area. The collection means collect the light energy emanating from the termination area and determine whether the termination is acceptable or unacceptable. After, the feedback screen indicates an acceptable or unacceptable termination to the operator. If an acceptable finish is achieved, the bending handle is then actuated, thereby bending the crimping tube to provide stress relief to the finishing area. The VFL cover then slides to the open position and the connector is removed from the installation tool. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and will be readily recognized by practicing the invention as described in the detailed description, drawings and claims. annexes. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present illustrative embodiments of the invention as well as certain preferred embodiments. As such, it is intended that the following detailed description provide a general view or reading frame for understanding the nature and character of the invention as recited in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles and operations thereof. Additionally the drawings and descriptions are understood to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional optical fiber mechanical connector that will be mounted on an end portion of a field optical fiber shown with the cam member in the non-driven position.; Fig. IB is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mechanical bonding connector and the field optical fiber of Fig. 1A shown with the end portions of the short optical fiber and the field optical fiber positioned within the bonding components and the cam member in the actuated position to secure the respective end portions between the joint components; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an installation tool for a mechanical joint connector that can be installed in the operable field to terminate a field optical fiber to a short optical fiber of the connector and verifying an acceptable joint termination shown in the open position and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a top view of the installation tool shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an environmental perspective view of the installation tool of Fig. 2 shown with a mechanical joint connector that can be installed in the operable field to terminate a field optical fiber to the short fiber optic connector. the same with a visual fault locator in a closed position according to a preferred apparatus and method of the invention; Fig. 5 is an environmental perspective view of an adapter that can be operated for use in a visual fault locator or mounted on a mechanical joint connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a mechanical link connector installable in the conventional field to be mounted on an end portion of a field optical fiber, the link connector being disposed within the visual fault locator so that a ferrule of the connector is received within an adapter and the connector comprising the ferrule, an optical fiber extending back from the ferrule, a pair of opposed joining components for receiving and aligning the end portions of the short fiber optic and the field optical fiber and a cam member for coupling the joint components, shown with the cam member in the non-driven position; and Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred method for verifying an acceptable binding termination in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities Reference will now be made in more detail to various illustrative embodiments of the invention, the preferred embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. A single mechanical junction connector installable in the field of a single operable fiber to terminate a field optical fiber to the connector is shown herein for use with various embodiments of the invention solely for convenience purposes. However, it should be understood that the apparatus and methods for performing and verifying an acceptable junction termination described herein may be applied to any optical coupling between any number of optical fibers, such as, but not limited to, any junction termination between bonding optical fibers where light energy can be transmitted to the termination area and the light power can be detected, collected and measured in the immediate vicinity of the joint. Accordingly, the invention should not be construed as limited in any way by the example of the installable mechanical link connector in the single fiber field shown and described herein. Referring to Fig. 1A and Fig. IBA mechanical bonding optical fiber connector, installable in conventional field 10 suitable for use with the present invention, is shown. The fiber optic connector 10 is a member of the UNICA ® family of mechanical bonding connectors available from Corning Cable Systems, LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. The connector installation tool and methods described herein can be applied to perform junction terminations and to verify the continuity of the optical couplings between any pair of interconnected optical fibers, and more particularly between a field optical fiber and an optical fiber of no fiber optic junction connector, including a single fiber or fusion junction connector or multiple fiber mechanical bond. Examples of single-fiber mechanical bonding connectors are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,755,018, 4,923,274; 5,040,867; and 5,394,496. Examples of normal multi-fiber mechanical bonding connectors are provided in U.S. Patent Nos. 6, 173, 097; 6,379,054; 6,439,780; and 6,816,661. As shown herein, the mechanical joint connector 10 includes a connector ferrule 12 defining a longitudinal hole for receiving and securing a short optical fiber 24 in a known manner, such as by an adhesive. The front end (also referred to herein as the end face) 11 of the splint 12 is usually precision polished so that the short optical fiber 14 is paired with (as shown) or slightly protruding from the end face of the splint 12. However, short fiber optic 14 may also protrude outwardly from end face 11 of splint 12 a predetermined distance, if desired. In addition, the end face 11 can be oriented generally perpendicular to the hole to provide a connector of the Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) type, or it can be formed at a predetermined angle to provide a connector of the Angled Physical Contact type (FIG. APC, for its acronym in English), in a known way. In addition, although a single-fiber splint 12 is shown for convenience, the splint 12 may define a plurality of longitudinal holes therethrough to receive a corresponding plurality of short optical fibers to provide a multi-fiber mechanical bonding connector. . However, the trailing end 13 of the ferrule 12 is inserted into and secured within the front end of a ferrule container 16 so that the short fiber optic 14 extends back a predetermined distance from the ferrule between a pair of components. of opposing connectors 17, 18, arranged inside the container of the splint. In turn, the container of the splint 16, including the splint 12 and joining components 17, 18, are disposed within a connector housing 19. A cam member 20 is movably mounted between the fastener of the splint 16. and the connector housing 19 for coupling a keel portion of the lower joint component 18, as will be described. If desired, the ferrule 12, the ferrule holder 16 and the cam member 20 can be urged relative to the connector housing 19, for example, by a spiral spring 21, to ensure physical contact between the end face 11. of the splint 12 and the end face of an opposite ferrule in an optical fiber optic connector or optical device. Finally, a spring retainer 22 may be disposed between the connector housing 19 and a middle portion of the cam member 20 and fixed to the connector housing so as to receive one end of the spring 21 relative to the connector housing. As a result, splint 12, splint holder 16 and cam member 20 are propelled forward, allowed to be propelled backward relative to the housing of connector 19. As illustrated by the horizontal directional arrow in Fig. 1A , a field optical fiber 15 is inserted into the rear end of the bracket of the ferrule 16 opposite the ferrule 12 and the short optical fiber 14 .. Although not required, the mechanical link connector 10 can be provided with a medium, example, a conduit tube (not shown) for guiding the field optical fiber 15 in the ferrule holder 16 and between the joint components 17, 18 in general alignment with the short fiber optic 14. Preferably, at least one of the joining components 17, 18 have a groove formed therein, the lower joining component 18 is provided with a longitudinal V-shaped groove for receiving and guiding the optical fiber dimension 14 and the field optical fiber 15 on the alien fine ation. Normally, the field optical fiber 15 is coated or hermetically damped with a shock absorber 25 which detaches to expose a predetermined length of the end of the field optical fiber. The mechanical joint connector 10 may further be provided with a bend tube or other tension relief mechanism (not shown) to retain and relieve the tension of the shock absorber 25 of the field optical fiber 15. when the shock absorber is removed., the field optical fiber 15 can be inserted and advanced in the rear part of the mechanical joining connector 10 between the joining components 17, 18 until the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 makes physical contact with the end portion of the short fiber optic 14. The cam member 20 is driven by moving or rotating the cam member 20 in relation to the fastener of the ferrule 16 about the longitudinal axis of the connector 10, to couple the keel into the joint component 18 and thus form the lower joint component 18 in the direction of the upper joint component 17, as illustrated by the vertical directional arrows in Fig. IB. The movement of the lower link component 18 causes the end portion of the short fiber optic 14 and the end portion of the field optical fiber 15 to settle within the V-shaped groove formed in the lower link component 18, alienating thus and simultaneously securing the field optical fiber 15 in relation to the short optical fiber 14 between the joining components. Consequently, the optical fiber field 15 is optimally coupled to the short optical fiber 14. Further, as used herein, the portion of the connector where the results of optical coupling is termed as "termination area". If the continuity of the optical coupling between the field optical fiber 15 and the short optical fiber 14 can be accepted (e.g., the insertion loss is less than a prescribed value and / or the reflectance is greater than a prescribed value) , the cable assembly can be completed, for example, by stress relief of the shock absorber 25 of the field fiber optic to the junction connector 10. In the event that the field optical fiber 15 is not in physical contact or is not properly aligned With the short optical fiber 14, significant attenuation and / or reflectance of the optical signal transmitted along the optical fibers can occur. A slight amount of attenuation and / or reflectance is unavoidable in any optical coupling due to the fact that the optical fiber cores are not completely concentric and the junction between the optical fibers can be formed with the same precision as a continuous optical fiber. Consequently, the continuity of the optical coupling between the field optical fiber 15 and the short optical fiber 14- is acceptable when a variable related to the optical performance of the connector, such as insertion or reflectance loss, is within a prescribed limit or meets with a predetermined threshold value. In a particular example, the continuity of the optical coupling is sufficient and therefore the joining termination is accepted, when the insertion loss in the mechanical bond is less than a prescribed value and / or the reflectance in the mechanical bond is greater than a prescribed value. Referring now to Figs. 2-4, an installation tool 30 constructed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is shown to receive a mechanical union connector 10. The installation tool 30 generally comprises a power source (not shown), a vehicle 32 that it can be operated to releasably hold the mechanical joint connector 10, a cam handle 62, a corrugation handle 70, an integrated VFL 50 and a feedback screen 46, thus providing an integrated tool for performing joint terminations and therefore testing a continuity of said terminations. As a result of these, the need for test connectors, bridges or test fiber optics, and test adapters is eliminated. In addition, the associated wiring problems and / or failures caused by the components mentioned above are also eliminated. As an additional result, the integrated installation tool 30 and CTS described herein provides a more efficient and more reliable bridging installation, space saver, and test equipment system for fiber optic connectors that can be installed in the field . As shown, the installation tool 30 is configured to be used with the mechanical union connector installable in field 10. However, it is contemplated that the installation tool 30 can be easily modified to be configured for use with installable field fusion connectors. . In addition, the structural components of the installation tool 30 provided are such that the VFL 50 and the ferrule 12 of the fiber optic connector 10 need not be in actual physical contact while the optical transmissions are transmitted, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the optical fiber. the end ca 11 of the splint 12, the short optical fiber 14 or an optical transmission element that can be housed within VFL 50, as well as the increase in the service life of VFL 50. In the preferred embodiments, the installation tool 30 it can be operated to receive the optical fiber connector which can be installed in the field, such as the mechanical union connector 10. The installation tool 30 generally includes the vehicle 32 which is placed on a tool housing 34 having an upper portion 36. and a lower portion 38 operable to receive the power source. The mechanical joint connector 10 is placed in the vehicle 32 so that the cam member 20 is received within a cam actuator 40 comprising a suitable means, such as a spur gear 42 to drive the cam member. 20 at the appropriate time to secure the short optical fiber 14 and the field optical fiber 15 between the joining components 17, 18. In the preferred embodiments, the tool housing 34 can be provided with an energy supply having an impeller. laser connected to the VFL 50 and an activation device such as a power switch 44 for activating the power supply and the laser driver of the VFL 50 to propagate light energy in the termination area of the fiber optic connector 10 at the appropriate time . Normally, the switch 44 will also activate the feedback screen 46 to display a visual indication of tool power and any acceptable termination or unacceptable termination. Therefore, the display provides a visual signal of "advancing" or "not advancing" to the operator based on a comparison of the measured light emanating from the termination point, and a predetermined and pre-programmed threshold value. In alternative embodiments, a second triggering device may be provided in the tool housing 34 to separately activate the feedback screen 46. The feedback screen 46 is illustrated herein as an LED in the embodiment shown in Figs. 2-4. In particular, the LED 46 comprises a pair of indicators that can be illuminated to represent an acceptable termination 46a or an unacceptable termination 46b. Preferably, the vehicle 32 also includes a connecting means 33 for releasably securing the mechanical link connector 10 to the upper portion thereof 36. In preferred embodiments, the connecting means 33 is a spring-type mechanism. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable means can be used to releasably secure the mechanical link connector 10 to the vehicle 32. Also within the vehicle 32 the Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is supported. English) 50. The VFL 50 generally comprises a VFL cover or liner 52 having an adapter 200 and a laser diode 54 disposed therein. Preferably, the cover 52 is constructed of a material of the opaque type that can be protected so that ambient light enters or leaves the cover. However, one skilled in the art will understand that any suitable material can be used for the construction of the cover 52. In preferred embodiments, the VFL cover 52 defines a sleeve 56 having a longitudinally extending orifice 58 operable to accommodate the laser diode 54 on one end, the adapter 200 in a middle portion thereof and to receive the mechanical union connector 10 at the opposite end in the adapter 200. In order to ensure that the mechanical union connector 10 is properly separated from the laser diode 54 of the VFL 50, the orifice 58 can define an inner chamber 59 operable to couple the outer surface of the adapter 200 and preventing further movement within the cover 52 toward the laser diode 54. The laser diode 54 (ie, a gas laser) Helium-Neon (HeNe)) of VFL 50 is provided to generate and supply the light energy through the adapter 200 and the termination area of the mechanical joint connector 10, thereby causing the mechanical joint to "glow" so that the amount of optical power emanating from the termination area can be detected and collected, and subsequently compared to the predetermined threshold level. While the light energy of FVL 50 is normally a light of visible wavelength, VFL 50 can produce light energy having any wavelength, including light of invisible wavelength, because the light energy of VFL 50 is supplied to an opto-electronic circuit having means for collecting the light energy and converting the optical energy to an electrical power that is supplied to the feedback screen 46 by defining a screen indicating an acceptable junction termination. In summary, the apparatus and methods of the invention provide electronic verification in the termination area. In contrast, the use of conventional CTS including a VFL is based on an operator to observe and interpret subjectively the amount of visible wavelength light emanating from the termination area. Consequently, the results obtained using conventional CTS undergo considerable variability and inconsistency depending on a number of factors, including variations in ambient light, variations in the transparency of different fiber optic connectors, the VFL condition and the adapter, the Subjectivity of the operator and the variability introduced by different operators leading to the test for different joint terminations under different test conditions.

The VFL cover 52 is slidably matched to the vehicle 32 and may have slidable movement in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal hole of the ferrule 12, so that the cover 52 can be positioned to cover the connector 10. When in the covered position , the laser diode 54 of VFL 50 is positioned to be a predetermined distance away from the adapter 200. Consequently, the laser diode 54 can emit optical signals through the adapter 200 and in the termination area. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the adapter 200 is removably secured within a middle portion of the cover 52 of VFL 50 and is operated to allow testing of the continuity of the optical junction connection. Preferably, the adapter 20 is configured to receive the end face 11 of the splint 12. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present configuration of the adapter 200 shows an operable design for receiving a splint having a size of 2.5 mm , can be configured to receive multiple types of connectors, including those with different ferrule diameters. Referring now to Figs. 5-6, the universal adapter 200 is described according to one embodiment of the present invention. As previously stated, the adapter 200 serves to provide optical coupling between the termination area of the mechanical junction connector 10 and the VFL 50 of the installation tool 30. Specifically, the adapter 200 receives and aligns the ferrule 12 of the connector 10 with the laser diode 54 of VFL 50. The adapter 200 includes a sleeve 210 extending longitudinally between the first and second opposite ends 212, 214. While the sleeve 210 is described as having a generally square external surface, the sleeve 210 can configured differently while the sleeve 210 fits securely within VFL 50 and does not interfere with the receipt of the ferrule 12. As described in greater detail in Fig. 6, the sleeve 210 defines a hole that extends longitudinally 216 which opens through the first end 212 to receive at least a portion of the splint 12. The adapter 200 also includes a member end rod 218 for closing the second end 214 of the sleeve 210. While the end member 218 and the sleeve 210 may be discrete components, the end member 218 and the sleeve 210 are usually formed integrally, such as by molding. At least the end member 218 is translucent so that the optical signals emitted from the laser diode 54 can be transmitted therethrough. Although the end member 218 may be formed from a variety of materials having different optical transmissions, the end member 218 is preferably formed of a material that is relatively optically transparent. In order to improve the optical transmissions, the end member 218 of the adapter 200 is preferably a lens 222. More preferably, the lens 222 is integral with the remainder of the end member 218 and is formed of the same material and is operable to focus the light incident on the end of the optical fibers on which the splint 12 is mounted. Focusing the incident light on the optical fibers located on the end face 11 of the splint 12, the light transmitted through the poetic fibers to the termination area. Accordingly, the lens 222 is configured so as to focus the incoming optical signals from the laser diode 54. Preferably, the slow 222 is a generally spherical lens proximate the outer surface of the end member 218. While the inner surface of the end member 218 may be planar, the end member 218 may include an internal lens, such as a generally spherical lens. As also illustrated, the external lens preferably has a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the hole portion 216 proximate the second end 214 of the sleeve 210 to ensure that the external lens effectively collects the incoming and outgoing optical signals. For example, the external lens can cover the entire outer surface of the end member 218, if desired. The lens 222 can be designed to have any desired optical characteristic, including any desired magnification and focal length. However, in one embodiment, the external lens has a 2-fold magnification and a focal length that coincides with the end face 11 of the splint 12. In order to ensure that the end face 11 of the splint 12 is properly separated from the Second end 214 of the sleeve 210, and more particularly, of the lens 222, the sleeve 210 can define an internal bevel 224 for coupling the ferrule 12. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, the middle portion of the sleeve 210 can define an inner bevel 224 extending radially inwardly. In one embodiment, the inner bezel 224 also extends in an axial direction so that the bevel is disposed at an angle, such as 30 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the hole 216. As illustrated, the orifice 216 extending between the first end 212 of the sleeve 210 and the inner bevel 224 normally has a larger diameter than the portion of the hole 216 extending between the inner bevel 224 and the second end 214 of the sleeve 210. In this respect , the first portion of the hole 216 generally has the same shape as the portion of the ferrule 12 on which the adapter 200 will be mounted.

The end face 11 of the splint 12 is inserted into the first end 212 of the sleeve 210 and the adapter 200 is advanced over the splint 12. The adapter 200 normally slides on the splint 12 until the splint 12, or as shown in FIG. Fig. 6, the bevel of the ferrule, is brought into contact with the inner bevel 224 of the adapter 200. Once the adapter 200 is properly seated on the ferrule 12, the end face 11 of the ferrule 12, including the ends of the optical fibers (not shown) on which the splint 12 is mounted, is disposed within the second portion of the hole 216. Allowing the continuity of the joint termination to be reviewed within VFL 50, the method of this aspect of the present invention prevents certain contaminants and other debris from depositing on the end face 11 of splint 12, the probability of which may be increased as a result of the electrical charge of splint 12 that could occur if the ad Fitter 200 was slidably removed from splint 12 before the test. In addition, the method of this aspect of the invention also simplifies the continuity test which in some way does not require the operator to remove and subsequently replace the adapter 200. In alternative embodiments, the adapter 200 can be mounted on the fiber optic connector 10 before of being placed on the installation tool 30. In this embodiment, the adapter 200 also serves to function as a removable dust cap to prevent contaminants and debris from depositing on the splint 12. Referring again to Figs. 2-4, the installation tool 30 also includes a collection means (not shown) for collecting the optical energy propagated by VFL 50 and emanating from the termination area of the mechanical junction connector 10. The collection means are preferably located at the lower portion of the tool housing 34. Alternatively, the collecting means may be positioned proximate and, more specifically, immediately adjacent to the termination area of the mechanical junction connector 10 in order to collect a sufficient amount of light energy in the area of termination. The collection means may be a photo-sensitive device, such as a photo-detector, photo-transistor, photo-resistor, optical integrator (v.gr, integration sphere), or the like. The collection means detects the amount of brightness emanating from the termination area and collects the light energy, preferably in the form of optical power. The collection means convert the collected optical power to electrical power using the conventional opto-electronic circuit (not shown) and supply an electrical signal to the feedback screen 46. If not, an unacceptable termination is indicated. Many other devices and methods for collecting the amount of light energy emanating from the termination are well within the ordinary experience of the subject and are intended to be included within the broad scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be construed as limited by the particular example of collecting means or their respective methods of operation shown and described herein. The feedback screen 46 is operated to display an indication of either an acceptable or unacceptable termination. Although the terms "exhibits" and "exhibiting" are used throughout this written specification and in the appended claims, it is contemplated that the feedback screen 46 may provide a visual, audio and any other sensory indication (eg, vibratory). to the operator so that the device can be used in any conceivable work environment. Examples of a suitable feedback screen 46 include, but are not limited to, a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 9 an analogue gauge, a mechanical gauge or similar indicator, an electric scale, an auditory signaling device, and any bull device to provide a perceptible signal that is not generated or determined by the subjective interpretation of the operator For explanation and convenience only, the feedback screen 46 has been described herein as exhibiting a visual indication.The cam handle 62 of the installation tool 30 is provided so as to be engaged slidably and urged outwardly with one side of the tool housing 34. The cam handle 64 is preferably urged outwardly by a spring-like mechanism (not shown) located within the lower portion 38 of the tool housing 34. Furthermore, the Cam handle 62 preferably includes a grid gear 64 extending outwardly thereof and on the side of the housing of tool 34 so that it engages in a pairwise manner with the gear-engaging crane 42 of the vehicle 32. The cam handle 62 is operated to compress inward, actuated and thus rotate the gear-engaging crane 42 in the gear of grids 64. As a result of the same, the cam member 20 can be operated by creating the optical coupling. The corrugation handle 70 is provided so that it slidably engages and is urged outwardly with a second side of the tool housing 34. The corrugation handle 70 is preferably driven outwardly by a spring-type mechanism (not shown) located within the lower portion 38 of the tool housing 34. In addition, the corrugation handle 70 can be operated to compress and preferably includes a means for actuating and retaining the corrugation tube around the tension relief cushion 25 of the optical fiber Field 14, thus providing stress relief to the termination. Once the cam handle 62 and the corrugating handle 70 are compressed, they are closed in place against the respective sides of the installation tool 30. Then, the handles, 62, 70, can be released and unlocked by operating a push button. release 235 located on the tool housing 34. When the release button 35 is actuated, the spring-like mechanisms of the handles 62, 70, force the handles 62, 70 outwards so that they return to their decompressed state. Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart 300 is shown illustrating a preferred method for performing a mechanical division and verifying an acceptable termination. A fiber optic mechanical union connector 10 is first charged to the vehicle 32 of the tool housing 34. Then, the field optical fiber 15 is inserted through the rear of the connector 10 so that it is in physical contact with the optical fiber. the short optical fiber 14. The cam member 20 is driven or partially actuated to close the joint by compressing the cam handle 62, thereby moving or rotating and driving the cam member 20 and forming the joint termination. Specifically, the spider gear crane 42 rotates a predetermined number of degrees (e.g., about ninety degrees (90 °) clockwise) about the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic connector 10 so that the cam member 20 is in the activated position and the field optical fiber 15 is secured inside the connector 10. The VFL cover 52 is then slid in a closed position so that the ferrule 12 of the connector 10 is received inside the adapter 200 of VFL 50. The activation device is then activated so that the laser diode 54 emits an optical signal through the lens 222 of the adapter 200 in the termination area. The collection means collect the light energy emanating from the termination area and determine whether the termination can be accepted by purchasing the collected optical power at the pre-programmed threshold value. After, the feedback screen 46 indicates an acceptable or unacceptable termination to the operator. In the case of acceptable termination and an "advance" screen, the corrugation handle 70 is operated to corrugate the tube and provide strain relief for the field optical fiber 15. The VFL cover 52 then slides to the open position and the installed connector 10 is removed from the installation tool 30.In the case of an unacceptable termination and a "no-advance" signal, a release boot is pressed and the read member 20 is turned back to the non-driven position, thereby allowing the field optical fiber 15 to be removed and is inserted and repositioned within the connector 10. Once repositioned, the cam member 20 again moves to the actuated position. The light is introduced back to the termination point, the flowing light is collected and measured and the reading is compared to the pre-programmed threshold value to indicate an acceptable or unacceptable termination. An acceptable termination illuminates the "advance" screen to the operator, and the unacceptable termination illuminates the "do not advance" screen to the operator. A termination is reversible without destruction to the connector because the continuity check is determined before the ripple. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that innumerable modifications and variations may be made to the illustrative embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the invention shown and described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention cover all conceivable modifications and variations of this invention, provided that alternative embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (22)

1. - An installation tool for carrying out and verifying a junction termination, comprising: a fastener that can be operated to receive a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector having a short optical fiber disposed within a ferrule and that can operated to terminate a field optical fiber inserted in the fiber optic connector in a termination area; an optical power generator comprising an optical transmission element for propagating light energy to the termination area; means for collecting light energy in the termination area; and a feedback screen to indicate the termination status.

2. - The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical power generator is a Visual Fault Locator and the optical transmission element is a laser, the Visual Fault locator comprising a cover slidably disposed the container.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an adapter configured to receive the optical fiber connector and to align the optical fiber connector with the optical transmission element so that the optical transmission element is separated from the optical fiber connector. fiber optic at a predetermined distance and is in optical communication with the short fiber optic to propagate light energy through the adapter and along the optical fiber with the short fiber optic to propagate light energy through the adapter and throughout the optical fiber cuts to the termination area.

4. - The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the adapter comprises a sleeve extending longitudinally between first and second opposite ends, said sleeve defining a longitudinally extending orifice that opens through the first end to receive at least a portion of the splint and having an end member for closing a second end of the sleeve, said end member comprising a lens that is at least partially translucent to allow optical communication with the short optical fiber.

5. - The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for collection is selected from the group consisting of a photo-detector, a photo-transistor, a photoresistor, an optical integrator and one or more strands of optical fiber.

6. - The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feedback monitor is selected from the group consisting of a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LED), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an analog gauge, a mechanical shield or similar marker, an electric meter, an electric scale and an auditory signaling device.

7. - The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector is a mechanical link connector comprising a cam member for terminating the field optical fiber to the fiber optic connector.

8. - The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the mechanical bonding connector further comprises a pair of opposed joining components and the cam member can be operated to secure the field optical fiber in relation to the short optical fiber between the joining components.

9. - A bridgeless installation tool for a fiber optic bundle, comprising: a fastener that can be operated to receive the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector having a short optical fiber disposed within a ferrule and it can be operated to terminate a field optical fiber inserted in the connector in a termination area; termination means that can be operated to terminate the field optical fiber to the fiber optic connector; a Visual Fault Locator having an optical transmission element disposed therein, said Visual Fault Locator being slidably coupled with the fastener, and an adapter in direct optical communication with the optical transmission element and operable to be removably placed within a Average portion of the Visual Fault Locator; wherein the adapter reconfigures to receive the connector and align the connector with the optical transmission element so that the optical transmission element is an optical communication with the connector to propagate light energy through the adapter and along the short optical fiber to the termination area of the connector.

10. - The bridged fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, wherein the optical transmission element is a laser diode.

11. - The bridged fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, wherein the Visual Fault Locator further comprises a cover for housing the laser diode and protecting the light from the environment, the cover being operable to move slidably to the Long bra to cover the fiber optic connector.

12. - The bridgeless optical fiber installation tool 9, wherein the adapter comprises a sleeve for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic connector ferrule and an end member having a lens disposed therein, lens being at least partially translucent to allow optical communication with the short optical fiber disposed with the splint.

13. - The fiber optic installation tool without bridge 12, wherein the adapter lens comprises an end lens proximate an external surface of the end member and an internal lens proximate an internal surface of the end member.

14. - The bridged fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, further comprising means for recovering the light energy in the termination area, the collection means selected from the group consisting of a photo-detector, a photo -transistor, a photo-resistor, an optical integrator and one or more fiber optic strands.

15. - The bridged fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, further comprising a feedback screen for indicating the completion status of the selected feedback screen of the group consisting of a series of light emitting diodes ( LED), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an analog gauge, a similar mechanical or pointing needle, an electric meter, an electric scale and an auditory signaling device.

16. - The bridged fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, wherein the fiber optic connector is a mechanical joint connector comprising a cam member and the terminating means comprises a cam cam actuator operable to drive the Cam member in order to terminate the field fiber optic to the fiber optic connector.

17. - The bridgeless fiber optic installation tool of claim 9, wherein the mechanical link connector further comprises a pair of opposite link components and the cam member are operated to secure the field optical fiber in relation to the optical fiber cuts between the joining components.

18. - A method for performing a junction termination and verifying the termination can be accepted, comprising the steps of: providing a fiber optic installation tool having a Visual Fault Locator slidably disposed therein, the Visual Fault Locator including an optical transmission element and an adapter; provide a field optical fiber and a fiber optic connector configured to be received within the Visual Fault Locator adapter; terminating the field optical fiber to the fiber optic connector; and display an indication of an acceptable termination.

19. - The method of claim 18, further comprising propagating the light energy of the optical transmission element through the adapter to a termination area of the optical FIBA connector.

20. - The method of claim 19, further comprising detecting and recovering light energy in the termination area of the optical fiber connector.

21. - The method of claim 20, further comprising collecting the light energy in the termination area in the form of optical power, converting the optical power to an electrical signal, comparing the electrical signal to a predetermined value and sending a second electrical signal to a feedback screen to display the status of the termination.

22. - The method of claim 18, wherein the adapter comprises a lens that is at least partially transparent and which further comprises aligning the fiber optic connector with the optical transmission element within the adapter so that the transmission element Poetics are separated from the fiber optic connector at a predetermined distance and is an optical communication with the fiber optic connector.