US 12,422,627 B2
Data center interconnect for optical trunk cables having miniature multi-fiber ferrules
Jason Higley, Hickory, NC (US); and Darrell R. Childers, Hickory, NC (US)
Assigned to US Conec Ltd., Hickory, NC (US)
Filed by US Conec Ltd., Hickory, NC (US)
Filed on May 2, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/311,110.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/337,254, filed on May 2, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0350136 A1, Nov. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. G02B 6/40 (2006.01); G02B 6/38 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/403 (2013.01) [G02B 6/3849 (2013.01); G02B 6/3898 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A cable bundle attached to an optical fiber trunk cable having ribbonized optical fibers comprising:
a plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connectors for inclusion in a pulling sock attached to the optical fiber trunk cable, each small form factor fiber optic connector including:
a push-pull stick with a rear portion, a central portion and a forward extension extending away from the central portion and the rear portion, wherein the push-pull stick further includes a pair of side latches on opposing sides of the central portion, the pair of side latches also extending forward and away from the central portion and the rear portion;
a ferrule push positioned underneath the forward extension of the push-pull stick and at least partially between the pair of side latches, there being a space to receive the ferrule push between the pair of side latches of the push-pull stick;
a housing configured to engage the pair of latches of the push-pull stick and the at least one projection from the ferrule push;
a miniature multi-fiber ferrule configured to support at least two optical fibers of the ribbonized optical fibers and engaged to a front portion of the housing, the miniature multi-fiber ferrule engageable directly or indirectly to a front surface of the ferrule push, wherein the miniature multi-fiber ferrule has an end face that is outside the housing when the miniature multi-fiber ferrule is seated inside the housing; and
a dust cap engaged to the housing from a front end of the housing, the end face of the miniature multi-fiber ferrule being fully covered by the dust cap,
wherein the dust cap, the housing, the miniature multi-fiber ferrule with the at least two optical fibers, the ferrule push, and the push-pull stick of a first of the plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connectors are provided inside the pulling sock with at least one additional one of the plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connector identical to the first small form factor fiber optic connector.