Waterproof fiber optic connector assembly and method of use

Abstract

Optical fiber connectors and adapters are disclosed. A connector assembly includes a sleeve seal positioned near a proximal end of the connector, the seal fits over an alignment sleeve contained within an adapter. The connector may include a heat shrinkable tubing covering a distal end of the connector to prevent ingress of moisture and debris. The sleeve seal is compressed by a proximal face of a connector plug frame. The sleeve seal contains a plural of sealing or mating surfaces to prevent the ingress of moisture through the adapter opening into the plug frame housing a ferrule. The adapter further comprises a washer-seal that is placed between an adapter flange face and a module face plate that secures the adapter with connectors therein to a rack of adapters.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optical connector receptacle for receiving a fiber optic connector having a tip at an end of the fiber optic connector, the optical connector receptacle comprising:
 a seal;   a receptacle body having an interior cavity opening to an exterior of the receptacle body and an alignment sleeve in the cavity, the receptacle body defining an insertion axis along which the fiber optic connector is inserted through the opening into the interior cavity to connect the fiber optic connector to the receptacle body, the alignment sleeve being arranged in the cavity for engaging and guiding the optical fiber connector upon insertion of the optical fiber connector through the opening into the interior cavity, the receptacle body having retaining structure located in the interior cavity that engages and retains the seal in the interior cavity around the alignment sleeve in a position to engage the tip of the fiber optic connector upon insertion of the fiber optic connector into the interior cavity of the receptacle body.   
     
     
         2 . The optical connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the seal has an axially facing surface positioned to engage the tip of the fiber optic connector and a radially facing surface engageable with the alignment sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The optical connector receptacle of  claim 1  wherein the seal annular.