Optical fiber cable connector

Abstract

A delivery system extending from a laser radiation source for connection to a medical device that utilizes laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system includes an optical fiber connected to a male initiation connector. The male initiation connector has a body portion in which the optical fiber is fixed or constrained, the optical fiber terminates in a male ferrule and has a forward optical fiber end face, and the male ferrule can be suspended in the body portion by an optical fiber line, providing a degree of freedom of movement for the male ferrule. The initiation connector first engages with a receiving connector on the medical device through a mechanical connection portion, and then the optical connection portion is more precisely aligned by the self-alignment of the male ferrule and the female ferrule having mating conical surfaces. The male portion can be fully seated in the female portion through mating cylindrical surfaces.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the invention title "Optical Fiber Cable Connector", application number 201780021998.5, international filing date March 31, 2017, international application number PCT / US2017 / 025635, and the applicant is "IPG Photonics Corporation", and the date of entry into the Chinese national phase is September 30, 2018. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Laser-based medical devices use laser radiation for medical treatment. The type, power, and parameters of the laser radiation vary according to the treatment. An optical connector with an optical fiber-based delivery system and an interface coupled to the medical device is used to connect the laser source to the medical device. Depending on the medical treatment and regulations, the delivery system can be single-use or reusable.

[0003] The optical connector is a critical component of the delivery system. Generally, due to the need for higher-density connectors on telecommunications equipment, the size of optical fiber connectors has decreased over time; that is, there are more connectors per square inch of equipment space. Typical connectors for medical purposes include slightly modified optical connectors developed for use in telecommunications equipment, such as SMA-905 or SMA-906 modified connectors, which have a ferrule that projects forward with an exposed end face of the optical fiber. Such connectors are small in size, and the mating components are also small. Specifically, the ferrule secures the optical fiber and the mating female component. The small size of the graspable portion requires delicate handling to connect the optical fiber to the medical device. The small-sized connectors are not conducive to operation while wearing gloves and cannot be connected quickly. Moreover, during mating with the medical device, since the end face is exposed and defines the farthest part of the connector, the input optical fiber end face is prone to contamination or damage. Any problems related to the integrity of the connection between the laser source and the medical device can affect the performance of the medical device and the possible medical procedure.

[0004] Therefore, improvements in ergonomics (including handling while wearing gloves), safer, easier mating, more robust, less prone to damage or contamination of the optical fiber end face, and more economical in manufacturing and use (at the output of the laser device and the input of the delivery system) will be well received by the medical industry. Additionally, a device for confirming connection integrity would be advantageous. Additionally, improvements in affordability would be well received. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A delivery system extending from a laser radiation source for connection to a medical device that utilizes laser radiation for medical treatment. The delivery system includes an optical cable having an optical fiber extending from a laser source with a convex start connector, the start connector having a convex ferrule on the optical cable. The start connector is coupled to a receiving connector having a concave ferrule that mates with a convex ferrule on the medical device. The convex start connector has a body portion having an outer tubular portion projecting forwardly, having an outermost or foremost edge, and having a central axial recess defined therein. The optical fiber terminating at the convex ferrule is located in the central recess behind the foremost edge and presents a forward-facing optical fiber end face. In an embodiment, the optical fiber is fixed relative to the body portion of the connector at an anchoring point on the optical fiber behind the ferrule such that the hanging or suspended portion of the optical cable or optical fiber supports the ferrule. In an embodiment, the optical cable or optical fiber is the sole support of the convex ferrule before the start connector is connected to the receiving connector. The ferrule has a degree of freedom of movement provided by the flexibility of the optical cable before the anchoring position. The ferrule may be laterally constrained by a structure in the body portion or a part of the body portion (e.g., the tubular portion of the body portion) to limit the degree of freedom of lateral movement. This structure provides a circumferential clearance around the ferrule over the entire length of the ferrule when the ferrule is axially centered in the tubular portion. In an embodiment, an elastic material may be attached to the rear end portion of the convex ferrule to control the degree of freedom of radial or lateral movement, which does provide some resistance to lateral movement greater than that provided by the optical fiber or optical cable.

[0006] In an embodiment, the ferrule has a registration surface, such as an outer cylindrical surface, that registers with a mating inwardly facing cylindrical surface on the concave ferrule of the receiving connector, and the concave ferrule does not have an axial stop for the convex ferrule in the optical registration receiver. The inventors have recognized that the key to the axial arrangement lies in that the front-to-back axial position of the convex ferrule relative to the concave ferrule is substantially less important than the centering alignment (i.e., radial and axial alignment) of the ferrule. Conventional optical fiber connector technology relies on an axial stop surface that is part of the ferrule or rigidly directly connected to the ferrule. The embodiments herein provide the suspension of the ferrule in the convex connector only by the optical cable or optical fiber behind the ferrule and a seat that connects to an optical registration component (such as a concave ferrule) in a cylindrical interface, without an axial stop surface directly fixed on or relative to the ferrule. The front-to-back axial position of the ferrule is controlled by the optical cable or optical fiber extending rearward from the ferrule, which is directly or indirectly connected to the connector body. This arrangement provides an economical, simple, and reliable connection configuration having the required centering, i.e., precise radial and axial alignment, and sufficient front-to-back axial position arrangement.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical fiber behind the ferrule is fixed to an elastomeric support to provide axial cushioning and / or resiliency when the ferrule engages a portion of a connector of a medical device. In an embodiment, the front of the male ferrule, such as a chamfered surface, has a taper to mate with a similarly shaped concave recess in a female ferrule of a receiving connector of the medical device. The positioning of the optical fiber relative to the launch connector body can be within an elastomeric elastomer disk that defines a septum.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ferrule is slidably received within a bore of an optical registration receiver that can have a tapered concave introduction registration surface and a cylindrical registration surface, and the male ferrule has a mating convex outer tapered surface and a cylindrical registration surface to engage tightly with the cylindrical registration surface of the optical registration receiver.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer tubular portion of the launch connector engages a mechanical registration receiver attached to, for example, a receiving coupler of a medical device. The front edge of the outer tubular portion and / or the outermost edge of the mechanical registration receiver can be tapered to provide insertion tolerances.

[0010] One feature and advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber connector having a grippable body portion and having a single optical fiber with an inner floating ferrule and a large-sized grippable handle. In an embodiment, the diameter of the central longitudinal portion of the grippable portion is 5 to 20 mm. In an embodiment, the diameter of the central longitudinal portion of the grippable portion is 8 mm to 16 mm.

[0011] One feature and advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber launch connector having a single optical fiber with an internal movable ferrule that is fixed only to the single optical fiber and optionally to a sheath on the optical fiber. By being partially positioned within a bore of the inner tubular portion of the launch connector, the ferrule is constrained in position but not fixed in position.

[0012] One feature and advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber that couples mating connectors, one connector being a launch connector having a ferrule that supports an optical fiber with an optical fiber end face, the other connector receiving the connector and having an optical registration receiver that receives the ferrule. Each connector has an optical connection portion of the connector that is recessed from the exterior of the connector.

[0013] In an embodiment, a mating pair of fiber optic connectors is used to connect a laser source to a medical device to transmit laser energy. Each connector has an external mechanical coupling portion and an internal optical coupling portion. Each external mechanical coupling portion is configured as an outer tubular portion having a front edge. Each outer tubular portion has a tubular wall portion and defines a corresponding axial recess. The optical coupling portion is concentrically positioned within the axial recess and is spaced from the tubular wall portion. The optical coupling portion is inserted from the corresponding front edge. In an embodiment, one connector provides an optical cable having an optical fiber that is connected to a ferrule and presents an optical fiber end face. The ferrule has a centered position and is received within a concave portion of an optical registration receiver. In an embodiment, one tubular mechanical coupling portion is interwoven between the tubular mechanical coupling portion of another connector and the optical coupling portion of another connector. The tubular mechanical coupling portions are slidably engaged with each other. In an embodiment, the outer tubular portion of the connector (the activation connector) that supplies laser energy to the medical device extends within the outer tubular portion of the connector associated with the medical device. In an embodiment, when manually manipulating the connectors, when the external mechanical connectors are slidably engaged and joined together, the external mechanical connectors first engage to axially align the connectors. The connectors are axially aligned before the optical coupling portions engage each other. The optical coupling portions are then pre-aligned, and when the optical coupling portions engage the tapered surfaces on one or both of the optical coupling portions, the optical coupling enters a final operative alignment. In an embodiment, one optical coupling portion can be laterally moved relative to its corresponding mechanical coupling portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a delivery system according to the present invention, wherein the activation connector is disconnected from the connector on the medical device.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector of a laser radiation delivery system for connection to a medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 cross-sectional view of the connector in partial mechanical coupling.

[0017] Figure 4 is Figure 3 detailed cross-sectional view showing the mechanical and optical couplings of the frustoconical registrator and the optical registration receiver optical coupler with the ferrule according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector showing the mechanical connection portion and the optical connector in a pre-connected state.

[0019] Figure 5BAccording to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of the connector, wherein the cylindrical registration of the male ferrule and the female ferrule.

[0020] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the connector with a cylindrical aligner and the tapered alignment of the male ferrule, wherein a stop surface is provided in the optical alignment receiver.

[0021] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown in which the external mechanical connection portion of the activation connector is outside the mechanical connection portion of the mechanical connection portion of the medical device.

[0022] Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of the connector according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the delivery system 20 includes an optical fiber cable 22 and an activation connector 24. The activation connector 24 and the connector 28 on the medical device 30 define an optical fiber connector 32 to provide laser radiation from the laser radiation source 34 to the medical device 30.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-4 , each connector 24, 28 has a mechanical connection portion 36, 38 and corresponding optical connection portions 40, 42, which are respectively configured as a male ferrule and a female ferrule. The activation connector 24 has a body portion 48 that extends from the front end or proximal end 52 of the connector 24 to the rear end or distal end 54. The strain relief tail 56 provides a transition support for the optical fiber cable when it exits the connector. The optical fiber cable extends axially along the central axis 58 in the hole 60 of the body portion, so that the cable can be separated from the inner surface 62 of the body portion. In Figure 3 and 4 embodiments, the optical fiber cable is supported by flexible optical fiber supports 64, 66. The flexible optical fiber supports can be disc-shaped, and the optical fibers are fixed to the centers 70 of the discs 64, 66, for example, by an adhesive, and the discs are supported by the body portion 48 at their peripheral portions 72. The flexible optical fiber supports 64, 66 can provide the ability of axial displacement and buffering of the optical connection portion 40 relative to the body portion of the activation connector 24.

[0025] The mechanical connection portion of the activation connector is a mechanical registration guide configured as a tubular end 36.

[0026] The optical connection portion 40 of the activation connector 24 includes a ferrule 78, and an optical fiber 80 is fixed in an axial hole 81 therein by an adhesive 82, for example. The optical fiber may have two or more sheaths 86, 88 to cover the optical fiber behind the ferrule 78. The ferrule 78 may have a frustoconical portion 90 having a tapered surface 92 at its front end 94, and a cylindrical surface 96 behind the tapered surface. The ferrule may be made of conventional materials such as glass, bronze, other metals, and ceramic materials.

[0027] The activation connector 24 has a grippable portion 100 for manually manipulating the connector. The grippable portion may have a bulbous portion 102, a recessed portion 104, and a front lip 106, all of which facilitate the operation of the connector, particularly in a medical environment where the user may be wearing gloves and it is advantageous to have ready and quick access to and control of the connector. In an embodiment, the diameter d of the grippable portion may be 5 to 20 mm. In other embodiments, the diameter of the grippable portion may be 8 to 16 mm. The grippable portion 100 may be integral with or one piece with the body portion 48 of the activation connector 24 and may be made of a polymer including, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0028] The medical device connector 28 has an optical coupling portion 42 that couples with the optical connection portion 40 of the activation connector. The optical connection portion includes an optical registration receiver, which is a concave ferrule 112 made of ceramic material, glass, metal, or other conventional materials. The recess 118 is defined by a reverse frustoconical surface 120 that is consistent with the tapered surface 92 of the optical connection portion of the activation connector that is configured as a convex ferrule 40. The concave ferrule is fixed to the body portion 122 of the medical device connector, and the medical device connector is attached to a wall portion 126 or other structure of the medical device. The body portion or other structure of the connector 28 provides a mechanical registration receiver 130, which is configured as a tubular portion 38 that is consistent with and closely receives the tubular portion 36 of the activation connector.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 and 4 and, the tubular portion 36 of the activation connector 24 is initially partially inserted into the mechanical connection portion 38 of the medical device connector 28 for coupling, as Figure 3 shown. The connectors are axially aligned, which provides a rough alignment or pre-alignment of the optical connection portions before the optical connection portions contact or engage, that is, the connectors can only move axially and rotationally relative to each other. As Figure 4As shown, when the optical coupling portions are in contact, the ferrule and the optical alignment receiver are self-aligned by the conforming mating surfaces 92, 120, and the ferrule 78 and the optical fiber 80 are slightly displaced rearward, and the flexures 64, 66 facilitate this displacement. When the activation connector is fully in place, the optical connection portion is fully engaged.

[0030] Reference Figure 5A and 5B , another embodiment is shown having an activation connector 224 and a medical device connector 228. The medical device optical coupling portion configured as a concave ferrule has a tapered entry surface 220 and a cylindrical seat surface 222. The optical coupling portion 240 of the activation connector 224 includes a ferrule 278 having a cylindrical outer surface 296 and a chamfered entry surface 300. The optical coupling portion also includes an optical fiber line 280 which is fixed, for example, by an adhesive 249 to the body portion 248. The optical fiber line 280 and the ferrule may project outwardly from the body portion, providing the ferrule with the ability to move laterally such that the optical connection portion can self-align during its initial engagement. The optical fiber line includes an optical fiber and may include a sheath or other layer on the optical fiber. When the ferrule 278 is finally in place in the concave ferrule, the coupling is complete and there is no axial load on the optical connection portion of the activation connector 224. There is no stop surface on the concave ferrule to axially position the convex ferrule forward and backward. The concave ferrule may have a through hole 279 and an inner surface 280 with a diameter D1 which converges from a first side 281 to an intermediate portion 282 having a cylindrical surface 222 and then diverges to a second side 284, forming a hourglass shape. The convex ferrule 278 is separated from the anchoring position 288 by a distance D. In an embodiment, this distance is 4 - 15 mm or thereabouts. In an embodiment, the distance D is 6 to 11 mm. The convex ferrule projects forward by the optical fiber line and there is a gap 292, i.e., a spacing, between the outer surface of the convex ferrule and the body portion of the connector.

[0031] With Figure 3 and 4 the embodiments of Figure 5A and 5B similar,

[0032] The device 63 shown schematically is used to confirm full connection. It is provided on a medical device and connected to a laser source to prevent the laser from operating when the connector is not fully connected. This can be achieved by a microswitch 63.2 and other devices known in the art. Such a device can provide locking of the laser radiation source. That is, the laser source is not allowed to generate laser radiation unless it is confirmed that the connector is fully connected.

[0033] Reference Figure 6 , another embodiment with a start connector 324 and a medical device connector 328 is shown. The medical device optical coupling portion 342 has a tapered introduction surface 320, a cylindrical seating surface 322, and a stop surface 324. The optical coupling portion 340 of the start connector 324 includes a ferrule 378 having a cylindrical outer surface 396 and a tapered front surface 400. The optical coupling portion also includes an optical fiber 380 that is flexibly attached to the body portion 348 by flexible members 364, 366. The optical fiber 380 and the ferrule can be suspended outward from the body portion, providing the ferrule with the ability to move laterally, such that the optical connection portion can self-align during its initial engagement. When the ferrule is finally installed in the optical registration receiver, the ferrule and the optical fiber can be displaced slightly backward, and the flexible members facilitate this displacement.

[0034] Reference Figure 7 , another embodiment with a start connector 424 and a medical device connector 428 is shown. The medical device optical coupling portion 442 has a tapered introduction surface 420 and a cylindrical seating surface 422. The optical coupling portion 440 of the start connector 424 includes a ferrule 478 having a cylindrical outer surface 496. The optical coupling portion also includes an optical fiber 480 fixed to the body portion 448. The optical fiber 480 and the ferrule can be suspended outward from the body portion, providing the ferrule with the ability to move laterally, such that the optical connection portion can self-align during its initial engagement. The hole 490 in the body portion laterally restricts the ferrule, allowing some lateral movement of the ferrule. When the ferrule is finally in place in the optical registration receiver 491, the ferrule and the optical fiber are not subjected to an axial load. The mechanical connection portion 436 of the start connector surrounds the mechanical connection portion 438 of the mechanical connection portion of the medical device, and this mechanical connection portion 438 is different from Figures 1-6 the embodiment shown.

[0035] Reference Figure 8, another embodiment is shown having a launch connector 502 and a receive connector 504. In this embodiment, the fiber optic cable 510 has an optical fiber, and the multi-layer sheath 512 is removed in the connector. The male ferrule is a high-precision glass male ferrule 520 connected to a sleeve 538, which is connected to a flexible material configured as a loop 542, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, which provides slight flexibility along all axes. The launch connector has a strain relief boot 550 for the fiber optic cable 510. The female ferrule 556 has a precision bore 558 that engages and aligns with the male ferrule 520 in a centered axial position. A ball detent mechanism 568 including a circumferential spring 571 engages an external groove 569 in a tubular portion 570 of a body portion 572 of the launch connector. A latch arm 580 pivots about a body portion of the receive connector 504 to push the launch connector out.

[0036] The mechanical connection portion can be configured as a bayonet connection, a threaded connection, a press-fit connection, or a ratchet connection.

[0037] For all purposes, the following U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference: 5,329,541; 5,907,650; 5,943,460; 6,238,103; 7,503,701; 8,419,293; 8,888,378; 9,329,350; 9,393,081; 9,395,496; and 9,429,713.

[0038] The present invention is not limited by the details of the above embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any references incorporated by reference, any appended claims, the abstract, and the drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process disclosed. For all purposes, the above references in all parts of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0039] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover changes or variations of this subject matter. Accordingly, the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above-described aspect embodiments of the present invention are merely descriptions of its principles and should not be considered restrictive. Those skilled in the art will make other modifications to the present invention disclosed herein, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical fiber connector coupler for connecting a laser radiation source to a device, The coupler includes a starting connector having a mechanical connection portion and an optical connection portion including a convex ferrule connected to an optical fiber; The coupler further includes a receiving connector including: a mechanical connection portion for mating with the mechanical connection portion of the starting connector; and an optical connection portion including a concave ferrule, The concave ferrule of the receiving connector has an inner cylindrical surface that slidably engages with the optical connection portion of the starting connector. The optical connection portion of the starting connector is elastically supported within the main body portion of the starting connector by an elastic material that engages the rear portion of the optical connection portion of the starting connector. The convex ferrule is positioned within the elastic material at the rear portion of the convex ferrule. Wherein, the elastic material has an annular shape, and the annular shape includes an inner cylindrical surface that abuts against and extends around the optical connection portion of the starting connector and an outer cylindrical surface that abuts against the main body portion of the starting connector.

2. The optical fiber connector coupler according to claim 1, Wherein, The convex ferrule has an optical fiber wire extending from the convex ferrule to an anchoring position within the main body portion. The anchoring position is displaced from the ferrule by a distance of 4 mm to 15 mm. The optical fiber wire includes at least an optical fiber.

3. The optical fiber connector coupler according to claim 1, Wherein, The distance between the convex ferrule and the anchoring position of the optical fiber is 4 mm to 15 mm.

4. The optical fiber connector coupler according to claim 1, Wherein, When the coupler is in a fully coupled state, the convex ferrule engages with the concave ferrule at the cylindrical connection surface and the front annular surface of the concave ferrule.

5. The optical fiber connector coupler according to claim 1, Wherein, The convex ferrule is supported by the elastic material at the outer cylindrical surface of the convex ferrule and at the rear end of the convex ferrule.

6. The optical fiber connector coupler according to claim 1, Wherein, The optical fiber extends centrally through the elastic material.

7. The optical fiber connector coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Wherein, The elastic material provides compliance for centering the convex ferrule.

8. An optical fiber connector coupler for connecting a laser radiation source to a device, The coupler includes a starting connector having a mechanical connection portion and an optical connection portion including a convex ferrule connected to an optical fiber. The optical connection portion of the starting connector is elastically supported within the main body portion of the starting connector and does not contact the main body portion; The coupler further includes a receiving connector including: a mechanical connection portion for mating with the mechanical connection portion of the starting connector; and an optical connection portion including a concave ferrule, The concave ferrule of the receiving connector has an inner cylindrical surface that slidably engages the cylindrical outer surface of the optical connection portion of the launch connector, and the optical connection portion of the launch connector is located within a flexible elastomeric material at the rear of the optical connection portion of the launch connector, wherein the flexible elastomeric material has an annular shape that includes an inner cylindrical surface abutting the optical connection portion of the launch connector and an outer cylindrical surface abutting the body portion of the launch connector.

9. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, wherein, the optical connection portion of the launch connector has a cylindrical surface that engages the flexible elastomeric material.

10. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, wherein, the flexible elastomeric material extends rearward from the rear end of the optical connection portion of the launch connector.

11. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein, when the launch connector is not connected to the receiving connector, the optical connection portion of the launch connector is supported only by the flexible elastomeric material.

12. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein, when the launch connector is not connected to the receiving connector, the optical connection portion of the launch connector that is in front of the flexible elastomeric material does not contact the body portion of the launch connector.

13. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein, when the launch connector is connected to the receiving connector, the concave ferrule of the receiving connector engages at the front surface and at a cylindrical surface extending rearward from the front surface in the receiving connector.

14. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, wherein, the receiving connector includes a sensor for detecting when the coupler is fully engaged.

15. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 14, wherein, the sensor includes an electrical switch that is actuated when the tubular portion of the launch connector is present in the mating tubular portion of the receiving connector.

16. The fiber optic connector coupler according to claim 8, wherein, the optical fiber extends centrally through the flexible elastomeric material.

17. A method of forming a connection for transmitting laser light from a laser generator to a medical device using a launch connector, the launch connector having a mechanical connection portion that is connected to a mechanical connection portion of a receiving connector, the launch connector portion having an optical connection portion that has a convex ferrule that is connected to an optical connection portion of the receiving connector that has a concave ferrule, the optical connection portion of the launch connector having an optical fiber extending from the optical connection portion of the launch connector, the method comprising: Use a flexible material to center the optical connection portion of the launch connector within the body portion of the launch connector and to space the optical connection portion of the launch connector from the body portion of the launch connector such that the optical connection portion of the launch connector does not contact the body portion of the launch connector, the optical connection portion of the launch connector being seated within the flexible material at the rear of the optical connection portion of the launch connector, wherein the flexible material has an annular shape having an inner cylindrical surface abutting the optical connection portion of the launch connector and an outer cylindrical surface abutting the body portion of the launch connector; Position the receiving connector to face the launch connector; Engage the corresponding mechanical connection portions to form an initial connection by pushing the launch connector into the receiving connector to provide a rough alignment of the corresponding optical connection portions; Push the launch connector into the receiving connector until the male ferrule and the female ferrule engage.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of: Continue to push the launch connector into the cylindrical connection of the optical connection portion until the launch connector is fully seated and the cylindrical surface of the male ferrule and the front surface of the female ferrule engage with the launch connector, providing a final alignment of the optical connection portion.

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