Optical fiber joining and connecting fastener

Abstract

The invention provides a fastener assembly and a method for cable retention and connector fastening of a fiber optic cable. The fastener assembly includes a collar having a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a collar platform. The threaded handle comprises a channel formed in the axial direction from the first end to the second end in a penetrating mode. The collar includes a slot extending in an axial direction from the first end toward the collar platform. The fastener includes an internally threaded channel configured to couple with a threaded shank at the collar. When engaged with the threaded shank at the collar, the slot is positioned between the passage at the collar and the internally threaded passage at the fastener.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 522,556, filed on June 22, 2023, entitled “OPTICAL FIBER SPLICE AND CONNECTION CASSETTE,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 509,621, filed on June 22, 2023, entitled “OPTICAL FIBER SPLICE AND CONNECTION FASTENER,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to structures and methods for fiber optic telecommunications fastening, splicing, and routing. Background Art

[0004] A common situation in fiber optic communications is to perform splices at the optical fiber and to secure the optical fiber to the module. Within the module, the optical connection point can transition from the optical fiber cable to the optical fiber connection. However, connecting the fasteners and routing the optical fiber through the fasteners can form pinch points that can shear or otherwise damage the optical fiber pigtails.

[0005] It would be highly advantageous and beneficial to have an optical fiber splice and connection fastener that addresses one or more of the problems discussed above. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be understood from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fastener assembly for an optical fiber cable. The fastener assembly includes a collar having a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a collar platform. The threaded shank includes a channel formed through the collar from a first end to a second end in an axial direction. The collar includes a groove extending in an axial direction from the first end toward the collar platform. The fastener includes an internally threaded channel configured to engage with a threaded shank at the collar. When engaged with the threaded shank at the collar, the groove is positioned between the channel at the collar and the internally threaded channel at the fastener.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable retention and connector fastening method for a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket through which a strength member and an optical fiber extend. The method includes extending the fiber optic cable through an axially extending channel of a ferrule, the ferrule including a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a ferrule platform; separating the outer jacket from the strength member and the optical fiber; extending the optical fiber through an internally threaded channel at a fastener, the fastener being configured to be screwed onto the threaded shank at the ferrule; separating the strength member from the optical fiber so as to position the strength member outside the internally threaded channel at the fastener; extending the strength member along a groove at the ferrule platform; and forming a radially extending flat interface at which the ferrule platform and the fastener platform abut each other, and positioning the strength member at the groove between the ferrule platform and the fastener platform.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable retention and connector fastening method for a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket through which a strength member and an optical fiber extend. The method includes extending the fiber optic cable through an axially extending channel of a ferrule, the ferrule including a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a ferrule platform; separating the outer jacket from the strength member and the optical fiber; extending the optical fiber through an internally threaded channel at a fastener, the fastener being configured to be screwed onto the threaded shank at the ferrule; separating the strength member from the optical fiber so as to position the strength member outside the internally threaded channel at the fastener; extending the strength member along a groove extending in an axial direction, the groove extending through the threaded shank; and screwing the fastener onto the threaded shank at the ferrule so as to position the strength member through the groove and between the internal threads at the channel and the fastener.

[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth to one of ordinary skill in the art in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary method in one embodiment of routing cables to a box according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 An internal perspective view of one embodiment of a telecommunications box according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided;

[0014] Figure 3A plan view of an exemplary cable routing at a first volume of one embodiment of a box is provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 One embodiment of a fastener assembly for a fiber optic cable and method steps for assembling the cable to a cassette according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided;

[0016] Figure 5 One embodiment of a fastener assembly for a fiber optic cable and method steps for assembling the cable to a cassette according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided;

[0017] Figure 6 One embodiment of a fastener assembly for a fiber optic cable and method steps for assembling the cable to a cassette according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided;

[0018] Figure 7 One embodiment of a fastener assembly for a fiber optic cable and method steps for assembling the cable to a cassette according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided;

[0019] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastener assembly at a fiber optic cable is provided;

[0020] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastener assembly at a fiber optic cable is provided; and

[0021] Fig.10 A flow chart outlining exemplary steps of a fiber optic cable securing and retaining method is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration rather than limitation of the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0023] Embodiments of fiber optic splices and connection fasteners that solve one or more of the above problems are provided herein. Embodiments provided herein include methods of installing connection fasteners on fiber optic connections. Fiber optic modules are provided to which connection fasteners can be attached. The modules can include fiber optic adapters (such as, but not limited to, LC, SC, MPO, MDC, SN, etc. adapters), internal fiber pigtails, separate internal and external fiber slack storage areas (e.g., positioned at opposite sides of the box), cable stress relief fixing points, and front and rear entrances and exits for fiber optic cables.

[0024] The fiber optic cabinet 100 includes a body 110 configured to hold a fiber optic adapter wall 130 (e.g., the wall 130 includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters) and to form a fiber slack storage area 140. The body 110 includes a pair of side walls 108 extending along a length L. The body 110 includes an end wall 106 extending between the side walls 108 along a width W. The end wall 106 and the side walls 108 extend along a height H. It should be understood that the length L, width W, and height H may extend along mutually orthogonal axes. The length L of the side walls 108 may generally be greater than the width W of the end walls 106. The height H of the side walls 108 and the end walls 106 may generally be less than the width W or the length L. The adapter wall 130 extends between the side walls 108 along the width W. The end wall 106 is positioned opposite the adapter wall 130 along the length L.

[0025] In various embodiments, the body 110 can form an integral, one-piece component. For example, the body 110 can be formed as a single molded body. The body 110 can be formed as an integral, one-piece component using any suitable manufacturing method, such as, but not limited to, molding, extrusion, or additive manufacturing.

[0026] The body 110 includes a divider wall 118 extending between the side wall 108, the end wall 106, and the adapter wall 130. The divider wall 118 is positioned between the cover 120 that forms the top wall and the base wall. For example, the divider wall 118 is positioned along the height H between the top lip 109A and the bottom lip 109B of the side wall 108.

[0027] In other various embodiments, the adapter base wall 116 extends between the side walls 108 along a width W and partially extends along a length L corresponding to the adapter wall 130. For example, the adapter wall 130 can form a set of multiple adapters positioned between a pair of adapter base walls 116. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the first adapter base wall 116A extends from a top portion of the side walls 108 (eg, along a top lip of the height H) between the side walls 108. Figure 4, a second adapter base wall 116B extends from a bottom portion of the side wall 108 (e.g., along a bottom lip of height H) between the side walls 108. In various embodiments, a cable entry channel 117 is formed at the adapter base wall 116. The channel 117 generally extends along the length L to allow external cables to enter the interior volume of the box 100, as further described herein and Figure 1 shown.

[0028] In various embodiments, the side walls 108, end walls 106, and adapter wall 130 form a volume at the dividing wall 118 where splices, leads, and other operable components are stored and secured. Figure 1-2 , embodiments of the storage area 140 include an inner wall 132 that partially separates the storage area 140, and the fiber pigtails can extend, wrap, attach, or be arranged (e.g., in a loop, racetrack, figure eight, etc.) at the inner wall. For example, the inner wall 132 can extend from the dividing wall 118 along a height H. A protrusion 142 extends from the inner wall 132, such as parallel to the dividing wall 118, or forms a hook, arc, finger, or other member at which the fiber pigtails are confined or constrained to the storage area 140. In some embodiments, the protrusion 144 extends from the side wall 108, the end wall 106, or both into the volume 101, 102.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inner wall 132 forms a channel 136 through which the optical fiber leads can be extended and arranged. For example, a pair or more of the inner walls 132 can form the channel 136 as a walled raceway or conduit through which the optical fiber leads can be positioned. In some embodiments, the channel 136 is formed between the inner wall 132 and one or more of the end wall 106 and / or the side wall 108. The protrusion 142 can extend into the channel 136, for example, from one or more inner walls 132 forming the channel 136, or between the inner wall 132 and the end wall 106 or the side wall 108.

[0030] In various embodiments, the joint retainer 150 is selectively positioned at the partition wall 118. Figure 2 , the splice holder 150 can be configured for use with fiber ribbon slack or discrete fiber pigtails. However, it should be understood that other configurations of splice holders 150 can also be included at the storage area 140. In some embodiments, the splice holder 150 is positioned within the storage area 140, such as adjacent to the end wall 106. In some embodiments, the splice holder 150 is positioned between the storage area 140 and the adapter wall 130, such as adjacent to the transition wall 105.

[0031] Embodiments of the box 100 facilitate and allow for storage and organization of splice protective sleeves for splices between internal pigtails (e.g., leads 194) and external cables 191. Various embodiments of the box 100 may include a splice holder 150. The splice holder 150 may be configured for a single discrete splice or a multi-fiber ribbon splice. Various embodiments of the body 110 allow for the use of interchangeable modular splice holders 150, at which a single discrete splice or a multi-fiber ribbon splice may be received.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 , a cable entry / exit opening 107 is formed at the side wall 108, the end wall 106, or a transition between the side wall 108 and the end wall 106 (for example, at a corner connecting the side wall 108 and the end wall 106). Embodiments of the cable entry / exit opening 107 can be formed to extend into the volume defined by the partition wall 118. The opening 107 is configured to receive the cable 191 into the box 100. The cable 191 may include a sheath 192 (for example, a strain relief sheath, a cable bend relief sheath, or other sleeve, covering, or outer material). The inner wall 134 can be aligned with the extension direction of the cable 191 through the cable entry / exit opening 107 ( Figure 3 The inner wall 134 and the side wall 108 can form a cable entry channel 138 through which the cable 191, the jacket 192, or both extend into the box 100. In some embodiments, the fastener 188 is selectively positioned at the cable 191 or the jacket 192, for example, to fasten, bundle, or otherwise retain the cable 191 or a portion thereof at the cable entry channel 138.

[0033] In various embodiments, a through opening 160 is formed through the partition wall 118 to allow the optical fiber pigtail 194 to exit from a first side near the partition wall 118 to a second side near the partition wall 118 (i.e., separated along the height H). In some embodiments, the through opening 160 or a portion thereof passes through the side wall 108, adjacent to the portion at the partition wall 118. In some embodiments, the through opening 160 or a portion thereof passes through the end wall 106, adjacent to the portion at the partition wall 118.

[0034] Reference now Figure 4-9In various embodiments, an external cable 191, for example, including an external jacket 197, an optical fiber 193, and a strength member 196 (e.g., an aramid or electronic glass strength member), is attached to the body 101 using a collar 210 (e.g., a threaded collar) extending around the cable 191 and locked in place with a fastener 188 (e.g., a nut or other suitable fastener). The assembly method can include inserting the cable 191 through the collar 210. The method includes locking the cable 191 (e.g., including the optical fiber 193 and the strength member 196) in place with the fastener 188. The method can include mating and / or retaining the fastener 188 to the body 110. For example, the fastener 188 can be attached to the body 110 at the channel 138 or the fastener mounting location 186.

[0035] Figure 4-9 Steps of a cable retention and connector fastening method for an optical fiber cable are shown, such as for an embodiment of an optical fiber fastener assembly 300 provided herein. The fastener assembly 300 includes an embodiment of a ferrule 210 and a fastener 188. In various embodiments, the cable 191 includes an outer jacket 197, an optical fiber 193, and a strength member 196 (e.g., an aramid or electronic glass strength member), such as may be included in an optical fiber cable assembly. The ferrule 210 includes a threaded shank 250 that extends from a platform 260 in an axial direction A in one or two directions. The platform 260 may form a head, such as a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal or other polyhedral) head. The threaded shank 250 includes a channel 252 formed therethrough to allow the cable 191 or a portion thereof to extend through the threaded shank 250. The channel 252 may extend between two ends 248, 249 of the ferrule 210 that are separated in the axial direction A. For example, the collar 210 extending around the outer jacket 197 has a threaded shank 250 extending in the same direction as the extension direction of the outer jacket 197 extending in the axial direction A. The first end 248 can form an end through which the cable 191 passes and exits the collar 210. The second end 249 can form an end through which the cable 191 enters the collar 210 and then exits the first end 248.

[0036] Specific reference Figure 4 , the ferrule 210 includes a groove 254 extending in the axial direction A. The groove 254 can extend from the first end 248, such as from the outlet end of the ferrule 210 toward the platform 260. The groove 254 extends through the threaded shank 250 to allow a portion of the cable 191 to extend from the channel 252 inside the ferrule 210 to the outside of the ferrule 210. In various embodiments, the cable retention method includes extending the strength member 196 through the groove 254 to allow the strength member 196 to separate or detach from the optical fiber 193 exiting the channel 252 at the first end 248.

[0037] refer to Figure 7-9, an embodiment of the fastener 188 may form a nut including an internally threaded passage 282 configured to couple with external threads of the threaded shank 250 at the collar 210. Figure 8 As shown, the thread can be in the threaded interface 280 ( Figure 8 ) are matched together, and the threaded interface extends from the platform 260 toward the end (e.g., the first end 248) of the ring 210.

[0038] In various embodiments, the fastener 188 includes one or more radially extending lands 286. The radially extending lands 260, 286 have a flat radially extending interface 284 between the lands 260, 286 to allow the fastener 188 to rest flush or substantially flush against the collar 210 at the lands 260, 286. In certain embodiments, a groove 288 is formed between a pair of lands 286 to allow a protrusion, member, bracket, or other feature at the housing or body to extend into the groove 288 to retain the assembly 300 to the housing or body.

[0039] In other various embodiments, the collar 210 includes a groove 262 formed at the platform 260. The groove 262 extends along the platform 260 at the interface 284 to allow a portion of the cable 191 (eg, the strength member 196) to extend into the groove 262, for example, as Figure 8 As shown. The cable retention method may include separating the strength member 196 from the optical fiber 193 and extending the strength member 196 along the groove 262. The method may include screwing the fastener 188 onto the threaded shank 250 so that the platforms 260, 286 are positioned flush or substantially flush with each other. The extension of the strength member 196 through the groove 262 can allow the platforms 260, 286 to abut each other flush at the interface 284. The curved edge 285 at the platform 260 can further facilitate the extension of a portion of the cable 191 into the groove 262 while preventing the portion of the cable 191 (e.g., the strength member 196) from being sheared. The method may include separating the strength member 196 from the optical fiber 193 by guiding the strength member 196 through the groove 262 and guiding the optical fiber 193 from the channel 252 at the first end 248. Thus, the groove 262 can allow the optical fiber 193 to pass through the first end 248 and exit the channel 252, and allow the strength member 196 to pass through the groove 262 and exit the channel 252, thereby facilitating the separation, handling, splicing and access of the optical fiber 193 and reducing interference with other portions of the cable 191.

[0040] Various embodiments of the method may include positioning the end 297 of the outer jacket 197 within the channel 252. For example, a user may extend the cable 191 through the channel 252 and out through the end 248, such as Figures 4 to 5A user may cut or otherwise separate the outer jacket 197 to access the optical fibers 193, strength members 196, or other portions of the cable 191 within the outer jacket 197, such as Figure 6-7 The user positions the fastener 188 around the optical fiber 193, such as through the channel 282, as shown. Figure 7 Strength member 196 extends around fastener 188 to bypass channel 282 through which optical fiber 193 extends. A user can reposition end 297 of outer jacket 197 (e.g., end 297 formed by cutting or otherwise accessing optical fiber 193 within outer jacket 197) at collar 210 into channel 252, for example, as shown. Figures 7 and 8 In various embodiments, the strength member 196 is positioned through the groove 262 to allow the platforms 260, 286 to rest flush against each other. In other embodiments, the strength member 196 is positioned through the slot 254 to allow the strength member 196 to extend through the first end 248 while allowing separation from the optical fiber 193 extending from the channel 252 at the first end 248.

[0041] In various embodiments, the sheath 192 can extend from the second end 249 over the threaded shank 250 of the collar 210 to the platform 286 at the fastener 188, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0042] In some embodiments, the slot 254 extends from the platform 260 toward the first end 248 and the second end 249 so that either end 248, 249 can form an outlet of the channel 252. In some embodiments, the groove 262 extends on either or both sides of the platform 260 to correspond to the extension of the slot 254 toward either end 248, 249, thereby allowing either end of the channel 252 to form an outlet.

[0043] refer to Fig.10 , provides a flow chart outlining the steps of a cable retention and connector fastening method for optical fiber cables (hereinafter referred to as "method 1000"). Various embodiments of method 1000 can be performed by various embodiments of fastener assembly 300 as shown and described herein.

[0044] The method 1000 includes extending a fiber optic cable through an axially extending passage of a ferrule, the ferrule including a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a ferrule platform, at 1010. In some embodiments, extending the fiber optic cable through the axially extending passage of the ferrule includes extending the fiber optic cable through the second end and the passage, and exiting through the first end.

[0045] The method 1000 includes, at 1020, separating the outer jacket from the strength members and the optical fiber.

[0046] The method 1000 includes, at 1030, extending an optical fiber through an internally threaded passage at a fastener configured to be threaded onto a threaded shank at a ferrule.

[0047] The method 1000 includes, at 1040, separating the strength member from the optical fiber so as to position the strength member outside of the internally threaded channel at the fastener.

[0048] In some embodiments, method 1000 includes extending a strength member along a groove at the ferrule platform, at 1050. Method 1000 includes forming a radially extending flat interface where the ferrule platform and the fastener platform abut each other and positioning the strength member at the groove between the ferrule platform and the fastener platform, at 1060. In some embodiments, the fastener is threaded onto the ferrule and the optical fiber is extended in an axial direction from the second end through the first end.

[0049] In some embodiments, method 1000 includes extending a strength member along a slot extending in an axial direction extending through a threaded shank at 1055. Method 1000 includes threading a fastener onto the threaded shank at the collar to position the strength member through the slot and between the passage and the internal threads at the fastener at 1065.

[0050] In various embodiments, method 1000 includes, at 1070, positioning an outer jacket within the channel at the ferrule after separating the strength member from the optical fiber.

[0051] In various embodiments, method 1000 includes, at 1080 , attaching a fastener to the fiber optic module via an axially extending groove positioned between a pair of fastener platforms separated from each other in an axial direction.

[0052] In various embodiments, method 1000 includes, at 1090 , extending a jacket of the fiber optic cable over the threaded shank to extend from the ferrule platform toward the second end.

[0053] Embodiments of assembly 300 provide structures and methods for retaining cables to facilitate splicing and other work at cable 191. Embodiments provided herein can mitigate shearing, crushing, stress buildup, or aging of portions of cable 191. Grooves 262 and slots 254 can facilitate separation of strength member 196 from optical fiber 193 to facilitate work at optical fiber 193. Grooves 262 can specifically facilitate routing, avoiding damage to electronic glass strength members or similar structures. Grooves 254 can specifically facilitate routing, avoiding damage to aramid fiber strength members or similar structures.

[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, it is intended that these other examples be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly for an optical fiber cable, the fastener assembly comprising: a collar, the collar comprising a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a collar platform, the threaded shank comprising a passage formed therethrough in an axial direction from a first end to a second end, the collar comprising a groove extending in an axial direction from the first end toward the collar platform; as well as A fastener includes an internally threaded passage configured to couple with a threaded shank at the collar, wherein the slot is positioned between the passage at the collar and the internally threaded passage at the fastener when engaged with the threaded shank at the collar. 2 . The fastener assembly of claim 1 , wherein a groove is formed at the platform and extends radially outward from the channel.

3. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastener includes a fastener platform, wherein the fastener platform and the collar platform form an interface extending radially therebetween.

4. The fastener assembly of claim 3, wherein the groove extends at a flat interface where the fastener land and the collar land abut one another.

5. The fastener assembly according to claim 3, wherein a groove extending in the axial direction is formed between a pair of fastener platforms separated in the axial direction.

6. The fastener assembly of claim 1 wherein the collar platform includes a curved edge along the groove.

7. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the fastener forms a nut including the internally threaded passage.

8. The fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded shank extends from the collar platform in an axial direction toward the first end and the second end.

9. The fastener assembly of claim 1 wherein the collar platform forms a polygonal head.

10. A method of cable retention and connector fastening for a fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable comprising an outer jacket through which strength members and optical fibers extend, the method comprising: extending a fiber optic cable through an axially extending passage of a ferrule, the ferrule including a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a ferrule platform; separating the outer jacket from the strength members and the optical fiber; extending the optical fiber through an internally threaded passage at a fastener configured to be threaded onto a threaded shank at the ferrule; separating the strength member from the optical fiber so as to position the strength member outside of the internally threaded passage at the fastener; extending the strength member along the groove at the collar platform; as well as A radially extending flat interface is formed where the collar platform and the fastener platform abut one another, and a strength member is positioned at the groove between the collar platform and the fastener platform.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising: The fastener is threaded onto the ferrule and the optical fiber is extended in an axial direction from the second end through the first end.

12. The method according to claim 10, comprising: After separating the strength members from the optical fibers, an outer jacket is positioned within the channel at the ferrule.

13. The method according to claim 10, comprising: The fastener is attached to the fiber optic module via an axially extending groove positioned between a pair of fastener platforms separated from each other in the axial direction.

14. The method according to claim 10, comprising: A jacket of the fiber optic cable is extended over the threaded shank to extend from the ferrule platform toward the second end.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein extending the fiber optic cable through the axially extending passageway of the ferrule comprises extending the fiber optic cable through the second end and the passageway and exiting through the first end.

16. A method of cable retention and connector fastening for a fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable comprising an outer jacket through which strength members and optical fibers extend, the method comprising: extending a fiber optic cable through an axially extending passage of a ferrule, the ferrule including a threaded shank extending in an axial direction from a ferrule platform; separating the outer jacket from the strength members and the optical fiber; extending the optical fiber through an internally threaded passage at a fastener configured to be threaded onto a threaded shank at the ferrule; separating the strength member from the optical fiber so as to position the strength member outside of the internally threaded passage at the fastener; extending the strength member along a slot extending in an axial direction, the slot extending through the threaded shank; as well as The fastener is threaded onto the threaded shank at the collar to position the strength member through the slot and between the passage and the internal threads at the fastener.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: After separating the strength members from the optical fibers, an outer jacket is positioned within the channel at the ferrule.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising: The fastener is attached to the fiber optic module via an axially extending groove positioned between a pair of fastener platforms separated from each other in the axial direction.

19. The method according to claim 16, comprising: A jacket of the fiber optic cable is extended over the threaded shank to extend from the ferrule platform toward the second end.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein extending the fiber optic cable through the axially extending passageway of the ferrule comprises extending the fiber optic cable through the second end and the passageway and exiting through the first end.

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