Block terminal

Abstract

A terminal block 100 links a multiple-fibre incoming cable to multiple single-fibre outgoing cables in an optical fibre network. The terminal block includes a housing 106,110 having multiple ports 104 receiving the outgoing cables and defining an internal space enclosing multiple optical fibres leading from the incoming cable to each of the multiple ports. Another terminal block has this terminal block where each port has an optical fibre connector 134 to which one of the multiple optical fibres is connected. Each port includes an aperture 102 in the housing, interior 116 and exterior 121 ridges, a sleeve 120 and an O-ring 132. The interior ridge projects from the housing into the internal space encircling the aperture. The exterior ridge projects outwardly from the housing encircling the aperture and has a trench for receiving the O-ring on its inner face. The sleeve is internally-threaded and extends through the aperture. At its inner end at least one reverse-directed barb 128 engages with the interior ridge and on its outer radial face a trench receives the O-ring. The O-ring is therefore between the exterior ridge and the sleeve, received within their respective trenches and the optical fibre connector is supported within the sleeve.

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