MXPA99010089A - Connector for fiber opt lighting systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection for defibra-optic lighting system for coupling a fiber optic cable with another fiber optic cable, or light source or lighting device. The connector includes a sleeve member having an axial bore for receiving a fiber optic cable, and a plug having an axial bore for receiving the fiber optic cable. The cap is integrally coupled with the sleeve member, and a first ramp surface of the sleeve member can be attached to a plurality of limbs that flexibly extend toward the axial bore of the plug to move the plurality of limbs radially inwardly and toward the end. Optical fiber cable when rotating the plug. One or more teeth protruding from one or more of the plurality of limbs may be joined with the fiber optic cable to axially tilt the fiber optic cable towards axial drilling of the sleeve member towards another fiber optic cable, or towards a light source or conducting member of a lighting device retained in the axial bore of the man-member

Description

CONNECTOR FOR OPTICAL FIBER LIGHTING SYSTEMS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to fiber optic lighting systems, and in particular to connectors for fiber optic lighting systems. Fiber optic lighting systems are known, and generally include one or more fiber optic cables to transmit visible light from one source to one more lighting devices in the environment. Typically, the light is emitted from a source of halogen, metal halide or any other broad spectrum, and is transmitted by one or more fiber optic cables that have a light transmitting core covered by an external coaxial coating, where the index of Refraction of the core is greater than that of the coating, to internally reflect the light that is transmitted by the core. In some fiber optic cables, the core is made of PM &. Material, and the cladding is a TEFLON material. The lining is generally covered by a coaxial outer protective liner, or cover, and may include a wire or other reinforcement material between the core and the cover. Optical fiber cables suitable for lighting system applications have a diameter within a range that is generally between approximately 2 and 25 millimeters, although the diameter may be larger or smaller, depending on the particular requirements of the application. Devices for lighting generally include lenses and other devices coupled to the fiber optic cable to emit light, and sometimes diffuse it, where desired. In some applications, the fiber optic cable itself is oriented or modified to emit light directly from it, for example from a final portion thereof, or from exposed portions of the core along its axial length. Fiber optic lighting systems have many advantages over conventional lighting systems, and are an attractive alternative for many applications. A single light source in a fiber optic lighting system can supply light through multiple fiber optic cables coupled with their corresponding light emitting devices. This configuration has great potential to substantially reduce the maintenance associated with changing multiple bulbs required in conventional lighting systems. In aircraft passenger cabins, for example, a single light source located in an easily accessible equipment compartment can operate multiple lighting devices for reading, in aisles and other cabins, thereby eliminating laborious and costly disassemblies of interior panels needed to replace conventional bulbs. Fiber optic lighting systems are also capable of isolating heat and other undesirable wavelengths, particularly those in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, from the light emitting device. Therefore, fiber optic lighting systems are useful in applications where it is desirable to eliminate the heat generated by conventional lighting systems, and in applications where ultraviolet radiation must be considered. For example, heat and ultraviolet radiation generated by conventional lighting systems can adversely affect lighted foods, which can result in them melting or spoiling prematurely. Fiber optic lighting systems are also useful in applications where it is desirable to isolate electrical equipment from the illuminated environment to reduce electromagnetic interference and to eliminate electrical hazards, such as in the lighting of swimming pools and other bodies of water. Fiber optic lighting systems are also desirable for many other applications. However, the potential application of fiber optic lighting systems remains largely unimplemented, partly due to inefficiencies associated with the transmission of energy between the light source and the light emitting devices. Some loss of energy occurs when light propagates over the length of the fiber optic cable, and it is estimated that existing and commercially available fiber optic cables lose approximately 2 percent of the energy transmitted for each 30 linear centimeters of cable . However, it is expected that advances in materials science will essentially reduce these losses in the near future. Another cause of energy loss in fiber optic lighting systems, and with which the present invention is primarily related, is associated with the mechanical coupling of fiber optic cables in general, and in particular with regard to connecting fiber optic cables with light sources, with other fiber optic cables, and with light emitting devices. Connectors for fiber optic lighting systems include the application of an epoxy, or generally with an adhesive, and with shrink wrap materials placed around the joints of the end portions of the fiber optic cables. However, the application of an adhesive takes a long time and generally requires an assembly device to temporarily hold the joints of the end portions of the cables in axial alignment until the adhesive hardens. The application of adhesive may also require heat or a source of radiation to facilitate hardening. The adhesive has the advantage of filling gaps in the joints of the cable portions, which tend to have relatively rough surfaces and which otherwise reduce the efficiency of power transmission between the cable portions. However, adhesives often have different refractive properties, or indices, than fiber optic cables and source conductor members and lighting devices, which results in additional energy losses, which is undesirable. Shrink wrapping placed around joints of end portions of fiber optic cables is less expensive and easier than some adhesive couplings, but shrink wrapping couplings produce, in general, some losses, since the end portions of cable have the tendency to separate axially, thus forming air spaces between them, which are a significant cause of energy loss. Shrink wrap materials are often used in combination with adhesives. However, both the shrink wrap and the adhesives can not be reused, since the coupling formed with these generally must be destroyed to disassemble the final portions of the fiber optic cables, which may be damaged. Other connectors of the prior art that are used in fiber optic lighting systems include adaptations of other technologies, whose operation is only arginally good. For example, SKINTOP II tight fitting liquid cable release connector, marketed by Olflex ire &; Cable, Inc., of Fairfield, New Jersey, USA, has been used to couple fiber optic cables with light sources. The SKINTOP II connector generally includes a press arranged around the fiber optic cable and a sealing nut disposed around the cable and attached to a first portion of external surface with rope of the press. A beveled surface of the sealing nut forces the axial limb members of the press radially inward to be pressed together with the fiber optic cable. A second portion of the external surface with rope of the press is coupled to the light source, thereby holding the fiber optic cable in gasket relation in relation to a matching light conducting portion of the light source. The SKINTOP II connector is designed for electrical applications, and includes a sealing member between the limb members and the fiber optic cable between them. However, the SKINTOP II connector does not tilt the final portion of the fiber optic cable axially towards the junction with the matching end portion of the light source. In the absence of such an axial inclination, it is not possible to eliminate air gaps, or occlusions, which reduce energy, which are formed between the end of the fiber optic cable and the coinciding end portion of the light source when using SKINTOP II in fiber optic lighting systems. Other known prior art connectors, adapted from other technologies for use in fiber optic lighting systems, include a multi-component pneumatic conduit connector sold by John Guest Company, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. This connector includes a body member having a bore to accommodate ends of portions of matching conduits and portions of a corresponding press disposed therearound. The presses have several metal teeth formed in corresponding flexible limbs that bite the conduits. The metal teeth are apparently necessary to join with metallic or plastic fluid conduits coupled by the connector. For this purpose, a "C" shaped fastener spring disposed between an outer flange of the press and an end portion of the body member forces the press axially outwardly from the piercing of the body member, thereby joining the teeth of the body member. Limb members with the conduit. However, as the press is axially withdrawn from the body member by the clamping spring, the conduit attached by the teeth is also extracted, which results in the formation of an air gap between the end portions of the adjoining conduits. In this way, the John Guest connector does not axially tilt the end portions of the conduit to coincide coincidentally. The John Guest connector also includes a ring disposed between each conduit and the body member to form a fluid tight seal between the end portions that form the gasket, so that the space between the end portions of the conduit is not important in water applications. fluid coupling, for which the John Guest connector was designed. However, in fiber optic cable trailer applications, the John Guest connector provides a coupling that leaves much to be desired, because of its inherent tendency to form air gaps between adjacent fiber optic cable portions. The John Guest connector is also relatively expensive to manufacture, due in part to the metal teeth that must be formed in the plastic press by inserting molds or other devices, and in part due to the many parts and assembly that it requires. U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,904, issued September 1, 1997 to Sutherland et al., Entitled "Fiber optic cable connector method and device" discloses a fiber optic cable connection frame for communications designed to coincide with a conventional connector block in the industry. of communications. A fiber optic cable is arranged coaxially in a notched hole or rope of a holding press, and the holding press has an external surface with rope arranged in a hole with rope in the connecting frame. A cordless bevelled portion of the perforation in the connector frame applies a radially inwardly directed force to the retaining press when the press is attached to the frame to resist tensile forces tending to separate the fiber optic cable from it. A compressed spring disposed about a final portion of the connector frame, and acting between a radial shoulder thereof and an axially disposed plug. around it tilts the connector frame and the fiber optic cable retained towards the connector block. However, the connector frame is relatively complex because of its many components, particularly the plug and spring assembly that are required to axially tilt the cable towards the connector block, and its manufacture is expensive. In addition, the connecting frame of US Pat. No. 5,668,904 was specifically designed for couplings with a conventional connector block in the communications industry.

The present invention is directed towards advances in the technique of optical fiber lighting systems, and in particular to connectors of optical fiber lighting systems and combinations of these. It is an object of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems and combinations thereof that solve problems of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems having one or more advantages over the prior art, including greater efficiency in energy transmission, greater economy, relative ease of assembly and disassembly, less components, reduced complexity, elimination of adhesives or epoxies, elimination of special tools for assembly and interchangeable components, among other advantages that are revealed in more detail here. It is a more particular objective of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems that axially tilt a final portion of fiber optic cable to a final portion of a light source, or to the end portion of another fiber cable optical, or to an axially retained or axially inclined lighting device in an opposite direction in the connector, to provide a better coupling therebetween. It is another object of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems having a coupling device disposed between a final portion of fiber optic cable and a conductive member to provide a better light transmission therebetween, and an objective It is a related object of the present invention to provide a unitary coupling device that also provides a seal between the connector, the end portion of the optical fiber cable and the conductive member. It is another object of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems that rotationally fix one or more end portions of fiber optic cable when coupling one to the other. It is another more particular object of the present invention to provide new connectors for fiber optic lighting systems usable for coupling an optical fiber cable with another fiber optic cable, or with a conductive member of a light source or lighting device. The connector generally comprises a sleeve member having an axial bore for receiving the fiber optic cable or conductive member, and a plug having an axial bore for also receiving the fiber optic cable or conductive member. The plug is rotatably coupled with the sleeve member, and a first ramp surface of the sleeve member can be joined with a plurality of limbs that flexibly extend into the axial bore of the plug to move the plurality of limbs radially inwardly and toward the body. Fiber optic cable or conductor member when turning the plug. One or more teeth protruding from one or more of the plurality of limbs may be joined with the fiber optic cable or conductive member to axially move the fiber optic cable or conductive member at the axial bore of the sleeve member to another fiber cable optical, or towards a conductive member of light source or illumination device axially retained, or inclined in an opposite axial direction, in the axial perforation of the sleeve member. These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon careful consideration of the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, which may be disproportionate to facilitate understanding, where similar structures and steps are generally designated. by corresponding numbers and indicators. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a fiber optic lighting system having a fiber optic cable connector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an alternative fiber optic connector sleeve member portion, usable for coupling a fiber optic cable and a conductive member of a light source or lighting device. Figure 3a is a partial sectional view on the lines aa of Figure 2. Figure 3b is a partial sectional view on the lines bb of Figure 2. Figure 4a is an end view on the lines aa of Figure 3a. Figure 4b is an end view on lines b-b of Figure 3a. Figure 5 is a portion of the fiber optic cable plug. Figure 6a is an end view on lines a-a of Figure 5. Figure 6b is a partial sectional view on lines b-b of Figure 6a. Figure 7a is an end view of a coupling device. Figure 7b is a sectional side view of a coupling device before assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a schematic view of a fiber optic lighting system 10 comprising, in general, a light source 20 coupled to a light device 30 by an optical fiber cable 40. More generally, the light source 20 can supply light to multiple lighting devices by corresponding fiber optic cables, which are not shown but which are generally known. The light source 20 can be any source suitable for use in fiber optic lighting systems, for example a halogen, metal halide or wide-spectrum light source. The lighting device 30 may also be any light emitting or diffusing device, or the light source 30 may be the fiber optic cable itself oriented or modified to emit light directly from it, for example from a final portion thereof, or of exposed portions of the fiber optic core over its axial length. Figure 1 illustrates a fiber optic cable connector 100 that retains and couples a first end portion of fiber optic cable 42 to another light transmitting and conductive member 44, where both are axially disposed and retained in connector 100, as shown in FIG. will discuss later. The light transmitting and conductive member 44 may be another end portion of fiber optic cable, or an end portion of a conductive member of a light source or lighting device. The fiber optic cable connector 100 is therefore generally usable for coupling a fiber optic cable with another fiber optic cable, light source or lighting device. In the present specification, including its claims, references to a "light conducting and transmitting member" or simply "conducting member" encompasses any final portion of fiber optic cable, and a final portion of a conductor member of a light source or lighting device, and more generally any light transmission member, since all are equivalent to transmit light in fiber optic lighting systems, and can be coupled by the connector 100 of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates the fiber optic cable connector 100 which generally comprises a sleeve member 110 with an axial bore 120 for receiving the first end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. In the exemplary embodiment, the Sleeve member 110 is generally elongated, and axial bore 120 is disposed completely through the sleeve member, preferably on a relatively linear path between the first and second opposite end portions 102 and 104. In general, sleeve member 110 It is not necessarily elongated, and it can have any shape. In addition, the axial portion 120 may be non-linear, or slightly curved, where the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 enter the sleeve member 110 at an angle therebetween. These alternative configurations are possible since fiber optic cables are generally flexible, and can therefore be inserted and fed by a curved path with relative ease. The conductor member of a light source or lighting device can also be flexible, and therefore easily disposed on a curved axial perforation of the sleeve member 110. In many applications, a light source is located in a closed space, and it is desirable to couple one or more fiber optic cables with a conductor member of a source of light through one of its walls, or more generally through a screen. Figure 2 illustrates the sleeve member 110 mounted on or integrally formed with a screen portion 60, illustrated with dotted lines, for coupling through the screen between a final portion of fiber optic cable and a conductive member. Generally, in Figure 1, the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 is axially movable by axial perforation 120 of sleeve member 110 to conductive member 44 to form an efficient fiber optic coupling therebetween. The conductive member 44 remains axially fixed in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member, or is axially movable towards the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42 over the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110, particularly in embodiments where the conductive member 44 it is a second final portion of fiber optic cable, as will be discussed later. In the alternative embodiment of Figures 2 and 3a, sleeve member 110 is configured to receive a final portion of fiber optic cable and a conductive member of a light source or lighting device having a final portion configured as the splint 50. The conductive member of a fiber optic light source may, for example, be one of many other conductive members, which do not appear, extending from it on an octopus arm as the configuration for coupling to corresponding fiber cables. optical, wherein each conductor member has a splint 50 formed in one of its end portions to be coupled to a corresponding sleeve portion. In some applications, it is sometimes desirable to prevent rotation of one or both of the end portions of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110. Prevent rotation of the end portion of the cable. optical fiber and the conductive member in the sleeve member 110 eliminates or at least substantially reduces the formation of air gaps, or occlusions, between these, by ensuring proper rotational alignment of these, particularly where one or both of the end surfaces of the portion end 42 and conductor member 44 are cut or otherwise formed, in a manner that requires rotational alignment. Preventing rotation of the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and conductive member 44 in sleeve member 110 may also prevent scrapes or other damage caused by matching end surfaces thereof, as a result of particles of material that may lodge between these. Rotationally fixing the final portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 in the sleeve member 110 therefore provides a coupling for more efficient light transmission in general. To prevent rotation of the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44, the sleeve member 110 may include a protrusion extending radially inwardly from the axial bore 120 thereof, to be joined with one or both portions end of fiber optic cable 42 and conductive member 44, in such a way that rotation thereof is prevented, and yet allow axial movement thereof on axial perforation 120 of sleeve member 110 for purposes to be discussed later. In Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b, a plurality of wedge-shaped rib members 122 are axially aligned and extend radially inwardly from the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member to be joined with one or both end portions of the sleeve member. fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 for preventing rotation of these in the sleeve member 110. The wedge-shaped rib members 122 have a shape and size that allows them to make cuts in the final portion of the fiber optic cable and / or the conductive member over the longitudinal dimension of these when the final portion of the fiber optic cable and the conductive member are disposed in the axial bore 120. FIGS. 3a and 4a illustrate a guide end portion of the wedge-shaped members 122 that also possess a wedge-shaped surface. 123 to facilitate insertion of the final portion of fiber optic cable into the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110. A similar wedge-shaped surface may be disposed at the opposite end of the wedge-shaped members 122 to facilitate insertion of the conductive member into the axial bore 120 from an opposite end portion of the sleeve member 110. The conductive member of a light source or device vo lighting, for example splint 50, can be retained non-rotationally in the axial drilling of these, as discussed above, and is preferably fixed, or retained, axially in axial bore 120 of sleeve member 110. In Figures 2 and 3a, the ferrule 50 comprises an outwardly extending flange having a wedge-shaped guiding surface 52 and a follower edge 54. Figure 4b illustrates one or more stiff connecting members 112 projecting towards the proximal axial bore 120 to a second end 104 of the sleeve member 110. Figures 2 and 3a illustrate the joint members 112 forming corresponding grooves with corresponding joint surfaces 113, and Figure 3b illustrates the joint members 112 having guide beveled surfaces 115. When the ferrule 50 is inserted into the axial bore 120, the wedge-shaped guiding surface 52 of this initially joins the beveled guide surfaces 115 and flexio Outwardly the resistant connecting members 112 projecting towards the axial bore 120 to allow axial passage of the ferrule 50. In Figure 3a, after the wedge-shaped surface 52 of the ferrule 50 is inserted into the passageway. axially extending beyond the connecting members 112, the joining members 112 are flexed back and inward so that an outer portion of the ferrule flange 50 partially protrudes towards the corresponding grooves, where portions of the follower edge 54 join with portions of the bonding surfaces 113 for axially retaining the ferrule 50 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110, also partially illustrated in Figure 2. In some applications it is desirable to provide a moisture or powder seal in the connector 100, and in particular to prevent moisture or dust from contaminating the coupling between the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. In Figure 1, a corresponding sealing member 90 is disposed around the end portions of fiber optic cable 42 and 44 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110 to form a seal therebetween. Sealing member 90, or seal, is for example a resilient member with a general ring shape disposed in a corresponding groove, or seat 128, formed in axial bore 120 of sleeve member 110. A sealing member may also be disposed about the ferrule 50 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110 to form a seal therebetween. Figure 1 illustrates the connector 100 further comprising a coupling device 80 disposed in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110 and between the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44, which are axially positioned and preferably inclined to join with each other from side positions of these to eliminate or at least substantially reduce occlusions therebetween. The coupling device 80 may also be disposed between the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the ferrule 50 of Figure 2, although this is not illustrated. The rugged coupling device 80 generally improves the efficiency of light transmission between the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. The coupling device 80 preferably has a refractive index that is equal to, or at least essentially equal to the refractive index of the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 retained and coupled to the connector 100, thereby further improving the light transmission efficiency therebetween. The coupling device 80 is preferably resistant to maintain a firm contact with the final portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44, between which it is disposed. The coupling device 80 also preferably has a relatively low hardness, for example a Shore hardness of between about 25 and about 40., although these hardnesses should not be interpreted as limiting, and the hardness may be greater or less, depending on the particular requirements of the application. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling device 80 is an optical grade silicate material with a Shore hardness of about 25.

Figures 1 and 7a illustrate the coupling device 80 which mainly comprises a disk-shaped portion 82 disposed between the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. In a embodiment illustrated in Figure 7b, the portion with Disc shape 82 has generally convex surfaces at opposite end portions 83 and 84 thereof before being installed between the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and conductive member 44. Figure 1 illustrates the disc-shaped coupling device. after installation, where the opposite ends 83 and 94 thereof are compressed to a relatively flat position, to fill any void, thereby forming a relatively continuous light transmission medium between the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. In one embodiment, a disc-shaped coupling device is retained in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member. at 110, between the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44. The coupling device 80 is preferably retained in the sleeve member 110 by the structure in the axial bore 120, to prevent separation of the coupling device. 80 of this during handling and assembly, for example in one or more grooves arranged around the axial bore 120. FIGS. 1 and 7b illustrate the coupling device 80 having portions of first and second grooves 86 disposed on opposite outer portions of the groove. this, and preferably an annular groove continuously arranged to accommodate corresponding gasket members 106, which may alternatively be a single continuous member, projecting toward the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110. The members or gasket member 106 provide a stop against which the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 meet, and locate and retaining the coupling device 80 in the axial bore 110, or alternatively and preferably they can be molded there by insertion. Accordingly, the coupling device 80 can be securely disposed and retained in the sleeve member 110 prior to assembly of the final portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 therewith. Figures 1 and 7b also generally illustrate sealing members of generally first and second annular shape 88 and 89 disposed about, and integrally formed, with the disc-shaped member 82, on opposite sides of the first and second slot portions 86. in modalities so configured. In Figure 1, the first and second generally annular sealing members 88 and 89 are disposed and placed in corresponding first and second annular grooves 108 and 109 formed in the axial bore 120 of sleeve member 110 and, in the exemplary embodiment, on opposite sides of the sealing member or members 106. The first and second annular sealing members 88 and 89 are disposed around the end portions of optical fiber cable 42 and conductive member 44, respectively, in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110 to form a seal between them. In one embodiment, the annular sealing members may include a contoured surface 81 to better conform to the particular shape of the end of the conductive member and to provide a better sealing contact therewith. The first and second annular general shape sealing members 88 and 89 may be formed unitarily with the disk-shaped member 82 in a molding operation, and are preferably molded by insertion simultaneously into the corresponding slots 108 and 109 when the shaped member of disc 82 is molded in sleeve member 110, as discussed above. In embodiments where a coupling device 80 is disposed between the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44, it is particularly desirable to prevent or at least reduce the rotation of the final portion of fiber optic cable and the conductive member, such as. discussed above, to prevent damage to the coupling device caused generally by differing rotational forces, or torques, applied to opposite ends of the coupling device in contact with the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and conductive member 44. The Figure 1 also illustrates a first plug 200 rotatably coupled with the sleeve member 110, and having an axial bore 210 for receiving the final portion of fiber optic cable 42, or more generally a conductive member, which is also disposed in the axial bore 120 of sleeve member 110. Figures 1, 6a and 6b illustrate cap 200 including a plurality of at least two limbs 220 that flexibly extend toward axial bore thereof, although this exemplary configuration should not be construed as limiting, and the plug 200 may have more than the three flexible limbs 220 that are illustrated in Figure 6a. At least one of the plurality of limbs has one or more corresponding teeth projecting generally radially therefrom toward the axial bore 210 of the plug 200, and in the exemplary embodiment each of the plurality of limbs 220 includes a corresponding tooth 222 configured in this way in a final portion of it. However, in alternative embodiments, multiple teeth, which may be protrusions or protrusions extending generally radially inwardly and toward axial perforation 210, are disposed on one or more flexible limbs 220, preferably near the portion of distal end thereof, so that the teeth can be joined with a final portion of fiber optic cable or, more generally, with a conductive member, as will be discussed later. Figures 2 and 5 illustrate a first helical guide 230 formed in a sidewall portion of the plug 200. A second helical guide with a similar shape, and which does not appear, is preferably formed in a correspondingly opposite and generally opposite side wall portion. plug 200. In the exemplary embodiment, the helical guide 230 extends fully through the side wall portion of the plug 200, but in other embodiments the helical guide 230 may be just a slot on an inner side of the wall portion. side. The helical guides generally form a screw cord in the plug 200 to be connected by the cord with a final portion of the sleeve member 1.10, as will be discussed later. Thus, an equivalent of the helical guides 230 is a screw cord formed on the inner side of the wall portion of the plug, although the helical guides 230 are particularly suitable for forming the plug from a plastic material in a Molding operation. Figures 1, 2, 4a and 4b illustrate first and second plug joining members 140 that project generally radially from generally opposite outer portions of the sleeve member 110 near the first end portion 102 thereof to be joined with the plug 200. Figure 1 also illustrates first and second plug attachment members 140 disposed in the second end portion 104 thereof. The first and second plug joining members 140 protrude into one of the corresponding first and second helical guides 230 in the plug 200 to rotatably hold the plug 200 in the end portion of the sleeve member 110, while the plug 200 is movable. axially towards the sleeve member 110 as there is relative rotation between them. In the exemplary embodiment, the cap 200 is formed from a resilient plastic material, for example in a molding operation, and is flexible to form an axially perforated axially generally oval opening 210 to allow insertion of the connecting members with the plug 140 in the helical guides 230 of the plug 200, thereby swiveling the plug 200 in the sleeve member 110. As discussed above, the plug 200 is preferably formed in a molding operation. Figure 6a illustrates a first flexible network 224 disposed between, and connecting, adjacent limbs 220 to reduce the complexity of the mold, and in particular to eliminate the requirement of complex interruptions in the molding operation, and at the same time allow that the plurality of limbs 220 remain flexible, which is necessary to join, and retain, the fiber optic cable, or more generally, a conductive member, as will be discussed later. Figure 1 also illustrates the plug 200, including a rim 225 disposed at a final portion of one or more limbs 220 radially outwardly of the tooth 222 to place and retain the sealing member 90 in the slot 128 of the sleeve member 110, as shown in FIG. discussed earlier. Figures 1, 3a and 4a illustrate the sleeve member 110, including a first ramp surface 130 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member, which passes or inclines from a larger opening of the axial bore 120 near the portion end 102 of sleeve member 110 to a smaller opening thereof, moving inwardly from end portion 102 of sleeve member 110. In exemplary sleeve member 110 of Figure 1, a similar ramp portion 130 is also disposed near the second end portion of the sleeve member. Figure 1 illustrates the ramp surface 130 of the sleeve member 110 that can be joined with the plurality of tips 220 of the plug 200, and more particularly with an external portion 221 thereof, generally opposite any tooth protruding from the outer portion, what is illustrated in Figure 6b, to move the first plurality of limbs 220 radially inward and toward the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 as the plug 200 coupled with the sleeve member 110 rotates in a moving direction, or advance, cap 200 axially towards sleeve member 110. The plurality of limbs 220 can generally be attached to the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 when the plurality of limbs 220 moves radially inwardly, thereby joining, or pressing by constriction, and thus retaining the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 in the axial bore 210 of the plug 200, which is rotatably coupled to the sleeve member 110. The plurality of limbs 220 also tends to place the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 concentrically in the axial bore 210 of the cap 200. As the plurality of limbs 220 constricts radially inwardly, the teeth 222 of they sink into, or also join with, the final portion of fiber optic cable 42. In this way, by rotating the plug 200 so that it advances towards the sleeve member 110, the plurality of limbs 220, and particularly the teeth 222 of this, they are attached to the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 and move the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 axially towards the sleeve member 110 together with the cap 200, while the final portion of fiber cable optic 42 moves toward axial bore 120 of sleeve member 110 with axial advancement of plug 200. In embodiments including one or more projecting members 122 in axial bore 120 of the member or of sleeve 110 to prevent rotation of the end portion of fiber optic cable 42, the final portion of fiber optic cable is rotationally fixed in the axial bore 210 of the cap 200 during rotational advancement thereof. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the teeth 222 of the plurality of limbs 220 having a generally curved edge 223 that cuts the outer coating, or cover, of the fiber optic cable without adversely affecting the light transmission properties thereof. By rotating the plug 200, the curved edges 223 cut into and around the fiber optic cable that is rotationally fixed, thereby joining and essentially securing the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 to the plug 200. As the cap 200 continues to advance axially by rotating it. around the outer portion of the sleeve member 110, the final portion of the fixed fiber optic cable 42, now attached to the teeth 222 of the plug 200, advances in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110. A conductive member 44, arranged and joined by plug 200, similarly advanced in axial perforation 120 of sleeve member 110. Accordingly, plug 200 is firmly attached to, and axially moved, the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 towards axial perforation 120 of the sleeve member 110 to make contact with a conductor member 44, either directly or indirectly, depending on whether a coupling device 80 is arranged among these, as discussed above. Since the conductive member 44 is also fixed in the sleeve member 110, and in some applications is axially inclined towards the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42, the coupling between the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44 is relatively free of air gaps or occlusions between them. In embodiments including a resistive coupling device 80 between the end portion of fiber optic cable 42 and the conductive member 44, the coupling device 80 is compressively deformed therebetween, flattening its convex ends 83 and 84, thereby increasing the contact between them and further reducing the occlusions between them. The plug 200 also maintains an axial inclination at the end portion of the fiber optic cable 42 towards and making direct or indirect contact with the conductive member 44. This inclination is particularly advantageous in embodiments that include a rugged coupling device 80, since the final portion of axially moving fiber optic cable in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110 tends to deform by compression the resistive coupling device 80, thereby increasing the contact therebetween and reducing the occlusions therebetween. Figure 1 illustrates the sleeve member 110 having a second end portion 104, generally configured as a mirror image of the first end portion 102 thereof, to receive a second cap, which does not appear, which retains and tilts the conductive member 44 in the axial perforation 120 of the sleeve member 110, as discussed generally above, and towards the first end portion of fiber optic cable 42, also disposed in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member. As discussed above, the conductor member 44 in Figure 1 can be another end portion of fiber optic cable, or a final portion of a conductor member of a light source or illumination device, which can also be advanced axially in the member. of sleeve 110. In many applications, it is more likely that the end portion of the conductive member of a light source or illumination device is configured as a ferrule 50, which is axial and perhaps also rotatably fixed in the sleeve member, as is illustrated in Figure 2. Figures 2, 3b and 4b illustrate sleeve member 110 comprising flexible cord members 150 projecting from generally opposite outer portions of the sleeve member. In general, the sleeve member 110 has at least one flexible rope member, although plural rope members may also be disposed radially and around the sleeve member. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the plug 200 having a plurality of serrated chord grooves 240 arranged in two groups in turn arranged in generally opposite portions of the axial bore 210 of the sleeve member to be joined by the flexible cord members 150 on some range of rotational movement between the plug 200 and the sleeve member 110. In alternative modes, the plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 may extend continuously over the entire inner circumference of the axial bore 210. The plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 is generally positioned to be attached to the rope member or members 150 by rotating the plug 200 coupled with the sleeve member 110. The rope member or members 150 may be formed unitarily in the sleeve member 110, and the plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 may be formed unitarily in the plug 200 by molding operations, as discussed above in general. The flexible cord members 150 are joined, forming a lock, with the plurality of serrated grooves 240 to allow one-way rotation of the plug 200 around the end portion of the sleeve member 110 in a direction that moves or advances the sleeve. final portion of fiber optic cable 42 or conductive member 44 in the axial bore of the sleeve member. The rope member or members 150 and the plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 cooperate to prevent the plug 200 from loosening in the sleeve member 110 subsequent to adjustment, thus retaining the application of an axial force, or tilt, in the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 or conductive member 44. The rope member or members 150 and the plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 cooperate to provide an incremental adjustment of the inclination and retention of the final portion of fiber cable optics 42 in the axial bore 120 of the sleeve member 110. The incremental adjustability provided by the rope member or members 150 and the plurality of serrated cord grooves 240 facilitates a consistent inclination adjustment of the final portion of fiber optic cable 42 in the axial perforation 120 of the sleeve member 110 towards the conductive member 44. In the exemplary embodiment, the plug 200 is formed of pref. erence from a sturdy plastic material, and is flexible enough to form an axially oval bore opening of generally oval shape 210 to be separated from the rope members 150 of the serrated chord grooves 240, thereby allowing rotation of the plug 200 in a direction that releases the constriction radially inward of the limbs 220, and which separates the teeth 222 from the final portion of the fiber optic cable 42 or the conductive member 44. Although the above written description of the present invention allows the Knowing the art produces and uses what is considered to be the best embodiment of the invention, those skilled in the art will be able to appreciate and recognize the existence of variations, combinations and equivalents of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present. The invention is, therefore, limited not by exemplary embodiments, but by all modalities that fall within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (29)

1. CLAIMS 1. A usable fiber optic cable connector for coupling a first end portion of fiber optic cable with a conductive member and light transmitter, comprising: a sleeve member with an axial bore for receiving a first end portion of cable fiber optic, so that the first end portion of fiber optic cable can be moved axially in the axial bore of the sleeve member; a first ramp surface in the axial bore of the sleeve member; a first plug having an axial bore for receiving the first end portion of fiber optic cable, wherein the first plug is rotatably coupled with the sleeve member; a first plurality of limbs flexibly extending in the axial bore of the first plug, wherein at least one of the first plurality of limbs has a corresponding first tooth that can be joined to the first end portion of optical fiber cable disposed in the axial bore of the first stopper; the first ramp surface of the sleeve member can be joined with the first plurality of ends of the first plug to move the first plurality of limbs radially inwardly and towards the first end portion of fiber optic cable by rotating the first plug coupled with the member of manga; the first tooth that can be joined with the first end portion of fiber optic cable when the first plurality of limbs moves radially inward and towards the first end portion of fiber optic cable to axially move the first end portion of fiber optic cable in the axial perforation of the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one protrusion extending radially inwardly from the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the protrusion can be joined with the first end portion of fiber optic cable disposed in the borehole of the sleeve member to prevent rotation of the first end portion of fiber optic cable by rotating the first plug coupled with the sleeve member. The connector of claim 2, further comprising the protrusion and being a plurality of generally wedge-shaped rib members, axially aligned and extending radially inwardly from the axial piercing of the sleeve member, wherein the plurality of rib members with a general wedge shape can be joined with the first end portion of fiber optic cable disposed in the axial bore of the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a first flexible network disposed between and connecting adjacent first ends of the first plurality of ends of the first plug. The connector of claim 1, further comprising at least one flexible rope member projecting from an exterior of the sleeve member, and a first plurality of serrated cord grooves disposed in the axial bore of the first plug, wherein the member The rope can be joined with the first plurality of serrated rope grooves by rotating the first plug coupled with the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising first and second helical guides formed in corresponding portions of side walls of the first plug, and first and second plug joining members projecting from the outside of the sleeve member, wherein the members connection with the first and second stopper protrude in a corresponding guide of the first and second helical guides in the first stopper, to rotationally retain the first stopper in the sleeve member, where the first stopper moves axially towards the sleeve member at turn the plug. The connector of claim 1, further comprising: a second ramp surface in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the conductor member can be placed in the axial bore of the sleeve member; a second plug having an axial bore for receiving the conductive member, wherein the second plug is rotatably coupled with the sleeve member; a second plurality of limbs extending flexibly towards the axial bore of the second plug, wherein at least one of the second plurality of limbs has a corresponding second tooth that can be joined with the conductive member disposed in the axial bore of the second plug; the second ramp surface of the sleeve member may be joined with the second plurality of ends of the second plug to move the second plurality of limbs radially inwardly and toward the conductor member by rotating the second plug coupled with the sleeve member; the second tooth may be joined to the conductor member when the second plurality of limbs moves radially inwardly and toward the conductor member to axially move the conductor member toward the axial borehole of the sleeve member and toward the first end portion of fiber optic cable arranged in the axial perforation of the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a first sealing member disposed in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the first sealing member is disposed around the first end portion of optical fiber cable to form a seal between the axial perforation of the sleeve member and the first end portion of fiber optic cable. 9. The connector of claim 7, further comprising a second sealing member disposed in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the second sealing member is disposed about the conductive member to form a seal between the axial bore of the sleeve member and the member driver. 10. The connector of claim 1, further comprising all the extremities of the first plurality of limbs, and further having a corresponding first. a tooth that can be joined with the first end portion of fiber optic cable disposed in the axial bore of the first cap, when the first plurality of limbs moves radially inward and towards the first end portion of an optical fiber cable to axially move the first final portion of fiber optic cable in the axial perforation of the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising the conductive member, and being a final portion of the light source conductive member disposed and retained axially in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the first end portion of the cable The optical fiber is arranged in the axial bore of the sleeve member to move axially towards the conductor member. The connector of claim 11, further comprising the conductive member, is a ferrule having a flange with a wedge-shaped guide surface and a follower edge, wherein the sleeve member has strong connecting members protruding into the flange. axial perforation, where the joining members have corresponding joining surfaces, where the trailing edge of the ferrule can be joined with the joining surfaces by arranging the wedge-shaped guide surface of the ferrule in the axial bore that is after the members of joining, when the splint is retained axially in the sleeve member. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a coupling device disposed in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the first end portion of the fiber optic cable can be moved and tilted to join with the coupling device when moving axially the first end portion of fiber optic cable in the axial perforation of the sleeve member. The connector of claim 13, wherein the coupling device is of a resistive material having a refractive index essentially equal to the refractive index of the first end portion of the fiber optic cable and the conductive member, wherein the The coupling can move between, and contact, the first end portion of the fiber optic cable and the conductor member. The connector of claim 13, wherein the coupling device comprises a unitary member having * a generally disc-shaped portion, wherein first and second sealing members are disposed and at their opposite ends, where the first and second sealing members are provided. they can be joined with axial perforation of the sleeve member, and a corresponding portion of the optical fiber cable and the conductive member to form seals therebetween. 16. A fiber optic lighting system comprising: a light source; an illuminating device; a fiber optic cable coupled with the light source and the illuminating device; a sleeve member having an axial perforation, a final portion of fiber optic cable of the fiber optic cable disposed and axially movable in the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the light source or the illuminating device has a final portion of conductive member disposed and axially retained in the axial bore of the sleeve member; a ramp surface in the axial bore of the sleeve member; a plug having an axial bore for receiving the final portion of the fiber optic cable, wherein the plug is rotatably coupled with the sleeve member; a plurality of limbs extending flexibly towards the axial perforation of the plug, wherein at least one of the plurality of limbs has a corresponding tooth that can be joined to the final portion of the fiber optic cable; The ramp surface of the sleeve member can be joined with the plurality of ends of the plug to move the plurality of limbs radially inwardly and towards the end portion of the optical fiber cable by rotating the plug coupled with the sleeve member; the tooth can be joined with the final portion of fiber optic cable when the plurality of limbs move radially inwardly and towards the final portion of fiber optic cable to axially move the final portion of fiber optic cable in the axial bore of the member of sleeve and towards the conductor member. The system of claim 15, further comprising a coupling device arranged in the axial bore of the sleeve member between the conductor member and the final portion of fiber optic cable, wherein the conductor member and the end portion of the cable Fiber optics are moved and tilted to join with the coupling device. The device of claim 17, further comprising the coupling device, and being of a "resistive material having a refractive index essentially equal to the refractive index of the final portion of the fiber optic cable and the conductive member. 19. The system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of generally wedge-shaped rib members axially aligned and extending radially inwardly from the axial bore of the sleeve member, wherein the plurality of rib members with General wedge shape can be joined with the final portion of fiber optic cable disposed in the axial bore of the sleeve member to prevent rotation of the final portion of fiber optic cable by rotating the plug coupled with the sleeve member, where the The conductor member is axially fixed to the axial portion of the sleeve member 20. The system of claim 16, which furthermore it engages at least one flexible rope member protruding from an exterior of the sleeve member, and a plurality of serrated cord grooves disposed in the axial bore of the plug, where the rope member can be joined with the plurality of serrated rope grooves rotate the plug coupled with the sleeve member. The system of claim 16, further comprising each of the plurality of limbs, has a corresponding tooth that can be joined with the final portion of optical fiber cable disposed in the axial bore of the plug, when the plurality of limbs is moves radially inward and toward the final portion of fiber optic cable to axially move the final portion of fiber optic cable in the axial bore of the sleeve member. 22. The system of claim 16, further comprising first and second helical guides formed in corresponding portions of the side walls of the stopper and joining members with the first and second stopper projecting from the outside of the sleeve member, where the connecting members with the first and second stopper protrude towards the corresponding first or second helical guide in the stopper, to rotatably hold the stopper in the sleeve member, where the stopper can move axially towards the sleeve member when rotating it. 23. A coupling device that can be used to couple a final portion of fiber optic cable and a conductive member disposed in the axial bore of a fiber optic cable connector sleeve member, comprising: a portion with a general disk shape having a first end portion and a second end portion generally opposite; sealing members with annular first and second general shape disposed about and coupled with the generally disk-shaped portion at their opposite ends; the disk-shaped portion can move in the axial bore of the sleeve member between the end portion of the fiber optic cable and the conductor member to reduce essentially occlusions therebetween, and the first and second sealing members can be joined with the axial bore of the sleeve member and its corresponding end portion of fiber optic cable and the conductor member to form seals therebetween. The coupling device of claim 23, and which is of a resistive material having a refractive index essentially equal to the refractive index of the final portion of optical fiber cable and the conductive member. The coupling device of claim 23, wherein the first and second end portions of the generally disk-shaped portion are generally convex. 26. The coupling device of claim 23, further comprising first and second slot portions disposed on opposite outer portions between the first and second annular general-shaped sealing members, wherein the first and second slot portions accommodate portions of limb members. corresponding projections protruding in the axial perforation. 27. The coupling device of claim 23, which is a unitary member formed of an optical grade silicate material. 28. The coupling device of claim 23 in combination with the fiber optic cable connector sleeve member, and wherein moldable material is inserted in its axial bore. 29. The coupling device of claim 23, which has a Shore hardness degree between about 25 and about 40.