Importance

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Abstract

An adaptor assembly for coupling light guide connectors of varying configurations to a structure housing a source of focused light includes an internal adaptor having an internal optic guide element, a coupling structure, a housing, and a connector locking mechanism. The coupling structure can be inserted into and releasably retained within the structure housing the focused light. A light guide connector is inserted into a light guide receiving channel formed in the housing and is releasably retained therein by the connector locking mechanism. An internal optic guide element extends through the coupling structure to transmit focused light from the source of focused light to the light guide connector inserted into the connector-receiving channel. The housing includes heat dissipating elements to facilitate dissipation of heat generated at the interface between the optic guide element and the light guide of the connector. The adaptor assembly also includes a external adaptor having a body portion and an elongated insertion member. The elongated insertion member can be inserted into the connector-receiving channel of the internal adaptor, and the external adaptor can be releasably coupled to the internal adaptor by a releasable connecting mechanism. A short type of optical connector can be inserted into a connector-receiving cavity formed in the body portion of the external adaptor and releasably retained therein by a connector locking mechanism. Focused light from the light source is transmitted through the adaptor assembly by the first mentioned internal optic guide element of the internal adaptor and a second internal optic guide element disposed within the elongated insertion portion of the external adaptor.

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First Claim