ALIGNMENT OF A CONNECTOR INTERFACE

A floating optical fiber connector interface generally includes a retention bracket, a translating socket slidingly associated with the retention bracket, and a biasing element positioned between the retention bracket and the translating socket. A tab portion may permit translation of the translating socket with respect to the retention bracket, and an aperture configured to receive a carriage optical fiber connector. The translating socket may translate with respect to the retention bracket within a plane and may further translate in the insertion direction, and the biasing element may resist translation of the translating socket. An alignment plate may be configured to align an instrument interface for connection to a carriage, including a telescoping standoff operable to position the plate at a first position in which the plate is spaced apart from the carriage and to position the plate at a second position in which the plate is adjacent to the carriage.