Abstract: A cable jumper bend limiter arrangement for a fiber distribution shelf that is readily adaptable for use in conventional fiber distribution frames. The shelf jumper bend limiter arrangement of the invention operates to maintain minimum bend radii for jumpers routed via the shelf and facilitates increased storage and routing space for jumper cables routed in jumper troughs of distribution frames in which the shelves are installed. Radial guides that form the bend limiters for the distribution shelf of the invention are disposed predominantly within the perimeter of the shelf and extend only minimally beyond an edge of the shelf.

Abstract: A fiber optic interconnection combination closure is provided for fashioning optical fiber connections in an enclosed chamber protected from environmental conditions and fiber stress. Fiber splices are fashioned in splice organizers within a closure base assembly. Fiber terminations are fashioned at termination adapters arrayed in a closure chassis. Bend limits for optical fiber are maintained as the fiber is directed on paths in the closure to/from splice organizers, termination adapters, and closure exit portals. Fiber is organized, strain relieved and collected by fiber clips, rings, retainers, and looms positioned such that directed fiber is maintain at a minimum bend radius on such fiber paths. Provided slack storage facilities allow fiber connections to be handled individually without disturbing other connections and/or fibers. Fibers are retained, organized and guided in a path on the closure exterior by attached wire brackets.

Abstract: A bend limiter/strain reliever is provided for maintaining optical fiber bend limits at exit portals of a optic fiber closure for the closure's entire range of motion, from being fully closed to being fully open. Bend limits are maintained as optical fiber is directed on paths through a closure exit portal between the closure interior and wire brackets on the closure exterior. Fibers are retained, organized and strain relieved by the bend limiter/strain reliever such that directed fiber is maintain at a minimum bend radius on such fiber paths. The curved surface of the bend limiter/strain reliever allows the closure to be accessed without excessive bending of so routed optical fibers. In this manner, optical signal degradation and/or total loss is avoided by limiting the bending of routed optical fiber to radii in excess of a predetermined minimum bend radius.

Abstract: A device, system and method for locating a specific optical connection port contained within a fiber administration system having line tracing capabilities. A translucent casing is provided at each of the optical connection ports in the fiber administration system. The translucent casing can be a translucent shroud that fits over a standard optical connection port or the translucent casing can be manufactured as part of the optical connector port. Regardless of the type of translucent casing used, the translucent casing of any of the optical connection ports can be individually and selectively illuminated. According, the actual casing of an optical connection port can be illuminated within a fiber distribution shelf, thereby greatly increasing the ability of a technician to accurately locate the targeted optical connection port within the fiber administration system.

Abstract: A primary stage optical switch assembly that is used in an optical fiber administration system where various levels of switching are used to interconnect an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) to individual optical fibers. The primary stage optical switch assembly contains an optical switch and a connector array disposed within a shelf structure. The shelf structure is sized to mount into one of the bays in the framework of the fiber administration system. The optical switch contained within the primary stage optical switch assembly is fabricated from electronic components and optical components. Most of the electronic components are manufactured as part of an electronic module. The optical components are manufactured as part of a separate optical module. Both modules mount within the shelf structure. However, the electronic module can be removed from the shelf structure without effecting the position of the optics module or the optical leads that extend from the optical module.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical monitoring and test access interconnection module especially adapted for use with a fiber optic distribution frame for a fiber optic communications system. The interconnection module provides a combination of monitoring and test access for two fiber lines, typically a transmit/receive pair, where wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) test access is provided to both the transmit and receive fibers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnection module monitors only the receive fiber line where a power monitoring circuit receives a monitor level optical signal via an optical tap and converts the optical signal to an electrical output. Processing electronics and firmware within the module are operable to generate alarms and other control signals when changes in the power level of the received signal are detected. A test access path is provided on the module for use, for example, with an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

Abstract: A fiber distribution shelf containing an optical switch within the confines of the shelf structure. The fiber distribution shelf is part of an optical fiber administration system where various stages of switching are used to interconnect an optical time domain reflectometer to the optical fibers that terminate on a fiber distribution shelf within a fiber administration system. By having the shelf optical switch entirely contained within the shelf structure of a fiber distribution shelf, a unique configuration is provided that greatly reduces the size and complexity of the overall fiber administration system.

Abstract: An electrical backplane assembly for interconnecting a plurality of connection modules in a fiber distribution shelf to the central controller of an optical fiber administration system. The electrical backplane assembly mounts upon a bracket assembly within the confines of the shelf structure of the fiber distribution shelf. The bracket assembly retains the electrical backplane assembly in a small previously unused area of space in between the tops of the connection modules and the interior top panel of the fiber distribution shelf. By having the electrical backplane assembly entirely contained within the shelf structure of a fiber distribution shelf, a unique configuration is provided that greatly reduces the size and complexity of the overall fiber administration system.

Abstract: A device and method for connecting an optical switch to the optical fibers that terminate on a fiber distribution shelf within a fiber administration system. The optical switch device contains a support plate that is shaped essentially the same as the protective cover of fiber distribution shelf. As such, the support plate of the optical switch device can be joined to a specific fiber distribution shelf by substituting the support plate for the protective cover. An optical switch is affixed to the support plate, wherein the optical switch is sized not to extend beyond the peripheral boundaries of the support plate. As a result, when the support plate is placed over a fiber distribution shelf, the optical switch joined to the support plate does not obscure any other fiber distribution shelf in the fiber administration system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic operations center intended for use in a central office which is responsible for the administration, monitoring, testing, and repair of a multiplicity of fiber optic cables entering the central office from subscribers. The operations center is housed in a bay which is arranged to protect fiber optic cables and route then to an optical switch which connects one or more selected cables to a test device which launches and receives optical signals. The test device is under the control of a system controller which has a variety of input and output means which enable craftpersons in the central office and in remote locations to access the operations center.