With Disengagable Mechanical Connector Patents (Class 385/53)
  • Patent number: 7416347
    Abstract: A fan-out unit for a data communication system includes: a plurality of optical fibers; and a faceplate with a plurality of ports arranged in at least one row, each of the ports being optically interconnected with a respective one of the optical fibers and configured to received a mating optical fiber. The faceplate includes a first visual indicia associated with the ports that indicates an arrangement in which mating optical fibers are to be inserted into the ports, the first visual indicia being easily readable when the faceplate is in either a first horizontal orientation or a first vertical orientation, but not being easily readable when the faceplate is in a second horizontal orientation that is inverted from the first horizontal orientation or a second vertical orientation that is inverted from the first vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Commscope Solutions Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Livingston, Timothy W. Anderson, Paul Kolesar, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 7418167
    Abstract: An optical switching device, comprises an optical switch and an optical connector receiving means mateable with a connector., means for effectuating switching by engaging a connector in said receiving means, characterised in that said switching effectuating means acts or is acted upon once a connector is sufficiently engaged in the receiving means for optical communication with the connector to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Polatis Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholas Dames, Michael Francis Grant
  • Publication number: 20080199132
    Abstract: The invention provides an adapter for an optical printed circuit board, the adapter comprising a socket for receiving a daughter card for connecting to a said optical printed circuit board; and a connector for engagement with the optical printed circuit board arranged such that when the connector engages with the optical printed circuit board an optical connection is established between the optical printed circuit board and the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: XYRATEX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Charles Alexander PITWON
  • Patent number: 7413351
    Abstract: In an optical connection apparatus for use in optical connection, a shutter is held by a housing defining an optical axis of the optical connection. The shutter is formed by a single sheet of plate material and includes a plate-like light shielding portion positioned to cross the optical axis and a held portion held by the housing. The shielding portion has a width in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The held portion is shifted in position with respect to the light shielding portion in the direction of the width of the shielding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Kan Ozawa, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7412148
    Abstract: An optical component provided with a waveguide groove having, an waveguide holding plane having a surface shape extending along a specified axial direction and capable of holding at least one optical waveguide while positioning it at at least a part of at least one side face thereof; and an opening extending substantially oppositely to the waveguide holding plane and being smaller in width than the outside diameter of at least one optical waveguide in a specified widthwise direction perpendicular to the specified axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Iwase, Atsushi Izawa, Yozo Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080187269
    Abstract: A bezel for facilitating the connection between an external device positioned on one side of a communication panel and a module located on the other side of the panel where the panel has an opening for receiving the bezel. The bezel includes a housing defining an interior portion of the bezel, a first open end for insertion into the opening of the panel and the module, where the first open end receives a first communication connection from the module for connection with the external device, and a second open end having a removable cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: TELLABS OPERATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Estrella, George Ashouri
  • Patent number: 7409127
    Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies for adding additional nodes to a communication network. The fiber optic assemblies include a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting power with a protective sheath covering at least a portion of the same. The fiber optic assembly also includes an optical stub fitting assembly having a rigid housing attached to a optical portion of the composite cable, thereby furcating one or more optical fibers of the fiber optic cable into one or more optical fiber legs. One or more of the optical fiber legs may include one or more optical connector attached thereto. Optionally, the fiber optic assembly may further include a coaxial adapter for transmitting power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: William C. Hurley, Eric R. Logan, David A. Seddon, Kenneth A. Chauvin
  • Patent number: 7409135
    Abstract: A ferrule connectable to a fiber optic cable having an exposed portion of a length of optical fiber extending from a protective buffer. The ferrule includes a cylindrical body including an optical fiber bore coaxial with the body which extends longitudinally from a proximal end of the body through a distal end portion thereof sized to slidably receive the optical fiber therethrough. The distal end portion is mechanically deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore, the distal end being either conically shaped or including an outwardly extending ring resulting in the distal end being a substantially planar surface, whereby a projecting length of the optical fiber extending beyond the distal end may be cleaved in very close proximity to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Wojciech Beldycki
  • Patent number: 7409136
    Abstract: A release auxiliary device (6) includes a cover part (51) that is provided movably with respect to a receptacle (11) along the insertion/removal direction of a plug (12), and an inclined pressing part (52) that is provided in the cover part (51) and is touchable, from a lower side, to an end portion (41a) of a lever (41). The inclined pressing part (52) presses against the end portion (41a) of the lever (41) and moves the lever by moving the cover part (51) in a direction in which the plug (12) is detached, enabling release of engagement between engaging portions (42, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kouji Kanou, Hiroyuki Shouyama, Masahiko Kondo, Yoshiyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7407330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic connector holder sized to fit within an opening for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to permit a fiber optic connector with a dust cap positioned about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule to be inserted within and releasably held by the connector holder. The present invention further relates to a system for holding fiber optic connectors including a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a bulkhead for mounting a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector holder is configured to receive a fiber optic connector with a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule. The present invention also relates to a method of holding an optical fiber connector to a bulkhead, when the fiber optic connector includes a dust cap mounted about a ferrule and a polished end face of an optical fiber held by the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Thomas C. Tinucci, Cindy S. Walters, James W. Conroy, Joel B. Douglas, Kathleen M. Barnes, Marlon E. Holmquist
  • Publication number: 20080181571
    Abstract: A patch panel configured for mounting to a network rack, includes: a frame including mounting features at opposite lateral ends for mounting the patch panel to the network rack; a bezel mounted to the patch panel, the bezel including a plurality of outlet apertures, and a plurality of communication outlets mounted in respective ones of the outlet apertures. Each of the outlets includes a plurality of electrical contacts within a plug aperture configured to receive a mating plug. The plug aperture has a generally horizontal axis for receiving the mating plug and further includes a plug latch recess. The outlets are oriented such that the plug latch recess is positioned on one side edge of the plug aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Gordon Spisany, Stanley Wright, Brian Fitzpatrick, Thomas J. Boucino
  • Publication number: 20080170824
    Abstract: A network provider cable is routed to a splitter box in a multi-dwelling unit or commercial building where the cable fibers are terminated. One or more riser cables, each terminated at one end at the splitter box, are routed through a building shaft. Each riser cable contains fibers associated with units located on a certain set of one or more floors of the building. The other end of each riser cable is terminated at an aggregation box associated with the floors of the set. A feeder cable is routed between the aggregation box and each floor of the set, or a corresponding floor area of one floor. A drop box is provided for each floor or floor area for terminating the corresponding feeder cable. Drop cables are routed between the drop box and units on the floor or in the floor area to be served.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Hendrickson, Peter A. Weimann, Hongbo Zhang
  • Patent number: 7399124
    Abstract: Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) on silicon substrate. One embodiment described herein includes an apparatus with functionality for communicating optical signals on a silicon integrated circuit chip. The apparatus includes a silicon based integrated circuit chip die. An optical waveguide is formed at the silicon based integrated circuit chip die. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is mechanically coupled to the silicon base integrated circuit chip die and optically coupled to the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Hongyu Deng
  • Patent number: 7397996
    Abstract: A cable management panel including a chassis, a drawer, and a drop-in plate for managing fiber optic cables. The chassis provides rear cable access, the drawer provides side cable access. In one embodiment, the drop-in plate is positionable within the drawer in both a first orientation and a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Herzog, Chad J. Sjodin, David E. Rapp, Joy McKnight
  • Patent number: 7394955
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical component including an optical fiber with a lens constituted by a single-mode optical fiber and a graded index optical fiber and a method of manufacturing the same. The invention provides an optical component in which an optical fiber with a lens can be accurately mounted on a substrate and which has high performance and highly stable manufacturability. An optical component has three V-shaped grooves for disposing optical fibers. An optical fiber with a lens is disposed in each of the V-shaped grooves. The optical component has a positioning mark using for positioning optical fiber connecting surfaces. The positioning mark extending across the V-shaped grooves in an orthogonal relationship therewith is provided. The positioning mark is formed line a concave groove and is visually perceived as two parallel straight lines when viewed in a direction normal to the surface on which the V-shaped grooves are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Kenjiro Hata
  • Patent number: 7389015
    Abstract: Printed circuit boards that include optical interconnects include a flexible optical waveguide embedded or locally attached to the board having at least one end mechanically decoupled from the board during fabrication that can be fitted with a mechanical connector. Also disclosed are processes for fabricating the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tobias P. Lamprecht, Roger F. Dangel, Folkert Horst
  • Patent number: 7387447
    Abstract: A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system including at least one connector including a first housing portion defining a first key slot and a second housing portion defining a second key slot independent of the first key slot, and at least one adapter including a first cavity for receiving the first housing portion and defining a first key therein for engaging with the first key slot, and a second cavity for receiving the second housing portion and defining a second key therein for engaging with the second key slot, wherein only a connector and an adapter having corresponding key slots and keys may mate. A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system for providing a level of secure access within a fiber optic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Joshua D. Raker
  • Patent number: 7384201
    Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7384200
    Abstract: There is provided an optical adaptor mounting metal fitting for mounting an optical adaptor through a panel without wobbling and an optical adaptor with the mounting metal fitting attached thereto. The optical adaptor mounting metal fitting includes a joining plate and a pair of facing side plates extending from either side of the joining plate nearly at a right angle, the side plates each have an elastic click engagement formed by cutting out and raising a middle part of the side plate so that a front end thereof closely faces the panel. A first side plate piece that is on a joining plate side of the elastic click engagement, and a second side plate piece that is on an opposite side of the elastic click engagement to the first side plate piece, and first elastic engagements each obliquely extend from a front end of the second side plate piece toward the joining plate and the optical adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Suncall Corporation
    Inventor: Masaya Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7382949
    Abstract: A device, system and method for transmitting electro-magnetic radiation between at least two separate fibers (as well as for imaging a sample) are provided. For example, a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber may be provided, such that the first and/or second fibers is/are rotatable. At least one first optical arrangement may also be included which communicates with at least one end of the first optical fiber and/or the second optical fiber. Further, at least one second arrangement may be included which is configured to control a position of the optical arrangement to align longitudinal axes of the first and the second optical fibers at least at the ends thereof. In addition, at least one third arrangement can be provided which is adapted to rotate the first and/or second optical fibers at a rate that is greater than 40 revolutions per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov
  • Patent number: 7380995
    Abstract: A pluggable connector, such as an optical transceiver is provided for coupling an information system unit to a fiber optical cable. The connector includes a housing, a moveable collar disposed on an optical connector end of the housing, said collar surrounding an optical connector, a cam connected to said moveable collar and a spring loaded latch extending from a side of said housing for engaging a receptacle on the information system unit so as to secure the connector in the receptacle, said cam engaging the spring loaded latch such that when the moveable collar is pulled in a direction away from the housing the latch is retracted to enable the connector to be released from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Emcore Corporation
    Inventor: Seng-Kum Chan
  • Patent number: 7377697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the coaxial connection of optical fibre cables, said device comprising a one-part coupling housing (10) provided with at least one catch recess, and a one-part sleeve receiving element (20) provided with at least one catch projection (21). Said catch recess comprises at least one catch hook (14) and at least one abutment (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 7376312
    Abstract: An optical element and an optical transmission member are fixedly secured onto a substrate so as to be coupled to each other. In this substrate, a through hole is formed between an optical element secured portion and an optical transmission member secured portion. In an attempt to assemble these optical transmission member and optical element so as to make the coupling at an optimal position, first, the position of the optical transmission member is adjusted to an optimal position, and after measuring the position by a laser micrometer, the optical transmission member is fixedly secured thereto by using a soldering material. Thus, measurements are again carried out by the laser micrometer to detect an amount of deviation from the measured value before the securing process, and the secured portion is again fused so that the optical transmission member is shifted based on the amount of deviation, and again fixedly secured thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Nawae, Jun Ichihara
  • Patent number: 7374349
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector including a connector body, a connector case, and a latch spring. The connector body including an opening to receive an optical fiber, the opening having a first end and a second end, the optical fiber to enter the first end and to terminate proximate to the second end. The connector case is coupled to the connector body. The latch spring is coupled to the connector case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7371014
    Abstract: A monolithic cable assembly includes a communication cable and cable connectors coupled to either end of the communication cable. The communication cable includes at least one optical communication channel. The cable connectors include a physical end connector for electrically coupling to a data device connector, optoelectronic components for converting data signals between an electrical realm and an optical realm, and a passively aligned integrated lens cover. The integrated lens cover includes at least one optical pathway for coupling optical data signals between the at least one optical communication channel and the optoelectronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Willis, Sylvia Downing, George Hayek, Jesse Chin, William H. Wang, Darren S. Crews, Brian H. Kim
  • Patent number: 7373056
    Abstract: A high-voltage component, having a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is on a high-voltage potential with respect to the second end. An insulating part, is arranged between the first end and the second end, and an optical fiber is integrated in the high-voltage component and extends from the first end to the second end. A capillary extends from the first end to the second end and is arranged within the insulating part. The inside diameter of the capillary exceeds the outside diameter of the fiber, and the fiber is arranged within the capillary. The capillary includes a protective medium to achieve a dielectric strength in the capillary, which dielectric strength is suitable for the operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Klaus Bohnert, Philippe Gabus, Hubert Brändle
  • Patent number: 7364372
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical module having an optical element includes: (a) providing a housing having a base portion and a frame portion provided on the base portion; (b) providing a spacer on the base portion of the housing; (c) pressing the spacer to plastically deform the spacer; (d) bonding the optical element and the spacer; (e) disposing a cover member formed of a transparent substrate on the housing; and (f) providing a connector with a lens to surround the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kimio Nagasaka, Masayuki Kikushima
  • Patent number: 7360955
    Abstract: A board-mounted optical connector is provided which enables high-density wiring of optical fibers on a board. The board-mounted optical connector is a board-mounted optical connector having a housing comprising: a first housing component, and a second housing component. The first housing component has a housing space accessible through an opening formed in at least a portion of a side wall and houses portions of optical fiber members that are partially laid along the top surface of a board and are bent at nearly right angle to the board together with an optical component connected to the optical fiber members in the housing space through the opening. The second housing component is attached to the first housing component and can close the opening of the housing space with the portions of the optical fiber members and the optical component connected to the optical fiber members housed in the first housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Suzuki, Masao Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7354205
    Abstract: An electro-optical composite connector includes a receptacle connector including a receptacle housing to be mounted on a first board, a receptacle shell for covering the receptacle housing, and a receptacle terminal arranged on the receptacle housing; and a plug connector including a plug housing for holding an optical fiber, a plug shell for covering the plug housing, and an optical module to be connected to the optical fiber. The optical module includes a second board; a light receiving/emitting element mounted on one surface of the second board; at least one of a plug terminal and a land mounted on the one surface of the second board for transmitting a signal relative to the receptacle terminal; and a grounding surface formed on the other surface of the second board opposite to the one surface. The grounding surface is electrically connected to an inner wall of the plug shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sakata, Takeshi Yamazaki, Kouki Adachi
  • Patent number: 7350979
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver that has an optical semiconductor device coupled to an optical fiber via an optical connector attached to an end of the optical fiber. The optical transceiver comprises at least one optical subassembly including the optical semiconductor device, an optical receptacle, a substrate, a frame and a cover. The optical semiconductor device optically couples to the optical fiber by mating the optical connector with the optical receptacle. The frame installs the optical subassembly, the optical receptacle, and the frame. According to the present invention, the optical receptacle is optionally positioned to the frame, so mechanical stress induced therebetween may be relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mizue, Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7350980
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a cable connection apparatus wherein a connector is mounted on a disk drive chassis, or a sub-assembly attachable to a chassis, such that a cable that connects to the connector will do so along an axis parallel to the chassis or subassembly that the connector is coupled to as opposed to a more typical perpendicular coupling. As a result, the cable will not stick straight out from the back of the drive and the drive footprint is also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Quantum Coporation
    Inventors: Patrick McCormack, Robert Ralph Heinze
  • Patent number: 7350982
    Abstract: A sub-mount includes a recess for holding a polymer optical waveguide film and recesses for embedding and holding a light emitting element and a light detecting element. The sub-mount further has an adhesive filling groove formed adjacent to respective recesses. When mounting the polymer optical waveguide film, the light emitting element, and the light detecting element onto the sub-mount, an adhesive is accurately applied and is prevented from flowing out as the adhesive filling grooves are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigemi Ohtsu, Toshihiko Suzuki, Keishi Shimizu, Akira Fujii, Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7352948
    Abstract: A device and method of blocking customer access to a fiber optic distribution cable. A service blocker is positioned between a fiber distribution cable and a customer drop cable within a fiber optic adapter. The service blocker includes a body which does not permit optical transmission between the fiber distribution cable and the customer drop cable. The service blocker includes a first end configured to be inserted within the fiber optic adapter and a second end configured connect with a fiber optic cable connector. A system for mounting fiber optic cables including a service blocker positioned within a bulkhead mounted adapter between two fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Beck
  • Patent number: 7347631
    Abstract: An optical power monitor having a reduced number of component parts, easy to assemble, capable of facilitating positioning for achieving improved optical coupling, and having a reduced size and a reduced manufacturing cost. A pigtail fiber in which the center axis of an optical fiber is shifted from the center axis of the columnar capillary by 0.020 to 0.150 mm is used. The pigtail fiber and a photo diode are provided in a cylindrical tube with the pigtail fiber center axis and the photo diode center axis aligned with each other. The pigtail fiber and the photo diode can be adjusted to the optimum position in the cylindrical tube by adjustment in the longitudinal direction, thus advantageously simplifying the adjustment process in comparison with that in the conventional optical power monitor in which adjustments by movement in the radial direction, movement in the longitudinal direction and rotation about the center axis are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Yoshiaki Uchida, Shinji Furuichi
  • Patent number: 7349200
    Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising a frame having an insertion axis therethrough. A first latch spring is disposed on the frame and is biased to an extended position. A handle is connected to the frame and is movable along the insertion axis between a first position and a second position. A first cam is disposed on the handle and moves the first latch spring to a retracted position as the handle moves toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas T. Hardt, Carlos Torres
  • Patent number: 7347633
    Abstract: An optical module comprises a case having a connection port for connection with an external optical fiber cable connector, and a locking member for locking the case in a cage for accommodating the case. The locking member is configured to lock the case in the cage when a connector is connected to the connection port after the case has been inserted into the cage up to a predetermined position, and to unlock the case from the cage when the connector is disconnected from the connection port. According to this optical module, the case can be locked in the cage through a simple operation of inserting the connector into the connection port after the case has been inserted into the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Minota
  • Publication number: 20080069501
    Abstract: A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system including at least one connector including a first housing portion defining a first key slot and a second housing portion defining a second key slot independent of the first key slot, and at least one adapter including a first cavity for receiving the first housing portion and defining a first key therein for engaging with the first key slot, and a second cavity for receiving the second housing portion and defining a second key therein for engaging with the second key slot, wherein only a connector and an adapter having corresponding key slots and keys may mate. A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system for providing a level of secure access within a fiber optic network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Joshua D. Raker
  • Patent number: 7344314
    Abstract: An optical fibre installation includes (i) a part defining an inlet for optical fibres that has a through-hole for the passage of optical fibres and an associated mating region for a push-fit connector, (ii) an optical fibre cable connected to an adapter that defines a connection region having a predetermined cross-section for mating with a push-fit connector and (iii) a push-fit connector having a first end, a second end, a through-passage extending between those ends and a seal associated with the first end. The second end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected to the connection region of the adapter and the first end of the push-fit connector is push-fit connected with the mating region of the inlets in such a way that the seal sealingly engages the inlet defining part. The arrangement is such that optical fibres from the optical fibre cable can be directed through the push-fit connector and the through-hold of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Prysmian Cables & Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Kerry, Roger John Pike, Ralph Sutehall
  • Patent number: 7346254
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly including a housing and a plurality of modules mounted within the housing. The modules includes a rear face in which is mounted at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the housing are positioned at least one fiber optic adapters. Inserting the module through a front opening of the housing at a mounting location positions the connector of the module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the housing. The adapters within the interior of the housing are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a telecommunications module within a chassis. The modules include a connector mounting bulkhead which is moveable relative to the module to allow connector access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne Kramer, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 7343078
    Abstract: A patch panel configured for mounting to a network rack, includes: a frame including mounting features at opposite lateral ends for mounting the patch panel to the network rack; a bezel mounted to the patch panel, the bezel including a plurality of outlet apertures, and a plurality of communication outlets mounted in respective ones of the outlet apertures. Each of the outlets includes a plurality of electrical contacts within a plug aperture configured to receive a mating plug. The plug aperture has a generally horizontal axis for receiving the mating plug and further includes a plug latch recess. The outlets are oriented such that the plug latch recess is positioned on one side edge of the plug aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Commscope Solutions Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Spisany, Stanley Wright, Brian Fitzpatrick, Thomas J. Boucino
  • Patent number: 7341382
    Abstract: An optical fiber terminus includes an elongated body with a passage along a central axis for receiving a portion of an optical fiber cable therethrough and an indexing section. A ferrule is secured to the body and has an end portion of said optical fiber cable therein. A collar is positioned on the elongated body and has an engagement section for engaging the indexing section. The collar is movable along the axis between first and second operative positions. In the first operative position relative rotational movement between the collar and the body is prevented and in the second operative position the collar may rotate relative to the body. A biasing member is provided to bias the collar towards the first operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: David E. Dye
  • Patent number: 7338214
    Abstract: The invention is a protective enclosure that can be adapted for use with different types of connectors, including LC type fiber optic connectors. The protective enclosure includes a plug portion and an adapter portion. The plug portion includes a plug housing having an internal longitudinal bore adapted to accept a plug connector of a connector type larger than an LC adapter, but includes a clip to which one or two LC plug connectors can be fixedly mounted that can optionally fixedly clip into the internal bore of the housing so that an LC connector can be fixedly mounted within the housing. The adapter portion includes an adapter housing having an internal longitudinal bore adapted to accept an adapter connector of a connector type larger than an LC adapter, but including an optional sleeve that can fixedly snap into the internal bore of the adapter housing and within which an LC adapter connector can be fixedly mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, David Donald Erdman
  • Patent number: 7340146
    Abstract: A dust shutter for an optical adapter, includes a collar, wherein the collar is capable of being provided around an end of the optical adapter; a cover; a hinge that connects the cover to the collar; the hinge configured such that the cover can be provided in an open position and a closed position with respect to the collar; and a latch provided on the cover that attaches the cover to the collar in the closed position; wherein the collar, the cover, the hinge, and the latch form a unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Roger Lampert, Wayne Lloyd Lewis
  • Publication number: 20080050072
    Abstract: The expanded beam, single fiber, fiber optic connector includes a lens holder, a lens, and a ferrule. The lens holder retains the lens, and the lens holder accommodates the ferrule. The lens is in optical communication with an optical fiber retained in the ferrule. The lens holder has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of a ferrule of a physical contact, single fiber, fiber optic connector, such as one of an LC, SC, FC, and ST style or standard fiber optic connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard S.E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Publication number: 20080044136
    Abstract: A release auxiliary device (6) includes a base member (51) fixedly provided with respect to a receptacle (11), and an auxiliary lever (52) provided in an elastically deformable manner with respect to the base member (51). The auxiliary lever (52) has a base part (61) extending to the base member (51), a pressing part that extends to the base part and is touchable to an end portion of a lever (41), and an operating part (63) that extends to the pressing part and is disposed at a position closer to the body of the plug than the end portion of the lever is. By operating the operating part (63) with fingers, the pressing part (62) presses against the end portion of the lever (41) and moves the same, so that the engagement between engaging portions (42, 28) for retention can be released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kouji Kanou, Hiroyuki Shouyama, Masahiko Kondo, Yoshiyuki Nakayama, Kazunari Fukagawa
  • Patent number: 7331717
    Abstract: An optical connector system assembled from modular components. These components include connector modules that position ferrules for mating and providing fine alignment to fibers. The modules are assembled to support members to form connectors of various sizes. Mounting modules are attached to the support members. Various shaped mounting modules are provided, allowing connectors to be assembled for various configurations, such as a matrix configuration, a parallel board-to-board configuration or a panel mount configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Sepehr Kiani, Richard F. Roth, John A. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7333199
    Abstract: The principles of the present invention relate to aligning optical components with three degrees of translational freedom. A lens pin, a lens base, and a molded package are aligned in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction such that the signal strength of optical signals transferred between a lens included in the lens pin and the molded package is optimized. The lens pin is mechanically coupled to the lens base to fix the position of the lens relative to the molded package in the first direction. Subsequently, the lens base and the molded package are realigned in the second and third directions such that the signal strength is again optimized. The lens base is mechanically coupled to the molded package to fix the position of the lens base relative to the molded package in the second and third directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Togami, Gary Sasser, Rudolf J. Hofmeister, Paul K. Rosenberg, Frank H. Levinson, Axel Mehnert
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7326087
    Abstract: Proposed is a plug-in connector incorporating an RJ45 connection jack for a data transmission cable (2), said cable being especially a hybrid cable with at least one light transmission conductor (7, 8) and associated therewith also parallel aligned electrical conductors (12). In accord with the invention, the housing contains a connection block (11), which is box-like in shape and which is equipped with at least two openings for the insertion of at least two light conductors (7, 8), one circuit board (18) with connection elements (23) for the joining of the electrical conductor (12) of the hybrid data cable, whereby the circuit board (18) can be mechanically connected to one side of the connection block. The circuit board contains parallel arranged contact paths (19) which are accessible by means of the of open recesses (9) of one of the connection blocks, and the circuit board as well as the given auxiliary casing which surrounds the connection block (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: TKM Telekommunikation und Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Gerlach, Reinhard Feltgen, Frans Oudshoorn
  • Patent number: 7325977
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling and decoupling optical leads while preventing twists or kinks in the optical leas as well as back reflections with the apparatus including an a rotatable optical coupler and a non-rotatable optical coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Rick C. Stevens